Verse 1

Every wise, etc. — literally, “The wisdoms” (compare Proverbs 9:1) “of women,” plural, a distributive form of speech.

buildeth  …  house — increases wealth, which the foolish, by mismanagement, lessen.

Verse 2

uprightness — is the fruit of fearing God, as falsehood and ill-nature (Proverbs 2:15; Proverbs 3:32) of despising Him and His law.

Verse 3

rod of pride — that is, the punishment of pride, which they evince by their words. The words of the wise procure good to them.

Verse 4

crib is clean — empty; so “cleanness of teeth” denotes want of food (compare Amos 4:6). Men get the proper fruit of their doings (Galatians 6:7).

Verse 5

A faithful witness, etc. — one tested to be such.

utter lies — or, “breathe out lies” - that is, habitually lies (Proverbs 6:19; compare Acts 9:1). Or the sense is, that habitual truthfulness, or lying, will be evinced in witness-bearing.

Verse 6

An humble, teachable spirit succeeds in seeking (Proverbs 8:9; John 7:17; James 1:5, James 1:6).

Verse 7

Avoid the society of those who cannot teach you.

Verse 8

Appearances deceive the thoughtless, but the prudent discriminate.

Verse 9

Fools make a mock at sin — or, “Sin deludes fools.”

righteous … favour — that is, of God, instead of the punishment of sin.

Verse 10

Each one best knows his own sorrows or joys.

Verse 11

(Compare Proverbs 12:7). The contrast of the whole is enhanced by that of house and tabernacle, a permanent and a temporary dwelling.

Verse 12

end thereof — or, “reward,” what results (compare Proverbs 5:4).

ways of death — leading to it.

Verse 13

The preceding sentiment illustrated by the disappointments of a wicked or untimely joy.

Verse 14

ways — receive retribution (Proverbs 1:31).

a good man  …  himself — literally, “is away from such,” will not associate with him.

Verse 15

word — He is credulous, not from love, but heedlessness (Proverbs 13:16).

Verse 16

(Compare Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 28:14).

rageth — acts proudly and conceitedly.

Verse 17

angry — literally, “short of anger” (compare Proverbs 14:29, opposite idea).

man  …  hated — that is, the deliberate evildoer is more hated than the rash.

Verse 18

inherit — as a portion (compare Proverbs 3:35).

are crowned — literally, “are surrounded with it,” abound in it.

Verse 19

Describes the humbling of the wicked by the punishment their sins incur.

Verse 20

This sad but true picture of human nature is not given approvingly, but only as a fact.

Verse 21

For such contempt of the poor is contrasted as sinful with the virtuous compassion of the good.

Verse 22

As usual, the interrogative negative strengthens the affirmative.

mercy and truth — that is, God‘s (Psalm 57:3; Psalm 61:7).

Verse 23

labour — painful diligence.

talk … penury — idle and vain promises and plans.

Verse 24

(Compare Proverbs 3:16).

foolishness  …  folly — Folly remains, or produces folly; it has no benefit.

Verse 25

Life often depends on truth-telling.

a deceitful  …  lies — He that breathes out lies is deceit, not to be trusted (Proverbs 14:5).

Verse 26

The blessings of piety descend to children (Proverbs 13:22; Proverbs 20:7; Exodus 20:6).

Verse 27

(Compare Proverbs 13:14).

fear of the Lord — or, “law of the wise,” is wisdom (Psalm 111:10).

Verse 28

The teaching of a true political economy.

Verse 29

understanding — (Compare Proverbs 14:17).

hasty — (Compare Proverbs 14:17).

exalteth folly — makes it conspicuous, as if delighting to honor it.

Verse 30

A sound heart — both literally and figuratively, a source of health; in the latter sense, opposed to the known effect of evil passions on health.

Verse 31

reproacheth his Maker — who is the God of such, as well as of the rich (Proverbs 22:2; Job 31:15; and specially 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalm 113:7).

Verse 32

driven — thrust out violently (compare Psalm 35:5, Psalm 35:6).

hath hope — trusteth (Proverbs 10:2; Proverbs 11:4; Psalm 2:12), implying assurance of help.

Verse 33

resteth — preserved in quietness for use, while fools blazon their folly (Proverbs 12:23; Proverbs 13:16).

Verse 34

Righteousness — just principles and actions.

exalteth — raises to honor.

is a reproach — brings on them the ill-will of others (compare Proverbs 13:6).

Verse 35

wise — discreet or prudent.

causeth shame — (Proverbs 10:5; Proverbs 12:4) acts basely.