Proverbs 11

3 transgressors. The word here and elsewhere so rendered, means more precisely, “the treacherous” (R.V.); so ver. 6, etc.

4. In the day of wrath. That is, in the day of the wrath of God; see Ezek. vii. 19; Rom. ii. 5.

8 cometh in his stead. That is, he falls into the troubles from which the good man is delivered: see Esther vii. 9, 10; Dan. vi. 23, 24.

12. He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour. Rather, “He that despiseth his neighbour is void of wisdom,” R.V. The man who treats others with disrespect disgraces himself. On the contrary, a “man of understanding” keeps his opinion of others to himself, not setting himself up as a censor; Matt. vii. 1.

14 counsel. Or, “wise guidance” (R.V.). 18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work. Or, “The wicked obtaineth a delusive gain; but he that soweth righteousness [obtaineth] a real reward.” In the Hebrew there is an emphatic alliteration.

21 [Though] hand [join] in hand. Lit., “Hand to hand.” This may be simply a strong assertion, as if to say, “assuredly.”

26 blessing. That is, benedictions of the people. In times of scarcity some men hoarded corn, in order to obtain exorbitant profit. This has not been unheard of in modern times.

29. He that troublet his own house, etc. The first clause probably refers to the niggardly and exacting, the latter to the careless and mismanaging. Both are impoverished.

30 he that winneth souls is wise. Rather, “he that is wise winneth souls” (R.V.).

31 recompensed. Rather, “requited”; i.e., even the righteous, if he sins, shall be chastised; much more shall the wilful and habitual sinner. This sense is supported by the free rendering in the Septuagint version, which is quoted in 1 Pet. iv. 18.