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.
