1.
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
wise. Hebrew. chokmoth (see note on Proverbs 1:2 ), wisdoms, plural (with verb in singular) for emphasis. Figure of speech Hypallage ( App-6 ) = the true wisdom of women, which is put for the wise woman. The word is pointed as an Adjective by mistake. See notes on Proverbs 1:20 ; Proverbs 9:1 ; Proverbs 14:1 .
buildeth = has built. Preterite tense, implying the outcome of past wisdom.
the foolish = a foolish woman. Hebrew. 'evil. Same word as in verses: Proverbs 14:3 , Proverbs 14:8 , Proverbs 14:9 , Proverbs 3:17 , Proverbs 3:18 , Proverbs 3:24 , Proverbs 3:29 . Not the same word as in verses: Proverbs 14:7 , Proverbs 14:8 , Proverbs 14:16 , Proverbs 7:24 .
plucketh it down = will tear it down: future, because folly's present course is continuous to the end.
2.
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .
his ways. It may mean Jehovah's ways: i.e. he who turns out of His ways becomes an apostate, like the "strange" woman.
3.
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
mouth. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for what is spoken by it.
of pride. Genitive of Possession, "pride's sceptre". See App-17 (3). On the one side, we have "pride", prating, and punishment; on the other side, prudence, piety, and preservation.
lips. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for what is spoken by them.
preserve = guard.
4.
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
oxen. While these were multiplied, horses were prohibited.
5.
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
A faithful witness, &c. See Matthew 26:60 , Matthew 26:61 ; Revelation 1:5 .
6.
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
seeketh = every scorner hath sought repeatedly. Note the past tense.
and flndeth it not. Illustrations: the Pharisees (John 9:29 . Compare Pro 7:52 , and 1 Corinthians 2:14 ); Jews (Acts 13:41 , Acts 13:45 ); Athenians (1 Corinthians 1:23 ; 1 Corinthians 2:8 ).
understandeth = is discerning. Illustration: Ethiopian (Acts 8:27-39 ).
7.
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
foolish. Hebrew. kesil . See note on Proverbs 1:7 . Same word as in verses: Proverbs 14:16 , Proverbs 14:33 ; not the same word as in verses: Proverbs 14:1 , Proverbs 14:3 , Proverbs 14:9 , Proverbs 1:17 , Proverbs 1:18 , Proverbs 1:29 .
man. Hebrew. 'ish . App-14 .
When thou perceivest not = "And acknowledge not". Hebrew. yada to know, as in verses: Proverbs 14:10 , Proverbs 14:33 , &c.
8.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
wisdom. Hebrew. chokma. See note on Proverbs 1:2 .
the prudent = a prudent one. See note on "subtil", Genesis 3:1 .
is to understand. Not to vainly speculate about it, or to pry into the ways of others.
deceit = lying. Hebrew. ramah. See note on Proverbs 11:18 .
9.
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
make a mock. The verb is singular, and probably the plural "fools" means "A great fool makes a mock", &c.
sin = guilt. The proper name for the trespass offering. Hebrew. 'asham ( App-44 .) Illustrations: the antediluvians (Luke 17:26 , Luke 17:27 ; 1 Peter 3:20 ); Abner (2 Samuel 2:14-17 ); Haman (Esther 3:13-15 . Est 29:2 ); the Jews (Isaiah 22:13 ).
the righteous = upright ones.
favour. Those who offer the trespass offering, experience the Divine favour.
10.
The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
his own bitterness = the bitterness of his soul (Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 ). Illustrations: Hannah (1 Samuel 1:8-13 ); Joab (2 Samuel 19:5-7 ); the Shunammite (2 Kings 4:27 ); Haman (Esther 5:13 ); Job (Job 3 ); Herod (Mark 6:16 ).
a stranger = an apostate. Hebrew. zur. See note on Proverbs 2:16 ; Proverbs 5:3 .
11.
The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
the wicked = lawless ones. Hebrew. rasha'. App-44 . See notes on Proverbs 14:32 .
tabernacle = a-tent, or dwelling. Hebrew. 'ohel. App-40 . Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for the dwellers therein.
the upright = upright ones (as in Proverbs 14:9 ).
12.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
seemeth right = is pleasing. It only "seems" right, Illustrations: Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:27-33 ; 1 Kings 14:7-11 . Compare Proverbs 3:7 ); Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:20-24 ); Jews (Acts 13:50 ; John 16:2 . Compare Paul, Philippians 1:3 , Philippians 1:4-7 , and 1 Timothy 1:13 ).
are = is.
13.
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
is: i.e. may be. Illustrations: Nabal (1 Samuel 25:36 , 1 Samuel 25:37 ); Solomon (Ecclesiastes 2:2 ); Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1-6 , Daniel 5:30 ); Israelites (Amos 6:3-7 ); Babylon (Revelation 18:7 , Revelation 18:8 ).
14.
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
filled = satisfied.
from himself. Ginsburg thinks, "from his own doings. "Compare Jeremiah 17:10 .
15.
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
word: or thing.
16.
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
evil. Hebrew. ra a'. See App-44 .
rageth = rusheth on.
confident. Hebrew. batah. App-69 .
17.
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
wicked devices = deep schemes or intrigues.
18.
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
the prudent = prudent ones.
19.
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
The evil = evil ones. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .
the righteous = a righteous one.
20.
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
The poor = A needy one. Hebrew. rash. See note on Proverbs 6:11 .
the rich = a rich man.
21.
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
sinneth. Hebrew. chata
hath mercy on = is gracious to.
the poor = an afflicted one. Hebrew. 'anah. See note on Proverbs 6:11 .
happy. See note on Proverbs 3:13 .
22.
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.
23.
In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
24.
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25.
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
souls. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .
26.
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
the fear of the LORD. See note on Proverbs 1:7 .
strong confidence. Illustrations: Abraham (Genesis 22:3-10 . Hebrews 11:19 ); David (1 Samuel 30:6 ); Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:7 , 2 Chronicles 32:8 , 2 Chronicles 32:22 ); Shadrach and others (Daniel 3:17 , Daniel 3:25 , Daniel 3:27 . Isaiah 43:2 ); Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:17-19 ); Peter (Acts 12:6 . Acts 3:24 ); Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8 ).
children = sons.
27.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
depart from = avoid.
28.
In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
29.
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
understanding = discernment. Hebrew. tebunah. See note on Proverbs 1:2 .
hasty of spirit. Illustrations: Rehoboam (1 Kings 12 . Compare Proverbs 14:16 , above); Jehoram (2 Kings 5:7 ); Martha (Luke 10:40 ).
spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .
30.
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31.
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
the poor = a weak one. Hebrew. dal . See note on Proverbs 6:11 .
his Maker. An ancient title found in the book of Job (Job 35:10 ), also in Proverbs 17:5 ; just as we speak of the "Creator". Used here because He is the Maker of the weak as well as the strong. We meet with it again in Isaiah 17:7 ; Isaiah 51:13 ; Isaiah 54:5 . Not "confined to the later literature of Judaism".
the poor = a humble one. Hebrew. 'ebyon. See note on Proverbs 6:11 .
32.
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
The wicked = A lawless one. Heb rasha .
driven away in his wickedness = thrust down
in his evil-doing. Illustrations: Dathan (Numbers 16:33 ); Israel (Exodus 32:28 . 1 Corinthians 10:7 ); Balaam (Numbers 31:8 , Numbers 31:10 . Revelation 2:14 ). Canaanites (Joshua 2:9 ; Joshua 5:1 ; Joshua 5:10 . Deuteronomy 9:5 ); Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 4:11 ); Baal's prophets (1 Kings 18:40 ); Belshazzar (Daniel 5:2-6 , Daniel 5:30 ).
wickedness = lawlessness, as above.
hath hope in his death. Illustrations: Jacob (Genesis 49:18 ); Joseph (Genesis 50:24 , Genesis 50:25 .Hebrews 11:22; Hebrews 11:22 ); David (2 Samuel 23:5 .Psalms 17:15; Psalms 17:15 ); Stephen (Acts 7:55 ); Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8 ); Peter (2 Peter 1:14 , 2 Peter 1:16 ; 2 Peter 3:13 ).
33.
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
But, &c. The verb being feminine, may refer to "wisdom". If so we may render "and [even] in the midst of fools will make itself known".
34.
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
exalteth . . . But, &c. Illustrations: Deuteronomy 4:6 ; Deu 4:28 ; 1 Kings 9:7-9 ; 2 Chronicles 15:3 , 2Ch 15:5 , 2 Chronicles 15:6 ; compare Joshua 1:8 ; Joshua 10:42 ; Joshua 23:14 with Judges 1:2 , &c.; compare 2 Chronicles 17:2-5 , 2 Chronicles 17:10 , 2 Chronicles 17:11 , and 2 Kings 18:7 with 2 Kings 16 . Compare the Canaanites (Leviticus 18:24-30 ); Egypt (Exodus 12:12 .Ezekiel 29:1-15; Ezekiel 29:1-15 ); Amalekites (Exodus 17:16 . 1 Samuel 15 ; Babylon (Isaiah 14:4-23 .Isaiah 47:6-15; Isaiah 47:6-15 ); Moab (Isaiah 16:6 , Isaiah 16:7 ); Tyre (Ezekiel 28:2-8 . Isaiah 23:1-9 ): Nineveh (Zephaniah 2:11-15 ).
people = peoples.
35.
The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.