1. A bad conscience makes men timid; the righteous are alone truly bold (Pr 14:26; Ps 27:1).
2. Anarchy producing contending rulers shortens the reign of each.
but by a man . . . prolonged--or, "by a man of understanding--that
is, a good ruler--he who knows or regards the right, that is, a good
citizen, shall prolong (his days)." Good rulers are a blessing to the
people. Bad government as a punishment for evil is contrasted with good
as blessing to the good.
3. A poor man, &c.--Such, in power, exact more severely, and so leave subjects bare.
4. They that forsake . . . wicked--Wrongdoers encourage one another.
5. (Compare Joh 7:17). Ignorance of moral truth is due to unwillingness to know it.
6. (Compare Pr 10:6). Riches cannot compensate for sin, nor the want of them affect integrity.
7. (Compare
Pr 17:25).
riotous men--or, "gluttons"
(Pr 23:20, 21).
8. usury . . . unjust gain--(Compare Margin). The two terms, meaning nearly the same, may denote excessive interest. God's providence directs the proper use of wealth.
9. (Compare
Pr 15:8; 21:27).
hearing--that is, obeying. God requires sincere worshippers
(Ps 66:18;
Joh 4:24).
10. (Compare Pr 26:27).
11. A poor but wise man can discover (and expose) the rich and self-conceited.
12. great glory--or, cause for it to a people, for the righteous
rejoice in good, and righteousness exalts a nation
(Pr 14:34).
a man . . . hidden--that is, the good retire, or all kinds try to
escape a wicked rule.
13. (Compare Ps 32:3-5). Concealment of sin delivers none from God's wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent (Ps 51:4).
14. feareth--that is, God, and so repents.
hardeneth his heart--makes himself insensible to sin, and so will not
repent
(Pr 14:16; 29:1).
15. The rapacity and cruelty of such beasts well represent some wicked men (compare Ps 7:2; 17:12).
16. The prince . . . understanding--that is, He does not perceive that oppression jeopards his success. Covetousness often produces oppression, hence the contrast.
17. doeth violence . . . blood, &c.--or, that is oppressed by the
blood of life
(Ge 9:6),
which he has taken.
to the pit--the grave or destruction
(Pr 1:12;
Job 33:18-24;
Ps 143:7).
stay him--sustain or deliver him.
18. (Compare Pr 10:9; 17:20). Double dealing is eventually fatal.
19. (Compare
Pr 10:4; 20:4).
vain persons--idle, useless drones, implying that they are also wicked
(Pr 12:11;
Ps 26:4).
20. maketh haste . . . rich--implying deceit or fraud (Pr 20:21), and so opposed to "faithful" or reliable.
21. respect of persons-- (Pr 24:23). Such are led to evil by the slightest motive.
22. (Compare
Pr 28:20).
evil eye--in the general sense of
Pr 23:6,
here more specific for covetousness (compare
Pr 22:9;
Mt 20:15).
poverty . . . him--by God's providence.
23. (Compare Pr 9:8, 9; 27:5). Those benefited by reproof will love their monitors.
24. (Compare Mt 15:4-6). Such, though heirs, are virtually thieves, to be ranked with highwaymen.
25. of a proud heart--literally, "puffed up of soul"--that is,
self-confident, and hence overbearing and litigious.
made fat--or, "prosperous"
(Pr 11:25; 16:20).
26. (Compare
Pr 3:6-8).
walketh wisely--that is, trusting in God
(Pr 22:17-19).
27. (Compare
Pr 11:24-26).
hideth his eyes--as the face
(Ps 27:9; 69:17),
denotes inattention.
28. The elevation of the wicked to power drives men to seek refuge from tyranny (compare Pr 28:12; 11:10; Ps 12:8).
