---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible"
author: "Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown"
languages: [en]
shelf: "Commentaries"
section: 274 of 927
url: https://scriptura.si/works/jamieson-fausset-brown-commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/274/
cite: "Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, section 274. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/jamieson-fausset-brown-commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/274/"
---

# Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

*Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown*

The Victorian standard commentary, critical and practical, from Genesis to Revelation.

## 274. Proverbs · 24 of 27

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/jamieson-fausset-brown-commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/274/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/jamieson-fausset-brown-commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/274/#p-N

[¶0] 22. The obstinate wickedness of such is incurable by the heaviest inflictions.

[¶1] 23-24. flocks--constituted the staple of wealth. It is only by care and diligence that the most solid possessions can be perpetuated ([Pr 23:5]).

[¶2] 25-27. The fact that providential arrangements furnish the means of competence to those who properly use them is another motive to diligence (compare [Psa 65:9-13]).

[¶3] The hay appeareth--literally, "Grass appeareth" ([Job 40:15]; [Psa 104:14]).

### Chapter 28

[¶5] [Pr 28:1-28].

[¶6] 1. A bad conscience makes men timid; the righteous are alone truly bold ([Pr 14:26]; [Psa 27:1]).

[¶7] 2. Anarchy producing contending rulers shortens the reign of each.

[¶8] but by a man ... prolonged--or, "by a man of understanding--that is, a good ruler--he who knows or regards the right, that is, a good citizen, shall prolong (his days)." Good rulers are a blessing to the people. Bad government as a punishment for evil is contrasted with good as blessing to the good.

[¶9] 3. A poor man, &c.--Such, in power, exact more severely, and so leave subjects bare.

[¶10] 4. They that forsake ... wicked--Wrongdoers encourage one another.

[¶11] 5. (Compare [Joh 7:17]). Ignorance of moral truth is due to unwillingness to know it.

[¶12] 6. (Compare [Pr 10:6]). Riches cannot compensate for sin, nor the want of them affect integrity.

[¶13] 7. (Compare [Pr 17:25]).

[¶14] riotous men--or, "gluttons" ([Pr 23:20], ).

[¶15] 8. usury ... unjust gain--(Compare Margin). The two terms, meaning nearly the same, may denote excessive interest. God's providence directs the proper use of wealth.

[¶16] 9. (Compare [Pr 15:8]; ).

[¶17] hearing--that is, obeying. God requires sincere worshippers ([Psa 66:18]; [Joh 4:24]).

[¶18] 10. (Compare [Pr 26:27]).

[¶19] 11. A poor but wise man can discover (and expose) the rich and self-conceited.

[¶20] 12. great glory--or, cause for it to a people, for the righteous rejoice in good, and righteousness exalts a nation ([Pr 14:34]).

[¶21] a man ... hidden--that is, the good retire, or all kinds try to escape a wicked rule.

[¶22] 13. (Compare [Psa 32:3-5]). Concealment of sin delivers none from God's wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent ([Psa 51:4]).

[¶23] 14. feareth--that is, God, and so repents.

[¶24] hardeneth his heart--makes himself insensible to sin, and so will not repent ([Pr 14:16]; ).

[¶25] 15. The rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare [Psa 7:2]; ).

[¶26] 16. The prince ... understanding--that is, He does not perceive that oppression jeopards his success. Covetousness often produces oppression, hence the contrast.

[¶27] 17. doeth violence ... blood, &c.--or, that is oppressed by the blood of life ([Ge 9:6]), which he has taken.

[¶28] to the pit--the grave or destruction ([Pr 1:12]; [Job 33:18-24]; [Psa 143:7]).

[¶29] stay him--sustain or deliver him.

[¶30] 18. (Compare [Pr 10:9]; ). Double dealing is eventually fatal.

[¶31] 19. (Compare [Pr 10:4]; ).

[¶32] vain persons--idle, useless drones, implying that they are also wicked ([Pr 12:11]; [Psa 26:4]).

[¶33] 20. maketh haste ... rich--implying deceit or fraud ([Pr 20:21]), and so opposed to "faithful" or reliable.

[¶34] 21. respect of persons--([Pr 24:23]). Such are led to evil by the slightest motive.

[¶35] 22. (Compare [Pr 28:20]).

[¶36] evil eye--in the general sense of [Pr 23:6], here more specific for covetousness (compare [Pr 22:9]; [Mt 20:15]).

[¶37] poverty ... him--by God's providence.

[¶38] 23. (Compare [Pr 9:8], ; ). Those benefited by reproof will love their monitors.

[¶39] 24. (Compare [Mt 15:4-6]). Such, though heirs, are virtually thieves, to be ranked with highwaymen.

[¶40] 25. of a proud heart--literally, "puffed up of soul"--that is, self-confident, and hence overbearing and litigious.

[¶41] made fat--or, "prosperous" ([Pr 11:25]; ).

[¶42] 26. (Compare [Pr 3:6-8]).

[¶43] walketh wisely--that is, trusting in God ([Pr 22:17-19]).

[¶44] 27. (Compare [Pr 11:24-26]).