Proverbs 21 - Introduction
_A.M. 3004. B.C. 1000._... [ Continue Reading ]
_A.M. 3004. B.C. 1000._... [ Continue Reading ]
_The king's heart_ His very inward purposes and inclinations, which seem to be most in a man's own power, and out of the reach of all other beings; and much more his tongue, and hand, and all his outward actions; _are in the hand of the Lord_ Subject to the influence, control, and government of the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Every way of a man_, &c. See on Proverbs 16:2, where this same thing was declared. _To do justice and judgment_ The conscientious performance of all our duties to men; _is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice_ Than the most costly outward services offered to God, joined with the neglect of re... [ Continue Reading ]
_A high look_ One sign of pride put for all the rest; _and a proud heart_ Pride lurking and reigning in the heart, though it do not discover itself to men by outward actions, but be disguised with a show of humility, as it frequently is; _and the ploughing of the wicked_ Even their civil or natural... [ Continue Reading ]
_The thoughts of the diligent_ Who carefully and industriously prosecutes what he hath wisely contrived and resolved; _tend only to plenteousness_ To affluence and wealth; _but every one that is hasty_ That manages his affairs rashly, without due consideration; _only to want_ Is likely to bring hims... [ Continue Reading ]
_The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them_ The injury which they do to others shall, either by God or men, be returned upon their own heads; _because they refuse to do judgment_ They wilfully and obstinately give up themselves to unrighteous practices. _The way of man_ The course of man's life,... [ Continue Reading ]
_The soul of the wicked desireth evil_ His heart is earnestly and fully set in him, as it is expressed Ecclesiastes 8:11, _to do evil_, to work wickedness, to do mischief to others, or to satisfy his own lusts, though it be with injury of others. _His neighbour findeth no favour_, &c. If he either e... [ Continue Reading ]
_When the scorner_, &c. Houbigant renders this verse, “When the scorner is punished, the humble is made more wise; and when the wise man prospers, the same person will acquire knowledge.” The sense evidently is, The simple learn wisdom both from the punishment of wicked men, and from the prosperity... [ Continue Reading ]
_Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor_ When they cry out by reason of oppression or want, and beg relief from him; _he also shall cry himself_ Unto God or men, in his straits which God shall bring upon him; _but shall not be heard_ Shall be denied his requests.... [ Continue Reading ]
_A gift_ Bestowed on a person offended and angry with us, as the following words show; _in secret_ That is, given in secret, which makes it more acceptable; for gifts openly given savour of ostentation in the giver: and cause some shame to the receiver; _pacifieth anger_ Removes all resentment, and... [ Continue Reading ]
_The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding_ That forsaketh the rule of God's word, and walketh after his own lusts; _shall remain in the congregation of the dead_ Shall, without repentance, be condemned to eternal death and destruction; Hebrew, בקהל רפאים, _In the congregation of the Re... [ Continue Reading ]
_He that loveth pleasure_ That gives himself up to the pursuit and enjoyment of sensual pleasure; _shall be a poor man_ Takes the ready course to poverty. _He that loveth wine and oil_ Which were much used in feasts in those parts; that is, he that loves to feast and live delicately; _shall not be r... [ Continue Reading ]
_The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous_ The wicked shall be brought into those troubles which were designed by wicked men against the righteous, and by that means, as by a ransom, the righteous shall be delivered; thus Haman was a ransom for Mordecai.... [ Continue Reading ]
_There is a treasure, &c., in the dwelling of the wise_ Wise men lay up all necessary and desirable treasures for their own use and for their families. _Oil_ is particularly mentioned, because it was a considerable part of their wealth and treasures in those countries; _but a foolish man spendeth it... [ Continue Reading ]
_He that followeth after righteousness_, &c. That fervently desires, and diligently and constantly endeavours to attain these virtues, and to live in the exercise of them; _findeth life_ Spiritual and eternal life; _righteousness_ What is right and due to him, either from God, by virtue of his graci... [ Continue Reading ]
_A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty_ Wisdom and policy are ofttimes more considerable and powerful than strength; _and casteth down the strength_, &c. The strongest forts, to which the citizens trust most for their defence.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Proud and haughty scorner is his name_, &c. Instead of that respect and glory, which he seeks by such a practice, he shall be branded with the title and imputation of an arrogant and scornful person; _who dealeth in proud wrath_ Who, in the conduct of his affairs and dealings in the world, is not g... [ Continue Reading ]
_The desire of the slothful killeth him_ Torments him almost to death, while he passionately desires that which he sees he shall not enjoy, and will not take pains to procure. _He coveteth greedily all the day long_ Spends his whole time in vain and lazy desires, but will not labour to gain any thin... [ Continue Reading ]
_The sacrifice of the wicked_ All the most glorious and costly services which they offer to God; _is abomination_ God rejects and abhors them, because they are offered by such men, and in such a manner, as God justly abhors; _how much more when_ Hebrew, א Š כי, _because_, or, _even because_, as all... [ Continue Reading ]
_A false witness_ Hebrew, עד כזבים, _A witness of lies;_ one who is forward to swear or speak false things, or such things as he hath neither heard nor seen, but devised in his own heart; _shall perish_ Shall be severely punished, either by God or men, and shall be confounded and silenced, because n... [ Continue Reading ]
_A wicked man hardeneth his face_ Continues in his evil practices with obstinacy and impudence, in spite of all the commands of God, or counsels of men; _but the upright directeth his way_ Ordereth his steps aright; and, if at any time he errs from the right path, he does not add rebellion to his si... [ Continue Reading ]
_The horse is prepared_, &c. Under which particular all warlike preparations are comprehended; _but safety is of the Lord_ The success of the battle depends not upon any human strength or art, but upon God's providence, who gives the victory when and to whom he pleases, and frequently to those that... [ Continue Reading ]