Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Treasures . . . nothing--that is, Ill-gotten gains give no true happiness (compare Pro 4:17; Mat 6:19). righteousness--especially beneficence (Psa 112:9). death--the greatest of all evils.

(Compare Psa 37:16-20). The last clause is better: "He will repel the greedy desires of the wicked."

slack--literally, "deceitful," failing of its purpose (compare Hos 7:16). maketh rich--(compare Pro 10:22).

son--as Pro 1:8, Pro 1:10, and often. sleepeth--in indolence, and not for rest. causeth shame--literally, "is base" (compare Pro 14:35; Pro 17:2).

Blessings--literally, "Praises." The last clause is better: "The mouth of the wicked covereth (or concealeth) violence (or mischievous devices)" to be executed in due time (Psa 5:9; Psa 10:7; Rom 3:14), and hence has no praises (compare Pro 10:11).

blessed--literally, "for a blessing," or praise. shall rot--literally, "be worm-eaten," useless and disgusting.

wise, &c.--(compare Pro 9:8-9, Pro 9:16), opposed to prating fool--or, "fool of lips of wicked language." fall--headlong, suddenly.

perverteth his ways--acts deceitfully. known--discovered and punished.

Two vices contrasted; hypocrisy, or insinuating evil against one (Pro 6:13; Psa 35:19), and rashness of speech. In each case, the results are on the evildoers.

a well--or, "source" of good to himself and others (Joh 7:37-38). On last clause, see on Pro 10:6.

strifes--or, "litigations." covereth--by forgiveness and forbearance.

In the lips . . . found--hence, not beaten, as the wicked-speaking fool. void of understanding-- (Pro 6:32; Pro 7:7).

lay up knowledge--that is, as treasures for good use. mouth . . . destruction--or, "as to the mouth," &c., destruction is near; they expose themselves to evil by prating.

Both by trusting in "uncertain riches" (Ti1 6:17), or by the evils of poverty (Pro 30:9), men, not fearing God, fall into dangers.

The industry of the righteous is alone truly successful, while the earnings of the wicked tempt and lead to sin.

keepeth--observes (Pro 3:18; Pro 4:22). refuseth--or, "turns from reproof," which might direct him aright.

Both vices must one day be known and punished, and hence their folly.

Much speech involves risk of sin; hence the wisdom of restraining the tongue (Psa 39:1; Jam 1:26).

Right speech is the fruit of a good heart, but the wicked show theirs to be useless.

Fools not only fail to benefit others, as do the righteous, but procure their own ruin (compare Pro 10:11, Pro 10:17; Hos 4:6).

it maketh, &c.--"it" is emphatic. Riches from God are without the sorrow of ill-gotten wealth (compare Ecc 2:21-23; Ti1 6:9-10, Ti1 6:17).

Sin is the pleasure of the wicked; wisdom that of the good.

it--the very thing. The wicked get dreaded evil; the righteous, desired good.

(Compare Psa 1:4; Psa 37:9-10, Psa 37:36). righteous . . . foundation--well laid and firm (Mat 7:24-25).

that is, causes vexation.

(Compare Pro 9:11; Psa 55:23).

gladness--in confidence of realizing it. expectation . . . perish--in disappointment.

The way, &c.--that is, God's providence sustains the righteous and overthrows the wicked (Hos 14:9).

(Compare Pro 12:3; Psa 37:9-11; Psa 102:28). earth--or, "land of promise."

bringeth forth--literally, "germinates" as a plant. froward--(Compare Pro 2:12, Pro 2:14). cut off--as an unproductive plant.

know--regard and provide for (Psa 1:6). frowardness--all kinds of deceit and ill-nature. The word is plural. Next: Proverbs Chapter 11