Proverbs 12:11

vainpersons] We may either supply persons, with A.V. and R.V. text: or things, with R.V. marg. and LXX. μάταια, Vulg. sectatur otium, and in accordance with the usage of this Book in following the Heb. verb here employed by an accus. of a thing, Proverbs 11:19; Proverbs 15:9. In the former case the argument expanded will be: To keep bad company argues want of understanding, because it leads not to plenty but to lack of bread. In the latter case we may understand by vain things, idle, useless occupations, thus preserving the contrast to the honest labour of the former clause of the verse.

The LXX. and Vulg. have an interesting addition:

"He that takes pleasure in tarrying long at the wine

Shall leave dishonour in his own stronghold;"

as an example probably of the general principle of the proverb. Comp. Proverbs 21:17.