Balancing the Positive and Negative Examples of Men
The biblical texts, particularly the book of Proverbs, present a nuanced view of human character, offering both positive and negative examples of men to guide understanding and behavior. This dual presentation highlights the moral choices individuals face and the consequences that follow.
The book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the "righteous man" with the "wicked man," illustrating their differing dispositions and outcomes. A righteous man, for instance, "hates lies," while a wicked man "brings shame and disgrace" [1]. Similarly, the "purposes of upright men are right," but the "designs of evil-doers are deceit" [2]. These contrasts are not merely descriptive but serve as moral instruction, urging readers to emulate the former and avoid the latter. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary notes that such comparisons in Proverbs "set forth the relative moral worth of good and bad men" [8].
Positive examples of men are characterized by virtues such as wisdom, integrity, and generosity. A "good man," according to John Gill, is not only one who possesses "the good work of grace" but also one who is "munificent, bountiful, and liberal" [10]. Such a man "showeth favour, and lendeth" without expecting usury, guiding his affairs "with discretion" [10]. This portrayal emphasizes practical righteousness that extends to financial dealings and interpersonal relationships. The benefits of associating with good men are also highlighted, as "the benefits of good and evil of bad society are contrasted" in Proverbs [9]. Matthew Henry suggests that "wise and profitable discourse sharpens men's wits," implying that interaction with virtuous individuals can improve one's own character and understanding [4]. He further notes that "good men's graces are sharpen[ed]" through conversation, indicating a mutual benefit in positive social engagement [4].
Conversely, negative examples serve as warnings against destructive behaviors and attitudes. The Psalms declare that "men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie," and when weighed, "they are altogether lighter than vanity" [3]. This suggests that human status, whether high or low, is ultimately insignificant without moral substance. The book of Job, as summarized by Adam Clarke, touches on various negative examples, including those who indulge in "wine and strong drink," "contentions," and "the sluggard" [6]. These examples underscore the importance of self-control, peaceful conduct, and diligence.
One significant test of character, according to Proverbs, is how a man responds to praise. Matthew Henry explains that "praise tests character" [5]. He elaborates that if a man becomes "proud, conceited, and scornful" due to applause, taking "the glory to himself which he should transmit to God," or becoming "careless of what he says and does," then his true character is revealed [7]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary similarly observes that "vain men seek it, weak men are inflated by it, wise men disregard it" [5]. This illustrates that external validation, while seemingly positive, can expose internal flaws if not handled with humility and wisdom.
The concept of sharpening one another, as described in Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another," further illustrates the dynamic nature of human influence. Matthew Henry interprets this to mean that "one man is nobody; nor will poring upon a book in a corner accomplish a man as the reading and studying of men will" [4]. This emphasizes the importance of human interaction for personal development, suggesting that both positive and negative examples contribute to one's growth, either by emulation or by avoidance. The "pleasure and the advantage of conversation" are highlighted, as profitable discourse can "sharpen men's wits" and "cheer the spirits," leading to a more lively and pleasing demeanor [4].
The biblical presentation of men, therefore, is not monolithic. It acknowledges the spectrum of human behavior and character, from the righteous and wise to the wicked and foolish. By juxtaposing these examples, the scriptures provide a comprehensive framework for moral discernment and personal growth, encouraging the pursuit of virtues and the avoidance of vices. This approach allows for a balanced understanding of human nature, recognizing both its potential for good and its susceptibility to evil.
Sources
- Proverbs “A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace. -- Proverbs 13:5”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 12:5 (BBE) — The purposes of upright men are right, but the designs of evil-doers are deceit.”
- Psalms “Psalms 62:9 (KJV) — Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 27:17: This intimates both the pleasure and the advantage of conversation. One man is nobody; nor will poring upon a book in a corner accomplish a man as the reading and studying of men will. Wise and profitable discourse sharpens men's wits; and those that have ever so much knowledge may by conference have something added to them. It sharpens men's looks, and, by cheering the spirits, puts a briskness and liveliness into the countenance, and gives a man such an air as shows he is pleased himself and makes him pleasing to those about him. Good men's graces are sharpen”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 27:21: Praise tests character. a man to his praise--according to his praise, as he bears it. Thus vain men seek it, weak men are inflated by it, wise men disregard it, &c.”
- Job (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Job 20 (introduction): Against wine and strong drink. We should avoid contentions. The sluggard. The righteous man. Weights and measures. Tale-bearers. The wicked son. The wise king. The glory of young men. The beauty of old men. The benefit of correction.”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 27:21: This gives us a touchstone by which we may try ourselves. Silver and gold are tried by putting them into the furnace and fining-pot; so is man tried by praising him. Let him be extolled and preferred, and then he will show himself what he is. 1. If a man be made, by the applause that is given him, proud, conceited, and scornful, - if he take the glory to himself which he should transmit to God, as Herod did, - if, the more he is praised, the more careless he is of what he says and does, - if he lie in bed till noon because his name is up, thereby it will appear”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 11:10: The last may be a reason for the first. Together, they set forth the relative moral worth of good and bad men.”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 13:20: The benefits of good and evil of bad society are contrasted.”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 112:5: A good man showeth favour, and lendeth,.... Without usury, hoping for nothing again: he pities those that labour under difficulties, for want of a little money; and he generously lends it till they are able to pay him again; which oftentimes is of as much service as if it was given; see Psa 37:21. A good man is not only a man that has the good work of grace in him, and is ready to every good work; but one that is munificent, bountiful, and liberal; in which sense the word is used in Rom 5:7 and so in Latin writers (n). He will guide his affairs with discretion; his”