King James Version
Proverbs 10
32 verses with commentary
The Proverbs of Solomon: The Wise Son and the Foolish Son
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse begins the first collection of Solomon's proverbs proper (10:1-22:16), shifting from extended discourse to brief wisdom sayings. 'A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother' establishes the relational impact of wisdom and folly. Parents rejoice in wise children and grieve over foolish ones. The asymmetry (glad father / grieving mother) may simply v...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**X.**
3. A COLLECTION OF 375 SEPARATE VERSES ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, MARKED BY A NEW HEADING (Proverbs 10:1 to Proverbs 22:16).
(1) **The proverbs of Solomon.—**The new title and different style of composition mark a new collection of proverbs. (See above, in the *Introduction.*) Each verse is distinct and complete in itself; but the collector appears to have endeavoured to throw together such as to...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
141. The pious, however despised of men, are distinguished in God's sight by a regard for His law.
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
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KJV Study Commentary
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. Ill-gotten gain provides no lasting benefit - what's gained unrighteously cannot truly profit. In contrast, righteousness delivers from death - both temporal consequences and eternal judgment. This verse refutes pragmatic immorality, insisting that wrong means can never produce right ends. Only righteousness, ultimately...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Treasures of wickedness—***i.e., *gained by wrong-doing.
**Righteousness delivereth from death.—**The Hebrew word translated “righteousness” has a much wider meaning than its English equivalent, which generally bears the sense only of deciding fairly, being especially applied to judges. But a “righteous” man in Hebrew is one who “renders to all their due,” whether to God, as Noah, who was “j...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
142-144. The principles of God's government are permanent and reliable, and in the deepest distress His people find them a theme of delightful meditation and a source of reviving power (Psa 119:17, 116).
**law is the truth--**It therefore cannot deceive as to its promises.
**everlasting--**(Psa 111:3), though to outward appearance seeming dead.
KOPH. (Psa 119:145-152).
The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. the substance: or, the wicked for their wickedness
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb establishes God's sovereign providence over the righteous and wicked. The Hebrew <em>ra'ev</em> (רָעֵב, "to famish") denotes extreme hunger and deprivation. The LORD (<em>Yahweh</em>) actively intervenes—"will not suffer" (<em>lo-yariv</em>, לֹא־יַרְעִיב) demonstrates divine commitment to sustain His people. This echoes Psalm 37:25: "I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his see...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish.—**Comp. David’s experience (Psalm 37:25), and the great promise of our Lord to those who “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). (Comp. also below, Proverbs 13:25.)
**He casteth away the substance of the wicked.**—Rather, *He repels *(the word is used in 2Kings 4:27, of Gehazi “thrusting away” the Shu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
142-144. The principles of God's government are permanent and reliable, and in the deepest distress His people find them a theme of delightful meditation and a source of reviving power (Psa 119:17, 116).
**law is the truth--**It therefore cannot deceive as to its promises.
**everlasting--**(Psa 111:3), though to outward appearance seeming dead.
KOPH. (Psa 119:145-152).
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
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KJV Study Commentary
Diligence in labor reflects faithful stewardship of God-given opportunities and abilities. The 'slack hand' indicates not merely poverty but moral failure—lazy neglect of covenant responsibility. The diligent hand brings wealth not through greed but through responsible industry, fulfilling the creation mandate to subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
142-144. The principles of God's government are permanent and reliable, and in the deepest distress His people find them a theme of delightful meditation and a source of reviving power (Psa 119:17, 116).
**law is the truth--**It therefore cannot deceive as to its promises.
**everlasting--**(Psa 111:3), though to outward appearance seeming dead.
KOPH. (Psa 119:145-152).
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Agricultural Wisdom:</strong> This proverb uses farming imagery to contrast wisdom and folly. The Hebrew <em>אֹגֵר בַּקַּיִץ</em> (oger baqqayits, "gathers in summer") describes someone who works during the optimal harvest season, while <em>נִרְדָּם בַּקָּצִיר</em> (nirdam baqqatsir, "sleeps in harvest") depicts negligence at the crucial moment. <strong>Seasonal Urgency:</strong> In ancien...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
145-149. An intelligent devotion is led by divine promises and is directed to an increase of gracious affections, arising from a contemplation of revealed truth.
Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb presents a stark contrast between the just and the wicked. "Blessings" (<em>berakhot</em>, בְּרָכוֹת) are divine favors resting "upon the head" of the just—a metaphor for public honor and divine approval crowning their lives. The "just" (<em>tsaddiq</em>, צַדִּיק) are those declared righteous through faith, living in covenant alignment with God.<br><br>The second clause reveals a sini...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.**—Curses and deeds of violence have proceeded from his mouth, but God frustrates them, they “return unto him void” (Isaiah 55:11), and, as it were, stop his mouth, reducing him to silence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
145-149. An intelligent devotion is led by divine promises and is directed to an increase of gracious affections, arising from a contemplation of revealed truth.
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
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KJV Study Commentary
The righteous leave a legacy of blessing—their memory brings joy and honor. The wicked's name rots, forgotten or remembered with shame. This reflects biblical concern for generational impact and the enduring fruit of godly character. Reputation matters not for pride but as testimony to God's transforming grace.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
145-149. An intelligent devotion is led by divine promises and is directed to an increase of gracious affections, arising from a contemplation of revealed truth.
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. a prating: Heb. a fool of lips fall: Heb. be beaten
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KJV Study Commentary
The wise in heart will receive commandments, but a prating fool shall fall. The wise eagerly receive authoritative instruction, while the talkative fool who loves hearing himself speak will come to ruin. The contrast between receiving and prating emphasizes listening versus speaking. Those who talk more than listen miss instruction and fall into error. Wise humility receives correction; foolish pr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **A prating fool **(*‘evîl*)*. *(See above, on Proverbs 1:7.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
145-149. An intelligent devotion is led by divine promises and is directed to an increase of gracious affections, arising from a contemplation of revealed truth.
He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
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KJV Study Commentary
Integrity provides confident security, while perversion leads to exposure and shame. Walking uprightly means transparency before God and others—nothing to hide or fear being revealed. The perverse person's crookedness will eventually be known, demonstrating that secret sin becomes public shame.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Walketh surely.—**He has no cause to fear lest anything to his discredit should come out, but can trust quietly in the Lord (Psalm 112:7); while he that goeth by crooked paths will be found out (Matthew 10:26), and the fear of this gives him perpetual uneasiness. Or the meaning may be that he will be “instructed,” *i.e., *punished by misfortune, as Jeremiah 31:19.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
145-149. An intelligent devotion is led by divine promises and is directed to an increase of gracious affections, arising from a contemplation of revealed truth.
He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall. fall: Heb. be beaten
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse addresses deceptive communication and its consequences. "Winketh with the eye" (<em>qorets ayin</em>, קֹרֵץ עַיִן) describes conspiratorial signaling—a gesture of malicious intent, mockery, or deception. Proverbs 6:12-14 connects winking eyes with worthless persons who plot evil. The result is "sorrow" (<em>atsev</em>, עַצֶּב), meaning pain, grief, toil—the deceiver causes suffering to ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Causeth sorrow **to the person who is the butt of his ridicule, or against whom his malice is directed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
150-152. Though the wicked are near to injure, because far from God's law, He is near to help, and faithful to His word, which abides for ever.
RESH. (Psa 119:153-160).
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
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KJV Study Commentary
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Righteous speech provides life-giving refreshment like a well in arid land. In contrast, wicked speech hides (covers) violence - concealing destructive intent behind words. The verse presents speech as either blessing or curse, life-giving or life-destroying. Such speech flows from character - righteous pe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.**—If these words are to be taken as in Proverbs 10:6, then the first line must mean that the righteous man speaks to his own profit. But perhaps it will be better here to interpret the second line in the sense of “the mouth of the godless hideth violence,” *i.e., *it conceals under deceitful words the mischief intended for others. With God is the “...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
150-152. Though the wicked are near to injure, because far from God's law, He is near to help, and faithful to His word, which abides for ever.
RESH. (Psa 119:153-160).
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
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KJV Study Commentary
This beloved proverb contrasts hate and love: 'Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.' Hatred actively stirs up conflicts, constantly picking fights and nursing grievances. Love, conversely, covers sins—not by ignoring or enabling them but by extending grace rather than revenge. This verse is quoted in 1 Peter 4:8: 'above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for chari...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Hatred stirreth up strifes **. . .—Hatred rakes up again old feuds which have slumbered, but love covers up and refuses to look at any wrong done to it. A similar expression occurs in 1Peter 4:8 and James 5:20, though probably in a somewhat different sense. (See the note on the former passage.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
150-152. Though the wicked are near to injure, because far from God's law, He is near to help, and faithful to His word, which abides for ever.
RESH. (Psa 119:153-160).
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. of understanding: Heb. of heart
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KJV Study Commentary
In the lips of him that has understanding wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him void of understanding. Understanding produces wise speech; lack of understanding requires corporal discipline. The rod isn't arbitrary punishment but pedagogy for those who won't learn through instruction. This reflects ancient pedagogy using physical discipline. The principle: wisdom is better acquired thr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
153-155. Though the remembering of God's law is not meritorious, yet it evinces a filial temper and provides the pious with promises to plead, while the wicked in neglecting His law, reject God and despise His promises (compare Psa 9:13; 43:1; 69:18).
Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb contrasts wisdom's strategic preparation with folly's impending disaster. "Wise men lay up knowledge" uses <em>tsaphan</em> (צָפַן, to treasure, store, hide away)—the same verb describing hiding treasure for safekeeping. Knowledge (<em>da'at</em>, דַּעַת) is not mere information but skillful understanding of God's ways. The wise accumulate wisdom as one stores grain for famine, buildi...
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(14) **The mouth of the foolish is near destruction**—*i.e., *is a near, ever-threatening calamity; one never knows what awkward or dangerous thing he will not say next: whereas wise men store up knowledge, and bring it forth as it is wanted (Matthew 13:52).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
153-155. Though the remembering of God's law is not meritorious, yet it evinces a filial temper and provides the pious with promises to plead, while the wicked in neglecting His law, reject God and despise His promises (compare Psa 9:13; 43:1; 69:18).
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
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KJV Study Commentary
This observation describes contrasting securities: wealth for the rich, poverty for the poor. "The rich man's wealth is his strong city" uses <em>qiryat uzzo</em> (קִרְיַת עֻזּוֹ, his fortified city)—a metaphor for security and protection. Ancient cities with thick walls, towers, and gates provided refuge from enemies. The rich trust their resources as others trust defensive fortifications.<br><br...
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(15) **The rich man’s wealth is his strong city**—*i.e., *an actual protection to him against his enemies, for by it he can get aid; or (as Proverbs 18:11) it gives him the consciousness of power, courage: whereas poverty drags a man down, and prevents his advance in life, or makes him timid, and unable to defend himself.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
153-155. Though the remembering of God's law is not meritorious, yet it evinces a filial temper and provides the pious with promises to plead, while the wicked in neglecting His law, reject God and despise His promises (compare Psa 9:13; 43:1; 69:18).
The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
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KJV Study Commentary
The labor of the righteous tends to life, the fruit of the wicked to sin. Righteous work produces life-giving outcomes; wicked activity produces more sin. This verse presents a moral feedback loop - righteousness breeds more righteousness and life, wickedness breeds more wickedness and death. The principle applies both individually and socially - patterns of righteousness or wickedness become self...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **The labour of the righteous tendeth to life.**—For the gains of his honest toil have the blessing of God upon them, and so bring him satisfaction of mind and the power of performing his duties in life; whereas all that the wicked man acquires only helps him to sin yet more, by enabling him to indulge his evil passions.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
156. (See on Psa 119:149).
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. erreth: or, causeth to err
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb presents the two paths through instruction and correction. "He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction" identifies the blessed path. <em>Orach chayyim</em> (אֹרַח חַיִּים, the way of life) is the road leading to genuine flourishing, both temporal and eternal. "Keepeth" (<em>shomer</em>, שֹׁמֵר) means guards, observes, heeds—active preservation of instruction (<em>musar</em>, מו...
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(17) **Erreth.**—Literally, *committeth error. *This is probably the true sense, and harmonises better with being “in the way of life,” which occurs just before, than the marginal rendering, “causeth to err.” The word occurs in a similar sense in Jeremiah 42:20 (there translated, “ye have dissembled”).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
157. (Compare Psa 119:86, 87, 95).
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb exposes two forms of foolish speech: hypocritical concealment and slanderous exposure. "He that hideth hatred with lying lips" describes the flatterer who masks animosity behind false pleasantries. <em>Mekasseh sin'ah</em> (מְכַסֶּה שִׂנְאָה, covering hatred) with <em>siftey shaqer</em> (שִׂפְתֵי־שֶׁקֶר, lying lips) creates deceptive relationships. This person smiles while plotting ha...
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(18) **He that hideth hatred **. . .—This would be more correctly translated, “He that hideth hatred is a mouth of falsehood: he that spreadeth slander is a fool” (*khesîl: *Proverbs 1:22). (For the construction, “he . . . is a mouth of falsehood,” comp. note on Proverbs 8:30; and for the sentiment, David’s complaint, Psalm 41:6).
**Is a fool.**—For he does mischief to his neighbour, and only gets...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
158. (Compare Psa 119:136).
**transgressors--**or, literally, "traitors," who are faithless to a righteous sovereign and side with His enemies (compare Psa 25:3, 8).
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
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KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew 'rab' (multitude) of words inevitably leads to sin, whether through gossip, lying, or foolish speech. This proverb recognizes the fundamental connection between verbal excess and moral failure, emphasizing that wisdom lies in restraint rather than eloquence. The one who 'refraineth' (Hebrew 'chasak') his lips exercises self-control, one of wisdom's key virtues.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, **for they are sure to fail in truthfulness, or charity, or opportuneness, and will come under the condemnation of Matthew 12:36, as being the outcome of a careless heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
159. (Compare Psa 119:121-126, 153-155).
**quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness--**(Psa 119:88). This prayer occurs here for the ninth time, showing a deep sense of frailty.
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
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KJV Study Commentary
The tongue of the just is as choice silver; the heart of the wicked is little worth. Righteous speech is precious and valuable like refined silver. Conversely, wicked hearts (and thus their speech flowing from hearts) are worthless. The contrast emphasizes both inner character (heart) and outer expression (tongue). What makes righteous speech valuable is the valuable heart from which it flows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
160. God has been ever faithful, and the principles of His government will ever continue worthy of confidence.
**from the beginning--**that is, "every word from Genesis (called so by the Jews from its first words, 'In the beginning') to the end of the Scriptures is true." Hengstenberg translates more literally, "The sum of thy words is truth." The sense is substantially the same. The whole body ...
Read full commentary →The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. of wisdom: Heb. of heart
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KJV Study Commentary
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for want of wisdom. Righteous speech provides spiritual nourishment benefiting many; fools perish from lack of understanding. The verb 'feed' (ra'ah - shepherd, pasture) suggests righteous persons pastor others through godly speech. In contrast, fools don't merely lack wisdom but die for want of it - ignorance is fatal. This establishes both the v...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **The lips of the righteous feed many—***i.e., *sustain them by words of counsel, encouragement, and comfort, giving to each one his “meat in due season “(Matthew 24:45).
**Fools.—**Headstrong, obstinate persons (Proverbs 1:7).
**For want of wisdom.**—Or it may be translated, “Through one who is destitute of wisdom.” As one righteous man will guide many aright, so one unwise man will lead man...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
161-165. (Compare Psa 119:46, 86).
**awe--**reverential, not slavish fear, which could not coexist with love (Psa 119:163; 1Jo 4:8). Instead of fearing his persecutors, he fears God's Word alone (Lu 12:4, 5). The Jews inscribe in the first page of the great Bible (Ge 28:17), "How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!"
The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
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KJV Study Commentary
The LORD's blessing alone produces true wealth, unaccompanied by the sorrow that attends ill-gotten or idolized riches. This verse grounds prosperity theology in proper perspective—God may grant material blessing, but it comes as gracious gift, not earned wage. Riches with sorrow include wealth gained through sin or that becomes a snare.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **And he addeth no sorrow with it—**whereas riches without God’s blessing bring only trouble with them. Or the passage may mean, “And labour adds nothing thereto.” (Comp. Psalm 127:2. where God is said to give to His beloved while they sleep all that others toil early and late for in vain.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
161-165. (Compare Psa 119:46, 86).
**awe--**reverential, not slavish fear, which could not coexist with love (Psa 119:163; 1Jo 4:8). Instead of fearing his persecutors, he fears God's Word alone (Lu 12:4, 5). The Jews inscribe in the first page of the great Bible (Ge 28:17), "How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!"
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.</strong> This proverb contrasts the fool's attitude toward evil with the wise person's pursuit of wisdom. The Hebrew <em>kis'choq</em> (כִּשְׂחוֹק, "as sport/laughter") indicates the fool finds amusement and pleasure in wickedness. The word <em>zimmah</em> (זִמָּה, "mischief") denotes planned wickedness, schem...
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(23) **But a man of understanding hath wisdom.**—Rather, *But wisdom *(*is sport*)* to a man of understanding, i.e., *one rejoices in mischief, the other (comp. Proverbs 8:30) in wise thoughts and deeds.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
161-165. (Compare Psa 119:46, 86).
**awe--**reverential, not slavish fear, which could not coexist with love (Psa 119:163; 1Jo 4:8). Instead of fearing his persecutors, he fears God's Word alone (Lu 12:4, 5). The Jews inscribe in the first page of the great Bible (Ge 28:17), "How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!"
The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
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KJV Study Commentary
The fear of the wicked shall come upon him, but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. What the wicked fear (divine judgment) will indeed come; what the righteous desire (blessing) will be granted. This verse presents poetic justice - the wicked's fears and righteous's hopes both realized. The principle: your expectations reflect your spiritual state and will be fulfilled accordingly. Fear ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **The fear of the wicked—***i.e.*, that of which he is afraid. (Comp. Isaiah 66:4; Hebrews 10:27.)
**The desire of the righteous shall be granted.—**For they submit their will to the will of God, and pray for what He sees best for them, which accordingly He grants; moreover, the Holy Spirit also aids them, making intercession for them “according to the will of God” (Romans 8:27).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
161-165. (Compare Psa 119:46, 86).
**awe--**reverential, not slavish fear, which could not coexist with love (Psa 119:163; 1Jo 4:8). Instead of fearing his persecutors, he fears God's Word alone (Lu 12:4, 5). The Jews inscribe in the first page of the great Bible (Ge 28:17), "How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!"
As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
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KJV Study Commentary
As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more; but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. The wicked's existence is temporary, swept away like debris in a storm. The righteous endures permanently, providing stable foundation. The contrast between temporary and eternal existence reflects covenant theology - the wicked perish but the righteous inherit eternal life. This long-view perspectiv...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **As the whirlwind passeth.**—Better, *when the whirlwind, *&c. (Comp. Wisdom Of Solomon 5:14-15; Job 21:18; Matthew 7:24, ff.) Death is ruin to the wicked, and gain to the righteous (2Timothy 1:12).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
161-165. (Compare Psa 119:46, 86).
**awe--**reverential, not slavish fear, which could not coexist with love (Psa 119:163; 1Jo 4:8). Instead of fearing his persecutors, he fears God's Word alone (Lu 12:4, 5). The Jews inscribe in the first page of the great Bible (Ge 28:17), "How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!"
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
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KJV Study Commentary
As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him. The sluggard causes intense irritation to those depending on him - like vinegar's sting or smoke's irritation. This verse addresses the social dimension of sloth - it doesn't merely harm the sluggard but frustrates everyone relying on him. Sloth violates love of neighbor by failing to fulfill responsibilities ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
166-168. As they keep God's law from motives of love for it, and are free from slavish fear, the are ready to subject their lives to His inspection.
The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. prolongeth: Heb. addeth
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KJV Study Commentary
Fearing the LORD extends one's days while wickedness cuts life short. This general principle reflects God's moral governance—reverence for God conduces to flourishing, while rebellion courts destruction. Though exceptions exist (martyrs dying young, wicked prospering temporarily), the pattern holds: godliness with contentment is great gain.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **The fear of the Lord prolongeth days.—**The special Old Testament blessing for obedience (comp. Proverbs 9:11), often fulfilled now, too, in the case of those who live on to old age, in the quiet fulfilment of duty; while others are shortening their lives by excessive anxieties, or the pursuit of pleasure.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
166-168. As they keep God's law from motives of love for it, and are free from slavish fear, the are ready to subject their lives to His inspection.
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
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KJV Study Commentary
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. What the righteous anticipate (blessing, God's favor) will come to fruition in joy. What the wicked expect (success through evil) will fail utterly. This verse grounds ethics in eschatology - ultimate outcomes vindicate righteousness and expose wickedness's futility. Present circumstances don't determine f...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
166-168. As they keep God's law from motives of love for it, and are free from slavish fear, the are ready to subject their lives to His inspection.
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
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KJV Study Commentary
The way of YHWH is strength to the upright, but destruction shall be to workers of iniquity. God's way provides strength and refuge to the faithful while bringing ruin to the wicked. This verse presents the same reality - God's ways - producing opposite effects on different people based on their moral orientation. What strengthens the righteous destroys the wicked. This principle explains how the ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **The way of the Lord—***i.e.*, in which He has directed men to walk. (Comp. Psalm 25:12; Matthew 22:16; Acts 9:2.) It is a strong protection to the righteous, for no harm can happen to them while they follow it (1Peter 3:13); *but it is destruction *(not, there is destruction) *to the workers of iniquity, *because the fact of their having rejected the teaching of God will be their condemnati...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
169-170. The prayer for understanding of the truth precedes that for deliverance. The fulfilment of the first is the basis of the fulfilment of the second (Psa 90:11-17). On the terms "cry" and "supplication" (compare Psa 6:9; 17:1).
The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb addresses security and permanence for the righteous versus instability for the wicked. "The righteous shall never be removed" uses <em>bal-yimmot le'olam</em> (בַּל־יִמּוֹט לְעוֹלָם, shall never be moved forever)—expressing absolute stability. <em>Tsaddiq</em> (צַדִּיק, righteous) are those justified by faith, living in covenant relationship with God. Their security isn't physical imm...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **The righteous shall never be removed.**—See above on Proverbs 2:21, and Psalm 37:29.
**But the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.—**Rather, *The godless abide not in the land. *They often have to become vagabonds, like Cain, for their crimes. This, too, was the great punishment threatened by Moses and all the prophets, which at last fell upon the Jews, and is still in force.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
169-170. The prayer for understanding of the truth precedes that for deliverance. The fulfilment of the first is the basis of the fulfilment of the second (Psa 90:11-17). On the terms "cry" and "supplication" (compare Psa 6:9; 17:1).
The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
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KJV Study Commentary
The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom, but the froward tongue shall be cut out. Righteous speech produces wisdom benefiting the community; perverse speech will be eliminated. The graphic imagery of tongue-cutting emphasizes divine judgment on destructive speech. While not prescribing literal mutilation, the verse warns that perverse speakers will be silenced - through death if not repentance.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **Bringeth forth wisdom.**—As the fields their “increase” (Deuteronomy 32:13); hence words are termed the “fruit of the lips” (Isaiah 57:19).
**The froward tongue.**—See above on Proverbs 2:12.
**Shall be cut out.—**Comp. Christ’s warning (Matthew 12:36). Sins of the tongue will be severely judged, because, besides doing mischief to others, they are signs of an evil mind within (Matthew 5:34)...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**171-172. shall utter--**or, "pour out praise" (compare Psa 19:2); shall cause Thy praises to stream forth as from a bubbling, overflowing fountain.
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness. frowardness: Heb. frowardnesses
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KJV Study Commentary
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked speaks frowardness. The righteous possess discernment about appropriate speech - knowing what, when, and how to speak. The wicked speak perverseness habitually. This knowledge isn't merely intellectual but practical wisdom applied to communication. Such discernment flows from wisdom rooted in the fear of God.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **What is acceptable.—**To God and man. (Comp. the gracious words which proceeded out of Christ’s lips, Luke 4:22.)
**Speaketh frowardness.**—Rather, *is mere falsehood, misrepresentation. *(See above on Proverbs 8:30.)
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**171-172. shall utter--**or, "pour out praise" (compare Psa 19:2); shall cause Thy praises to stream forth as from a bubbling, overflowing fountain.