1. (Compare @Pr 28:6). "Rich" for fool here. Integrity is better than riches (@Pr 15:16,17 16:8).
2. The last illustrates the first clause. Rashness, the result of ignorance, brings trouble.
3. perverteth . . . way--turns him back from right (@Pr 13:6 Jas 1:13); and he blames God for his failures.
4. (Compare @Pr 14:20). Such facts are often adduced with implied disapprobation.
5. Compare @Pr 19:9, where perish explains not escape here (compare @Ps 88:9,10).
8. (Compare Margin; @Pr 15:32).
loveth . . . soul--or, "himself," which he evinces by regarding his
best interests.
keepeth--or, "regards."
10. (Compare @Pr 17:7). The fool is incapable of properly using pleasure as knowledge, yet for him to have it is less incongruous than the undue elevation of servants. Let each abide in his calling (@1Co 7:20).
11. (Compare @Pr 14:29 16:32). This inculcation of a forgiving spirit shows that true religion is always the same (@Mt 5:22-24).
12. (Compare @Pr 16:14,15 20:2). A motive to submission to lawful authority.
13. calamity--literally, "calamities," varied and many.
continual dropping--a perpetual annoyance, wearing out patience.
14. A contrast of men's gifts and God's, who, though author of both
blessings, confers the latter by His more special providence.
and--or, "but," implying that the evils of @Pr 19:13 are only
avoided by His care.
15. a deep sleep--a state of utter indifference.
idle soul--or, "person" (compare @Pr 10:4 12:24).
16. (Compare @Pr 10:17 13:13).
despiseth . . . ways--opposed to keeping or observing, neglects
(@Pr 16:17) (as unworthy of regard) his moral conduct.
17. (Compare @Pr 14:21 Ps 37:26).
hath pity--shown by acts (compare Margin).
18. (Compare @Pr 13:24 23:13).
let not . . . spare--literally, "do not lift up thy soul"
(@Ps 24:4 25:1), that is, do not desire to his death; a caution to
passionate parents against angry chastisement.
19. Repeated efforts of kindness are lost on ill-natured persons.
20. (Compare @Pr 13:18-20).
latter end--(@Pr 5:11). In youth prepare for age.
21. (Compare @Pr 16:1,9 Ps 33:10,11). The failure of man's devices is implied.
22. desire--that is, to do good, indicates a kind disposition (@Pr 11:23); and the poor thus affected are better than liars, who say and do not.
23. The fear . . . life--(Compare @Pr 3:2).
abide--or, "remain contented" (@1Ti 4:8).
not visited with evil--(@Pr 10:3 Ps 37:25), as a judgment, in
which sense visit is often used (@Ps 89:32 Jer 6:15).
24. bosom--literally, a wide dish in which the hand was plunged in eating (@Mt 26:23). Compare @Pr 26:15, the sentiment expressed with equal irony and less exaggeration.
25. Such is the benefit of reproof; even the simple profit, much more the wise.
26. Unfilial conduct often condemned (@Pr 17:21-25 20:20 De 21:18,21).
27. Avoid whatever leads from truth.
28. ungodly witness--(Compare Margin), one false by bad principles
(compare @Pr 6:12).
scorneth judgment--sets at naught the dictates of justice.
devoureth--literally, "swalloweth," as something delightful.
29. Their punishment is sure, fixed, and ready (compare @Pr 3:34 10:13).