1. loveth knowledge—as the fruit of instruction or training ().
hateth reproof— ().
brutish—stupid, regardless of his own welfare (Psalms 49:10; Psalms 73:22).

3. Wickedness cannot give permanent prosperity.
root . . . not be moved—firm as a flourishing tree— (Psalms 1:3; Psalms 15:5; Jeremiah 17:8).

4. A virtuous woman—in the wide sense of well-disposed to all moral duties ().
maketh ashamed—that is, by misconduct.
rottenness—an incurable evil.

5. thoughts—or, "purposes."
are right—literally, "are judgment," that is, true decisions.
counsels—(Compare ).
deceit—contrary to truth and honesty.

6. The words—or, "expressed designs" of the wicked are for evil purposes.
the mouth—or, "words" of the righteous delivering instead of ensnaring men.

7. Such conduct brings a proper return, by the destruction of the wicked and well-being of the righteous and his family.

8. despised—as opposed to commended (Proverbs 11:12).
perverse heart—or, "wicked principles," as opposed to one of wisdom.

9. despised—held in little repute, obscure (1 Samuel 18:23; Isaiah 3:5).
hath a servant—implying some means of honest living.
honoureth himself—is self-conceited.

10. regardeth—literally, "knoweth" (Psalms 1:6).
mercies . . . cruel—as acts of compassion ungraciously rendered to the needy. The righteous more regards a beast than the wicked a man.

11. The idler's fate is the result of indolence and want of principle (Proverbs 6:32; Proverbs 7:7).

12. the wicked . . . evil—They love the crafty arts of deception.
the root . . . fruit—their own resources supply them; or, it may be rendered: "He (God) giveth, or, sets (Ezekiel 17:22) the root of the righteous," and hence it is firm: or, the verb is impersonal; "As to the root . . . it is firm" (Ezekiel 17:22).

13, 14. The wicked is snared, &c.—The sentiment expanded. While the wicked, such as liars, flatterers, &c., fall by their own words, the righteous are unhurt. Their good conduct makes friends, and God rewards them.

15. The way . . . eyes—The fool is self-conceited (compare Proverbs 12:1; Proverbs 1:32; Proverbs 10:17; James 3:17).

16. prudent . . . shame—He is slow to denounce his insulters ().

18. speaketh—literally, "speaketh hastily," or indiscreetly (), as an angry man retorts harsh and provoking invectives.
tongue . . . health—by soothing and gentle language.

19. Words of truth are consistent, and stand all tests, while lies are soon discovered and exposed.

20. that imagine—or, "plan" (Proverbs 3:29). They design a deceitful course, to which, with all its evils and dangers to others and themselves, the happiness of peace-makers is opposed (compare Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18).

21. no evil—(as in ), under God's wise limitations ().
mischief—as penal evil.

22. deal truly—or, "faithfully," that is, according to promises (compare ).

23. concealeth—by his modesty (Proverbs 10:14; Proverbs 11:13).
heart . . . proclaimeth—as his lips speak his thoughts (compare Proverbs 11:13).

24. slothful—(Compare Margin), so called because he fails to meet his promises.
under tribute—not denoting legal taxes, but the obligation of dependence.

25. a good word—one of comfort.

26. more excellent—(Compare Margin); or, "more successful," while the wicked fail; or, we may read it: "The righteous guides his friend, but," &c., that is, The ability of the righteous to aid others is contrasted with the ruin to which the way of the wicked leads themselves.

27. (Compare ).
took in hunting—or, "his venison." He does not improve his advantages.
the substance . . . precious—or, "the wealth of a man of honor is being diligent," or "diligence."
precious—literally, "honor" (Ecclesiastes 10:1).

28. (Compare Proverbs 8:8; Proverbs 8:20, c.). A sentiment often stated here first affirmatively, then negatively.