Proverbs 11

Proverbs 11:7

7. — his expectation shall perish.] The wicked man, having no other expectation than in his own means of strength, will see all his projects dissipated by death. Calmet.

Proverbs 11:8

8. — the wicked cometh in his stead.] That is, the wicked falls into those very distresses from which the just is happily freed. Bp. Patrick. See Esther vii. 9.

Proverbs 11:9

9. An hypocrite &c.] A dissembling friend, with fair and false words, and semblances, draws his neighbour into some dangerous inconvenience; but a wise and just man will soon perceive his fraud, and will avoid the mischief plotted against him. Bp. Holl.

Proverbs 11:10

10. — the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.] The very kindnesses pretended by the wicked are intended only for a cover to bring about their mischievous designs the more securely and effectually. Dr. Wells.

Proverbs 11:11

11. By the blessing of the upright &c.] By God’s benediction for their sakes. Dr. Isham.

12. — he that followeth vain persons] He that followeth idle persons. Dr. Wells. In some translations it is given, “He that followeth idleness.” Calmet.

Proverbs 11:12

12. — despiseth his neighbour: &c.] That is, speaks contemptuously of him, or ridicules him. Dr. Wells. Speaks spitefully or scornfully of him; but a man of understanding conceals his thoughts, and will not utter any thing to the reproach of another. Bp. Holl.

13. The wicked desireth the net of evil men:] The wicked man desires to employ those means of fraudulent circumvention, which he sees some crafty oppressors use to their advantage. Bp. Hall.

Proverbs 11:14

14. — in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.] A country is safe when there are many wise men to govern affairs; for, if one fail, others still remain; and what one or two discover not, others may be able to discern. Bp. Patrick.

15. A man shall &c.] A good man shall, by God’s merciful retribution, find comfort and benefit, both to himself and others, from the gracious words of holy counsel, which proceed from his mouth, and also from the holy works of his hands. Bp. Hall.

Proverbs 11:15

15. The way of a fool is right &c.] Whoever is wise, is apt to suspect and be diffident of himself, and upon that account is willing to “hearken unto counsel;” whereas the foolish man, being in proportion to his folly full of himself, and swallowed up in conceit, will seldom take any counsel but his own, and for that very reason, because it is his own. Dr. J. Balmy.

Proverbs 11:16

16. A gracious woman &c.] Beauty and virtue in a woman advance her to honour, as formidable power and strength in men advance them to riches: and, as their

17. A fool’s wrath &c.] A fool is soon provoked, and shews his anger in an indecent manner by his countenance, words, or actions; but a prudent man “covereth

Proverbs 11:21

21. Though hand join in hand, &c.] Though the wicked man endeavour to strengthen himself and his family by powerful leagues and confederations, he shall not be able to escape the punishment his iniquity deserves. Bp. Patrick. To join hands was anciently, and still continues in the East, a solemn method of taking an oath on making an engagement. To this circumstance allusion seems clearly to be made in these words of Solomon.

Proverbs 11:22

22. As a jewel of gold &c.] Allusion is here made to the Eastern custom of wearing valuable rings in the nostril. As such an ornament would be very ill placed in the snout of a swine which grovels continually in the mire, so beauty is equally misplaced in a woman who is without virtue and discretion. Bp. Patrick. See Sir J. Chardin’s note on Gen. xxiv. 22.

Proverbs 11:24

24. There is that scattereth.] That is, that giveth liberally on all proper occasions. Dr. Wells. 25. The liberal soul shall be made fat: The liberal “soul,” or the liberal “man;” “soul” being often in Hebrew put for “man.” Dr. Durell. “Shall be made fat,” or rich; and he that “watereth,” or giveth plenteously to others, shall be watered, or receive pleasifully from God himself. Dr. Wells.

Proverbs 11:26

26. He that withholdeth corn.] He that hoardeth up Before CHRIST about 1000. departeth from. soul of blessing. k Ps. 7. 15, 16. & 9. 15, 16. & 10. 2. & 57. 6. Moral virtues, and their contrary vices. Before CHRIST about 1000.

Proverbs 11:29

29. He that troubleth &c.] He that troubleth his own house or family, or whatever else he holds under his authority, by making or fomenting dissensions therein, “shall inherit the wind,” shall be deceived as to any advantage he may expect thereby, and gain nothing; and the fool of this description shall be, as is often found by experience, “servant to the wise of heart,” who manages his affairs after a prudent manner. Dr. Wells. “He that troubleth his own house,” either by improvidently dissipating his property, or by sowing divisions and discord among the members of his family. Calmet.

Proverbs 11:30

30. — he that winneth souls] That draws souls to the love of virtue by communicating wisdom seasonably and charitably. Bp. Patrick.

Proverbs 11:31

31. — shall be recompensed in the earth:] Shall be recompensed for their righteousness.

Chap. XII. ver. 4. — is as rottenness in his bones.] Is an incurable grief and vexation, consuming him and all that he hath. Bp. Patrick.

6. — shall deliver them. That is, those whom the wicked seek to destroy. Dr. Isham.

7. He that is despised, &c. He is far happier who makes no shew in the world, but has a competent estate, than he who appears in great splendour and pomp

abroad, but wants bread to eat when he is at home. Bp. Patrick.