1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.
8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.
15 The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.
19 A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
23 A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
25 The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD is kept safe.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from the LORD.
27 A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary, 1706
Verse 1
If God wounds, who can heal? The word of God warns all to flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before us in Jesus Christ.
Verse 2
The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their rulers are righteous or wicked.
Verse 3
Divine wisdom best keeps us from ruinous lusts.
Verse 4
The Lord Jesus is the King who will minister true judgment to the people.
Verse 5
Flatterers put men off their guard, which betrays them into foolish conduct.
Verse 6
Transgressions always end in vexations. Righteous men walk at liberty, and walk in safety.
Verse 7
This verse is applicable to compassion for the distress of the poor, and the unfeeling disregard shown by the wicked.
Verse 8
The scornful mock at things sacred and serious. Men who promote religion, which is true wisdom, turn away the wrath of God.
Verse 9
If a wise man dispute with a conceited wrangler, he will be treated with anger or ridicule; and no good is done.
Verse 10
Christ told his disciples that they should be hated of all men. The just, whom the blood-thirsty hate, gladly do any thing for their salvation.
Verse 11
He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep no counsel.
Verse 12
One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers.
Verse 13
Some are poor, others have a great deal of deceitful riches. They meet in the business of this world; the Lord gives to both the comforts of this life. To some of both sorts he gives his grace.
Verse 14
The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for.
Verse 15
Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence.
Verse 16
Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience.
Verse 17
Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do amiss.
Verse 18
How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing.
Verse 19
Here is an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant; one that serves not from conscience, or love, but from fear.
Verse 20
When a man is self-conceited, rash, and given to wrangling, there is more hope of the ignorant and profligate.
Verse 21
Good usage to a servant does not mean indulgence, which would ruin even a child. The body is a servant to the soul; those that humour it, and are over-tender of it, will find it forget its place.
Verse 22
An angry, passionate disposition makes men provoking to one another, and provoking to God.
Verse 23
Only those who humble themselves shall be exalted and established.
Verse 24
The receiver is as bad as the thief.
Verse 25
Many are ashamed to own Christ now; and he will not own them in the day of judgment. But he that trusts in the Lord will be saved from this snare.
Verse 26
The wisest course is, to look to God, and seek the favour of the Ruler of rulers; for every creature is that to us which God makes it to be.
Verse 27
The just man abhors the sins of the wicked, and shuns their company. Christ exposed the wickedness of men, yet prayed for the wicked when they were crucifying him. Hatred to sin in ourselves and others, is a needful branch of the Christian temper. But all that are unholy, have rooted hatred to godliness.