Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

“The combined power of the wicked cannot free them from just punishment, while the unaided children of the righteous find deliverance by reason of their pious relationship (Ps 37:25, 26).”

“The scope of the whole is a comment on Pr 11:23. Thus liberality, by God's blessing, secures increase, while penuriousness, instead of expected gain, procures poverty.”

“Behold--Thus calling attention to the illustrations (compare Pr 11:23), the sentiment of which is confirmed even in time, not excluding future rewards and punishments.”

“A virtuous woman--in the wide sense of well-disposed to all moral duties (Pr 31:10). maketh ashamed--that is, by misconduct. rottenness--an incurable evil.”

“The words--or, "expressed designs" of the wicked are for evil purposes. the mouth--or, "words" of the righteous delivering instead of ensnaring men.”

“(Compare Pr 12:24). took in hunting--or, "his venison." He does not improve his advantages. the substance . . . precious--or, "the wealth of a man of honor is being diligent," or "diligence." precious--literally, "honor" (Ec 10:1).”

“A wicked--or, "unfaithful" messenger falleth into mischief--or, "by mischief," or "evil," and so his errand fails. Contrasted is the character of the faithful, whose faithfulness benefits others.”

“A faithful witness, &c.--one tested to be such. utter lies--or, "breathe out lies"--that is, habitually lies (Pr 6:19; compare Ac 9:1). Or the sense is, that habitual truthfulness, or lying, will be evinced in witness-bearing.”

“Fools make a mock at sin--or, "Sin deludes fools." righteous . . . favour--that is, of God, instead of the punishment of sin.”

“He . . . angry--literally, "short of anger" (compare Pr 14:29, opposite idea). man . . . hated--that is, the deliberate evildoer is more hated than the rash.”

“A wholesome tongue--(Compare Margin), pacifying and soothing language. tree of life-- (Pr 3:18; 11:30). perverseness therein--cross, ill-natured language. breach . . . spirit--(compare Isa 65:14, Hebrew), grieves, instead of appeasing.”

“(Compare Pr 10:20, 21). heart . . . not so--not right, or vain. The sacrifice [and] prayer--are acts of worship. way . . . followeth . . . righteousness--denote conduct.”

“The most desolate who have God's aid have more permanent good than the self-reliant sinner (Pr 2:22; 12:7). border--or, "boundary for possessions" (Ps 78:54).”

“53:1), maketh . . . fat--or, "gives prosperity" (Pr 3:13-17; The last clause is illustrated by the first. (Compare Pr 10:17). reproof of life--which leads to life. abideth . . . wise--is numbered among them.”

“Rulers are rightly expected, by their position, to hate evil; for their power is sustained by righteousness.”

“The highway--A common, plain road represents the habitual course of the righteous in departing from evil. keepeth--observes. Haughtiness and pride imply self-confidence which produces carelessness, and hence a fall--literally, "sliding."”

“To the second of these parallel clauses, there is an accession of meaning, that is, that a brother's love is specially seen in adversity.”

“The effect of the mind on the body is well known. medicine--or, "body," which better corresponds with "bone." drieth--as if the marrow were exhausted.”

“Also--that is, Equally to be avoided are other sins: punishing good subjects, or resisting good rulers. Prudence of speech is commended as is an excellent or calm spirit, not excited to vain conversation.”

“Through desire . . . seeketh--that is, seeks selfish gratification. intermeddleth . . . wisdom--or, "rushes on" (Pr 17:14) against all wisdom, or what is valuable (Pr 2:7).”

“So surely are sin and punishment connected (Pr 16:4). wicked, for "wickedness," answers to ignominy, or the state of such; and contempt, the feeling of others to them; and to reproach, a manifestation of contempt.”

“"It is not good" is to be supplied before "to overthrow." 6, 7. The quarrelsome bring trouble on themselves. Their rash language ensnares them (Pr 6:2).”

“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).”

“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.”

“Such men are made by wine. strong drink--made by spicing wine (compare Isa 5:11, 22); and it may include wine. raging--or boisterous as a drunkard. deceived--literally, "erring," or reeling.”