Verse 1

(Compare Proverbs 28:6). “Rich” for fool here. Integrity is better than riches (Proverbs 15:16, Proverbs 15:17; Proverbs 16:8).

Verse 2

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

Verse 3

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

Verse 4

(Compare Proverbs 14:20). Such facts are often adduced with implied disapprobation.

Verse 5

Compare Proverbs 19:9, where perish explains not escape here (compare Psalm 88:9, Psalm 88:10).

Verse 8

(Compare Margin; Proverbs 15:32).

loveth  …  soul — or, “himself,” which he evinces by regarding his best interests.

keepeth — or, “regards.”

Verse 10

(Compare Proverbs 17:7). 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 (1 Corinthians 7:20).

Verse 11

(Compare Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 16:32). This inculcation of a forgiving spirit shows that true religion is always the same (Matthew 5:22-24).

Verse 12

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

Verse 13

calamity — literally, “calamities,” varied and many.

continual dropping — a perpetual annoyance, wearing out patience.

Verse 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 Proverbs 19:13 are only avoided by His care.

Verse 15

a deep sleep — a state of utter indifference.

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

Verse 16

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

despiseth  …  ways — opposed to keeping or observing, neglects (Proverbs 16:17) (as unworthy of regard) his moral conduct.

Verse 17

(Compare Proverbs 14:21; Psalm 37:26).

hath pity — shown by acts (compare Margin).

Verse 18

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

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

Verse 19

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

Verse 20

(Compare Proverbs 13:18-20).

latter end — (Proverbs 5:11). In youth prepare for age.

Verse 21

(Compare Proverbs 16:1, Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 33:10, Psalm 33:11). The failure of man‘s devices is implied.

Verse 22

desire — that is, to do good, indicates a kind disposition (Proverbs 11:23); and the poor thus affected are better than liars, who say and do not.

Verse 23

life — (Compare Proverbs 3:2).

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

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

Verse 24

bosom — literally, a wide dish in which the hand was plunged in eating (Matthew 26:23). Compare Proverbs 26:15, the sentiment expressed with equal irony and less exaggeration.

Verse 25

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

Verse 26

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

Verse 27

Avoid whatever leads from truth.

Verse 28

ungodly witness — (Compare Margin), one false by bad principles (compare Proverbs 6:12).

scorneth judgment — sets at naught the dictates of justice.

devoureth — literally, “swalloweth,” as something delightful.

Verse 29

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