Proverbs 15

4. A wholesome tongue. The same word is applied to the heart in xiv. 30, where see note.

a breach in the spirit. Rather, “a wound in the spirit.”

7 [footh] not so. “Does not understand.”

8. The sacrifice of the wicked, etc. The costliest offering from one who is leading a wicked life is hateful to God; while the prayer of the good man, though he may have no sacrifice to offer, is acceptable to Him.

10. Correction is grievous, etc. Rather, as R.V., “There is grievous correction for him who forsaketh the way.”

11. Hell and destruction. Heb., “Sheol and Abaddon”; the under-world and the abyss: see Job xxvi. 6 and note, and Rev. ix. 11.

15 the afflicted. In contrast to him “that is of a merry (cheerful) heart.” A gloomy disposition rather than outward affliction, seems therefore meant.

19 is made plain. Rather, “is banked up” as a high-road. The slothful finds hindrances where the honest worker finds helps.

21 walketh uprightly. Or, “goeth straight forward.”

24 to the wise, etc. Or, “The path of life [leads] upward for the wise,” towards life and happiness: in opposition to the way of sin, which leads downward to destruction (Sheol).

25 will establish the border of the widow. “Establishing the border,” means protecting the property or interests.

26 [the words of] the pure are pleasant words. Or, “But pleasant (i.e., kindly) words are pure (in the sight of God)”; see R.V.

27 gifts. That is, as bribes.

30. The light of the eyes. “As the light of the eyes (the pleasure derived through the eyes or, perhaps, ‘sunshine’) rejoiceth the heart; so do good tidings make the bones fat.”

31 the reproof of life. “Reproof of [his] life,” i.e., of his conduct.

32 instruction. Rather, “discipline,” and so in the next verse: see on i. 2.

33 the instruction (discipline) of wisdom. That is, that which leads to wisdom.

before honour is humility. “Humility is the way to honour” (Moffatt).