Pro 16:15, Ecc 8:1 | JFB | STEP | 15. light of . . . countenance —favor ( ). life —preserves it, or gives blessings which make it valuable. the latter rain —fell just before harvest and matured the crop; hence specially valuable ( ).

Proverbs 16:15

15. light of . . . countenance—favor (Ps 4:6).

life—preserves it, or gives blessings which make it valuable.

the latter rain—fell just before harvest and matured the crop; hence specially valuable (De 11:14).

Ecclesiastes 8:1

1. Praise of true wisdom continued (Ec 7:11, &c.). "Who" is to be accounted "equal to the wise man? . . . Who (like him) knoweth the interpretation" of God's providences (for example, Ec 7:8, 13, 14), and God's word (for example, see on Ec 7:29; Pr 1:6)?

face to shine— (Ec 7:14; Ac 6:15). A sunny countenance, the reflection of a tranquil conscience and serene mind. Communion with God gives it (Ex 34:29, 30).

boldness—austerity.

changed—into a benign expression by true wisdom (religion) (Jas 3:17). MAURER translates, "The shining (brightness) of his face is doubled," arguing that the Hebrew noun for "boldness" is never used in a bad sense (Pr 4:18). Or as Margin, "strength" (Ec 7:19; Isa 40:31; 2Co 3:18). But the adjective is used in a bad sense (De 28:50).