Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 19

Introduction

CHAPTER 19

:-.

Verse 1

1. (Compare :-). "Rich" for fool here. Integrity is better than riches (Proverbs 15:16; Proverbs 15:17; Proverbs 16:8).

Verse 2

2. The last illustrates the first clause. Rashness, the result of ignorance, brings trouble.

Verse 3

3. perverteth . . . way—turns him back from right (Proverbs 13:6; James 1:13); and he blames God for his failures.

Verse 4

4. (Compare :-). Such facts are often adduced with implied disapprobation.

Verse 5

5. Compare :-, where perish explains not escape here (compare Psalms 88:9; Psalms 88:10).

Verse 8

8. (Compare Margin; :-).

loveth . . . soul—or, "himself," which he evinces by regarding his best interests.

keepeth—or, "regards."

Verse 10

10. (Compare :-). The fool is incapable of properly using pleasure as knowledge, yet for him to have it is less incongruous than the undue elevation of servants. Let each abide in his calling ( :-).

Verse 11

11. (Compare Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 16:32). This inculcation of a forgiving spirit shows that true religion is always the same (Proverbs 16:32- :).

Verse 12

12. (Compare Proverbs 16:14; Proverbs 16:15; Proverbs 20:2). A motive to submission to lawful authority.

Verse 13

13. calamity—literally, "calamities," varied and many.

continual dropping—a perpetual annoyance, wearing out patience.

Verse 14

14. A contrast of men's gifts and God's, who, though author of both blessings, confers the latter by His more special providence.

and—or, "but," implying that the evils of :- are only avoided by His care.

Verse 15

15. a deep sleep—a state of utter indifference.

idle soul—or, "person" (compare Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 12:24).

Verse 16

16. (Compare Proverbs 10:17; Proverbs 13:13).

despiseth . . . ways—opposed to keeping or observing, neglects (Proverbs 13:13- :) (as unworthy of regard) his moral conduct.

Verse 17

17. (Compare Proverbs 14:21; Psalms 37:26).

hath pity—shown by acts (compare Margin).

Verse 18

18. (Compare Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 23:13).

let not . . . spare—literally, "do not lift up thy soul" (Psalms 24:4; Psalms 25:1), that is, do not desire to his death; a caution to passionate parents against angry chastisement.

Verse 19

19. Repeated efforts of kindness are lost on ill-natured persons.

Verse 20

20. (Compare :-).

latter end— ( :-). In youth prepare for age.

Verse 21

21. (Compare Proverbs 16:1; Proverbs 16:9; Psalms 33:10; Psalms 33:11). The failure of man's devices is implied.

Verse 22

22. desire—that is, to do good, indicates a kind disposition ( :-); and the poor thus affected are better than liars, who say and do not.

Verse 23

23. The fear . . . life—(Compare Proverbs 3:2).

abide—or, "remain contented" (1 Timothy 4:8).

not visited with evil— (Proverbs 10:3; Psalms 37:25), as a judgment, in which sense visit is often used (Psalms 89:32; Jeremiah 6:15).

Verse 24

24. bosom—literally, a wide dish in which the hand was plunged in eating ( :-). Compare Proverbs 26:15, the sentiment expressed with equal irony and less exaggeration.

Verse 25

25. Such is the benefit of reproof; even the simple profit, much more the wise.

Verse 26

26. Unfilial conduct often condemned (Proverbs 17:21-25; Proverbs 20:20; Deuteronomy 21:18; Deuteronomy 21:21).

Verse 27

27. Avoid whatever leads from truth.

Verse 28

28. ungodly witness—(Compare Margin), one false by bad principles (compare :-).

scorneth judgment—sets at naught the dictates of justice.

devoureth—literally, "swalloweth," as something delightful.

Verse 29

29. Their punishment is sure, fixed, and ready (compare Proverbs 3:34; Proverbs 10:13).