Bible Commentaries

Surety - Rashly, without considering how thou shalt discharge the debt as occasion require. Otherwise suretyship in some cases may be not only lawful, but an act of justice and charity. Stricken thy hand - Obliged thyself by giving thine hand, as the custom then was in such cases. With - With the creditor, whom he calls a stranger, because the usurers in Israel, who lent money to others, upon condition of paying use for it, were either Heathens, or were reputed as bad as Heathens, because this practice was forbidden by God's law, Deuteronomy 23:19 .

Hand - Into the power. Friend - Of the debtor, for whom, as being thy friend, thou didst become surety; whereby thou art in his power, by his neglect or unfaithfulness, to expose thee to the payment of the debt. Make sure - Or, and prevail with thy friend, strive to win him by thine incessant and earnest solicitations.

Give not sleep - Until thou hast taken care for the discharge of this obligation.

Go - This is a distinct precept; and it is for the most part as needless to seek, as hard to find, coherence in the proverbs.

Travelleth - Swiftly and unexpectedly. Armed man - Irresistibly.

Hate - Above many other sins which have a worse name in the world.

Deviseth - He whose practice it is to contrive wickedness. Swift - Such as greedily execute their wicked designs.

The law - The word of God, which thy parents delivered to thee.

Bind them - Constantly remember, and duly consider them.

It - The law of God which thy parents have taught thee. Talk - It shall give thee counsel and comfort.

Eye - lids - With her wanton glances,

Despise - Abhor, but rather pity him.

Restore - He speaks not of that restitution which the law required, but of that which either the wronged person might force the thief to make, or which the thief would willingly give rather than be exposed to public shame.

Rage - It enflames a man with rage. In the day - When he hath an opportunity to avenge himself.