1. (Compare Margin). The Hebrews used stones for weights.
just--complete in measure.
4. (Compare Proverbs 10:2 ).
wrath--that is, of God.
5. direct--or, "make plain"; wicked ways are not plain ( Proverbs 13:17 ).
7. expectation . . . perish--for death cuts short all his plans ( Luke 16:25 ).
hope of unjust--better, "hope of wealth," or "power" (compare Isaiah 40:29 , Hebrew). This gives an advance on the sentiment of the first clause. Even hopes of gain die with him.
8. Perhaps the trouble prepared by the wicked, and which he inherits (compare Proverbs 11:6 ).
10, 11. The last may be a reason for the first. Together, they set forth the relative moral worth of good and bad men.
11. By the blessing--implying active benevolence.
12. despiseth--or, "reviles," a course contrasted with the prudent silence of the wise.
holdeth his peace--as if neither hearing nor telling.
13. tale-bearer--(Compare Margin), one trading as a peddler in scandal, whose propensity to talk leads him to betray confidence.
14. counsel--the art of governing ( Proverbs 1:5 ).
counsellors--literally, "one giving counsel"; the participle used as a collective.
15. (Compare Proverbs 6:1 ).
suretiship--(Compare Margin), the actors put for the action, which may be lawfully hated.
16. retaineth--or literally, "lay hold of as a support." Honor is to a feeble woman thus as valuable as riches to men.
17. merciful--kind to others; opposed to cruel. Such benefit themselves by doing good to others (compare Proverbs 24:5 ), while the cruel injure themselves as well as others.
flesh--that is, his body, by penuriousness ( Colossians 2:23 ).
21. The combined power of the wicked cannot free them from just punishment, while the unaided children of the righteous find deliverance by reason of their pious relationship ( Psalms 37:25 Psalms 37:26 ).
23. (Compare Proverbs 10:28 ).
wrath--is that of God.
24-31. The scope of the whole is a comment on Proverbs 11:23 . Thus liberality, by God's blessing, secures increase, while penuriousness, instead of expected gain, procures poverty.
26. Another example of the truth of Proverbs 11:23 ; the miser loses reputation, though he saves corn.
selleth it--that is at a fair price.
27. good [and] mischief--that is, of others.
procureth . . . seeketh--implying success.
29. troubleth--as Proverbs 15:27 explains, by greediness for gain (compare Proverbs 11:17 ).
inherit . . . wind--Even successful, his gains are of no real value. So the fool, thus acting, either comes to poverty, or heaps up for others.
30. a tree of life--Blessings to others proceed from the works of the righteous ( Proverbs 3:18 ).
winneth souls--(Compare Margin) to do them good as opposed to Proverbs 6:25 , Ezekiel 13:18 (compare Luke 5:10 ).
31. Behold--Thus calling attention to the illustrations (compare Proverbs 11:23 ), the sentiment of which is confirmed even in time, not excluding future rewards and punishments.