Verse 1

A bad conscience makes men timid; the righteous are alone truly bold (Proverbs 14:26; Psalm 27:1).

Verse 2

Anarchy producing contending rulers shortens the reign of each.

but by a man … prolonged — or, “by a man of understanding - that is, a good ruler - he who knows or regards the right, that is, a good citizen, shall prolong (his days).” Good rulers are a blessing to the people. Bad government as a punishment for evil is contrasted with good as blessing to the good.

Verse 3

A poor man, etc. — Such, in power, exact more severely, and so leave subjects bare.

Verse 4

They that forsake … wicked — Wrongdoers encourage one another.

Verse 5

(Compare John 7:17). Ignorance of moral truth is due to unwillingness to know it.

Verse 6

(Compare Proverbs 10:6). Riches cannot compensate for sin, nor the want of them affect integrity.

Verse 7

(Compare Proverbs 17:25).

riotous men — or, “gluttons” (Proverbs 23:20, Proverbs 23:21).

Verse 8

usury … unjust gain — (Compare Margin). The two terms, meaning nearly the same, may denote excessive interest. God‘s providence directs the proper use of wealth.

Verse 9

(Compare Proverbs 15:8; Proverbs 21:27).

hearing — that is, obeying. God requires sincere worshippers (Psalm 66:18; John 4:24).

Verse 10

(Compare Proverbs 26:27).

Verse 11

A poor but wise man can discover (and expose) the rich and self-conceited.

Verse 12

great glory — or, cause for it to a people, for the righteous rejoice in good, and righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34).

a man  …  hidden — that is, the good retire, or all kinds try to escape a wicked rule.

Verse 13

(Compare Psalm 32:3-5). Concealment of sin delivers none from God‘s wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent (Psalm 51:4).

Verse 14

feareth — that is, God, and so repents.

hardeneth his heart — makes himself insensible to sin, and so will not repent (Proverbs 14:16; Proverbs 29:1).

Verse 15

The rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare Psalm 7:2; Psalm 17:12).

Verse 16

The prince … understanding — that is, He does not perceive that oppression jeopards his success. Covetousness often produces oppression, hence the contrast.

Verse 17

blood, etc. — or, that is oppressed by the blood of life (Genesis 9:6), which he has taken.

to the pit — the grave or destruction (Proverbs 1:12; Job 33:18-24; Psalm 143:7).

stay him — sustain or deliver him.

Verse 18

(Compare Proverbs 10:9; Proverbs 17:20). Double dealing is eventually fatal.

Verse 19

(Compare Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 20:4).

vain persons — idle, useless drones, implying that they are also wicked (Proverbs 12:11; Psalm 26:4).

Verse 20

rich — implying deceit or fraud (Proverbs 20:21), and so opposed to “faithful” or reliable.

Verse 21

respect of persons — (Proverbs 24:23). Such are led to evil by the slightest motive.

Verse 22

(Compare Proverbs 28:20).

evil eye — in the general sense of Proverbs 23:6, here more specific for covetousness (compare Proverbs 22:9; Matthew 20:15).

poverty  …  him — by God‘s providence.

Verse 23

(Compare Proverbs 9:8, Proverbs 9:9; Proverbs 27:5). Those benefited by reproof will love their monitors.

Verse 24

(Compare Matthew 15:4-6). Such, though heirs, are virtually thieves, to be ranked with highwaymen.

Verse 25

of a proud heart — literally, “puffed up of soul” - that is, self-confident, and hence overbearing and litigious.

made fat — or, “prosperous” (Proverbs 11:25; Proverbs 16:20).

Verse 26

(Compare Proverbs 3:6-8).

walketh wisely — that is, trusting in God (Proverbs 22:17-19).

Verse 27

(Compare Proverbs 11:24-26).

hideth his eyes — as the face (Psalm 27:9; Psalm 69:17), denotes inattention.

Verse 28

The elevation of the wicked to power drives men to seek refuge from tyranny (compare Proverbs 28:12; Proverbs 11:10; Psalm 12:8).