Proverbs 20

1 whosoever is deceived thereby. Or, “erreth thereby.” “Quiconque en fait excès n’est pas sage” (“whoever goes to excess with it is not wise”) (French version). Wine not only leads to boisterous insolence, but has led even good men (such as Noah and Lot) into folly and sin: see Gen. ix. 21; xix. 33; also Dan. v. 4; Hos. vii. 5; Hab. ii. 5. 2 sinneth against his own soul. Endangers his life. 3 meddling. Rather, “quarrelsome”; the same word as in xvii. 14; xviii. 1. 4 by reason of the cold. Lit., “because of the winter” (November-December); when the weather breaks, and the rains set in. 5 Counsel in the heart of man. Or, “a purpose in a man’s heart.” 6 goodness. Rather, “kindness.” The second part of the verse intimates “that with much promise there may be little performance.” 8 Scattereth away. Or, “winnoweth out”; i.e., discovers and removes. 9 Who can say, etc.? This humiliating inquiry has a response in Eccles. vii. 20, and 1 John i. 8-10.

10. Divers weights, and divers measures. Heb., “A stone and a stone, an ephah and an ephah.” One set to sell with, and another to buy with, for the purpose of fraud. 12 The Lord hath made even both of them. He can therefore hear and see all things, and takes account of our use of the faculties which He has given: see Psa. xciv. 9. 13 Open thine eyes. Be watchful and diligent. 16 for a strange woman. Or, according to the present Hebrew text, “for strangers.” The R.V. reads, “hold him in pledge that is surety for strangers.” 17 Bread of deceit. Food gained unlawfully. 18 with good advice. Or, “by wise guidance.” The injunction corresponds with that in Luke xiv. 31. 19 that flattereth with his lips. Rather, “him that openeth wide his lips” (R.V.); i.e., a gossiping person. 22 shall save. Rather, “shall help”: see Rom. xii. 19. 25 who devoureth that which is holy. Rather, “who rashly uttereth holy words”: cp. R.V. The proverb refers to solemn promises hastily made. 26 A wise king, etc. Rather, “A wise king winnoweth the wicked, and turneth on them the wheel” (of his threshing-wain). As, in threshing, the wheel separates the grain from the straw, so a wise king will distinguish between the righteous and the wicked. 27 the candle (lamp) of the Lord. As a lamp is intended to light the inmost chambers of a house, so the conscious soul of man is designed by God to enlighten his whole nature. 28 Mercy and truth preserve the king. By securing the respect and love of the people, and bringing down the blessing of God. 30 The blueness of a wound, etc. Or, “Strokes of a wound (stripes that wound, R.V.) are a cleansing evil; and stripes [reach] the inward parts of the body.”