Proverbs 10
CHAPTER 10
Pr 10:1-32. Here begins the second part of the book, Pr 10:1-22:16, which, with the third, Pr 22:16-25:28, contains series of proverbs whose sense is complete in one or two verses, and which, having no logical connection, admit of no analysis. The parallelisms of Pr 10:1-15:33 are mostly antithetic; and those of Pr 16:1-22:16, synthetic. The evidences of art in the structure are very clear, and indicate, probably, a purpose of facilitating the labor of memorizing.
1. wise [and] foolish—as they follow or reject the precepts of wisdom.
maketh . . . father—or, "gladdens a father." heaviness—or, "grief."2. Treasures . . . nothing—that is, Ill-gotten gains give no true happiness (compare Pr 4:17; Mt 6:19).
righteousness—especially beneficence (Ps 112:9). death—the greatest of all evils.3. (Compare Ps 37:16-20). The last clause is better: "He will repel the greedy desires of the wicked."
4. slack—literally, "deceitful," failing of its purpose (compare Ho 7:16).
maketh rich—(compare Pr 10:22).5. son—as Pr 1:8, 10, and often.
sleepeth—in indolence, and not for rest. causeth shame—literally, "is base" (compare Pr 14:35; 17:2).6. Blessings—literally, "Praises." The last clause is better: "The mouth of the wicked covereth (or concealeth) violence (or mischievous devices)" to be executed in due time (Ps 5:9; 10:7; Ro 3:14), and hence has no praises (compare Pr 10:11).
7. blessed—literally, "for a blessing," or praise.
shall rot—literally, "be worm-eaten," useless and disgusting.8. wise, &c.—(compare Pr 9:8, 9, 16), opposed to
prating fool—or, "fool of lips of wicked language." fall—headlong, suddenly.9. perverteth his ways—acts deceitfully.
known—discovered and punished.10. Two vices contrasted; hypocrisy, or insinuating evil against one (Pr 6:13; Ps 35:19), and rashness of speech. In each case, the results are on the evildoers.
11. a well—or, "source" of good to himself and others (Joh 7:37, 38). On last clause, see on Pr 10:6.
12. strifes—or, "litigations."
covereth—by forgiveness and forbearance.13. In the lips . . . found—hence, not beaten, as the wicked-speaking fool.
void of understanding— (Pr 6:32; 7:7).14. lay up knowledge—that is, as treasures for good use.
mouth . . . destruction—or, "as to the mouth," &c., destruction is near; they expose themselves to evil by prating.15. Both by trusting in "uncertain riches" (1Ti 6:17), or by the evils of poverty (Pr 30:9), men, not fearing God, fall into dangers.
16. The industry of the righteous is alone truly successful, while the earnings of the wicked tempt and lead to sin.
17. keepeth—observes (Pr 3:18; 4:22).
refuseth—or, "turns from reproof," which might direct him aright.18. Both vices must one day be known and punished, and hence their folly.
19. Much speech involves risk of sin; hence the wisdom of restraining the tongue (Ps 39:1; Jas 1:26).
20. Right speech is the fruit of a good heart, but the wicked show theirs to be useless.
21. Fools not only fail to benefit others, as do the righteous, but procure their own ruin (compare Pr 10:11, 17; Ho 4:6).
22. it maketh, &c.—"it" is emphatic. Riches from God are without the sorrow of ill-gotten wealth (compare Ec 2:21-23; 1Ti 6:9, 10, 17).
23. Sin is the pleasure of the wicked; wisdom that of the good.
24. it—the very thing. The wicked get dreaded evil; the righteous, desired good.
25. (Compare Ps 1:4; 37:9, 10, 36).
righteous . . . foundation—well laid and firm (Mt 7:24, 25).26. that is, causes vexation.
27. (Compare Pr 9:11; Ps 55:23).
28. gladness—in confidence of realizing it.
expectation . . . perish—in disappointment.29. The way, &c.—that is, God's providence sustains the righteous and overthrows the wicked (Ho 14:9).
30. (Compare Pr 12:3; Ps 37:9-11; 102:28).
earth—or, "land of promise."31. bringeth forth—literally, "germinates" as a plant.
froward—(Compare Pr 2:12, 14). cut off—as an unproductive plant.32. know—regard and provide for (Ps 1:6).
frowardness—all kinds of deceit and ill-nature. The word is plural.Proverbs 11
CHAPTER 11
1. (Compare Margin). The Hebrews used stones for weights.
just—complete in measure.2. Self-conceit is unteachable; the humble grow wise (compare Pr 16:18; 18:12).
3. guide—to lead, as a shepherd (Pr 6:7; Ps 78:52).
perverseness—ill-nature. destroy—with violence.4. (Compare Pr 10:2).
wrath—that is, of God.5. direct—or, "make plain"; wicked ways are not plain (Pr 13:17).
6. deliver them—that is, from evil, which the wicked suffer by their own doings (Pr 5:22; Ps 9:16).
7. expectation . . . perish—for death cuts short all his plans (Lu 16:25).
hope of unjust—better, "hope of wealth," or "power" (compare Isa 40:29, Hebrew). This gives an advance on the sentiment of the first clause. Even hopes of gain die with him.8. Perhaps the trouble prepared by the wicked, and which he inherits (compare Pr 11:6).
9. (Compare Ps 35:16; Da 11:32). The just is saved by superior discernment.
10, 11. The last may be a reason for the first. Together, they set forth the relative moral worth of good and bad men.
11. By the blessing—implying active benevolence.
12. despiseth—or, "reviles," a course contrasted with the prudent silence of the wise.
holdeth his peace—as if neither hearing nor telling.13. tale-bearer—(Compare Margin), one trading as a peddler in scandal, whose propensity to talk leads him to betray confidence.
14. counsel—the art of governing (Pr 1:5).
counsellors—literally, "one giving counsel"; the participle used as a collective.15. (Compare Pr 6:1).
suretiship—(Compare Margin), the actors put for the action, which may be lawfully hated.16. retaineth—or literally, "lay hold of as a support." Honor is to a feeble woman thus as valuable as riches to men.
17. merciful—kind to others; opposed to cruel. Such benefit themselves by doing good to others (compare Pr 24:5), while the cruel injure themselves as well as others.
flesh—that is, his body, by penuriousness (Col 2:23).18. a deceitful work—or, "wages," which fail to satisfy, or flee away (Pr 10:2; 23:5).
sure reward—or, "gain," as from trading (Ho 10:12; Ga 6:8, 9).19. Inference from Pr 11:18 (compare Pr 11:5, 6; 10:16).
20. (Compare Pr 11:5).
froward—as in Pr 2:15, opposed to the simplicity and purity of the upright. in their way—or, "conduct."21. The combined power of the wicked cannot free them from just punishment, while the unaided children of the righteous find deliverance by reason of their pious relationship (Ps 37:25, 26).
22. Jewels were often suspended from the nose (Ge 24:47; Isa 3:21). Thus adorned, a hog disgusts less than a fair and indiscreet woman.
23. (Compare Pr 10:28).
wrath—is that of God.24-31. The scope of the whole is a comment on Pr 11:23. Thus liberality, by God's blessing, secures increase, while penuriousness, instead of expected gain, procures poverty.
25. liberal soul—(Compare Margin).
made fat—prospers (Pr 28:25; De 32:15; Lu 6:38). watereth . . . watered—a common figure for blessing.26. Another example of the truth of Pr 11:23; the miser loses reputation, though he saves corn.
selleth it—that is, at a fair price.27. good [and] mischief—that is, of others.
procureth . . . seeketh—implying success.28. (Compare Pr 10:15; Ps 49:6; 1Ti 6:17).
righteous . . . branch— (Ps 1:3; Jer 17:8).29. troubleth—as Pr 15:27 explains, by greediness for gain (compare Pr 11:17).
inherit . . . wind—Even successful, his gains are of no real value. So the fool, thus acting, either comes to poverty, or heaps up for others.30. a tree of life—Blessings to others proceed from the works of the righteous (Pr 3:18).
winneth souls—(Compare Margin) to do them good as opposed to Pr 6:25; Eze 13:18 (compare Lu 5:10).31. Behold—Thus calling attention to the illustrations (compare Pr 11:23), the sentiment of which is confirmed even in time, not excluding future rewards and punishments.
Proverbs 12
CHAPTER 12
1. loveth knowledge—as the fruit of instruction or training (Pr 1:2).
hateth reproof— (Pr 10:17). brutish—stupid, regardless of his own welfare (Ps 49:10; 73:22).3. Wickedness cannot give permanent prosperity.
root . . . not be moved—firm as a flourishing tree— (Ps 1:3; 15:5; Jer 17:8).4. A virtuous woman—in the wide sense of well-disposed to all moral duties (Pr 31:10).
maketh ashamed—that is, by misconduct. rottenness—an incurable evil.5. thoughts—or, "purposes."
are right—literally, "are judgment," that is, true decisions. counsels—(Compare Pr 11:14). deceit—contrary to truth and honesty.6. The words—or, "expressed designs" of the wicked are for evil purposes.
the mouth—or, "words" of the righteous delivering instead of ensnaring men.7. Such conduct brings a proper return, by the destruction of the wicked and well-being of the righteous and his family.
8. despised—as opposed to commended (Pr 11:12).
perverse heart—or, "wicked principles," as opposed to one of wisdom.9. despised—held in little repute, obscure (1Sa 18:23; Isa 3:5).
hath a servant—implying some means of honest living. honoureth himself—is self-conceited.10. regardeth—literally, "knoweth" (Ps 1:6).
mercies . . . cruel—as acts of compassion ungraciously rendered to the needy. The righteous more regards a beast than the wicked a man.11. The idler's fate is the result of indolence and want of principle (Pr 6:32; 7:7).
12. the wicked . . . evil—They love the crafty arts of deception.
the root . . . fruit—their own resources supply them; or, it may be rendered: "He (God) giveth, or, sets (Eze 17:22) the root of the righteous," and hence it is firm: or, the verb is impersonal; "As to the root . . . it is firm" (Pr 17:19).13, 14. The wicked is snared, &c.—The sentiment expanded. While the wicked, such as liars, flatterers, &c., fall by their own words, the righteous are unhurt. Their good conduct makes friends, and God rewards them.
15. The way . . . eyes—The fool is self-conceited (compare Pr 12:1; 1:32; 10:17; Jas 3:17).
16. prudent . . . shame—He is slow to denounce his insulters (Jas 1:19).
18. speaketh—literally, "speaketh hastily," or indiscreetly (Ps 106:33), as an angry man retorts harsh and provoking invectives.
tongue . . . health—by soothing and gentle language.19. Words of truth are consistent, and stand all tests, while lies are soon discovered and exposed.
20. that imagine—or, "plan" (Pr 3:29). They design a deceitful course, to which, with all its evils and dangers to others and themselves, the happiness of peace-makers is opposed (compare Mt 5:9; Ro 12:18).
21. no evil—(as in Ps 91:10), under God's wise limitations (Ro 8:28).
mischief—as penal evil.22. deal truly—or, "faithfully," that is, according to promises (compare Joh 3:21).
23. concealeth—by his modesty (Pr 10:14; 11:13).
heart . . . proclaimeth—as his lips speak his thoughts (compare Ec 10:3).24. slothful—(Compare Margin), so called because he fails to meet his promises.
under tribute—not denoting legal taxes, but the obligation of dependence.25. a good word—one of comfort.
26. more excellent—(Compare Margin); or, "more successful," while the wicked fail; or, we may read it: "The righteous guides his friend, but," &c., that is, The ability of the righteous to aid others is contrasted with the ruin to which the way of the wicked leads themselves.
27. (Compare Pr 12:24).
took in hunting—or, "his venison." He does not improve his advantages. the substance . . . precious—or, "the wealth of a man of honor is being diligent," or "diligence." precious—literally, "honor" (Ec 10:1).28. (Compare Pr 8:8, 20, &c.). A sentiment often stated; here first affirmatively, then negatively.
Proverbs 13
CHAPTER 13
1. (Compare Pr 6:1-5; 10:1, 17).
2. shall eat—that is, obtain (Pr 12:14).
transgressors—as in Pr 2:22. violence—or, "mischief" to themselves.3. He . . . mouth . . . life—because evil speeches may provoke violence from others.
he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction—On last clause, compare Pr 10:14.4. (Compare Pr 12:11, 27).
5. loathsome . . . shame—better, causeth shame and reproach (compare Pr 19:26), by slander, &c., which the righteous hates.
6. A sentiment of frequent recurrence, that piety benefits and sin injures.
7. In opposite ways men act hypocritically for gain of honor or wealth.
8. Riches save some from punishment, while others suffer because they will not heed the rebuke of sloth, which makes and keeps them poor.
9. light . . . lamp—prosperity; the first, the greater, and it
rejoiceth—burns brightly, or continues, while the other, at best small, soon fails.10. The obstinacy which attends self-conceit, produces contention, which the well-advised, thus evincing modesty, avoid.
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.12. desire cometh—is realized.
a tree of life—or, "cause of happiness."13. the word—that is, of advice, or, instruction (compare Pr 10:27; 11:31).
14. (Compare Pr 10:11).
fountain—or, "source of life." to depart—(compare Pr 1:2-4), or, "for departing," &c., and so gives life.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: De 21:4; Jer 5:15).16. dealeth—acts with foresight.
a fool . . . folly—for want of caution.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.18. (Compare Pr 10:17; 12:1).
19. Self-denial, which fools will not endure, is essential to success.
20. The benefits of good and evil of bad society are contrasted.
21. (Compare Pr 11:31).
good . . . repaid—or, "He (God) will repay good."22. wealth . . . just—While good men's estates remain in their families, God so orders that the gains of sinners enure to the just (compare Pr 28:8; Ps 37:18, 22, 26, &c.).
23. The laboring poor prosper more than those who injudiciously or wickedly strive, by fraud and violence, to supersede the necessity of lawful labor.
24. spareth—or, "withholds."
rod—of correction. hateth—or, acts as if he hated him (compare Pr 3:12; 8:36). chasteneth . . . betimes—or, "diligently seeks for him all useful discipline."25. The comparative temporal prosperity of the righteous and wicked, rather than contentment and discontent, is noted.
Proverbs 14
CHAPTER 14
1. Every wise, &c.—literally, "The wisdoms" (compare Pr 9:1) "of women," plural, a distributive form of speech.
buildeth . . . house—increases wealth, which the foolish, by mismanagement, lessen.2. uprightness—is the fruit of fearing God, as falsehood and ill-nature (Pr 2:15; 3:32) of despising Him and His law.
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.
4. crib is clean—empty; so "cleanness of teeth" denotes want of food (compare Am 4:6). Men get the proper fruit of their doings (Ga 6:7).
5. A faithful witness, &c.—one tested to be such.
utter lies—or, "breathe out lies"—that is, habitually lies (Pr 6:19; compare Ac 9:1). Or the sense is, that habitual truthfulness, or lying, will be evinced in witness-bearing.6. An humble, teachable spirit succeeds in seeking (Pr 8:9; Joh 7:17; Jas 1:5, 6).
7. Avoid the society of those who cannot teach you.
8. Appearances deceive the thoughtless, but the prudent discriminate.
9. Fools make a mock at sin—or, "Sin deludes fools."
righteous . . . favour—that is, of God, instead of the punishment of sin.10. Each one best knows his own sorrows or joys.
11. (Compare Pr 12:7). The contrast of the whole is enhanced by that of house and tabernacle, a permanent and a temporary dwelling.
12. end thereof—or, "reward," what results (compare Pr 5:4).
ways of death—leading to it.13. The preceding sentiment illustrated by the disappointments of a wicked or untimely joy.
14. filled . . . ways—receive retribution (Pr 1:31).
a good man . . . himself—literally, "is away from such," will not associate with him.15. The simple . . . word—He is credulous, not from love, but heedlessness (Pr 13:16).
16. (Compare Pr 3:7; 28:14).
rageth—acts proudly and conceitedly.17. He . . . angry—literally, "short of anger" (compare Pr 14:29, opposite idea).
man . . . hated—that is, the deliberate evildoer is more hated than the rash.18. inherit—as a portion (compare Pr 3:35).
are crowned—literally, "are surrounded with it," abound in it.19. Describes the humbling of the wicked by the punishment their sins incur.
20. This sad but true picture of human nature is not given approvingly, but only as a fact.
21. For such contempt of the poor is contrasted as sinful with the virtuous compassion of the good.
22. As usual, the interrogative negative strengthens the affirmative.
mercy and truth—that is, God's (Ps 57:3; 61:7).23. labour—painful diligence.
talk . . . penury—idle and vain promises and plans.24. (Compare Pr 3:16).
foolishness . . . folly—Folly remains, or produces folly; it has no benefit.25. Life often depends on truth-telling.
a deceitful . . . lies—He that breathes out lies is deceit, not to be trusted (Pr 14:5).26. The blessings of piety descend to children (Pr 13:22; 20:7; Ex 20:6).
27. (Compare Pr 13:14).
fear of the Lord—or, "law of the wise," is wisdom (Ps 111:10).28. The teaching of a true political economy.
29. slow . . . understanding—(Compare Pr 14:17).
hasty—(Compare Pr 14:17). exalteth folly—makes it conspicuous, as if delighting to honor it.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.
31. reproacheth his Maker—who is the God of such, as well as of the rich (Pr 22:2; Job 31:15; and specially 1Sa 2:8; Ps 113:7).
32. driven—thrust out violently (compare Ps 35:5, 6).
hath hope—trusteth (Pr 10:2; 11:4; Ps 2:12), implying assurance of help.33. resteth—preserved in quietness for use, while fools blazon their folly (Pr 12:23; 13:16).
34. Righteousness—just principles and actions.
exalteth—raises to honor. is a reproach—brings on them the ill-will of others (compare Pr 13:6).35. wise—discreet or prudent.
causeth shame— (Pr 10:5; 12:4) acts basely.Proverbs 15
CHAPTER 15
1. soft—tender or gentle.
turneth . . . wrath—from any one. stir up—as a smouldering fire is excited.2. useth . . . aright—commends knowledge by its proper use.
poureth out—utters abundantly (Pr 12:23), and so disgusts others.3. beholding—watching (compare Pr 5:21; Ps 66:7).
4. A wholesome tongue—(Compare Margin), pacifying and soothing language.
tree of life— (Pr 3:18; 11:30). perverseness therein—cross, ill-natured language. breach . . . spirit—(compare Isa 65:14, Hebrew), grieves, instead of appeasing.5. (Compare Pr 4:1; 10:17; 13:1-18).
is prudent—acts discreetly.6. treasure—implying utility.
trouble—vexation and affliction.7. (Compare Pr 10:20, 21).
heart . . . not so—not right, or vain.8, 9. The sacrifice [and] prayer—are acts of worship.
way . . . followeth . . . righteousness—denote conduct. God's regard for the worship and deeds of the righteous and wicked respectively, so stated in Ps 50:17; Isa 1:11.10. (Compare Pr 10:17).
the way—that in which God would have him to go (Pr 2:13; Ps 119:1).11. Hell— (Ps 16:10).
destruction—or, "Abaddon," the place of the destroyer. All the unseen world is open to God, much more men's hearts.12. (Compare Pr 9:8).
go unto the wise—to be instructed.13. maketh . . . countenance—or, "benefits the countenance."
spirit is broken—and so the countenance is sad.14. (Compare Pr 10:21, 22). The wise grow wiser, the fools more foolish (Pr 9:9).
15. The state of the heart governs the outward condition.
evil—sad, contrasted with the cheerfulness of a feast.16. trouble—agitation, implying the anxieties and perplexities attending wealth held by worldlings (Pr 16:18; 1Ti 6:6).
17. dinner—or, "allowance" (2Ki 25:30) —
of herbs—and that the plainest. and hatred—(compare Pr 10:12, 18).18. (Compare Pr 14:29; 16:32).
19. The difficulties of the slothful result from want of energy; the righteous find a
plain [and open] way—literally, "a highway," by diligence (1Sa 10:7; Ps 1:3).20. (Compare Pr 10:1).
21. walketh uprightly—and so finds his joy (Pr 3:6; 10:23).
22. Without counsel—or, "deliberation," implying a wise deference to the opinions of the wise and good, contrasted with rashness.
23. Good advice blesses the giver and receiver.
24. (Compare Col 3:2). Holy purposes prevent sinning, and so its evils.
25. The most desolate who have God's aid have more permanent good than the self-reliant sinner (Pr 2:22; 12:7).
border—or, "boundary for possessions" (Ps 78:54).26. are pleasant words—that is, pleasing to God (Pr 8:8, 9).
27. (Compare Pr 11:17). Avarice brings trouble to him and his.
hateth gifts—or, "bribes" (Ex 23:8; Ps 15:5), and is not avaricious.28. (Compare Pr 15:14; 10:11). Caution is the fruit of wisdom; rashness of folly.
29. far . . . wicked—in His love and favor (Ps 22:11; 119:155).
30. light of the eyes— (Pr 13:9). What gives light rejoiceth the heart, by relieving from anxiety as to our course; so
good report—or, "doctrine" (Isa 28:9; 53:1), maketh . . . fat—or, "gives prosperity" (Pr 3:13-17; 9:11). The last clause is illustrated by the first.31, 32. (Compare Pr 10:17).
reproof of life—which leads to life. abideth . . . wise—is numbered among them.32. refuseth—or, "neglects," "passes by" (Pr 1:25; 4:15).
despiseth . . . soul—so acts as if esteeming its interests of no value.33. The fear . . . wisdom—Wisdom instructs in true piety.
before . . . humility—(compare Lu 24:26; 1Pe 1:11); opposite (compare Pr 16:18).