1. loveth knowledge--as the fruit of instruction or training (Pr 1:2). hateth reproof--(Pr 10:17). brutish--stupid, regardless of his own welfare (Ps 49:10 73:22).
3. Wickedness cannot give permanent prosperity. root . . . not be moved--firm as a flourishing tree--(Ps 1:3 15:5 Jer 17:8). 4. A virtuous woman--in the wide sense of well-disposed to all moral duties (Pr 31:10). maketh ashamed--that is, by misconduct. rottenness--an incurable evil. 5. thoughts--or, "purposes." are right--literally, "are judgment," that is, true decisions. counsels--(Compare Pr 11:14). deceit--contrary to truth and honesty. 6. The words--or, "expressed designs" of the wicked are for evil purposes. the mouth--or, "words" of the righteous delivering instead of ensnaring men.
7. Such conduct brings a proper return, by the destruction of the wicked and well-being of the righteous and his family.
8. despised--as opposed to commended (Pr 11:12). perverse heart--or, "wicked principles," as opposed to one of wisdom. 9. despised--held in little repute, obscure (1Sa 18:23 Isa 3:5). hath a servant--implying some means of honest living. honoureth himself--is self-conceited. 10. regardeth--literally, "knoweth" (Ps 1:6). mercies . . . cruel--as acts of compassion ungraciously rendered to the needy. The righteous more regards a beast than the wicked a man. 11. The idler's fate is the result of indolence and want of principle (Pr 6:32 7:7). 12. the wicked . . . evil--They love the crafty arts of deception. the root . . . fruit--their own resources supply them; or, it may be rendered: "He (God) giveth, or, sets (Eze 17:22) the root of the righteous," and hence it is firm: or, the verb is impersonal; "As to the root . . . it is firm" (Pr 17:19). 13, 14. The wicked is snared, &c.--The sentiment expanded. While the wicked, such as liars, flatterers, &c., fall by their own words, the righteous are unhurt. Their good conduct makes friends, and God rewards them.
16. prudent . . . shame--He is slow to denounce his insulters (Jas 1:19). 18. speaketh--literally, "speaketh hastily," or indiscreetly (Ps 106:33), as an angry man retorts harsh and provoking invectives. tongue . . . health--by soothing and gentle language. 19. Words of truth are consistent, and stand all tests, while lies are soon discovered and exposed. 20. that imagine--or, "plan" (Pr 3:29). They design a deceitful course, to which, with all its evils and dangers to others and themselves, the happiness of peace-makers is opposed (compare Mt 5:9 Ro 12:18). 21. no evil--(as in Ps 91:10), under God's wise limitations (Ro 8:28). mischief--as penal evil. 22. deal truly--or, "faithfully," that is, according to promises (compare Joh 3:21). 23. concealeth--by his modesty (Pr 10:14 11:13). heart . . . proclaimeth--as his lips speak his thoughts (compare Ec 10:3). 24. slothful--(Compare Margin), so called because he fails to meet his promises. under tribute--not denoting legal taxes, but the obligation of dependence. 25. a good word--one of comfort. 26. more excellent--(Compare Margin); or, "more successful," while the wicked fail; or, we may read it: "The righteous guides his friend, but," &c., that is, The ability of the righteous to aid others is contrasted with the ruin to which the way of the wicked leads themselves. 27. (Compare Pr 12:24). took in hunting--or, "his venison." He does not improve his advantages. the substance . . . precious--or, "the wealth of a man of honor is being diligent," or "diligence." precious--literally, "honor" (Ec 10:1). 28. (Compare Pr 8:8,20, &c.). A sentiment often stated; here first affirmatively, then negatively.
