1. preparations--schemes.
in man--or literally, "to man," belonging, or pertaining to him.
the answer . . . Lord--The efficient ordering is from God: "Man
proposes; God disposes."
2. clean--or, "faultless."
weigheth--or, "tries," "judges," implying that they are faulty
(@Pr 21:2 24:12).
3. (Compare Margin). Rely on God for success to your lawful purposes.
4. for himself--"for its answer," or "purpose," that is, according to God's plan; the wicked are for the day of evil (@Ps 49:5 Jer 17:18); sinning and suffering answer to each other, are indissolubly united.
5. (Compare @Pr 3:32).
6. By mercy and truth--that is, God's (@Ps 85:10); He effects the
atonement, or covering of sin; and the principles of true piety incline
men to depart from evil; or, "mercy" and "truth" may be man's,
indicative of the gracious tempers which work instrumentally in
procuring pardon.
purged--expiated (as in @Le 16:33 Isa 27:9, Hebrew).
7. Persecutions, of course, excepted.
8. (Compare @Pr 15:6,16,17).
9. (Compare @Pr 16:3).
directeth--establisheth.
10. The last clause depends on the first, expressing the importance of equity in decisions, so authoritative.
11. are the Lord's . . . his work--that is, what He has ordered, and hence should be observed by men.
12. Rulers are rightly expected, by their position, to hate evil; for their power is sustained by righteousness.
13. A specification of the general sentiment of @Pr 16:12.
14. This wrath, so terrible and certain, like messengers of death (@1Ki 2:25), can be appeased by the wise.
15. light of . . . countenance--favor (@Ps 4:6).
life--preserves it, or gives blessings which make it valuable.
the latter rain--fell just before harvest and matured the crop; hence
specially valuable (@De 11:14).
16. (Compare @Pr 3:16 4:5).
17. The highway--A common, plain road represents the habitual
course of the righteous in departing from evil.
keepeth--observes.
18, 19. (Compare @Pr 15:33). Haughtiness and pride imply
self-confidence which produces carelessness, and hence
a fall--literally, "sliding."
19. divide the spoil--that is, conquer. Avoid the society of the proud (@Jas 4:6).
20. handleth a matter--wisely considers "the word," that is, of God
(compare @Pr 13:13).
trusteth--(Compare @Ps 2:12 118:8,9).
21. wise in heart--who rightly consider duty.
sweetness of the lips--eloquent discourse, persuades and instructs
others.
22. Understanding--or, "discretion," is a constant source of blessing (@Pr 13:14), benefiting others; but fools' best efforts are folly.
23. The heart is the source of wisdom flowing from the mouth.
24. (Compare @Pr 15:26). Gentle, kind words, by soothing the mind, give the body health.
25. (Compare @Pr 14:2).
26. Diligence is a duty due to one's self, for his wants require labor.
27. ungodly man--(Compare @Pr 6:12).
diggeth up evil--labors for it.
in his lips . . . fire--His words are calumniating (@Jas 3:6).
28. (Compare @Pr 6:14 10:31).
whisperer--prater, talebearer (@Pr 18:8 26:20).
29. violent man--or, "man of mischief" (@Pr 3:31).
enticeth--(@Pr 1:10).
30. He shutteth his eyes--denoting deep thought (@Ps 64:6).
moving his lips--or, "biting his lips"--a determined purpose
(@Pr 6:13).
31. (Compare @Pr 20:29).
if--or, which may be supplied properly, or without it the sense is
as in @Pr 3:16 4:10, that piety is blessed with long life.
32. (Compare @Pr 14:29).
taketh a city--that is, by fighting.
33. Seemingly the most fortuitous events are ordered by God.