1. rivers--irrigating channels (@Ps 1:3), whose course was easily turned (compare @De 11:10). God disposes even kings as He pleases (@Pr 16:9 Ps 33:15).
2. (Compare @Pr 14:2 16:2-25).
3. (Compare @Ps 50:7-15 Isa 1:11,17).
4. high look--(Compare Margin; @Ps 131:1).
proud heart--or, "heart of breadth," one that is swollen (compare
@Ps 101:5).
ploughing--better "lamp," a frequent figure for prosperity
(@Pr 20:20); hence joy or delight.
5. The contrast is between steady industry and rashness (compare @Pr 19:2).
6. The getting--or, "what is obtained" (compare @Job 7:2 Jer 22:13,
Hebrew).
vanity . . . to and fro--as fleeting as chaff or stubble in the wind
(compare @Pr 20:17-21 Ps 62:10). Such gettings are unsatisfactory.
them . . . death--act as if they did (@Pr 8:36 17:19).
7. robbery--or, "destruction," especially oppression, of which they
are authors.
shall destroy--literally, "cut with a saw" (@1Ki 7:9), that is,
utterly ruin them. Their sins shall be visited on them in kind.
to do judgment--what is just and right.
8. of man--any one; his way is opposed to truth, and also estranged from it. The pure proves himself such by his right conduct.
9. corner--a turret or arbor on the roof.
brawling--or contentious.
wide house--literally, "house of fellowship," large enough for several
families.
10. So strongly does he desire to do evil (@Ps 10:3 Ec 8:11), that he will not even spare his friend if in his way.
11. (Compare @Pr 19:25). That which the simple learn by the terrors of punishment, the wise learn by teaching.
12. (Compare @Ps 37:35-38 73:17,20).
house--family or interests.
overthroweth--either supply "God" (compare @Pr 10:24), or the word
is used impersonally.
13. The principles of retribution, often taught (compare @Ps 18:26 Mt 7:1-12).
14. The effect of bribery (@Pr 17:23) is enhanced by secrecy, as the bribed person does not wish his motives made known.
15. But the just love right and need no bribes. The wicked at last meet destruction, though for a time happy in concealing corruption.
16. the way of understanding--(Compare @Pr 12:26 14:22).
remain--that is, rest as at a journey's end; death will be his
unchanging home.
17. Costly luxuries impoverish.
18. (Compare @Pr 11:8). By suffering what they had devised for the righteous, or brought on them, the wicked became their ransom, in the usual sense of substitutes (compare @Jos 7:26 Es 7:9).
19. (Compare @Pr 21:9).
wilderness--pasture, though uninhabitable ground
(@Ps 65:12).
20. The wise, by diligence and care, lay up and increase wealth, while
fools
spend--literally, "swallow it up," greedily.
21. He who tries to act justly and kindly (@Ps 34:14) will prosper and obtain justice and honor.
22. "Wisdom is better than strength" (@Ec 7:19 9:15).
strength . . . thereof--that in which they confide.
23. (Compare @Pr 13:2,3 Jas 3:6-10).
24. The reproachful name is deserved by those who treat others with anger and contempt.
25. desire--that is of ease and idleness brings him to starvation.
26. The sin of covetousness marks the sluggard, as the virtue of benevolence the righteous.
27. God regards the heart, and hypocrisy is more odious than open
inconsistency.
wicked mind--or, "design" (@Pr 1:4).
28. (Compare @Pr 19:5).
that heareth--or heeds instruction, and so grows wise.
speaketh constantly--or sincerely (compare @Hab 1:5), and hence is
believed (@Pr 12:19 Jas 1:19).
29. hardeneth his face--is obstinate.
directeth . . . way--considers it, and acts advisedly.
30, 31. Men's best devices and reliances are vain compared with God's, or without His aid (@Pr 19:21 Ps 20:7 33:17).