Verses 1-24

1. Lit. 'One who separates himself seeks desire, quarrels with all wisdom.' This would mean that a solitary recluse follows his own wishes and opposes everything reasonable. But LXX suggests, 'The alienated friend seeks an occasion of quarrel, seeks by all means to stir up strife.'

2. He likes to talk about his own notions.

4. The second half of the v. shows that it is a wise man who is in view; his words are 'as deep waters,' i.e. are inexhaustible; he is ever ready to give helpful answers.

8. Wounds] RV 'dainty morsels.' Malicious gossip finds ready acceptance (Jeremiah 15:16).

10. The name of Jehovah is Jehovah Himself as revealed to men, His manifested character (Psalms 75:1). Orientals have always ascribed mysterious powers to the divine titles. Mohammedans repeat them one by one as they count the ninety-nine beads. One of the ancient Persian books declares that the recital of God's names is the best defence against all danger.

14. Bear] RM 'raise up.'

16. A superior cannot be approached in the East without a present.

17. 'Hear the other side.'

20. A man's happiness depends on the way in which he governs and uses his tongue (Matthew 12:36; Matthew 15:11).

22. A good wife (Sirach 17:28).

24. RV 'He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; but'

'The friend thou hast, and his adoption tried,

Grapple him to thy soul with hooks of steel.

But do not dull thy palm with entertainment

Of each new-hatched, unfledged comrade.'