About Proverbs

Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom for daily living, teaching that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of all true knowledge and wise conduct.

Author: Solomon and othersWritten: c. 970-700 BCReading time: ~4 minVerses: 28

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King James Version

Proverbs 28

28 verses with commentary

Proverbs on Justice and Righteousness

1

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

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KJV Study Commentary

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but 'the righteous are bold as a lion.' The Hebrew 'nus' (flee) describes the guilty conscience that sees threats everywhere. Wickedness produces paranoia and cowardice. Conversely, 'batach' (bold/confident) characterizes the righteous—they have clear conscience before God. Reformed theology affirms that justification by faith produces peace with God (Romans 5:...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XXVIII (1) **The wicked flee when no man pursueth.**—Comp. the curse pronounced upon Israel for disobedience (Leviticus 26:17; Leviticus 26:36). **The righteous are bold as a lion.—**Comp. Leviticus 26:8; 1Samuel 17:32, *sqq.*; Psalm 91:1, *sqq.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 6 Pr 6:1-35. After admonitions against suretyship and sloth (compare Pr 6:6-8), the character and fate of the wicked generally are set forth, and the writer (Pr 6:20-35) resumes the warnings against incontinence, pointing out its certain and terrible results. This train of thought seems to intimate the kindred of these vices. **1-2. if--**The condition extends through both verses. **be ...

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2

For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. by: or, by men of understanding and wisdom shall they likewise be prolonged

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KJV Study Commentary

A land's transgression multiplies its princes, but understanding and knowledge bring prolonged rule. The Hebrew 'pesha' (transgression/rebellion) creates political instability—frequent coups and regime changes. Meanwhile, wisdom in ruler and people establishes stable governance. Reformed theology connects national sin to national judgment. Righteous societies enjoy stable, long-lasting leadership;...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof.**—Comp. 1Kings 15:27, *sqq., *and indeed the whole history of the kingdom of Israel as compared with the regular succession of the family of David in accordance with the promise of Psalm 89:33. **The state thereof shall be prolonged—***i.e.*, its settled condition. Or it may signify “right” (*i.e., *authority)” continues.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 6 Pr 6:1-35. After admonitions against suretyship and sloth (compare Pr 6:6-8), the character and fate of the wicked generally are set forth, and the writer (Pr 6:20-35) resumes the warnings against incontinence, pointing out its certain and terrible results. This train of thought seems to intimate the kindred of these vices. **1-2. if--**The condition extends through both verses. **be ...

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3

A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. which: Heb. without food

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KJV Study Commentary

A poor man who oppresses the poor is like 'a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.' The Hebrew 'geshem sobeph' (driving/sweeping rain) destroys crops rather than nourishing them. When the poor oppress the poor, it's doubly tragic—they should understand suffering but instead inflict it. Reformed theology recognizes that sin transcends economic categories; poverty doesn't ensure virtue. Some of histo...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **A poor man that oppresseth the poor.—**If the recollection of his own former troubles has not softened his heart towards his poor neighbours, he will be rendered more callous to their sufferings. **Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.**—That sweeps away grain and soil, instead of bringing plenty with it.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. come ... friend--**in his power. **humble ... sure thy friend--**urge as a suppliant; that is, induce the friend to provide otherwise for his debt, or secure the surety.

4

They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

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KJV Study Commentary

Those who forsake God's law 'praise the wicked,' but those who keep it 'contend with them.' The Hebrew 'azab torah' (forsake law) and 'shamar torah' (keep law) create moral antithesis. Abandoning God's standards leads to celebrating wickedness; upholding them requires opposing evil. Reformed theology affirms the law's continuing role in revealing sin and guiding righteousness. Cultural accommodati...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **They that forsake the law praise the wicked.**—The mark of extreme wickedness. (Comp. Romans 1:32.) **But such as keep the law contend with them.**—Just as the sight of ill-doing was the one thing which roused our Lord to wrath, while insults and wrongs offered to Himself were passed by unnoticed.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

4-5. The danger requires promptness.

5

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

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KJV Study Commentary

Evil people 'understand not judgment,' but those seeking the Lord 'understand all things.' The Hebrew 'biyn mishpat' (understand judgment/justice) is impossible for the wicked. Spiritual blindness prevents moral understanding. Meanwhile, those who seek Yahweh gain comprehensive understanding. This doesn't mean omniscience but wisdom to discern right from wrong. Reformed theology affirms that natur...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **Evil men understand not judgment.**—Or, *what is right. *For God reveals Himself only to those who fear Him (Psalm 25:14, comp. 1Corinthians 2:11; 1John 2:20); they, by following the light they have, are “guided into all truth*” *(John 16:13); the evil, by continually shutting their eyes to the light, at last can not see it, even if they would (John 12:39, *sqq.*)*.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

4-5. The danger requires promptness.

6

Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich</strong>—The Hebrew <em>tov</em> (better) introduces a value comparison central to Proverbs' wisdom: moral integrity (<em>tom</em>, uprightness/blamelessness) surpasses material wealth gained through <em>iqqesh</em> (perversity, moral crookedness).<br><br>This proverb directly contra...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Better is the poor that walketh **. . .—A variation of Proverbs 19:1. **Perverse in his ways.—**According to the pointing of the text the words signify, “perverse in two ways.” That is, the sinner tries to “go two ways” (Ecclesiasticus 2:12); to follow his own way without entirely deserting God’s; to “serve God and mammon;” he is “double-minded” (James 1:8), instead of setting before himself...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

6-8. The improvident sluggards usually want sureties. Hence, such are advised to industry by the ant's example.

7

Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. is a companion: or, feedeth gluttons

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son</strong>—The verb <em>natsar</em> (to keep, guard, preserve) suggests active protection of <em>torah</em> (instruction, law). A <strong>wise son</strong> (<em>ben mevin</em>, understanding son) brings honor to his family through covenant obedience.<br><br>The contrast is stark: <strong>he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father</strong>. Th...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

6-8. The improvident sluggards usually want sureties. Hence, such are advised to industry by the ant's example.

8

He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. unjust: Heb. by increase

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance</strong>—The Hebrew <em>neshek</em> (usury, interest) literally means 'bite,' reflecting predatory lending. Combined with <em>tarbit</em> (unjust gain, excessive interest), this condemns exploiting the vulnerable. Yet divine irony prevails: <strong>he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor</strong>.<br><br>Leviticus 25:35-3...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **He that by usury . . . increaseth his substance.**—See above on Proverbs 6:1. **He shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.**—The “pound” is taken from him who knows not how to use it (Luke 19:24), and given to one who does. (Comp. 1Samuel 15:28.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

6-8. The improvident sluggards usually want sureties. Hence, such are advised to industry by the ant's example.

9

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination</strong>—Willful rejection of <em>torah</em> (God's instruction) renders one's <em>tefillah</em> (prayer) into <em>to'evah</em> (abomination, detestable thing). This shocking verdict reveals that liturgy divorced from obedience offends God.<br><br>The principle echoes Isaiah 1:15: 'When ye spread forth ...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Even his prayer shall be abomination.—**See above on Proverbs 15:8.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

9-10. Their conduct graphically described;

Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way</strong>—The causative verb form indicates active deception or temptation. Leading the <em>yashar</em> (upright, righteous) into an <strong>evil way</strong> (<em>derek ra</em>) brings severe consequences: <strong>he shall fall himself into his own pit</strong>.<br><br>This poetic justice reflects the principle of measure-for-measure ...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **He shall fall himself into his own pit.—**See above on Proverbs 26:27.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

9-10. Their conduct graphically described;

The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. own: Heb. eyes

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The rich man is wise in his own conceit</strong>—Wealth creates dangerous self-deception; <em>chakham be'einav</em> (wise in his own eyes) indicates presumptuous confidence in one's judgment. The <em>ashir</em> (rich man) assumes his success validates his wisdom.<br><br>The reversal is striking: <strong>the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out</strong>. The discerning poor man (<...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **The rich man is wise in his own conceit.—**For the blinding effect of wealth comp. Revelation 3:17.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

11. and the fruits of their self-indulgence and indolence presented. **as ... travelleth--**literally, "one who walks backwards and forwards," that is, a highwayman. **armed man--**that is, one prepared to destroy.

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. hidden: or, sought for

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory</strong>—The triumph of the <em>tsaddiqim</em> (righteous) brings <em>rab tif'arah</em> (abundant glory, splendor). Public celebration follows covenant faithfulness; the community flourishes when justice prevails.<br><br>The antithesis is ominous: <strong>when the wicked rise, a man is hidden</strong>. When the <em>resha'im</em> (wicked) ...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **When righteous men do rejoice—***i.e., *prosper, or triumph. **There is great glory.**—Men rejoice, and array themselves in their gayest attire. **A man is hidden.—**Literally, *is sought for. *They hide themselves for fear (comp. Proverbs 28:28), and must be sought for, in order to be found.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12. A naughty person--**literally, "A man of Belial," or of worthlessness, that is, for good, and so depraved, or wicked (compare 1Sa 25:25; 30:22, &c.). Idleness and vice are allied. Though indolent in acts, he actively and habitually (walketh) is ill-natured in speech (Pr 4:24).

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

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KJV Study Commentary

This proverb addresses confession and repentance: 'He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.' Covering (kasah) sins—hiding, concealing, refusing to acknowledge them—prevents prosperity (tsalach—success, flourishing). Attempting to hide sin from God is futile (Psalm 139:7-12) and spiritually destructive. Conversely, confessing (yadah—ackn...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **He that covereth his sins.—**As Adam and Eve did, when they had transgressed (Genesis 3:8), as David did to his own loss (Psalm 32:3.) **Whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy, **and be at once completely forgiven; though he must still suffer the punishment due for his offences (2Samuel 12:14, *sqq.*)*, *and will, for having yielded to temptation, be the less able to resist it...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

13-14. If, for fear of detection, he does not speak, he uses signs to carry on his intrigues. These signs are still so used in the East.

Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Happy is the man that feareth alway</strong> (אַשְׁרֵי אָדָם מְפַחֵד תָּמִיד, <em>ashrei adam mefached tamid</em>)—אַשְׁרֵי (<em>ashrei</em>, 'blessed, happy') opens the Psalter (Psalm 1:1) and marks the truly flourishing life. מְפַחֵד (<em>mefached</em>, 'fearing, being in awe') modifies פַּחַד (<em>pachad</em>, 'fear, dread, reverence'); תָּמִיד (<em>tamid</em>, 'continually, always') ma...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Happy is the man that feareth alway** lest he should fall, and so, distrusting himself, seeks heavenly aid (Philippians 2:12). **He that hardeneth his heart.**—(Comp. Exodus 8:15, *sqq.*) **Shall fall into mischief.—**As he will have lost the guidance and protection of God.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

13-14. If, for fear of detection, he does not speak, he uses signs to carry on his intrigues. These signs are still so used in the East.

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear</strong> (אֲרִי־נֹהֵם וְדֹב שׁוֹקֵק, <em>ari-nohem vedov shoqeq</em>)—אֲרִי (<em>ari</em>, 'lion') that נָהַם (<em>naham</em>, 'roars, growls') and דֹּב (<em>dov</em>, 'bear') that שָׁקַק (<em>shaqaq</em>, 'ranges, rushes, seeks prey') are apex predators, feared throughout Scripture. The roaring lion signals the kill (Psalm 22:13); the charging bear, p...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **A ranging bear**—*i.e., *wandering hungrily in great want of food. **Over the poor people**—i.e., a people too weak to resist him, over whom he can tyrannise without fear.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

15. Suddenness aggravates evil (compare Pr 6:11; 29:1). **calamity--**literally, "a crushing weight." **broken--**shivered as a potter's vessel; utterly destroyed (Psa 2:9).

The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor</strong> (נָגִיד חֲסַר תְּבוּנוֹת וְרַב מַעֲשַׁקּוֹת, <em>nagid chasar tevunot verav ma'ashaqqot</em>)—נָגִיד (<em>nagid</em>, 'prince, ruler, leader') who is חָסֵר (<em>chaser</em>, 'lacking, devoid of') תְּבוּנָה (<em>tevunah</em>, 'understanding, insight, intelligence') becomes רַב (<em>rav</em>, 'great, abundant in') מַעֲש...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **A prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor.**—Thereby losing the love of his people, and at the same time impoverishing them; thus killing the goose that laid the golden eggs. He also by his misdeeds draws down upon himself God’s anger in the shape of an early death. Comp. the woe pronounced upon Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 22:13, *sqq.*)*.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-19. six ... seven--**a mode of speaking to arrest attention (Pr 30:15, 18; Job 5:19).

A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit</strong> (אָדָם עָשֻׁק בְּדַם־נֶפֶשׁ עַד־בּוֹר יָנוּס, <em>adam ashuq bedam-nefesh ad-bor yanus</em>)—עָשַׁק (<em>ashaq</em>, 'oppressed, burdened') by דָּם (<em>dam</em>, 'blood') of נֶפֶשׁ (<em>nefesh</em>, 'soul, life, person') indicates guilt for murder. This one יָנוּס (<em>yanus</em>, 'flees, runs away') to th...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person.—**Rather, *that is burdened with his blood, *has wilfully murdered any one. **Shall flee to the pit.—**Fulfilling the curse of Genesis 9:6. **Let no man stay him**—*i.e., *attempt to rescue him from the punishment he has deserved.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-19. six ... seven--**a mode of speaking to arrest attention (Pr 30:15, 18; Job 5:19).

Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved</strong> (הוֹלֵךְ תָּמִים יִוָּשֵׁעַ, <em>holekh tamim yivvashea</em>)—הָלַךְ (<em>halakh</em>, 'to walk, go, behave') describes the תָּמִים (<em>tamim</em>, 'blameless, complete, having integrity') life. This one will be יָשַׁע (<em>yasha</em>, 'saved, delivered, rescued'). Note: תָּמִים does not mean sinless perfection but wholehearted devotion, wal...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **He that is perverse in his ways.—**Literally, *two ways. *(Comp. note on Proverbs 28:6.) **At once**—*i.e., *all of a sudden, without warning.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-19. six ... seven--**a mode of speaking to arrest attention (Pr 30:15, 18; Job 5:19).

He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread</strong> (עֹבֵד אַדְמָתוֹ יִשְׂבַּע־לָחֶם, <em>oved admato yisba-lachem</em>)—עָבַד (<em>avad</em>, 'to work, serve, till') the אֲדָמָה (<em>adamah</em>, 'ground, land, soil') produces שָׂבַע (<em>sava</em>, 'abundance, satisfaction') of לֶחֶם (<em>lechem</em>, 'bread, food'). This repeats Proverbs 12:11, emphasizing that honest labor yie...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread.**—The curse of Genesis 3:17-19 being, in God’s mercy, turned into a blessing.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-19. six ... seven--**a mode of speaking to arrest attention (Pr 30:15, 18; Job 5:19).

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. innocent: or, unpunished

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>A faithful man shall abound with blessings</strong> (אִישׁ אֱמוּנוֹת רַב־בְּרָכוֹת, <em>ish emunot rav-berakhot</em>)—אִישׁ אֱמוּנָה (<em>ish emunah</em>, 'man of faithfulness, trustworthiness, steadfastness') will have רַב (<em>rav</em>, 'many, abundant') בְּרָכָה (<em>berakhah</em>, 'blessings'). אֱמוּנָה shares roots with אָמֵן (<em>amen</em>)—firmness, reliability, faithfulness. Jesus'...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **A faithful man, **who is true to God and man, “shall abound with blessings” from God and man. Comp. Job’s description of his own blameless life and the blessings attending it (Job 29).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

20-23. (Compare Pr 1:8; 3:3, &c.).

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>To have respect of persons is not good</strong> (הַכֵּר־פָּנִים לֹא־טוֹב, <em>hakker-panim lo-tov</em>)—נָכַר פָּנִים (<em>nakar panim</em>, 'to recognize faces, show partiality') is לֹא־טוֹב (<em>lo-tov</em>, 'not good'). This Hebrew idiom for favoritism appears throughout Scripture (Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 16:19). James 2:1-9 condemns partiality in the church; God Himself 'regardeth...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **For, for a piece of bread.—**A thing proverbially of little value. (Comp. Ezekiel 13:19.) **That man will transgress.—**So degrading is the habit of servility.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

20-23. (Compare Pr 1:8; 3:3, &c.).

He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. hasteth: or, hath and evil eye hasteth to be rich

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye</strong> (נִבְהָל לְהוֹן אִישׁ עַיִן רָע, <em>nivhal lehon ish ayin ra</em>)—נִבְהָל (<em>nivhal</em>, 'hastening, hurrying') toward הוֹן (<em>hon</em>, 'wealth, riches') reveals עַיִן רָע (<em>ayin ra</em>, 'evil eye'), a Hebrew idiom for stinginess, envy, and greed. Jesus warns against this 'evil eye' (Matthew 6:22-23, 20:15). The greedy person...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **Hath an evil eye.—**Envies others their prosperity, and keeps all he has for himself. **And considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.—**For it is “the liberal soul” that “shall be made fat” (Proverbs 11:25), not such as he, who can get no blessing from God.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

20-23. (Compare Pr 1:8; 3:3, &c.).

He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour</strong> (מוֹכִיחַ אָדָם אַחֲרַי חֵן יִמְצָא, <em>mokhiach adam acharai chen yimtsa</em>)—מוֹכִיחַ (<em>mokhiach</em>, 'one who rebukes, reproves, corrects') brings אַחֲרַי (<em>acharai</em>, 'afterward, later') the discovery (מָצָא, <em>matsa</em>) of חֵן (<em>chen</em>, 'favor, grace'). Initially painful, faithful correction produc...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **He that rebuketh a man, afterwards shall find more favour **. . .*—i.e., *when the man reproved comes to his senses, and finds how true a friend the reprover has been to him. Or, the words may perhaps mean, *He that rebuketh a man *(that is going) *backwards. *(Compare Jeremiah 7:24, and James 5:20.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

20-23. (Compare Pr 1:8; 3:3, &c.).

Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer . a destroyer: Heb. a man destroying

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression</strong> (גּוֹזֵל אָבִיו וְאִמּוֹ וְאֹמֵר אֵין־פָּשַׁע, <em>gozel aviv ve'immo ve'omer ein-pasha</em>)—גָּזַל (<em>gazal</em>, 'to rob, plunder, tear away violently') from אָב (<em>av</em>, 'father') and אֵם (<em>em</em>, 'mother') while claiming אֵין פֶּשַׁע (<em>ein pesha</em>, 'no transgression, no sin') reveals r...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **It is** **no transgression.**—Because all would in time come to him. **The companion of a destroyer.—**Comp. Proverbs 18:9. Though the deed may be done secretly, yet he is no better than one who by open violence and wrong assails his neighbour.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

24. A specimen of its benefit. By appreciating truth, men are not affected by lying flattery.

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife</strong> (רְחַב־לֵב יְגָרֶה מָדוֹן, <em>rechav-lev yegareh madon</em>)—רָחָב (<em>rachav</em>, 'wide, broad') לֵב (<em>lev</em>, 'heart') suggests arrogance, the inflated ego. This גָּרָה (<em>garah</em>, 'stirs up, provokes') מָדוֹן (<em>madon</em>, 'strife, contention, quarreling'). Pride demands its way, refuses correction, resents challeng...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **He that is of a proud heart.—**Who thinks much of himself, “stirreth up strife*” *by his struggles with others for pre-eminence, and mostly gains only vexation and disappointment for his trouble; “but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat,” being richly rewarded with that “peace which passeth all understanding.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

25. One of the cautions of this instruction, avoid alluring beauty. **take--**or, "ensnare." **eyelids--**By painting the lashes, women enhanced beauty.

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool</strong> (בּוֹטֵחַ בְּלִבּוֹ הוּא כְסִיל, <em>boteach belibbo hu khesil</em>)—בָּטַח (<em>batach</em>, 'to trust, be confident') in one's own לֵב (<em>lev</em>, 'heart, mind, inner self') makes one a כְּסִיל (<em>kesil</em>, 'fool, dullard'). Jeremiah 17:9 explains why: 'The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can kno...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **He that trusteth in his own heart, **is confident in his own wisdom (comp. 1Corinthians 3:18, *sqq.*); he will perish in his folly. **But whoso walketh wisely.**—Literally, *in wisdom, *which begins with the “fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 9:10), “shall be delivered” from the trouble into which the “fool” is brought by his self-confidence.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

26. The supplied words give a better sense than the old version: "The price of a whore is a piece of bread." **adulteress--**(Compare Margin), which the parallel and context (Pr 6:29-35) sustain. Of similar results of this sin, compare Pr 5:9-12. **will hunt--**alluding to the snares spread by harlots (compare Pr 7:6-8). **precious life--**more valuable than all else.

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack</strong> (נוֹתֵן לָרָשׁ אֵין מַחְסוֹר, <em>noten larash ein machsor</em>)—נָתַן (<em>natan</em>, 'to give') to the רָשׁ (<em>rash</em>, 'poor, destitute') results in אֵין מַחְסוֹר (<em>ein machsor</em>, 'no lack, no want'). This paradox pervades Scripture: giving produces abundance (Proverbs 11:24-25, 19:17, 22:9). Jesus taught: 'Give, and it sha...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack.—**See above on Proverbs 11:24. **Shall have many a curse.—**With this comp. Ecclesiasticus 4:5-6. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

27-29. The guilt and danger most obvious.

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When the wicked rise, men hide themselves</strong> (בְּקוּם רְשָׁעִים יִסָּתֵר אָדָם, <em>bequm resha'im yissater adam</em>)—when רָשָׁע (<em>rasha</em>, 'wicked, guilty') קוּם (<em>qum</em>, 'rises, stands, comes to power'), humanity סָתַר (<em>satar</em>, 'hides, conceals itself'). Tyranny breeds fear; people disappear, speak in whispers, distrust neighbors. Totalitarian regimes demonstr...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

27-29. The guilt and danger most obvious.

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