Bible Commentaries

A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the ^a root of the righteous shall not be moved.

(a) They are so grounded in the favour of God, that their root will prosper continually.

The words of the wicked [are] to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall ^b deliver them.

(b) As their conscience is upright, so will they be able to speak for themselves against their accusers.

[He that is] despised, ^c and hath a servant, [is] better than he that honoureth himself, and is destitute of bread.

(c) The poor man that is contemned and yet lives of his own travail.

A righteous [man] ^d regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel.

(d) Is merciful, even to the very beast who does him service.

The wicked desireth the ^e net of evil [men]: but the ^f root of the righteous yieldeth [fruit].

(e) Continually imagines ways to harm others.

(f) Meaning, their heart within, which is upright, and does good to all.

The way of a fool [is] ^g right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth to counsel [is] wise.

(g) He stands in his own conceit, and condemns all others in respect to himself.

A fool's wrath is presently known: but ^h a prudent [man] covereth shame.

(h) Who bridles his affections.

There is that speaketh like the piercings of ⁱ a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.

(i) Which seek nothing more then to provoke others to anger.

Heaviness in the heart of man weigheth it down: but a ^k good word maketh it glad.

(k) That is, words of comfort, or a cheerful mind which is declared by his words, rejoices a man, as a covetous mind kills him.

The righteous ^l [is] more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

(l) That is, more liberal in giving.

The slothful [man] roasteth not that which he ^m took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man [is] precious.

(m) Although he gets much by unlawful means, yet he will not spend it on himself.