Pro 19 | Geneva | STEP | A man [that hath] friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer {q} than a brother. (q) That is, often such are found who are more ready to do pleasure, than he that is more bound by duty.

Proverbs 19

A man [that hath] friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer {q} than a brother.

(q) That is, often such are found who are more ready to do pleasure, than he that is more bound by duty. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth [them {a} with] words, [yet] they [are] lacking [to him].

(a) To have comfort from them. He that getteth wisdom {b} loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

(b) He that is upright in judgment finds favour from God. {c} Delight is not proper for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

(c) The free use of things are not to be permitted to him who cannot use them correctly. The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory {d} to pass over a transgression.

(d) That is, to cover it by charity, and to do in it as may most serve to God's glory. A foolish son [is] the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife [are] a continual {e} dropping.

(e) As rain that drops and rots the house. A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou {f} deliver [him], yet thou must do it again.

(f) Though for a time he gives place to counsel, yet soon after will he give place to his raging affections. [There are] many devices in a {g} man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

(g) Man's device will not have success, unless God governs it, whose purpose is unchangeable. The desire of a man [is] his {h} kindness: and a poor man [is] better than a liar.

(h) That is, that he be honest: for the poor man who is honest is to be esteemed above the rich who is not virtuous. Smite a scorner, and the {i} simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge.

(i) That is, the simple and ignorant men learn when they see the wicked punished. An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked {k} devoureth iniquity.

(k) Takes a pleasure and delight in it, as gluttons and drunkards in delicate meats and drinks.