Verse 1

(Compare Margin). The Hebrews used stones for weights.

just — complete in measure.

Verse 2

Self-conceit is unteachable; the humble grow wise (compare Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 18:12).

Verse 3

guide — to lead, as a shepherd (Proverbs 6:7; Psalm 78:52).

perverseness — ill-nature.

destroy — with violence.

Verse 4

(Compare Proverbs 10:2).

wrath — that is, of God.

Verse 5

direct — or, “make plain”; wicked ways are not plain (Proverbs 13:17).

Verse 6

deliver them — that is, from evil, which the wicked suffer by their own doings (Proverbs 5:22; Psalm 9:16).

Verse 7

perish — for death cuts short all his plans (Luke 16:25).

hope of unjust — better, “hope of wealth,” or “power” (compare Isaiah 40:29, Hebrew). This gives an advance on the sentiment of the first clause. Even hopes of gain die with him.

Verse 8

Perhaps the trouble prepared by the wicked, and which he inherits (compare Proverbs 11:6).

Verse 9

(Compare Psalm 35:16; Daniel 11:32). The just is saved by superior discernment.

Verse 10-11

The last may be a reason for the first. Together, they set forth the relative moral worth of good and bad men.

Verse 11

By the blessing — implying active benevolence.

Verse 12

despiseth — or, “reviles,” a course contrasted with the prudent silence of the wise.

holdeth his peace — as if neither hearing nor telling.

Verse 13

tale-bearer — (Compare Margin), one trading as a peddler in scandal, whose propensity to talk leads him to betray confidence.

Verse 14

counsel — the art of governing (Proverbs 1:5).

counsellors — literally, “one giving counsel”; the participle used as a collective.

Verse 15

(Compare Proverbs 6:1).

suretiship — (Compare Margin), the actors put for the action, which may be lawfully hated.

Verse 16

retaineth — or literally, “lay hold of as a support.” Honor is to a feeble woman thus as valuable as riches to men.

Verse 17

merciful — kind to others; opposed to cruel. Such benefit themselves by doing good to others (compare Proverbs 24:5), while the cruel injure themselves as well as others.

flesh — that is, his body, by penuriousness (Colossians 2:23).

Verse 18

a deceitful work — or, “wages,” which fail to satisfy, or flee away (Proverbs 10:2; Proverbs 23:5).

sure reward — or, “gain,” as from trading (Hosea 10:12; Galatians 6:8, Galatians 6:9).

Verse 19

Inference from Proverbs 11:18 (compare Proverbs 11:5, Proverbs 11:6; Proverbs 10:16).

Verse 20

(Compare Proverbs 11:5).

froward — as in Proverbs 2:15, opposed to the simplicity and purity of the upright.

in their way — or, “conduct.”

Verse 21

The combined power of the wicked cannot free them from just punishment, while the unaided children of the righteous find deliverance by reason of their pious relationship (Psalm 37:25, Psalm 37:26).

Verse 22

Jewels were often suspended from the nose (Genesis 24:47; Isaiah 3:21). Thus adorned, a hog disgusts less than a fair and indiscreet woman.

Verse 23

(Compare Proverbs 10:28).

wrath — is that of God.

Verses 24-31

The scope of the whole is a comment on Proverbs 11:23. Thus liberality, by God‘s blessing, secures increase, while penuriousness, instead of expected gain, procures poverty.

Verse 25

liberal soul — (Compare Margin).

made fat — prospers (Proverbs 28:25; Deuteronomy 32:15; Luke 6:38).

watereth  …  watered — a common figure for blessing.

Verse 26

Another example of the truth of Proverbs 11:23; the miser loses reputation, though he saves corn.

selleth it — that is, at a fair price.

Verse 27

good [and] mischief — that is, of others.

procureth … seeketh — implying success.

Verse 28

(Compare Proverbs 10:15; Psalm 49:6; 1 Timothy 6:17).

righteous  …  branch — (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8).

Verse 29

troubleth — as Proverbs 15:27 explains, by greediness for gain (compare Proverbs 11:17).

inherit  …  wind — Even successful, his gains are of no real value. So the fool, thus acting, either comes to poverty, or heaps up for others.

Verse 30

a tree of life — Blessings to others proceed from the works of the righteous (Proverbs 3:18).

winneth souls — (Compare Margin) to do them good as opposed to Proverbs 6:25; Ezekiel 13:18 (compare Luke 5:10).

Verse 31

Behold — Thus calling attention to the illustrations (compare Proverbs 11:23), the sentiment of which is confirmed even in time, not excluding future rewards and punishments.