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.
