Bible Commentaries

Verse 2

shall eat — that is, obtain (Proverbs 12:14).

transgressors — as in Proverbs 2:22.

violence — or, “mischief” to themselves.

Verse 3

he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction — On last clause, compare Proverbs 10:14.

Verse 4

(Compare Proverbs 12:11, Proverbs 12:27).

Verse 5

Verse 6

A sentiment of frequent recurrence, that piety benefits and sin injures.

Verse 7

In opposite ways men act hypocritically for gain of honor or wealth.

Verse 8

Riches save some from punishment, while others suffer because they will not heed the rebuke of sloth, which makes and keeps them poor.

Verse 9

light … lamp — prosperity; the first, the greater, and it

rejoiceth — burns brightly, or continues, while the other, at best small, soon fails.

Verse 10

The obstinacy which attends self-conceit, produces contention, which the well-advised, thus evincing modesty, avoid.

Verse 11

by vanity — or, “nothingness,” that is, which is vain or useless to the public (as card playing or similar vices).

gathereth … labour — (Compare Margin), little by little, laboriously.

Verse 12

desire cometh — is realized.

a tree of life — or, “cause of happiness.”

Verse 13

the word — that is, of advice, or, instruction (compare Proverbs 10:27; Proverbs 11:31).

Verse 14

(Compare Proverbs 10:11).

fountain — or, “source of life.”

to depart — (compare Proverbs 1:2-4), or, “for departing,” etc., and so gives life.

Verse 15

Right perception and action secure good will, while evil ways are difficult as a stony road. The wicked left of God find punishment of sin in sinning.

hard — or, “harsh” (compare Hebrew: Deuteronomy 21:4; Jeremiah 5:15).

Verse 16

dealeth — acts with foresight.

a fool … folly — for want of caution.

Verse 17

A wicked — or, “unfaithful”

messenger falleth into mischief — or, “by mischief,” or “evil,” and so his errand fails. Contrasted is the character of the faithful, whose faithfulness benefits others.

Verse 18

(Compare Proverbs 10:17; Proverbs 12:1).

Verse 19

Self-denial, which fools will not endure, is essential to success.

Verse 20

The benefits of good and evil of bad society are contrasted.

Verse 21

(Compare Proverbs 11:31).

good  …  repaid — or, “He (God) will repay good.”

Verse 22

Verse 23

The laboring poor prosper more than those who injudiciously or wickedly strive, by fraud and violence, to supersede the necessity of lawful labor.

Verse 24

spareth — or, “withholds.”

rod — of correction.

hateth — or, acts as if he hated him (compare Proverbs 3:12; Proverbs 8:36).

chasteneth  …  betimes — or, “diligently seeks for him all useful discipline.”

Verse 25

The comparative temporal prosperity of the righteous and wicked, rather than contentment and discontent, is noted.