22. The obstinate wickedness of such is incurable by the heaviest inflictions.
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]).
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]).
The hay appeareth--literally, "Grass appeareth" ([Job 40:15]; [Psa 104:14]).
Chapter 28
[Pr 28:1-28].
1. A bad conscience makes men timid; the righteous are alone truly bold ([Pr 14:26]; [Psa 27:1]).
2. Anarchy producing contending rulers shortens the reign of each.
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.
3. A poor man, &c.--Such, in power, exact more severely, and so leave subjects bare.
4. They that forsake ... wicked--Wrongdoers encourage one another.
5. (Compare [Joh 7:17]). Ignorance of moral truth is due to unwillingness to know it.
6. (Compare [Pr 10:6]). Riches cannot compensate for sin, nor the want of them affect integrity.
7. (Compare [Pr 17:25]).
riotous men--or, "gluttons" ([Pr 23:20], ).
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.
9. (Compare [Pr 15:8]; ).
hearing--that is, obeying. God requires sincere worshippers ([Psa 66:18]; [Joh 4:24]).
10. (Compare [Pr 26:27]).
11. A poor but wise man can discover (and expose) the rich and self-conceited.
12. great glory--or, cause for it to a people, for the righteous rejoice in good, and righteousness exalts a nation ([Pr 14:34]).
a man ... hidden--that is, the good retire, or all kinds try to escape a wicked rule.
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]).
14. feareth--that is, God, and so repents.
hardeneth his heart--makes himself insensible to sin, and so will not repent ([Pr 14:16]; ).
15. The rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare [Psa 7:2]; ).
16. The prince ... understanding--that is, He does not perceive that oppression jeopards his success. Covetousness often produces oppression, hence the contrast.
17. doeth violence ... blood, &c.--or, that is oppressed by the blood of life ([Ge 9:6]), which he has taken.
to the pit--the grave or destruction ([Pr 1:12]; [Job 33:18-24]; [Psa 143:7]).
stay him--sustain or deliver him.
18. (Compare [Pr 10:9]; ). Double dealing is eventually fatal.
19. (Compare [Pr 10:4]; ).
vain persons--idle, useless drones, implying that they are also wicked ([Pr 12:11]; [Psa 26:4]).
20. maketh haste ... rich--implying deceit or fraud ([Pr 20:21]), and so opposed to "faithful" or reliable.
21. respect of persons--([Pr 24:23]). Such are led to evil by the slightest motive.
22. (Compare [Pr 28:20]).
evil eye--in the general sense of [Pr 23:6], here more specific for covetousness (compare [Pr 22:9]; [Mt 20:15]).
poverty ... him--by God's providence.
23. (Compare [Pr 9:8], ; ). Those benefited by reproof will love their monitors.
24. (Compare [Mt 15:4-6]). Such, though heirs, are virtually thieves, to be ranked with highwaymen.
25. of a proud heart--literally, "puffed up of soul"--that is, self-confident, and hence overbearing and litigious.
made fat--or, "prosperous" ([Pr 11:25]; ).
26. (Compare [Pr 3:6-8]).
walketh wisely--that is, trusting in God ([Pr 22:17-19]).
27. (Compare [Pr 11:24-26]).