Proverbs 19

2 that the soul, etc. This may be rendered, “Also in thoughtlessness of soul is no good, and the hasty of feet goeth astray”; condemning rashness of feeling and action.

3 his heart fretteth against the Lord. Men often murmur against God as the author of evils which their own folly has brought upon them.

6 will intreat the favour. Lit., “will stroke the cheeks.”

the prince. Or, “the liberal man,” as R.V. 7 brethren . . . friends. The contrast is between the relatives and the mere acquaintances of the poor man.

He pursueth them with words, etc. Perhaps, “He follows their promises. They are gone!” But the passage is obscure.

10. Delight. Or, “luxury” (R.V., “delicate living”). It is unseemly for a man to affect a mode of life for which he is naturally unfitted.

11 it is his glory to pass over a transgression. This sentiment is beautifully enforced by our Lord in Matt. v. 38-44.

13 contentious. Nagging. 14 And. Rather, “But.” Fathers may bestow material comforts, but a prudent wife must be sought as the gift of God: see xviii. 22. 16 he that despiseth. Or, “is careless of his ways,” R.V.; is reckless in his behaviour. 17 will He pay him again. That is, the Eternal will repay him, treating the interests of the poor as if they were His own. So our Lord pledges Himself to reward the smallest service rendered to the humblest of His disciples (Matt. x. 42; xxv. 40). 18 let not thy soul spare for his crying. Rather, “set not thy heart on his destruction” (R.V.); i.e., do not cause his ruin by failing to inflict punishment: see xxiii. 13, 14. 20 in thy latter end. Lit., “in thy after life.” 21 Nevertheless. Rather, as R.V., “But,” The contrast is between the Divine “counsel,” one and unchanging, and the “many” various “devices” or plans of men 22 The desire of a man is his kindness, etc. Or, “The charm of a man is kindness.” But perhaps the best rendering of a difficult text is, as R.V., “The desire of a man is the measure of his kindness; and a poor man” (who can only give kindness) “is better than a man of deceit” (who fails to do what he professes). 23 And he [that hath it], etc. Lit., “Satisfied, one spendeth the night, not visited by evil.” A beautiful picture of rest in the Lord. 24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom. More properly, “The slothful man hideth his hand in the dish”: alluding to the Oriental manner of eating: see Matt. xxvi. 23. This is a sarcastic description of lazy habits: cp. R.V. 25 Smite a scorner, etc. Although the hardened sinner may not himself be reclaimed by punishment, others may take warning and amend; but reproof alone is sufficient for those who are well disposed. 26 He that wasteth his father, etc. Rather, “A son who causeth shame and reproach, wasteth his father and chaseth away his mother.” 23 An ungodly witness. Heb., “A witness of Belial”; i.e., worthless.