Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

“Take his garment--implies severe exaction, justified by the surety's rashness. a strange woman--by some readings "strangers," but the former here, and in Pr 27:13, is allowable, and strengthens the sense. The debauchee is less reliable than the merely carel…”

“(Compare Pr 20:8). bringeth . . . over them--The wheel was used for threshing grain. The figure denotes severity (compare Am 1:3).”

“The sin of covetousness marks the sluggard, as the virtue of benevolence the righteous.”

“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.”

“Wilt . . . eyes--As the eyes fly after or seek riches, they are not, that is, either become transitory or unsatisfying; fully expressed by their flying away.”

“While there is little danger that the use of the "divine ordinance of the rod" will produce bodily harm, there is great hope of spiritual good. The pleasure afforded the teacher by the pupil's progress is a motive to diligence.”

“Literally, "If thou fail in the day of straits (adversity), strait (or, small) is thy strength," which is then truly tested. Neglect of known duty is sin (Jas 4:17). ready--literally, "bowing down" to be slain--that is, unjustly.”

“These . . . wise--literally, "are of the wise," as authors (compare "Psalms of David," Hebrew). "These" refers to the verses following, Pr 24:24-34. to have respect--literally, "to discern faces," show partiality, 24, 25. of which an example is justifying t…”

“The character of these proverbs sustains the title (see Introduction). also--refers to the former part of the book. copied out--literally, "transferred," that is, from some other book to this; not given from memory.”

“Ye wisely keeping state secrets, which to common men are as inaccessible heights and depths. As separating impurities from ore leaves pure silver, so taking from a king wicked counsellors leaves a wise and beneficent government.”

“(Compare Pr 3:30). lest . . . shame--lest you do what you ought not, when shamed by defeat, or "lest thou art shut out from doing any thing." 9, 10. (Compare Mt 5:25, Margin). secret--that is, of your opponent, for his disadvantage, and so you be disgrac…”

“Snow from mountains was used to cool drinks; so refreshing is a faithful messenger (Pr 13:17).”

“A false witness is as destructive to reputation, as such weapons to the body (Pr 24:28). beareth . . . witness--literally, "answereth questions," as before a judge, against his neighbor.”

“Not only is the incongruity of songs (that is, joyful) and sadness meant, but an accession of sadness, by want of sympathy, is implied. As metals are melted by heaping coals upon them, so is the heart softened by kindness.”

“From troubled fountains and corrupt springs no healthy water is to be had, so when the righteous are oppressed by the wicked, their power for good is lessened or destroyed.”

“Satiety surfeits (Pr 25:16); so men who are self-glorious find shame. is not glory--"not" is supplied from the first clause, or "is grievous," in which sense a similar word is used (Pr 27:2).”

“The rod is as much needed by fools and as well suited to them, as whips and bridles are for beasts. Answer not--that is, approvingly by like folly.”

“Various versions of this are proposed (compare Margin). Better perhaps--"Much He injures (or literally, "wounds") all who reward," &c., that is, society is injured by encouraging evil men. transgressors--may be rendered "vagrants." The word "God" is improperl…”

“Praise tests character. a man to his praise--according to his praise, as he bears it. Thus vain men seek it, weak men are inflated by it, wise men disregard it, &c.”

“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).”

“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 bless…”

“Concealment of sin delivers none from God's wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent (Ps 51:4).”

“The prince . . . understanding--that is, He does not perceive that oppression jeopards his success. Covetousness often produces oppression, hence the contrast.”

“In--or, "By" the transgression--he is brought into difficulty (Pr 12:13), but the righteous go on prospering, and so sing or rejoice.”

“(Compare Pr 22:2). deceitful man--literally, "man of vexations," an exactor. the Lord . . . their eyes--sustains their lives (1Sa 14:27; Ps 13:3); that is, both depend on Him, and He will do justice.”