Verse 1

Proverbs 10:1-32. Here begins the second part of the book, Proverbs 10:1-22:16, which, with the third, Proverbs 22:16-25:28, contains series of proverbs whose sense is complete in one or two verses, and which, having no logical connection, admit of no analysis. The parallelisms of Proverbs 10:1-15:33 are mostly antithetic; and those of Proverbs 16:1-22:16, synthetic. The evidences of art in the structure are very clear, and indicate, probably, a purpose of facilitating the labor of memorizing.

wise [and] foolish — as they follow or reject the precepts of wisdom.

maketh  …  father — or, “gladdens a father.”

heaviness — or, “grief.”

Verse 2

nothing — that is, Ill-gotten gains give no true happiness (compare Proverbs 4:17; Matthew 6:19).

righteousness — especially beneficence (Psalm 112:9).

death — the greatest of all evils.

Verse 3

(Compare Psalm 37:16-20). The last clause is better: “He will repel the greedy desires of the wicked.”

Verse 4

slack — literally, “deceitful,” failing of its purpose (compare Hosea 7:16).

maketh rich — (compare Proverbs 10:22).

Verse 5

son — as Proverbs 1:8, Proverbs 1:10, and often.

sleepeth — in indolence, and not for rest.

causeth shame — literally, “is base” (compare Proverbs 14:35; Proverbs 17:2).

Verse 6

Blessings — literally, “Praises.” The last clause is better: “The mouth of the wicked covereth (or concealeth) violence (or mischievous devices)” to be executed in due time (Psalm 5:9; Psalm 10:7; Romans 3:14), and hence has no praises (compare Proverbs 10:11).

Verse 7

blessed — literally, “for a blessing,” or praise.

shall rot — literally, “be worm-eaten,” useless and disgusting.

Verse 8

wise, etc. — (compare Proverbs 9:8, Proverbs 9:9, Proverbs 9:16), opposed to

prating fool — or, “fool of lips of wicked language.”

fall — headlong, suddenly.

Verse 9

perverteth his ways — acts deceitfully.

known — discovered and punished.

Verse 10

Two vices contrasted; hypocrisy, or insinuating evil against one (Proverbs 6:13; Psalm 35:19), and rashness of speech. In each case, the results are on the evildoers.

Verse 11

a well — or, “source” of good to himself and others (John 7:37, John 7:38). On last clause, see on Proverbs 10:6.

Verse 12

strifes — or, “litigations.”

covereth — by forgiveness and forbearance.

Verse 13

found — hence, not beaten, as the wicked-speaking fool.

void of understanding — (Proverbs 6:32; Proverbs 7:7).

Verse 14

lay up knowledge — that is, as treasures for good use.

mouth … destruction — or, “as to the mouth,” etc., destruction is near; they expose themselves to evil by prating.

Verse 15

Both by trusting in “uncertain riches” (1 Timothy 6:17), or by the evils of poverty (Proverbs 30:9), men, not fearing God, fall into dangers.

Verse 16

The industry of the righteous is alone truly successful, while the earnings of the wicked tempt and lead to sin.

Verse 17

keepeth — observes (Proverbs 3:18; Proverbs 4:22).

refuseth — or, “turns from reproof,” which might direct him aright.

Verse 18

Both vices must one day be known and punished, and hence their folly.

Verse 19

Much speech involves risk of sin; hence the wisdom of restraining the tongue (Psalm 39:1; James 1:26).

Verse 20

Right speech is the fruit of a good heart, but the wicked show theirs to be useless.

Verse 21

Fools not only fail to benefit others, as do the righteous, but procure their own ruin (compare Proverbs 10:11, Proverbs 10:17; Hosea 4:6).

Verse 22

it maketh, etc. — “it” is emphatic. Riches from God are without the sorrow of ill-gotten wealth (compare Ecclesiastes 2:21-23; 1 Timothy 6:9, 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:17).

Verse 23

Sin is the pleasure of the wicked; wisdom that of the good.

Verse 24

it — the very thing. The wicked get dreaded evil; the righteous, desired good.

Verse 25

(Compare Psalm 1:4; Psalm 37:9, Psalm 37:10, Psalm 37:36).

righteous  …  foundation — well laid and firm (Matthew 7:24, Matthew 7:25).

Verse 26

that is, causes vexation.

Verse 27

(Compare Proverbs 9:11; Psalm 55:23).

Verse 28

gladness — in confidence of realizing it.

expectation … perish — in disappointment.

Verse 29

The way, etc. — that is, God‘s providence sustains the righteous and overthrows the wicked (Hosea 14:9).

Verse 30

(Compare Proverbs 12:3; Psalm 37:9-11; Psalm 102:28).

earth — or, “land of promise.”

Verse 31

bringeth forth — literally, “germinates” as a plant.

froward — (Compare Proverbs 2:12, Proverbs 2:14).

cut off — as an unproductive plant.

Verse 32

know — regard and provide for (Psalm 1:6).

frowardness — all kinds of deceit and ill-nature. The word is plural.