Verse 1

neck — obstinately refuses counsel (2 Kings 17:14; Nehemiah 9:16).

destroyed — literally, “shivered” or “utterly broken to pieces.”

without remedy — literally, “without healing” or repairing.

Verse 2

(Compare Proverbs 11:10; Proverbs 28:28).

in authority — (Compare Margin), increased in power.

Verse 3

(Compare Proverbs 4:6, Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 10:1, etc.).

Verse 4

by judgment — that is, righteous decisions, opposed to those procured by gifts (compare Proverbs 28:21), by which good government is perverted.

land — for nation.

Verse 5

(Compare Proverbs 26:28).

spreadeth  …  feet — By misleading him as to his real character, the flatterer brings him to evil, prepared by himself or others.

Verse 6

In — or, “By”

the transgression — he is brought into difficulty (Proverbs 12:13), but the righteous go on prospering, and so sing or rejoice.

Verse 7

considereth — literally, “knows,” as Psalm 1:6.

the cause — that is, in courts of justice (compare Proverbs 29:14). The voluntary neglect of it by the wicked (Proverbs 28:27) occasions oppression.

Verse 8

Scornful men — those who contemptuously disregard God‘s law.

bring — (Compare Margin), kindle strife.

turn away wrath — that is, “abate wrath.”

Verse 9

contendeth — that is, in law.

whether … laugh — The fool, whether angry or good-humored, is unsettled; or referring the words to the wise man, the sense is, that all his efforts, severe or gentle, are unavailing to pacify the fool.

Verse 10

bloodthirsty — (Compare Margin), murderers (Psalm 5:6; Psalm 26:9).

hate, etc. — (Proverbs 1:11; Genesis 3:4).

seek  …  soul — that is, to preserve it.

Verse 11

(Compare Proverbs 12:16; Proverbs 16:32).

mind — or, “spirit,” for anger or any ill passion which the righteous restrain.

Verse 12

His servants imitate him.

Verse 13

(Compare Proverbs 22:2).

deceitful man — literally, “man of vexations,” an exactor.

the Lord  …  their eyes — sustains their lives (1 Samuel 14:27; Psalm 13:3); that is, both depend on Him, and He will do justice.

Verse 14

(Compare Proverbs 20:28; Proverbs 25:5). Such is the character of the King of kings (Psalm 72:4, Psalm 72:12).

Verse 15

(Compare Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 23:13).

Verse 16

(Compare Proverbs 29:2, Proverbs 29:12; Psalm 12:1-8).

shall see  …  fall — and triumph in it (Psalm 37:34-38; Psalm 58:10, Psalm 58:11).

Verse 17

(Compare Proverbs 29:3, Proverbs 29:15; Proverbs 19:18).

give thee rest — peace and quiet (compare Proverbs 29:9).

Verse 18

no vision — instruction in God‘s truth, which was by prophets, through visions (1 Samuel 3:1).

people perish — (Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints.

keepeth the law — has, and observes, instruction (Proverbs 14:11, Proverbs 14:34; Psalm 19:11).

Verse 19

A servant — who lacks good principle.

corrected — or discovered.

will not answer — that is, will not obey.

Verse 20

(Compare Proverbs 21:5).

hasty in  …  words? — implying self-conceit (Proverbs 26:12).

Verse 21

become his son — assume the place and privileges of one.

Verse 22

(Compare Proverbs 15:18). Such are delighted by discord and violence.

Verse 23

(Compare Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 18:12).

honour  …  spirit — or, “such shall lay hold on honor” (Proverbs 11:16).

Verse 24

soul — (Compare Proverbs 8:36).

heareth cursing — (Leviticus 5:1), risks the punishment, rather than reveal truth.

Verse 25

snare — involves men in difficulty (compare Proverbs 29:6).

shall be safe — (Compare Margin; Proverbs 18:10).

Verse 26

(Compare Margin; Psalm 27:8). God alone will and can do exact justice.

Verse 27

(Compare Proverbs 3:32). On last clause, compare Proverbs 29:16; Psalm 37:12.