Proverbs 24

5. A wise man is strong, etc. Very similar is our maxim, “Knowledge is power”: see Eccles. ix. 14-16.

7 in the gate. The place of deliberation and judgement, where wisdom is most important.

9. The thought of foolishness, etc. Perhaps the meaning is, that the very purpose of evil is sinful in the sight of God; but the bold and insolent transgressor is also odious to man.

10 small. Or, “straitened.” Alarm and despondency destroy the strength which is needed to bear adversity.

11. If thou forbear to deliver, etc. Rather, “Deliver those who are dragged forth to death; and those who are tottering to the slaughter, oh, keep thou back!” ep. R.V. The reference is to the custom of making proclamations before a prisoner, when he was led forth to execution, that any person able to prove his innocence should come forward and do so.

14. So [shall] the knowledge, etc. Rather, “So learn thou wisdom for thy soul.”

16 falloth seven times, and riseth up again. This evidently refers to falling, not into sin (which the Hebrew word never means), but into trouble or suffering.

19. Fret not thyself, etc. This is almost word for word the same as Psa. xxxvii. 1.

20 no reward. In contrast with ver. 14, xxiii. 18.

21 fear thou the Lord and the king. See xvi. 10.

them that are given to change. Heb.,

“changers”, men who foster irreligion and rebellion.

22 the ruin of them both. Intimating the suddenness and mystery of the destruction of the impious and the disloyal.

23. These things also belong to the wise. Or, “These [words] also [belong] to the wise.” A new section in this part of the Book: see note on xxii. 17.

25 to them that rebuke him. That is, that rebuke the wicked (see ver. 24).

26 [Every man] shall kiss his lips, etc. Rather, “He that giveth right words kisseth the lips.” Such words are as pleasant as the welcome of a friend: see R.V.

28 without cause. Latin (Vulgate): frustra. The case is not precisely that of false, but of unnecessary adverse testimony, due, not to a regard for truth, but to private malice, and so having the nature of falsehood or deceit.

29. Say not, etc. This verse forbids retaliation, and anticipates the Sermon on the Mount.

30 the field of the slothful. The narrative has an evident spiritual application. “The field and the vineyard are more than the man’s earthly possessions. His neglect brings barrenness or desolation to the garden of the soul” (Plumptre).

34. So shall thy poverty come, etc. See note on vi. 11.