1. hardeneth . . . neck--obstinately refuses counsel
(@2Ki 17:14 Ne 9:16).
destroyed--literally, "shivered" or "utterly broken to pieces."
without remedy--literally, "without healing" or repairing.
2. (Compare @Pr 11:10 28:28).
in authority--(Compare Margin), increased in power.
3. (Compare @Pr 4:6,7 10:1, &c.).
4. by judgment--that is, righteous decisions, opposed to those procured
by gifts (compare @Pr 28:21), by which good government is perverted.
land--for nation.
5. (Compare @Pr 26:28).
spreadeth . . . feet--By misleading him as to his real character, the
flatterer brings him to evil, prepared by himself or others.
6. In--or, "By"
the transgression--he is brought into difficulty (@Pr 12:13), but
the righteous go on prospering, and so sing or rejoice.
7. considereth--literally, "knows," as @Ps 1:6.
the cause--that is, in courts of justice (compare @Pr 29:14). The
voluntary neglect of it by the wicked (@Pr 28:27) occasions oppression.
8. Scornful men--those who contemptuously disregard God's law.
bring--(Compare Margin), kindle strife.
turn away wrath--that is, "abate wrath."
9. contendeth--that is, in law.
whether . . . laugh--The fool, whether angry or good-humored, is
unsettled; or referring the words to the wise man, the sense is, that
all his efforts, severe or gentle, are unavailing to pacify the fool.
10. bloodthirsty--(Compare Margin), murderers (@Ps 5:6 26:9).
hate, &c.--(@Pr 1:11 Ge 3:4).
seek . . . soul--that is, to preserve it.
11. (Compare @Pr 12:16 16:32).
mind--or, "spirit," for anger or any ill passion which the righteous
restrain.
12. His servants imitate him.
13. (Compare @Pr 22:2).
deceitful man--literally, "man of vexations," an exactor.
the Lord . . . their eyes--sustains their lives
(@1Sa 14:27 Ps 13:3); that is, both depend on Him, and He will do
justice.
14. (Compare @Pr 20:28 25:5). Such is the character of the King of kings (@Ps 72:4,12).
15. (Compare @Pr 13:24 23:13).
16. (Compare @Pr 29:2,12 Ps 12:1-8).
shall see . . . fall--and triumph in it (@Ps 37:34-38 58:10,11).
17. (Compare @Pr 29:3,15 Pr 19:18).
give thee rest--peace and quiet (compare @Pr 29:9).
18. no vision--instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets,
through visions (@1Sa 3:1).
people perish--(Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints.
keepeth the law--has, and observes, instruction
(@Pr 14:11,34 Ps 19:11).
19. A servant--who lacks good principle.
corrected--or discovered.
will not answer--that is, will not obey.
20. (Compare @Pr 21:5).
hasty in . . . words?--implying self-conceit (@Pr 26:12).
21. become his son--assume the place and privileges of one.
22. (Compare @Pr 15:18). Such are delighted by discord and violence.
23. (Compare @Pr 16:18 18:12).
honour . . . spirit--or, "such shall lay hold on honor"
(@Pr 11:16).
24. hateth . . . soul--(Compare @Pr 8:36).
heareth cursing--(@Le 5:1), risks the punishment, rather than
reveal truth.
25. The fear . . . snare--involves men in difficulty (compare
@Pr 29:6).
shall be safe--(Compare Margin; @Pr 18:10).
26. (Compare Margin; @Ps 27:8). God alone will and can do exact justice.
27. (Compare @Pr 3:32). On last clause, compare @Pr 29:16 Ps 37:12.