Verse 6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. Lie in wait — Are designed to entrap others, and to destroy them. Deliver them — From those that lie in wait for them.
Verse 7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. Are not — Both they and their families suddenly perish.
Verse 9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. Despised — That lives in a mean condition. Honoureth — That glories in his high birth or gay attire.
Verse 10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. Regardeth — He will not destroy it either by labour beyond its strength, or by denying it necessary food or rest. Cruel — There is cruelty mixed even with their most merciful actions.
Verse 11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. Tilleth — That employs his time in an honest calling. Vain persons — In an idle course of living.
Verse 12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. Desireth — He approves those arts, which wicked men use like nets to ensnare other men. The root — That piety, which is the root of his actions, yields him sufficient fruit both for his own need, and to do good to others.
Verse 14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him. Mouth — By his pious and profitable discourses. Hands — Of his actions.
Verse 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. Hearkeneth — That distrusts his own judgments, and seeks counsel from others.
Verse 16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. Covereth — The shame, or injury done to him, which he conceals and bears with patience.
Verse 17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. Deceit — He who uses himself to lying in his common talk, will use falsehood and deceit in judgment.
Verse 18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. Health — Tends to the comfort and benefit of others.
Verse 19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. A moment — Liars, though they may make a fair shew for a season, yet are quickly convicted.
Verse 20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. Deceit — They whose hearts devise mischief shall be deceived in their hopes, and bring trouble upon themselves: but they who by good counsels labour to promote peace, shall reap the comfort of it themselves.
Verse 23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. Concealeth — He does not unseasonably utter what he knows. Foolishness — Betrays his ignorance and folly.
Verse 25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. A good word — A compassionate or encouraging word.
Verse 26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. Neighbour — Than any other men. Seduceth — Heb. maketh them to err, to lose that excellency or happiness which they had promised themselves.
Verse 27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. Resteth not — Does not enjoy the fruit of his labours. Precious — Yields him comfort and blessing with it.