Proverbs 10 Proverbs of Solomon

Here begins the second part of the book, pr 10:1-22:16, which, with the third, pr 22:16-25:28, contains series of proverbs whose sense is complete in one or two verses, and which, having no logical connection, admit of no analysis. The parallelisms of pr 10:1-15:33 are mostly antithetic; And those of pr 16:1-22:16, synthetic. The evidences of art in the structure are very clear, and indicate, probably, a purpose of facilitating the labor of memorizing

1

wise [and] foolish — as they follow or reject the precepts of wisdom. maketh... father — or, "gladdens a father." heaviness — or, "grief."

2

Treasures... nothing — that is, Ill-gotten gains give no true happiness (compare Pr 4:17; Mt 6:19). righteousness — especially beneficence (Ps 112:9). death — the greatest of all evils.

3

(Compare Ps 37:16-20). The last clause is better: "He will repel the greedy desires of the wicked."

4

slack — literally, "deceitful," failing of its purpose (compare Ho 7:16). maketh rich — (compare Pr 10:22).

5

son — as Pr 1:8, 10, and often. sleepeth — in indolence, and not for rest. causeth shame — literally, "is base" (compare Pr 14:35; 17:2).

6

Blessings — literally, "Praises." The last clause is better: "The mouth of the wicked covereth (or concealeth) violence (or mischievous devices)" to be executed in due time (Ps 5:9; 10:7; Ro 3:14), and hence has no praises (compare Pr 10:11).

7

blessed — literally, "for a blessing," or praise. shall rot — literally, "be worm-eaten," useless and disgusting.

8

wise, &c. — (compare Pr 9:8, 9, 16), opposed to prating fool — or, "fool of lips of wicked language." fall — headlong, suddenly.

9

perverteth his ways — acts deceitfully. known — discovered and punished.

10

Two vices contrasted; hypocrisy, or insinuating evil against one (Pr 6:13; Ps 35:19), and rashness of speech. In each case, the results are on the evildoers.

11

a well — or, "source" of good to himself and others (Joh 7:37, 38). On last clause, see on Pr 10:6.

12

strifes — or, "litigations." covereth — by forgiveness and forbearance.

13

In the lips... found — hence, not beaten, as the wicked-speaking fool. void of understanding — (Pr 6:32; 7:7).

14

lay up knowledge — that is, as treasures for good use. mouth... destruction — or, "as to the mouth," &c., destruction is near; they expose themselves to evil by prating.

15

Both by trusting in "uncertain riches" (1Ti 6:17), or by the evils of poverty (Pr 30:9), men, not fearing God, fall into dangers.

16

The industry of the righteous is alone truly successful, while the earnings of the wicked tempt and lead to sin.

17

keepeth — observes (Pr 3:18; 4:22). refuseth — or, "turns from reproof," which might direct him aright.

18

Both vices must one day be known and punished, and hence their folly.

19

Much speech involves risk of sin; hence the wisdom of restraining the tongue (Ps 39:1; Jas 1:26).

20

Right speech is the fruit of a good heart, but the wicked show theirs to be useless.

21

Fools not only fail to benefit others, as do the righteous, but procure their own ruin (compare Pr 10:11, 17; Ho 4:6).

22

it maketh, &c. — "it" is emphatic. Riches from God are without the sorrow of ill-gotten wealth (compare Ec 2:21-23; 1Ti 6:9, 10, 17).

23

Sin is the pleasure of the wicked; wisdom that of the good.

24

it — the very thing. The wicked get dreaded evil; the righteous, desired good.

25

(Compare Ps 1:4; 37:9, 10, 36). righteous... foundation — well laid and firm (Mt 7:24, 25).

26

that is, causes vexation.

27

(Compare Pr 9:11; Ps 55:23).

28

gladness — in confidence of realizing it. expectation... perish — in disappointment.

29

The way, &c. — that is, God's providence sustains the righteous and overthrows the wicked (Ho 14:9).

30

(Compare Pr 12:3; Ps 37:9-11; 102:28). earth — or, "land of promise."

31

bringeth forth — literally, "germinates" as a plant. froward — (Compare Pr 2:12, 14). cut off — as an unproductive plant.

32

know — regard and provide for (Ps 1:6). frowardness — all kinds of deceit and ill-nature. The word is plural.