Bible Commentaries

Verse 1

1, 2. (Compare Proverbs 23:3; Proverbs 23:17; Psalms 37:1).

Verse 2

2. studieth—meditateth.

talk . . . mischief—Their expressed purposes are to do evil.

Verse 3

3, 4. (Compare Proverbs 14:1; Isaiah 54:14).

house—including the family.

Verse 4

4. by knowledge . . . riches— (Proverbs 8:18; Proverbs 21:20).

Verse 5

5, 6. The general statement (Ecclesiastes 9:16; Ecclesiastes 9:18) is specially illustrated (compare Proverbs 21:22; Psalms 144:1).

Verse 7

7. (Compare :-).

in the gate—(Compare :-).

Verse 8

8. So called even if he fails to do evil.

Verse 9

9. Same thought varied.

Verse 10

10. Literally, "If thou fail in the day of straits (adversity), strait (or, small) is thy strength," which is then truly tested.

Verse 11

11, 12. Neglect of known duty is sin (James 4:17).

ready—literally, "bowing down"

to be slain—that is, unjustly. God's retributive justice cannot be avoided by professed ignorance.

Verse 13

13, 14. As delicious food whets the appetite, so should the rewards of wisdom excite us to seek it.

Verse 14

14. reward—literally, "after part," the proper result (compare Proverbs 23:18; Psalms 37:37; Psalms 37:38).

Verse 15

15, 16. The plots of the wicked against the good, though partially, shall not be fully successful ( :-); while the wicked, falling under penal evil, find no help.

Verse 16

16. seven times—often, or many (Proverbs 6:16; Proverbs 6:31; Proverbs 9:1).

Verse 17

17, 18. Yet let none rejoice over the fate of evildoers, lest God punish their wrong spirit by relieving the sufferer (compare Proverbs 17:5; Job 31:29).

Verse 19

19, 20. (Psalms 37:1; Psalms 37:38; Proverbs 18:28).

Verse 20

20. candle—or, "prosperity"; it shall come to an end (Proverbs 13:9; Proverbs 20:20).

Verse 21

21, 22. A warning against impiety and resistance to lawful rule (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:17).

meddle . . . change—(Compare Margin), literally, "mingle not yourself," avoid the society of restless persons.

Verse 22

22. their calamity, c.—either what God and the king inflict, or what changers and their company suffer better the first.

Verse 23

23. These . . . wise—literally, "are of the wise," as authors (compare "Psalms of David," Hebrew). "These" refers to the verses following, Proverbs 24:24-34.

to have respect—literally, "to discern faces," show partiality,

Verse 24

24, 25. of which an example is justifying the wicked, to which is opposed, rebuking him, which has a blessing.

Verse 26

26. kiss his lips—love and obey, do homage (Psalms 2:12; Song of Solomon 8:1).

right answer—literally, "plain words" (compare Song of Solomon 8:1- :), opposed to deceptive, or obscure.

Verse 27

27. Prepare . . . in the field—Secure, by diligence, a proper support, and then build; provide necessaries, then comforts, to which a house rather pertained, in a mild climate, permitting the use of tents.

Verse 28

28. Do not speak even truth needlessly against any, and never falsehood.

Verse 29

29. Especially avoid retaliation (Matthew 5:43-45; Romans 12:17).

Verse 30

30, 31. A striking picture of the effects of sloth.

Verse 32

32-34. From the folly of the sluggard learn wisdom (Proverbs 6:10; Proverbs 6:11).