Bible Commentaries

(Compare Proverbs 28:6). “Rich” for fool here. Integrity is better than riches (Proverbs 15:16, Proverbs 15:17; Proverbs 16:8).

The last illustrates the first clause. Rashness, the result of ignorance, brings trouble.

way — turns him back from right (Proverbs 13:6; James 1:13); and he blames God for his failures.

(Compare Proverbs 14:20). Such facts are often adduced with implied disapprobation.

Compare Proverbs 19:9, where perish explains not escape here (compare Psalm 88:9, Psalm 88:10).

(Compare Margin; Proverbs 15:32).

loveth … soul — or, “himself,” which he evinces by regarding his best interests.

keepeth — or, “regards.”

(Compare Proverbs 17:7). The fool is incapable of properly using pleasure as knowledge, yet for him to have it is less incongruous than the undue elevation of servants. Let each abide in his calling (1 Corinthians 7:20).

(Compare Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 16:32). This inculcation of a forgiving spirit shows that true religion is always the same (Matthew 5:22-24).

(Compare Proverbs 16:14, Proverbs 16:15; Proverbs 20:2). A motive to submission to lawful authority.

calamity — literally, “calamities,” varied and many.

continual dropping — a perpetual annoyance, wearing out patience.

A contrast of men‘s gifts and God‘s, who, though author of both blessings, confers the latter by His more special providence.

and — or, “but,” implying that the evils of Proverbs 19:13 are only avoided by His care.

a deep sleep — a state of utter indifference.

idle soul — or, “person” (compare Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 12:24).

(Compare Proverbs 10:17; Proverbs 13:13).

despiseth … ways — opposed to keeping or observing, neglects (Proverbs 16:17) (as unworthy of regard) his moral conduct.

(Compare Proverbs 14:21; Psalm 37:26).

hath pity — shown by acts (compare Margin).

(Compare Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 23:13).

let not … spare — literally, “do not lift up thy soul” (Psalm 24:4; Psalm 25:1), that is, do not desire to his death; a caution to passionate parents against angry chastisement.

Repeated efforts of kindness are lost on ill-natured persons.

(Compare Proverbs 13:18-20).

latter end — (Proverbs 5:11). In youth prepare for age.

(Compare Proverbs 16:1, Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 33:10, Psalm 33:11). The failure of man‘s devices is implied.

desire — that is, to do good, indicates a kind disposition (Proverbs 11:23); and the poor thus affected are better than liars, who say and do not.

life — (Compare Proverbs 3:2).

abide — or, “remain contented” (1 Timothy 4:8).

not visited with evil — (Proverbs 10:3; Psalm 37:25), as a judgment, in which sense visit is often used (Psalm 89:32; Jeremiah 6:15).

bosom — literally, a wide dish in which the hand was plunged in eating (Matthew 26:23). Compare Proverbs 26:15, the sentiment expressed with equal irony and less exaggeration.

Such is the benefit of reproof; even the simple profit, much more the wise.

Unfilial conduct often condemned (Proverbs 17:21-25; Proverbs 20:20; Deuteronomy 21:18, Deuteronomy 21:21).

Avoid whatever leads from truth.

ungodly witness — (Compare Margin), one false by bad principles (compare Proverbs 6:12).

scorneth judgment — sets at naught the dictates of justice.

devoureth — literally, “swalloweth,” as something delightful.

Their punishment is sure, fixed, and ready (compare Proverbs 3:34; Proverbs 10:13).