1.
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
1. hardeneth . . . neck—obstinately
refuses counsel (2 Kings 17:14;
Nehemiah 9:16).
destroyed—literally,
"shivered" or "utterly broken to pieces."
without remedy—literally,
"without healing" or repairing.
2.
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
2. (Compare Proverbs 11:10;
Proverbs 28:28).
in authority—(Compare
Margin), increased in power.
3.
Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
3. (Compare Proverbs 4:6;
Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 10:1,
&c.).
4.
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
4. by judgment—that is,
righteous decisions, opposed to those procured by gifts (compare ), by which good government is perverted.
land—for nation.
5.
A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
5. (Compare ).
spreadeth . . . feet—By
misleading him as to his real character, the flatterer brings him to
evil, prepared by himself or others.
6.
In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
6. In—or, "By"
the transgression—he is
brought into difficulty (), but the righteous go on prospering, and so sing or
rejoice.
7.
The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
7. considereth—literally,
"knows," as Psalms 1:6.
the cause—that is, in
courts of justice (compare Psalms 1:6). The voluntary neglect of it by the wicked (Psalms 1:6) occasions oppression.
8.
Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
8. Scornful men—those who
contemptuously disregard God's law.
bring—(Compare Margin),
kindle strife.
turn away wrath—that
is, "abate wrath."
9.
If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
9. contendeth—that is, in law.
whether . . . laugh—The
fool, whether angry or good-humored, is unsettled; or referring the
words to the wise man, the sense is, that all his efforts, severe or
gentle, are unavailing to pacify the fool.
10.
The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
10. bloodthirsty—(Compare
Margin), murderers (Psalms 5:6;
Psalms 26:9).
hate, c.— (Proverbs 1:11
Genesis 3:4).
seek . . . soul—that
is, to preserve it.
11.
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
11. (Compare Proverbs 12:16;
Proverbs 16:32).
mind—or, "spirit,"
for anger or any ill passion which the righteous restrain.
12.
If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
12. His servants imitate him.
13.
The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
13. (Compare ).
deceitful man—literally,
"man of vexations," an exactor.
the Lord . . . their
eyes—sustains their lives (1 Samuel 14:27;
Psalms 13:3); that is, both depend
on Him, and He will do justice.
14.
The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
14. (Compare Proverbs 20:28;
Proverbs 25:5). Such is the character
of the King of kings (Psalms 72:4;
Psalms 72:12).
15.
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
15. (Compare Proverbs 13:24;
Proverbs 23:13).
16.
When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
16. (Compare Proverbs 29:2;
Proverbs 29:12; Psalms 12:1-8).
shall see . . . fall—and
triumph in it (Psalms 37:34-38;
Psalms 58:10; Psalms 58:11).
17.
Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
17. (Compare Proverbs 29:3;
Proverbs 29:15; Proverbs 19:18).
give thee rest—peace
and quiet (compare Proverbs 29:9).
18.
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
18. no vision—instruction in
God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions ().
people perish—(Compare
Margin), are deprived of moral restraints.
keepeth the law—has,
and observes, instruction (Proverbs 14:11;
Proverbs 14:34; Psalms 19:11).
19.
A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
19. A servant—who lacks good
principle.
corrected—or
discovered.
will not answer—that
is, will not obey.
20.
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
20. (Compare ).
hasty in . . .
words?—implying self-conceit ().
21.
He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
21. become his son—assume the
place and privileges of one.
22.
An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
22. (Compare ). Such are delighted by discord and violence.
23.
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
23. (Compare Proverbs 16:18;
Proverbs 18:12).
honour . . . spirit—or,
"such shall lay hold on honor" (Proverbs 18:12).
24.
Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
24. hateth . . . soul—(Compare
Proverbs 8:36).
heareth cursing— (Proverbs 8:36), risks the punishment, rather than reveal truth.
25.
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
25. The fear . . . snare—involves
men in difficulty (compare ).
shall be safe—(Compare
Margin; Proverbs 18:10).
26.
Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
26. (Compare Margin; ). God alone will and can do exact justice.
27.
An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
27. (Compare ). On last clause, compare Proverbs 29:16;
Psalms 37:12.