tongue ... health--by soothing and gentle language.
19. Words of truth are consistent, and stand all tests, while lies are soon discovered and exposed.
20. that imagine--or, "plan" ([Pr 3:29]). They design a deceitful course, to which, with all its evils and dangers to others and themselves, the happiness of peace-makers is opposed (compare [Mt 5:9]; [Ro 12:18]).
21. no evil--(as in [Psa 91:10]), under God's wise limitations ([Ro 8:28]).
mischief--as penal evil.
22. deal truly--or, "faithfully," that is, according to promises (compare [Joh 3:21]).
23. concealeth--by his modesty ([Pr 10:14]; ).
heart ... proclaimeth--as his lips speak his thoughts (compare [Ec 10:3]).
24. slothful--(Compare Margin), so called because he fails to meet his promises.
under tribute--not denoting legal taxes, but the obligation of dependence.
25. a good word--one of comfort.
26. more excellent--(Compare Margin); or, "more successful," while the wicked fail; or, we may read it: "The righteous guides his friend, but," &c., that is, The ability of the righteous to aid others is contrasted with the ruin to which the way of the wicked leads themselves.
27. (Compare [Pr 12:24]).
took in hunting--or, "his venison." He does not improve his advantages.
the substance ... precious--or, "the wealth of a man of honor is being diligent," or "diligence."
precious--literally, "honor" ([Ec 10:1]).
28. (Compare [Pr 8:8], , &c.). A sentiment often stated; here first affirmatively, then negatively.
Chapter 13
[Pr 13:1-25].
1. (Compare [Pr 6:1-5; 10]:1, 17).
2. shall eat--that is, obtain ([Pr 12:14]).
transgressors--as in [Pr 2:22].
violence--or, "mischief" to themselves.
3. He ... mouth ... life--because evil speeches may provoke violence from others.
he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction--On last clause, compare [Pr 10:14].
4. (Compare [Pr 12:11], ).
5. loathsome ... shame--better, causeth shame and reproach (compare [Pr 19:26]), by slander, &c., which the righteous hates.
6. A sentiment of frequent recurrence, that piety benefits and sin injures.
7. In opposite ways men act hypocritically for gain of honor or wealth.
8. Riches save some from punishment, while others suffer because they will not heed the rebuke of sloth, which makes and keeps them poor.
9. light ... lamp--prosperity; the first, the greater, and it
rejoiceth--burns brightly, or continues, while the other, at best small, soon fails.
10. The obstinacy which attends self-conceit, produces contention, which the well-advised, thus evincing modesty, avoid.
11. by vanity--or, "nothingness," that is, which is vain or useless to the public (as card playing or similar vices).
gathereth ... labour--(Compare Margin), little by little, laboriously.
12. desire cometh--is realized.
a tree of life--or, "cause of happiness."
13. the word--that is, of advice, or, instruction (compare [Pr 10:27]; ).
14. (Compare [Pr 10:11]).
fountain--or, "source of life."
to depart--(compare [Pr 1:2-4]), or, "for departing," &c., and so gives life.
15. Right perception and action secure good will, while evil ways are difficult as a stony road. The wicked left of God find punishment of sin in sinning.
hard--or, "harsh" (compare Hebrew: [De 21:4]; [Jr 5:15]).
16. dealeth--acts with foresight.
a fool ... folly--for want of caution.