Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Verse 1

A good name — (Job 30:8, Hebrew); “good” is supplied here from Ecclesiastes 7:1.

loving favour — kind regard, that is, of the wise and good.

Verse 2

Before God all are on the same footing (Proverbs 14:31; Proverbs 17:5).

Verse 3

are punished — that is, for their temerity; for the evil is not necessarily punitive, as the prudent might otherwise be its objects.

Verse 4

humility and the fear of the Lord — are in apposition; one produces the other. On the results, compare Proverbs 3:16; Proverbs 8:18.

Verse 5
them — Those who properly watch over their own souls are thus preserved from the dangers which attend the way of perverse men (Proverbs 16:17).

Verse 6

Train — initiate, or early instruct.

the way — literally, “his way,” that selected for him in which he should go; for early training secures habitual walking in it.

Verse 7

The influence of wealth sets aside moral distinctions is implied, and, of course, disapproved (compare Proverbs 19:6; Proverbs 21:14, etc.).

Verse 8

(Compare Proverbs 11:18; Psalm 109:16-20; Galatians 6:7, Galatians 6:8).

the rod  …  fail — His power to do evil will be destroyed.

Verse 9

a bountiful eye — that is, a beneficent disposition.

for he giveth … poor — His acts prove it.

Verse 10

Cast out — or drive away. Scorners foster strife by taunts and revilings.

Verse 11

(Compare Margin).

pureness of heart — and gentle, kind words win favor, even from kings.

Verse 12

preserve — or guard.

knowledge — its principles and possessors.

overthroweth — utterly confounds and destroys the wicked.

Verse 13

Frivolous excuses satisfy the indolent man‘s conscience.

Verse 14

The mouth — or flattering speeches (Proverbs 5:3; Proverbs 7:5) ensnare man, as pits, beasts. God makes their own sin their punishment.

Verse 15

is bound — or firmly fixed. Chastisement deters from crime and so leads to reformation of principle.

Verse 16

These two vices pertain to the same selfish feeling. Both are deservedly odious to God and incur punishment.

Verse 17

Here begins another division of the book, marked by those encouragements to the pursuit of wisdom, which are found in the earlier chapters. It will be observed that at Proverbs 22:22-24:12, the proverbs are generally expressed in two verses instead of one (see on Introduction).

Verse 18

These lessons must be laid up in the mind, and

fitted — or better, “fixed” in the lips so as to be ever ready.

Verse 19

That … Lord — This is the design of the instruction.

Verse 20

excellent things — or probably of former times.

counsels and knowledge — both advice and instruction.

Verse 21

Specially he desires to secure accuracy, so that his pupil may teach others.

Verse 22-23

Here follow ten precepts of two verses each. Though men fail to defend the poor, God will (Proverbs 17:5; Psalm 12:5).

in the gate — place of public gathering (Job 5:4; Psalm 69:12).

Verse 24-25

(Compare Proverbs 2:12-15; Proverbs 4:14).

Verse 25

a snare … soul — The unsuspecting are often misled by bad company.

Verse 26-27

(Compare Proverbs 6:1; Proverbs 17:18).

Verse 27

should he take, etc. — that is, the creditor.

Verse 28

(Compare Proverbs 23:10). Do not entrench on others (Deuteronomy 19:14; Deuteronomy 27:17).

Verse 29

Success rewards diligence (Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 21:5).