1.
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
1. A bad conscience makes men
timid; the righteous are alone truly bold (Proverbs 14:26;
Psalms 27:1).
2.
For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
2. Anarchy producing contending
rulers shortens the reign of each.
but by a man . . .
prolonged—or, "by a man of understanding—that is, a good
ruler—he who knows or regards the right, that is, a good citizen,
shall prolong (his days)." Good rulers are a blessing to the
people. Bad government as a punishment for evil is contrasted with
good as blessing to the good.
3.
A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
3. A poor man, &c.—Such,
in power, exact more severely, and so leave subjects bare.
4.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
4. They that forsake . . .
wicked—Wrongdoers encourage one another.
5.
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
5. (Compare ). Ignorance of moral truth is due to unwillingness to know
it.
6.
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
6. (Compare ). Riches cannot compensate for sin, nor the want of them
affect integrity.
7.
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
7. (Compare ).
riotous men—or,
"gluttons" (Proverbs 23:20;
Proverbs 23:21).
8.
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
8. usury . . . unjust gain—(Compare
Margin). The two terms, meaning nearly the same, may denote
excessive interest. God's providence directs the proper use of
wealth.
9.
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
9. (Compare Proverbs 15:8;
Proverbs 21:27).
hearing—that is,
obeying. God requires sincere worshippers (Psalms 66:18;
John 4:24).
10.
Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
10. (Compare ).
11.
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
11. A poor but wise man can
discover (and expose) the rich and self-conceited.
12.
When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
12. great glory—or, cause for
it to a people, for the righteous rejoice in good, and righteousness
exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34).
a man . . . hidden—that
is, the good retire, or all kinds try to escape a wicked rule.
13.
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
13. (Compare ). Concealment of sin delivers none from God's wrath, but
He shows mercy to the humble penitent ().
14.
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
14. feareth—that is, God, and
so repents.
hardeneth his heart—makes
himself insensible to sin, and so will not repent (Proverbs 14:16;
Proverbs 29:1).
15.
As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
15. The rapacity and cruelty of
such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare Psalms 7:2;
Psalms 17:12).
16.
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
16. The prince . . .
understanding—that is, He does not perceive that oppression
jeopards his success. Covetousness often produces oppression, hence
the contrast.
17.
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
17. doeth violence . . . blood,
c.—or, that is oppressed by the blood of life (), which he has taken.
to the pit—the grave or
destruction (Proverbs 1:12 Job 33:18-24;
Psalms 143:7).
stay him—sustain or
deliver him.
18.
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
18. (Compare Proverbs 10:9;
Proverbs 17:20). Double dealing is
eventually fatal.
19.
He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
19. (Compare Proverbs 10:4;
Proverbs 20:4).
vain persons—idle,
useless drones, implying that they are also wicked (Proverbs 12:11;
Psalms 26:4).
20.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
20. maketh haste . . . rich—implying
deceit or fraud (Proverbs 20:21),
and so opposed to "faithful" or reliable.
21.
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
21. respect of persons— (). Such are led to evil by the slightest motive.
22.
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
22. (Compare ).
evil eye—in the general
sense of Proverbs 23:6, here more
specific for covetousness (compare Proverbs 22:9;
Matthew 20:15).
poverty . . . him—by
God's providence.
23.
He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
23. (Compare Proverbs 9:8;
Proverbs 9:9; Proverbs 27:5).
Those benefited by reproof will love their monitors.
24.
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
24. (Compare ). Such, though heirs, are virtually thieves, to be ranked
with highwaymen.
25.
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
25. of a proud heart—literally,
"puffed up of soul"—that is, self-confident, and hence
overbearing and litigious.
made fat—or,
"prosperous" (Proverbs 11:25;
Proverbs 16:20).
26.
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
26. (Compare ).
walketh wisely—that is,
trusting in God ().
27.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
27. (Compare ).
hideth his eyes—as the
face (Psalms 27:9; Psalms 69:17),
denotes inattention.
28.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
28. The elevation of the wicked
to power drives men to seek refuge from tyranny (compare Proverbs 28:12;
Proverbs 11:10; Psalms 12:8).