Bible Commentaries

All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth [them ^a with] words, [yet] they [are] lacking [to him].

(a) To have comfort from them.

He that getteth wisdom ^b loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

(b) He that is upright in judgment finds favour from God.

^c Delight is not proper for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

(c) The free use of things are not to be permitted to him who cannot use them correctly.

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory ^d to pass over a transgression.

(d) That is, to cover it by charity, and to do in it as may most serve to God's glory.

A foolish son [is] the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife [are] a continual ^e dropping.

(e) As rain that drops and rots the house.

A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou ^f deliver [him], yet thou must do it again.

(f) Though for a time he gives place to counsel, yet soon after will he give place to his raging affections.

[There are] many devices in a ^g man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

(g) Man's device will not have success, unless God governs it, whose purpose is unchangeable.

The desire of a man [is] his ^h kindness: and a poor man [is] better than a liar.

(h) That is, that he be honest: for the poor man who is honest is to be esteemed above the rich who is not virtuous.

Smite a scorner, and the ⁱ simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge.

(i) That is, the simple and ignorant men learn when they see the wicked punished.

An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked ^k devoureth iniquity.

(k) Takes a pleasure and delight in it, as gluttons and drunkards in delicate meats and drinks.