Verse 2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. Shall eat — Shall receive comfort, and benefit by his wise and profitable discourses.
Verse 6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. Keepeth him — From that over-throw which befal sinners.
Verse 7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. Maketh rich — Some men who have little or nothing, pretend to have great riches. Maketh rich — Some rich men profess to be poor.
Verse 8 The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. Riches — Riches enable a man to redeem his life when it is in greatest danger, and poverty preserves a man from many injuries. Because they are cautious, that they may not provoke others; and because they are esteemed objects of pity.
Verse 9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. The light — The prosperity. Rejoiceth — Shines with a pleasant and constant brightness. Rejoicing is here ascribed to the light, as it is to the sun, Psalms 19:5 , metaphorically. Put out — Their felicity shall have a hidden end.
Verse 10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Pride — It is chiefly, pride which blows up the coals of contention. Well-advised — Who are not governed by their passions, but by prudent considerations. Wisdom — Which teaches them to avoid contention.
Verse 11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. Vanity — By wicked practices.
Verse 12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Hope deferred — Delays in obtaining what a man passionately desires. The desire — The good desired. A tree of life — It is satisfactory, and reviving.
Verse 13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The word — The word of God.
Verse 14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. The law — The instruction, or counsel; as the word law, is frequently understood in scripture.
Verse 15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. Giveth — Makes a man acceptable to God. Rough — Offensive and hateful to God and men, as rough ways are to a traveller.
Verse 16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. Knowledge — Considerately and discreetly. Layeth open — By his foolish actions.
Verse 17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. A messenger — Who is unfaithful in the execution of that which is committed to his charge. Is health — Procures benefit, as to his master, so to himself.
Verse 19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. Sweet — Whatsoever men earnestly desire, the enjoyment of it is sweet to them; therefore sinners rejoice in the satisfaction of their sinful lusts, and abhor all restraint of them.
Verse 21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. Evil — Punishment proportionable to their sin.
Verse 23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. The poor — Poor persons by their diligent labours, and God’s blessing often grow rich. Destroyed — Or, consumed, brought to poverty, for want of discretion.
Verse 24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Hateth his son — His fond affection, is as pernicious to him as hatred.