22. As usual, the interrogative negative strengthens the affirmative.
mercy and truth--that is, God's ([Psa 57:3]; ).
23. labour--painful diligence.
talk ... penury--idle and vain promises and plans.
24. (Compare [Pr 3:16]).
foolishness ... folly--Folly remains, or produces folly; it has no benefit.
25. Life often depends on truth-telling.
a deceitful ... lies--He that breathes out lies is deceit, not to be trusted ([Pr 14:5]).
26. The blessings of piety descend to children ([Pr 13:22]; ; [Ex 20:6]).
27. (Compare [Pr 13:14]).
fear of the Lord--or, "law of the wise," is wisdom ([Psa 111:10]).
28. The teaching of a true political economy.
29. slow ... understanding--(Compare [Pr 14:17]).
hasty--(Compare [Pr 14:17]).
exalteth folly--makes it conspicuous, as if delighting to honor it.
30. A sound heart--both literally and figuratively, a source of health; in the latter sense, opposed to the known effect of evil passions on health.
31. reproacheth his Maker--who is the God of such, as well as of the rich ([Pr 22:2]; [Job 31:15]; and specially [1Sa 2:8]; [Psa 113:7]).
32. driven--thrust out violently (compare [Psa 35:5], ).
hath hope--trusteth ([Pr 10:2]; ; [Psa 2:12]), implying assurance of help.
33. resteth--preserved in quietness for use, while fools blazon their folly ([Pr 12:23]; ).
34. Righteousness--just principles and actions.
exalteth--raises to honor.
is a reproach--brings on them the ill-will of others (compare [Pr 13:6]).
35. wise--discreet or prudent.
causeth shame--([Pr 10:5]; ) acts basely.
Chapter 15
[Pr 15:1-33].
1. soft--tender or gentle.
turneth ... wrath--from any one.
stir up--as a smouldering fire is excited.
2. useth ... aright--commends knowledge by its proper use.
poureth out--utters abundantly ([Pr 12:23]), and so disgusts others.
3. beholding--watching (compare [Pr 5:21]; [Psa 66:7]).
4. A wholesome tongue--(Compare Margin), pacifying and soothing language.
tree of life--([Pr 3:18]; ).
perverseness therein--cross, ill-natured language.
breach ... spirit--(compare [Is 65:14], Hebrew), grieves, instead of appeasing.
5. (Compare [Pr 4:1]; ; [13:1-18]).
is prudent--acts discreetly.
6. treasure--implying utility.
trouble--vexation and affliction.
7. (Compare [Pr 10:20], ).
heart ... not so--not right, or vain.
8-9. The sacrifice [and] prayer--are acts of worship.
way ... followeth ... righteousness--denote conduct. God's regard for the worship and deeds of the righteous and wicked respectively, so stated in [Psa 50:17]; [Is 1:11].