Verse 1

(Compare Proverbs 6:1-5; Proverbs 10:1, Proverbs 10:17).

Verse 2

shall eat — that is, obtain (Proverbs 12:14).

transgressors — as in Proverbs 2:22.

violence — or, “mischief” to themselves.

Verse 3

mouth  …  life — because evil speeches may provoke violence from others.

he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction — On last clause, compare Proverbs 10:14.

Verse 4

(Compare Proverbs 12:11, Proverbs 12:27).

Verse 5

shame — better, causeth shame and reproach (compare Proverbs 19:26), by slander, etc., which the righteous hates.

Verse 6

A sentiment of frequent recurrence, that piety benefits and sin injures.

Verse 7

In opposite ways men act hypocritically for gain of honor or wealth.

Verse 8

Riches save some from punishment, while others suffer because they will not heed the rebuke of sloth, which makes and keeps them poor.

Verse 9

light … lamp — prosperity; the first, the greater, and it

rejoiceth — burns brightly, or continues, while the other, at best small, soon fails.

Verse 10

The obstinacy which attends self-conceit, produces contention, which the well-advised, thus evincing modesty, avoid.

Verse 11

by vanity — or, “nothingness,” that is, which is vain or useless to the public (as card playing or similar vices).

gathereth … labour — (Compare Margin), little by little, laboriously.

Verse 12

desire cometh — is realized.

a tree of life — or, “cause of happiness.”

Verse 13

the word — that is, of advice, or, instruction (compare Proverbs 10:27; Proverbs 11:31).

Verse 14

(Compare Proverbs 10:11).

fountain — or, “source of life.”

to depart — (compare Proverbs 1:2-4), or, “for departing,” etc., and so gives life.

Verse 15

Right perception and action secure good will, while evil ways are difficult as a stony road. The wicked left of God find punishment of sin in sinning.

hard — or, “harsh” (compare Hebrew: Deuteronomy 21:4; Jeremiah 5:15).

Verse 16

dealeth — acts with foresight.

a fool … folly — for want of caution.

Verse 17

A wicked — or, “unfaithful”

messenger falleth into mischief — or, “by mischief,” or “evil,” and so his errand fails. Contrasted is the character of the faithful, whose faithfulness benefits others.

Verse 18

(Compare Proverbs 10:17; Proverbs 12:1).

Verse 19

Self-denial, which fools will not endure, is essential to success.

Verse 20

The benefits of good and evil of bad society are contrasted.

Verse 21

(Compare Proverbs 11:31).

good  …  repaid — or, “He (God) will repay good.”

Verse 22

just — While good men‘s estates remain in their families, God so orders that the gains of sinners inure to the just (compare Proverbs 28:8; Psalm 37:18, Psalm 37:22, Psalm 37:26, etc.).

Verse 23

The laboring poor prosper more than those who injudiciously or wickedly strive, by fraud and violence, to supersede the necessity of lawful labor.

Verse 24

spareth — or, “withholds.”

rod — of correction.

hateth — or, acts as if he hated him (compare Proverbs 3:12; Proverbs 8:36).

chasteneth  …  betimes — or, “diligently seeks for him all useful discipline.”

Verse 25

The comparative temporal prosperity of the righteous and wicked, rather than contentment and discontent, is noted.