Verse 2

For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

But — By a wise and good prince.

Verse 3

A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

It like — Is like a violent rain or flood, which washes away the very seeds in the earth. He is the worst of all oppressors.

Verse 4

They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

Contend — Are so far from praising them, that they severely reprove them.

Verse 5

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

Judgment — What is just and right.

All things — Which are necessary to be known by them.

Verse 6

Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

Better — In a much happier condition.

Verse 10

Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

Causeth — That by evil counsel, or example, or artifice, draws them into evil.

Verse 12

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

Rejoice — Are promoted.

Glory — In that common-wealth.

Rise — Are advanced to authority.

Hidden — Wise and good men, who only are worthy of the name of men, withdraw themselves into obscure places.

Verse 14

Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Alway — In all times, companies, and conditions.

Verse 16

The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

Oppressor — The tyranny of a prince, is a manifest sign of folly.

Prolong — By God's favour, the peace and satisfaction of his own mind, and the hearty love of his people.

Verse 17

A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

Violence — That sheddeth any man's blood.

Shall flee — Shall speedily be destroyed.

Shall slay — None should desire or endeavour to save him from his deserved punishment.

Verse 18

Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

At once — Once for all; so he shall never rise more.

Verse 20

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Faithful — Who deals truly and justly in all his transactions.

Verse 21

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

For — When a man hath once accustomed himself to take bribes, a very small advantage will make him sell justice.

Verse 22

He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

Evil eye — Is uncharitable to persons in want, and envious to those who get any thing besides him.

Poverty — And consequently that he shall need the pity and help of others.

Verse 24

Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

The same — Is a thief and robber.

Verse 25

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

Fat — Shall live happily and comfortably.

Verse 26

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Wisely — Distrusting his own judgment, and seeking the advice of others, and especially of God.

Verse 28

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Men — Righteous men are afraid to appear publickly.