Proverbs 13

Proverbs 13:3

3. In the mouth of the foolish &c.] The tongue of the fool is a scourge by which his own pride is lashed; but the lips of the wise are a safe defence to himself. Bp. Hall.

Proverbs 13:4

4. Where no oxen are, &c.] If the fields lie fallow and neglected, a famine will follow; but good husbandry bestowed upon them makes great plenty.—Oxen were the principal instruments of husbandry in Palestine, being employed, not only in ploughing the land, and carrying home the crop, but also in treading out the corn. Bp. Patrick.

Proverbs 13:6

6. A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not:] He that comes to seek after knowledge with a mind to scorn and censure, shall be sure to find matter enough for his humour, but none for his instruction. Lord Bacon. — but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.] But he who does not deem himself too wise to learn, easily and quickly attains the knowledge of things necessary and useful. Bp. Patrick. Before CHRIST about 1000. 13. b Ps. 37. 3. & 34. 10.

Proverbs 13:7

7. There is that maketh himself rich, &c.] There are those who are rich in their poverty, because they are content, and use generously what they have: there are others, who in the midst of their riches are really poor, from their insatiable covetousness or profusion. Calmet.

Proverbs 13:8

8. The ransom of a man’s life &c.] The rich, on account of their wealth, are sometimes accused of high crimes, that they may pay a large sum to save their lives; but nobody takes the trouble of finding fault with the poor, or bringing charges against him. Bp. Patrick.

Proverbs 13:9

9. The light of the righteous &c.] The happiness of the righteous shines like the sun, and increases to their endless joy; but the happiness of the wicked is as feeble as the light of a candle, and will soon be extinguished. Bp. Patrick.

Or, “The lamp of the wicked shall be put out:” the seeming and false mirth of wicked men, with which they are vainly elated, will soon be put out and end in sorrow. Bp. Hall.

Proverbs 13:12

12. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick:] He speaks of a case, when by repeated disappointments the hope

Moral virtues, and their contrary vices. Before CHRIST about 1000. Or, shall be in peace. Chap. 14. 27. f Chap. 12. 23. & 15. 2. f Heb. spreadeth. be broken. g Job 27. 17. h Chap. 12. 11.

Proverbs 13:13

13. Whoso despiseth the word &c.] Despiseth the good counsels and admonitions that are given him. Bp. Patrick.

Proverbs 13:14

14. The law of the wise &c.] The law of God, which is the matter and scope to which all the instruction of wise teachers tends, is that fountain, from which spiritual and eternal life flows, and the only means of delivering the soul from the snares of eternal death. Bp. Hall.

Proverbs 13:15

15. Good understanding giveth favour:] A prudent, pious, and regular behaviour, is most amiable and acceptable to all men; but the conversation of those who live by no law but their own lusts, like a rough way, is grievously uneasy. Bp. Patrick.

Proverbs 13:20

20. He that walketh with wise men] That is, who chooses wise persons for his companions, and loses no opportunity of receiving their advice and instruction. Dr. Jortin.

Proverbs 13:21

21. — to the righteous good shall be repayed.] This sentence expresses the general truth, that the practice of righteousness is men’s true interest, even in the present life; and that wickedness is attended with great misery generally, even here as well as hereafter. Dr. S. Clarke.

Proverbs 13:22

22. — the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.] Being transferred from his family to another which is virtuous. Bp. Patrick.

Proverbs 13:24

24. He that spareth his rod &c.] A fond indulgence the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

Proverbs 13:25

25. The righteous eateth &c.] A righteous man never wants a sufficiency, because his desires are moderate, and he makes a temperate use of God’s blessings: whereas wicked men bring themselves to poverty by riot and dissipation. Bp. Patrick. Chap. XIV. ver. 1. — buildeth her house:] By her diligent and prudent management raises up a family, and increases its riches and reputation. Bp. Patrick.