keepeth--or, "regards."
10. (Compare [Pr 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 ([1Co 7:20]).
11. (Compare [Pr 14:29]; ). This inculcation of a forgiving spirit shows that true religion is always the same ([Mt 5:22-24]).
12. (Compare [Pr 16:14], ; ). A motive to submission to lawful authority.
13. calamity--literally, "calamities," varied and many.
continual dropping--a perpetual annoyance, wearing out patience.
14. 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 [Pr 19:13] are only avoided by His care.
15. a deep sleep--a state of utter indifference.
idle soul--or, "person" (compare [Pr 10:4]; ).
16. (Compare [Pr 10:17]; ).
despiseth ... ways--opposed to keeping or observing, neglects ([Pr 16:17]) (as unworthy of regard) his moral conduct.
17. (Compare [Pr 14:21]; [Psa 37:26]).
hath pity--shown by acts (compare Margin).
18. (Compare [Pr 13:24]; ).
let not ... spare--literally, "do not lift up thy soul" ([Psa 24:4]; ), that is, do not desire to his death; a caution to passionate parents against angry chastisement.
19. Repeated efforts of kindness are lost on ill-natured persons.
20. (Compare [Pr 13:18-20]).
latter end--([Pr 5:11]). In youth prepare for age.
21. (Compare [Pr 16:1], ; [Psa 33:10], ). The failure of man's devices is implied.
22. desire--that is, to do good, indicates a kind disposition ([Pr 11:23]); and the poor thus affected are better than liars, who say and do not.
23. The fear ... life--(Compare [Pr 3:2]).
abide--or, "remain contented" ([1Ti 4:8]).
not visited with evil--([Pr 10:3]; [Psa 37:25]), as a judgment, in which sense visit is often used ([Psa 89:32]; [Jr 6:15]).
24. bosom--literally, a wide dish in which the hand was plunged in eating ([Mt 26:23]). Compare [Pr 26:15], the sentiment expressed with equal irony and less exaggeration.
25. Such is the benefit of reproof; even the simple profit, much more the wise.
26. Unfilial conduct often condemned (Pr 17:21-25; 20:; [De 21:18], ).
27. Avoid whatever leads from truth.
28. ungodly witness--(Compare Margin), one false by bad principles (compare [Pr 6:12]).
scorneth judgment--sets at naught the dictates of justice.
devoureth--literally, "swalloweth," as something delightful.
29. Their punishment is sure, fixed, and ready (compare [Pr 3:34]; ).
Chapter 20
[Pr 20:1-30].
1. mocker--scorner. Such men are made by wine.
strong drink--made by spicing wine (compare [Is 5:11], ); and it may include wine.
raging--or boisterous as a drunkard.
deceived--literally, "erring," or reeling.
2. (Compare [Pr 19:12]). Men who resist authority injure themselves ([Ro 13:2]).
3. to cease from strife--or, better, "to dwell from or without strife," denoting the habit of life.
fool ... meddling--([Pr 17:14]).
4. shall ... beg--literally, "ask" (in this sense, [Psa 109:10]).
5. Counsel ... water--that is, deeply hidden ([Pr 18:4]; [Psa 13:2]). The wise can discern well.
6. Boasters are unreliable.
goodness--or, "kind disposition."