16. retaineth--or literally, "lay hold of as a support." Honor is to a feeble woman thus as valuable as riches to men.
17. merciful--kind to others; opposed to cruel. Such benefit themselves by doing good to others (compare [Pr 24:5]), while the cruel injure themselves as well as others.
flesh--that is, his body, by penuriousness ([Col 2:23]).
18. a deceitful work--or, "wages," which fail to satisfy, or flee away ([Pr 10:2]; ).
sure reward--or, "gain," as from trading ([Ho 10:12]; [Ga 6:8], ).
19. Inference from [Pr 11:18] (compare [Pr 11:5], ; ).
20. (Compare [Pr 11:5]).
froward--as in [Pr 2:15], opposed to the simplicity and purity of the upright.
in their way--or, "conduct."
21. The combined power of the wicked cannot free them from just punishment, while the unaided children of the righteous find deliverance by reason of their pious relationship ([Psa 37:25], ).
22. Jewels were often suspended from the nose ([Ge 24:47]; [Is 3:21]). Thus adorned, a hog disgusts less than a fair and indiscreet woman.
23. (Compare [Pr 10:28]).
wrath--is that of God.
24-31. The scope of the whole is a comment on [Pr 11:23]. Thus liberality, by God's blessing, secures increase, while penuriousness, instead of expected gain, procures poverty.
Chapter 12
[Pr 12:1-28].
1. loveth knowledge--as the fruit of instruction or training ([Pr 1:2]).
hateth reproof--([Pr 10:17]).
brutish--stupid, regardless of his own welfare ([Psa 49:10]; ).
3. Wickedness cannot give permanent prosperity.
root ... not be moved--firm as a flourishing tree--([Psa 1:3]; ; [Jr 17:8]).
4. A virtuous woman--in the wide sense of well-disposed to all moral duties ([Pr 31:10]).
maketh ashamed--that is, by misconduct.
rottenness--an incurable evil.
5. thoughts--or, "purposes."
are right--literally, "are judgment," that is, true decisions.
counsels--(Compare [Pr 11:14]).
deceit--contrary to truth and honesty.
6. The words--or, "expressed designs" of the wicked are for evil purposes.
the mouth--or, "words" of the righteous delivering instead of ensnaring men.
7. Such conduct brings a proper return, by the destruction of the wicked and well-being of the righteous and his family.
8. despised--as opposed to commended ([Pr 11:12]).
perverse heart--or, "wicked principles," as opposed to one of wisdom.
9. despised--held in little repute, obscure ([1Sa 18:23]; [Is 3:5]).
hath a servant--implying some means of honest living.
honoureth himself--is self-conceited.
10. regardeth--literally, "knoweth" ([Psa 1:6]).
mercies ... cruel--as acts of compassion ungraciously rendered to the needy. The righteous more regards a beast than the wicked a man.
11. The idler's fate is the result of indolence and want of principle ([Pr 6:32]; ).
12. the wicked ... evil--They love the crafty arts of deception.
the root ... fruit--their own resources supply them; or, it may be rendered: "He (God) giveth, or, sets ([Eze 17:22]) the root of the righteous," and hence it is firm: or, the verb is impersonal; "As to the root ... it is firm" ([Pr 17:19]).
13-14. The wicked is snared, &c.--The sentiment expanded. While the wicked, such as liars, flatterers, &c., fall by their own words, the righteous are unhurt. Their good conduct makes friends, and God rewards them.
15. The way ... eyes--The fool is self-conceited (compare [Pr 12:1]; 1:32; 10:17; [Jas 3:17]).
16. prudent ... shame--He is slow to denounce his insulters ([Jas 1:19]).
18. speaketh--literally, "speaketh hastily," or indiscreetly ([Psa 106:33]), as an angry man retorts harsh and provoking invectives.