Bible Commentaries

wise. Hebrew. chokmoth (see note on Proverbs 1:2), wisdoms, plural (with verb in singular) for emphasis. Figure of speech Hypallage (App-6) = the true wisdom of women, which is put for the wise woman. The word is pointed as an Adjective by mistake. See notes on Proverbs 1:20; Proverbs 9:1; Proverbs 14:1.

buildeth = has built. Preterite tense, implying the outcome of past wisdom.

the foolish = a foolish woman. Hebrew. "evil. Same word as in verses: Proverbs 14:3, Proverbs 14:8, Proverbs 14:9, Proverbs 3:17, Proverbs 3:18, Proverbs 3:24, Proverbs 3:29. Not the same word as in verses: Proverbs 14:7, Proverbs 14:8, Proverbs 14:16, Proverbs 7:24.

plucketh it down = will tear it down: future, because folly's present course is continuous to the end.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

his ways. It may mean Jehovah's ways: i.e. he who turns out of His ways becomes an apostate, like the "strange" woman.

mouth. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for what is spoken by it.

of pride. Genitive of Possession, "pride's sceptre". See App-17(3). On the one side, we have "pride", prating, and punishment; on the other side, prudence, piety, and preservation.

lips. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for what is spoken by them.

preserve = guard.

oxen. While these were multiplied, horses were prohibited.

A faithful witness, &c. See Matthew 26:60, Matthew 26:61; Revelation 1:5.

seeketh = every scorner hath sought repeatedly. Note the past tense.

and flndeth it not. Illustrations: the Pharisees (John 9:29. Compare Proverbs 7:52, and 1 Corinthians 2:14); Jews (Acts 13:41, Acts 13:45); Athenians (1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Corinthians 2:8).

understandeth = is discerning. Illustration: Ethiopian (Acts 8:27-39).

foolish. Hebrew. kesil. See note on Proverbs 1:7. Same word as in verses: Proverbs 14:16, Proverbs 14:33; not the same word as in verses: Proverbs 14:1, Proverbs 14:3, Proverbs 14:9, Proverbs 1:17, Proverbs 1:18, Proverbs 1:29.

man. Hebrew. "ish. App-14.

When thou perceivest not = "And acknowledge not". Hebrew. yada to know, as in verses: Proverbs 14:10, Proverbs 14:33, &c.

wisdom. Hebrew. chokma. See note on Proverbs 1:2.

the prudent = a prudent one. See note on "subtil", Genesis 3:1.

is to understand. Not to vainly speculate about it, or to pry into the ways of others.

deceit = lying. Hebrew. ramah. See note on Proverbs 11:18.

make a mock. The verb is singular, and probably the plural "fools" means "A great fool makes a mock", &c.

sin = guilt. The proper name for the trespass offering. Hebrew. "asham (App-44.) Illustrations: the antediluvians (Luke 17:26, Luke 17:27; 1 Peter 3:20); Abner (2 Samuel 2:14-17); Haman (Esther 3:13-15. Esther 29:2); the Jews (Isaiah 22:13).

the righteous = upright ones.

favour. Those who offer the trespass offering, experience the Divine favour.

his own bitterness = the bitterness of his soul (Hebrew. nephesh. App-13). Illustrations: Hannah (1 Samuel 1:8-13); Joab (2 Samuel 19:5-7); the Shunammite (2 Kings 4:27); Haman (Esther 5:13); Job (Job 3); Herod (Mark 6:16).

a stranger = an apostate. Hebrew. zur. See note on Proverbs 2:16; Proverbs 5:3.

the wicked = lawless ones. Hebrew. rasha". App-44. See notes on Proverbs 14:32.

tabernacle = a-tent, or dwelling. Hebrew. "ohel. App-40. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, for the dwellers therein.

the upright = upright ones (as in Proverbs 14:9).

seemeth right = is pleasing. It only "seems" right, Illustrations: Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:27-33; 1 Kings 14:7-11. Compare Proverbs 3:7); Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:20-24); Jews (Acts 13:50; John 16:2. Compare Paul, Philippians 1:3, Philippians 1:4-7, and 1 Timothy 1:13).

are = is.

is: i.e. may be. Illustrations: Nabal (1 Samuel 25:36, 1 Samuel 25:37); Solomon (Ecclesiastes 2:2); Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1-6, Daniel 5:30); Israelites (Amos 6:3-7); Babylon (Revelation 18:7, Revelation 18:8).

filled = satisfied.

from himself. Ginsburg thinks, "from his own doings. "Compare Jeremiah 17:10.

word: or thing.

evil. Hebrew. ra a". See App-44.

rageth = rusheth on.

confident. Hebrew. batah. App-69.

wicked devices = deep schemes or intrigues.

the prudent = prudent ones.

The evil = evil ones. Hebrew. ra"a". App-44.

the righteous = a righteous one.

The poor = A needy one. Hebrew. rash. See note on Proverbs 6:11.

the rich = a rich man.

sinneth. Hebrew. chata

hath mercy on = is gracious to.

the poor = an afflicted one. Hebrew. "anah. See note on Proverbs 6:11.

happy. See note on Proverbs 3:13.

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

souls. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

the fear of the LORD. See note on Proverbs 1:7.

strong confidence. Illustrations: Abraham (Genesis 22:3-10. Hebrews 11:19); David (1 Samuel 30:6); Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:7, 2 Chronicles 32:8, 2 Chronicles 32:22); Shadrach and others (Daniel 3:17, Daniel 3:25, Daniel 3:27. Isaiah 43:2); Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:17-19); Peter (Acts 12:6. Acts 3:24); Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

children = sons.

depart from = avoid.

understanding = discernment. Hebrew. tebunah. See note on Proverbs 1:2.

hasty of spirit. Illustrations: Rehoboam (1Ki 12. Compare Proverbs 14:16, above); Jehoram (2 Kings 5:7); Martha (Luke 10:40).

spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9.

the poor = a weak one. Hebrew. dal. See note on Proverbs 6:11.

his Maker. An ancient title found in the book of Job (Job 35:10), also in Proverbs 17:5; just as we speak of the "Creator". Used here because He is the Maker of the weak as well as the strong. We meet with it again in Isaiah 17:7; Isaiah 51:13; Isaiah 54:5. Not "confined to the later literature of Judaism".

the poor = a humble one. Hebrew. "ebyon. See note on Proverbs 6:11.

The wicked = A lawless one. Heb rasha .

driven away in his wickedness = thrust down

in his evil-doing. Illustrations: Dathan (Numbers 16:33); Israel (Exodus 32:28. 1 Corinthians 10:7); Balaam (Numbers 31:8, Numbers 31:10. Revelation 2:14). Canaanites (Joshua 2:9; Joshua 5:1; Joshua 5:10. Deuteronomy 9:5); Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 4:11); Baal's prophets (1 Kings 18:40); Belshazzar (Daniel 5:2-6, Daniel 5:30).

wickedness = lawlessness, as above.

hath hope in his death. Illustrations: Jacob (Genesis 49:18); Joseph (Genesis 50:24, Genesis 50:25. Hebrews 11:22); David (2 Samuel 23:5. Psalms 17:15); Stephen (Acts 7:55); Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8); Peter (2 Peter 1:14, 2 Peter 1:16; 2 Peter 3:13).

But, &c. The verb being feminine, may refer to "wisdom". If so we may render "and [even] in the midst of fools will make itself known".

exalteth . . . But, &c. Illustrations: Deuteronomy 4:6; Deuteronomy 4:28; 1 Kings 9:7-9; 2 Chronicles 15:3, 2 Chronicles 15:5, 2 Chronicles 15:6; compare Joshua 1:8; Joshua 10:42; Joshua 23:14 with Judges 1:2, &c.; compare 2 Chronicles 17:2-5, 2 Chronicles 17:10, 2 Chronicles 17:11, and 2 Kings 18:7 with 2Ki 16. Compare the Canaanites (Leviticus 18:24-30); Egypt (Exodus 12:12. Ezekiel 29:1-15); Amalekites (Exodus 17:16. 1Sam 15; Babylon (Isaiah 14:4-23. Isaiah 47:6-15); Moab (Isaiah 16:6, Isaiah 16:7); Tyre (Ezekiel 28:2-8. Isaiah 23:1-9): Nineveh (Zephaniah 2:11-15).

people = peoples.