Verse 4

The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

Judgment — By the free and impartial exercise of justice.

Gifts — Bribes.

Verse 8

Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

Wrath — The wrath of God or of men, who were enraged against it.

Verse 9

If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

Whether — Whether he, the wise man, deal sharply with him, or mildly, there is no rest, no end or fruit of the debate.

Verse 10

The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

Seek — To preserve it.

Verse 15

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Left — Suffered to follow his own will without restraint and chastening.

Verse 18

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

No vision — No prophecy; no publick preaching of God's word.

Verse 19

A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

A servant — Who is so not only in condition, but also in the temper of his mind, disingenuous, and stubborn.

Words — By mere words.

Tho' — Though he know thy mind, and his own duty.

Verse 20

Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Hasty — Who is rash and heady in the management of his affairs.

Verse 21

He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

Delicately — Allowing him too much freedom, and familiarity.

A son — Will find him at last grow insolent, and forgetful of his servile condition.

Verse 24

Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

Bewrayeth it not — Which he is bound to do for the publick good.

Verse 25

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

A snare — Is an occasion of many sins.

Verse 26

Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.

Judgment — The decision of his cause, and the success of all his endeavours.