7. robbery--or, "destruction," especially oppression, of which they are authors.
shall destroy--literally, "cut with a saw" ([1Ki 7:9]), that is, utterly ruin them. Their sins shall be visited on them in kind.
to do judgment--what is just and right.
8. of man--any one; his way is opposed to truth, and also estranged from it. The pure proves himself such by his right conduct.
9. corner--a turret or arbor on the roof.
brawling--or contentious.
wide house--literally, "house of fellowship," large enough for several families.
10. So strongly does he desire to do evil ([Psa 10:3]; [Ec 8:11]), that he will not even spare his friend if in his way.
11. (Compare [Pr 19:25]). That which the simple learn by the terrors of punishment, the wise learn by teaching.
12. (Compare Psa 37:35-38; 73:17, 20).
house--family or interests.
overthroweth--either supply "God" (compare [Pr 10:24]), or the word is used impersonally.
13. The principles of retribution, often taught (compare [Psa 18:26]; [Mt 7:1-12]).
14. The effect of bribery ([Pr 17:23]) is enhanced by secrecy, as the bribed person does not wish his motives made known.
15. But the just love right and need no bribes. The wicked at last meet destruction, though for a time happy in concealing corruption.
16. the way of understanding--(Compare [Pr 12:26]; ).
remain--that is, rest as at a journey's end; death will be his unchanging home.
17. Costly luxuries impoverish.
18. (Compare [Pr 11:8]). By suffering what they had devised for the righteous, or brought on them, the wicked became their ransom, in the usual sense of substitutes (compare [Jos 7:26]; [Es 7:9]).
19. (Compare [Pr 21:9]).
wilderness--pasture, though uninhabitable ground ([Psa 65:12]).
20. The wise, by diligence and care, lay up and increase wealth, while fools
spend--literally, "swallow it up," greedily.
21. He who tries to act justly and kindly ([Psa 34:14]) will prosper and obtain justice and honor.
22. "Wisdom is better than strength" ([Ec 7:19]; ).
strength ... thereof--that in which they confide.
23. (Compare [Pr 13:2], ; [Jas 3:6-10]).
24. The reproachful name is deserved by those who treat others with anger and contempt.
25. desire--that is, of ease and idleness brings him to starvation.
26. The sin of covetousness marks the sluggard, as the virtue of benevolence the righteous.
27. God regards the heart, and hypocrisy is more odious than open inconsistency.
wicked mind--or, "design" ([Pr 1:4]).
28. (Compare [Pr 19:5]).
that heareth--or heeds instruction, and so grows wise.
speaketh constantly--or sincerely (compare [Ha 1:5]), and hence is believed ([Pr 12:19]; [Jas 1:19]).
29. hardeneth his face--is obstinate.
directeth ... way--considers it, and acts advisedly.
30-31. Men's best devices and reliances are vain compared with God's, or without His aid ([Pr 19:21]; [Psa 20:7]; ).
Chapter 22
[Pr 22:1-29].
1. A good name--([Job 30:8], Hebrew); "good" is supplied here from [Ec 7:1].
loving favour--kind regard, that is, of the wise and good.
2. Before God all are on the same footing ([Pr 14:31]; ).
3. are punished--that is, for their temerity; for the evil is not necessarily punitive, as the prudent might otherwise be its objects.
4. humility and the fear of the Lord--are in apposition; one produces the other. On the results, compare [Pr 3:16]; .