10. (Compare [Pr 10:17]).
the way--that in which God would have him to go ([Pr 2:13]; [Psa 119:1]).
11. Hell--([Psa 16:10]).
destruction--or, "Abaddon," the place of the destroyer. All the unseen world is open to God, much more men's hearts.
12. (Compare [Pr 9:8]).
go unto the wise--to be instructed.
13. maketh ... countenance--or, "benefits the countenance."
spirit is broken--and so the countenance is sad.
14. (Compare [Pr 10:21], ). The wise grow wiser, the fools more foolish ([Pr 9:9]).
15. The state of the heart governs the outward condition.
evil--sad, contrasted with the cheerfulness of a feast.
16. trouble--agitation, implying the anxieties and perplexities attending wealth held by worldlings ([Pr 16:18]; [1Ti 6:6]).
17. dinner--or, "allowance" ([2Ki 25:30])--
of herbs--and that the plainest.
and hatred--(compare [Pr 10:12], ).
18. (Compare [Pr 14:29]; ).
19. The difficulties of the slothful result from want of energy; the righteous find a
plain [and open] way--literally, "a highway," by diligence ([1Sa 10:7]; [Psa 1:3]).
20. (Compare [Pr 10:1]).
21. walketh uprightly--and so finds his joy ([Pr 3:6]; ).
22. Without counsel--or, "deliberation," implying a wise deference to the opinions of the wise and good, contrasted with rashness.
23. Good advice blesses the giver and receiver.
24. (Compare [Col 3:2]). Holy purposes prevent sinning, and so its evils.
25. The most desolate who have God's aid have more permanent good than the self-reliant sinner ([Pr 2:22]; ).
border--or, "boundary for possessions" ([Psa 78:54]).
26. are pleasant words--that is, pleasing to God ([Pr 8:8], ).
27. (Compare [Pr 11:17]). Avarice brings trouble to him and his.
hateth gifts--or, "bribes" ([Ex 23:8]; [Psa 15:5]), and is not avaricious.
28. (Compare [Pr 15:14]; ). Caution is the fruit of wisdom; rashness of folly.
29. far ... wicked--in His love and favor ([Psa 22:11]; ).
30. light of the eyes--([Pr 13:9]). What gives light rejoiceth the heart, by relieving from anxiety as to our course; so
good report--or, "doctrine" ([Is 28:9]; ),
maketh ... fat--or, "gives prosperity" (Pr 3:13-17; 9:). The last clause is illustrated by the first.
31-32. (Compare [Pr 10:17]).
reproof of life--which leads to life.
abideth ... wise--is numbered among them.
33. The fear ... wisdom--Wisdom instructs in true piety.
before ... humility--(compare [Lu 24:26]; [1Pe 1:11]); opposite (compare [Pr 16:18]).
Chapter 16
[Pr 16:1-33].
1. preparations--schemes.
in man--or literally, "to man," belonging, or pertaining to him.
the answer ... Lord--The efficient ordering is from God: "Man proposes; God disposes."
2. clean--or, "faultless."
weigheth--or, "tries," "judges," implying that they are faulty ([Pr 21:2]; ).