Verse 1

The a preparations of the heart belong to man, and the answer of the tongue, [are] from the LORD.

(a) He derides the presumption of man, who dares to attribute anything to himself, as to prepare his heart or such like, seeing that he is not able to speak a word unless God gives it to him.

Verse 2

All the ways of a man [are] b clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

(b) He shows by it that man flatters himself in his doings, calling that virtue, which God terms vice.

Verse 4

The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of c evil.

(c) So that the justice of God will appear to his glory, even in the destruction of the wicked.

Verse 6

By d mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.

(d) Their upright and repenting life will be a token that their sins are forgiven.

Verse 9

A e man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

(e) He shows the folly of man who thinks that his ways are in his own hand, and yet is not able to move one foot unless God gives force.

Verse 11

A just weight and balance [are] the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag [are] his f work.

(f) If they are true and just, they are God's work, and he delights in it, but otherwise if they are false, they are the work of the devil, and to their condemnation that use them.

Verse 12

[It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established g by righteousness.

(g) They are appointed by God to rule according to equity and justice.

Verse 14

The wrath of a king [is as] h messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

(h) That is, he finds many ways to execute his wrath.

Verse 15

In the light of a king's countenance [is] life; and his favour [is] i as a cloud of the latter rain.

(i) Which is most comfortable to the dry ground.

Verse 21

The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the k sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

(k) The sweet words of consolation which come from a godly heart.

Verse 22

Understanding [is] a wellspring of life to him that hath it: but the l instruction of fools [is] folly.

(l) Either that which the wicked teach others, or else it is folly to teach them who are malicious.

Verse 27

An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips [there is] as a m burning fire.

(m) For he consumes himself and others.

Verse 30

n He shutteth his eyes to devise perverse things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

(n) With his whole endeavour he labours to bring his wickedness to pass.

Verse 31

The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it is found in the way of o righteousness.

(o) That is, when it is joined with virtue, or else the older that the wicked are, the more they are to be abhorred.

Verse 33

The lot is cast into the lap; but its whole disposing [is] p from the LORD.

(p) So that there is nothing that ought to be attributed to fortune: for all things are determined in the counsel of God which will come to pass.