Bible Commentaries

Verse 1

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).

Verse 3

3. Wickedness cannot give permanent prosperity.

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

Verse 4

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.

Verse 5

5. thoughts—or, "purposes."

are right—literally, "are judgment," that is, true decisions.

counsels—(Compare :-).

deceit—contrary to truth and honesty.

Verse 6

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.

Verse 7

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

Verse 8

8. despised—as opposed to commended (Proverbs 11:12).

perverse heart—or, "wicked principles," as opposed to one of wisdom.

Verse 9

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.

Verse 10

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.

Verse 11

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

Verse 12

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- :).

Verse 13

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.

Verse 15

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

Verse 16

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

Verse 18

18. speaketh—literally, "speaketh hastily," or indiscreetly ( :-), as an angry man retorts harsh and provoking invectives.

tongue . . . health—by soothing and gentle language.

Verse 19

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

Verse 20

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).

Verse 21

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

mischief—as penal evil.

Verse 22

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

Verse 23

23. concealeth—by his modesty (Proverbs 10:14; Proverbs 11:13).

heart . . . proclaimeth—as his lips speak his thoughts (compare Proverbs 11:13- :).

Verse 24

24. slothful—(Compare Margin), so called because he fails to meet his promises.

under tribute—not denoting legal taxes, but the obligation of dependence.

Verse 25

25. a good word—one of comfort.

Verse 26

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.

Verse 27

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).

Verse 28

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