1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

13 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.

14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

27 The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
The comfort of parents much depends on their children; and this suggests to both, motives to their duties.
McArther Bible Commentary
This large section contains 375 of Solomon's individual proverbs. They are in no apparent order, with only occasional grouping by subject, and are often without a context to qualify their application. They are based on Solomon's inspired knowledge of the Law and the Prophets. The parallel, two-line proverbs of chapters 10-15 are mostly contrasts or opposites (antithetical), while those of chapters 16-22 are mostly similarities or comparisons (synthetical).
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 4:32 Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 13:1 Proverbs 15:20 Proverbs 17:21 Proverbs 17:25 Proverbs 23:24 Proverbs 27:11 Proverbs 29:3 Proverbs 29:15 Proverbs 29:17

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Though the righteous may be poor, the Lord will not suffer him to want what is needful for spiritual life.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Of wickedness - Such as are got by any sort of wicked practices. Death - Often from temporal, and always from eternal death.
McArther Bible Commentary
death. The greatest of all treasures, life, is gained by righteousness.
Bible Cross References
Luke 12:19 Luke 12:20 Psalm 49:7 Proverbs 11:4 Proverbs 21:6 Ezekiel 7:19

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Though the righteous may be poor, the Lord will not suffer him to want what is needful for spiritual life.
McArther Bible Commentary
desire of the wicked. For a while, the wicked may seem to realize their desires; in the end, God removes their accomplishments because they are evil (cf. Psa 37:16-20).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 6:33 Psalm 34:9 Psalm 34:10 Psalm 37:25 Psalm 112:10 Proverbs 13:25 Proverbs 28:9 Proverbs 28:25

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Those who are fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, are likely to be rich in faith, and rich in good works.
McArther Bible Commentary
diligent. This is in contrast to the sluggard (see notes on Pro 6:6-11). Poverty by itself is not evil, unless it is the product of laziness.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 10:5 Proverbs 12:27 Proverbs 13:4 Proverbs 18:9 Proverbs 21:5

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Here is just blame of those who trifle away opportunities, both for here and for hereafter.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Gathereth - The fruits of his field. In summer - In harvest. He that improved the opportunities of doing good to himself and others.
McArther Bible Commentary
gathers … sleeps. Cf. Pro 6:6-11; Pro 13:4; Pro 15:19; Pro 24:30-34; Pro 28:19-20. The timing necessary in agriculture can be applied to the general laying hold of life's opportunities.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 6:8 Proverbs 10:4 Proverbs 10:6

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Abundance of blessings shall abide on good men; real blessings.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Violence - Their own violence or injustice. This may be an allusion to the ancient custom of covering the mouths and faces of condemned malefactors.
McArther Bible Commentary
violence. See Pro 10:13; Pro 12:13; Pro 14:3; Pro 18:6-7. The violence which has gone forth from the wicked later falls back upon his foul mouth (cf. Hab 2:17; Mal Pro 2:16).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 10:5 Proverbs 10:11 Proverbs 28:20 Obadiah 1:10

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Both the just and the wicked must die; but between their souls there is a vast difference.
McArther Bible Commentary
memory … name. This refers to the way a righteous person is remembered by man and God after his death.
Bible Cross References
2 Chronicles 32:33 Job 18:17 Job 24:20 Psalm 9:5 Psalm 9:6 Psalm 34:16 Psalm 109:13 Psalm 112:6 Proverbs 22:1 Ecclesiastes 8:10 Isaiah 14:22

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
The wise in heart puts his knowledge in practice.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Who receive - Is ready to hear and obey the precepts of God and men. Fall - Into mischief.
McArther Bible Commentary
receive commands. To finish the parallelism, the wise listens and is teachable; therefore, he will be lifted up. The fool, always talking, falls because he rejects God's commands.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 7:24 Proverbs 9:8 Proverbs 10:10 Proverbs 10:14

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Dissemblers, after all their shuffling, will be exposed.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
Uprightness Makes a Man a Blessing
—The very first step in the path of life is to keep the mind stayed on God, to have His fear continually before the eyes. A single departure from moral integrity blunts the conscience, and opens the door to the next temptation. “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely; but he that perverteth his way shall be known.” [Proverbs 10:9.] We are commanded to love God supremely, and our neighbor as ourselves; but the daily experience of life shows that this law is disregarded. Uprightness in deal and moral integrity will secure the favor of God, and make a man a blessing to himself and to society; but amid the varied temptations that assail one whichever way he may turn, it is impossible to keep a clear conscience and the approval of heaven without divine aid and a principle to love honesty for the sake of the right.A character that is approved of God and man is to be preferred to wealth. The foundation should be laid broad and deep, resting on the rock Christ Jesus. There are too many who profess to work from the true foundation, whose loose dealing shows them to be building on sliding sand; but the great tempest will sweep away their foundation, and they will have no refuge.Many plead that unless they are sharp, and watch to advantage themselves, they will meet with loss. Their unscrupulous neighbors, who take selfish advantages, are prospered; while they, although trying to deal strictly in accordance with Bible principles, are not so highly favored. Do these persons see the future? Or are their eyes too dim to see, through the miasma-laden fogs of worldliness, that honor and integrity are not rewarded in the coin of this world? Will God reward virtue with mere worldly success? He has their names graven on the palms of His hands, as heirs to enduring honors, riches that are imperishable. What did that dishonest man gain by his worldly policy? How high a price did he pay for his success? He has sacrificed his noble manhood, and has started on the road that leads to perdition. He may be converted; he may see the wickedness of his injustice to his fellow-men, and, as far as possible, make restitution; but the scars of a wounded conscience will ever remain (The Signs of the Times, February 7, 1884).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Surely - Or, securely, or confidently, as the word properly signifies; quietly resting upon God's favour and gracious providence for his protections. Known - His wickedness shall be publickly discovered.
McArther Bible Commentary
Those who have integrity (who live what they believe) exist without fear of some evil being discovered, while those who are perverse and have secret wickedness will not be able to hide it forever. Cf. Pro 11:3; Pro 19:1; Pro 20:7.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 10:26 1 Timothy 5:25 Psalm 23:4 Proverbs 3:23 Proverbs 26:26 Proverbs 28:18 Isaiah 33:15 Isaiah 33:16

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Trick and artifice will be no excuse for iniquity.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Winketh - That secretly designs mischief against others, as this phrase is used, (Psalms 35:19) .
McArther Bible Commentary
winks with the eye. See Pro 6:13-14.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 35:19 Proverbs 6:13 Proverbs 10:8 Proverbs 10:14

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
The good man's mouth is always open to teach, comfort, and correct others.
McArther Bible Commentary
well of life. The Lord is the source of this fountain (Psa 36:9), which then springs up in the wise man as wise speech (Pro 10:11), wise laws (Pro 13:14), the fear of the Lord (Pro 12:27), and understanding (Pro 16:22). See notes on Pro 3:18; Eze 47:1-12; Joh 4:10; Pro 7:38-39. violence. See note on Pro 10:6.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 37:30 Proverbs 10:6 Proverbs 10:21 Proverbs 13:14 Proverbs 18:4

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Where there is hatred, every thing stirs up strife. By bearing with each other, peace and harmony are preserved.
McArther Bible Commentary
love. True love seeks the highest good for another (cf. 1Co 14:4-7). First Peter 1Pe 4:8 quotes this verse (cf. Jas 5:20).
Bible Cross References
1 Corinthians 13:4 James 5:20 1 Peter 4:8 Proverbs 17:9 Proverbs 30:33

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Those that foolishly go on in wicked ways, prepare rods for themselves.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wisdom - This wisdom shews itself in his speech. A rod - Rebukes from God and men.
McArther Bible Commentary
rod. This first reference to corporal punishment applied to the backside (cf. Pro 19:29; Pro 26:3) recommends it as the most effective way of dealing with children and fools. See also Pro 13:24; Pro 18:6; Pro 19:29; Pro 22:15; Pro 23:13-14; Pro 26:3; Pro 29:15.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 37:30 Proverbs 6:32 Proverbs 10:31 Proverbs 19:29 Proverbs 26:3

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Whatever knowledge may be useful, we must lay it up, that it may not be to seek when we want it. The wise gain this wisdom by reading, by hearing the word, by meditation, by prayer, by faith in Christ, who is made of God unto us wisdom.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Lay up - In their minds, to be brought forth upon fit occasions. Knowledge - Whereby they may be enabled to speak both what, and when it is seasonable. But - Fools are more forward to lay out than to lay up, and for want of knowledge speak much and foolishly, whereby they frequently bring destruction upon themselves.
McArther Bible Commentary
mouth of the foolish. The loose tongue of the fool is a recurring subject in Proverbs (cf. Pro 10:6, Pro 10:8, Pro 10:13, Pro 10:18-19, Pro 10:31-32; Pro 12:23; Pro 13:3; Pro 15:1-2, Pro 15:23, Pro 15:26, Pro 15:28, Pro 15:31-33; Pro 17:28; Pro 18:2, Pro 18:6-8). James parallels this emphasis about the tongue (Jas 1:26; Jas 3:1-12).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 9:9 Proverbs 10:8 Proverbs 10:10 Proverbs 12:23 Proverbs 13:3 Proverbs 18:7 Ecclesiastes 10:12

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
This refers to the common mistakes both of rich and poor, as to their outward condition. Rich people's wealth exposes them to many dangers; while a poor man may live comfortably, if he is content, keeps a good conscience, and lives by faith.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wealth - It often redeems him from dangers and calamities. Poverty - Is the cause of their ruin.
McArther Bible Commentary
rich man's … poor. While the rich man thinks he has his walled city for protection (cf. Pro 18:11; Pro 28:11), the poor man knows he has nothing. Both should trust in the Lord as their only protection (cf. Pro 3:5-6; Pro 11:4, Pro 11:28; Pro 18:10-11; Psa 20:7; Ecc 9:11-18; Jas 5:1-6).
Bible Cross References
Job 31:24 Psalm 52:7 Proverbs 18:11 Proverbs 19:7

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Perhaps a righteous man has no more than what he works hard for, but that labour tends to life.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The labour - The fruit of his labour, to the preservation of this life, and obtaining eternal life. Fruit - The fruit of all their labour tends to sin, and serves only for fuel to mens pride and luxury.
McArther Bible Commentary
wages. The industry of the righteous makes him successful, while the earnings of the wicked provide more opportunities for sinning.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 11:18 Proverbs 11:19

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
The traveller that has missed his way, and cannot bear to be told of it, and to be shown the right way, must err still.
Bible Cross References
Judges 19:17 Proverbs 6:23

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
He is especially a fool who thinks to hide anything from God; and malice is no better.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Lying lips - With flattering words. He here condemns two opposite vices, secret hatred, and manifest slander.
McArther Bible Commentary
hatred … slander. Both the harboring and venting of hatred are wrong and will be punished. Slander (gossip or lies) is forbidden (cf. Pro 25:10; also Pro 16:28; Pro 18:8; Pro 20:19; Pro 26:20, Pro 26:22).
Bible Cross References
Exodus 23:1 Proverbs 26:24 Jeremiah 9:4

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Those that speak much, speak much amiss. He that checks himself is a wise man, and therein consults his own peace.
McArther Bible Commentary
Wisdom restrains the tongue, since much speech risks sin. Cf. Psa 39:1; Jas 1:26; Jas 3:2-8.
Bible Cross References
James 1:19 James 3:2 Job 11:2 Proverbs 17:27 Proverbs 18:21 Ecclesiastes 5:2 Ecclesiastes 5:3

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
The tongue of the just is sincere, freed from the dross of guile and evil design. Pious discourse is spiritual food to the needy. Fools die for want of a heart, so the word is; for want of thought.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Is - Of great worth and use. Heart - And consequently the tongue.
McArther Bible Commentary
tongue … heart. These words are used as parallel terms because they are inseparably linked. Cf. Mat 15:18-19. choice silver. Good words are scarce, precious, and valuable (cf. Pro 15:23; Isa 50:4).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:35 Proverbs 8:19

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
The tongue of the just is sincere, freed from the dross of guile and evil design. Pious discourse is spiritual food to the needy. Fools die for want of a heart, so the word is; for want of thought.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Feed - By their wise discourses and counsels. Die - They have not wisdom to preserve themselves, much less to feed others.
McArther Bible Commentary
feed … die. Sound teaching benefits many; the fool starves himself to death spiritually by his lack of wise teaching (cf. Hos Pro 4:6).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:35 Proverbs 5:23 Proverbs 6:32 Proverbs 10:11 Hosea 4:6

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
That wealth which is truly desirable, has no vexation of spirit in the enjoyment; no grief for the loss; no guilt by the abuse of it. What comes from the love of God, has the grace of God for its companion.
McArther Bible Commentary
rich. While having more than one needs is not the object of wisdom, it is generally the result (cf. Deu 6:11-15; 1Ki 3:10-14). See Introduction: Historical and Theological Themes. no sorrow. None of the sorrow that is associated with ill-gotten wealth (cf. Pro 13:11; Pro 15:6; Pro 16:19; Pro 21:6; Pro 28:6) is associated with wealth provided by the Lord.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 24:35 Genesis 26:12 Genesis 26:13 Deuteronomy 8:18 Deuteronomy 26:10 Deuteronomy 28:11 2 Chronicles 25:9 Proverbs 8:21 Proverbs 14:24 Daniel 1:15

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
Only foolish and wicked men divert themselves with doing harm to others, or tempting to sin.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 2:14 Proverbs 15:21

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
The largest desire of eternal blessings the righteous can form, will be granted.
McArther Bible Commentary
fear of the wicked. The righteous receive what they desire, while the wicked receive what they fear (cf. Heb 10:26-29).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:6 1 John 5:14 1 John 5:15 Job 15:21 Psalm 145:19 Proverbs 1:26 Proverbs 1:27 Proverbs 15:8 Isaiah 66:4 Ezekiel 11:8

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
The course of prosperous sinners is like a whirlwind, which soon spends itself, and is gone.
McArther Bible Commentary
whirlwind. See Pro 1:27; Pro 6:15; Pro 29:1.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 7:24 Matthew 7:25 Job 21:18 Psalm 15:5 Psalm 58:9 Proverbs 1:27 Proverbs 12:3 Proverbs 12:7

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
As vinegar sets the teeth on edge, and as the smoke causes the eyes to smart, so the sluggard vexes his employer.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
So - Unserviceable and vexatious.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 6:6 Proverbs 26:6

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
What man is he that loves life? Let him fear God, and that will secure to him life enough in this world, and eternal life in the other.
McArther Bible Commentary
fear of the Lord. See note on Pro 1:7.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 11:9 Job 15:32 Job 15:33 Job 22:16 Psalm 55:23 Proverbs 3:2 Proverbs 9:11 Proverbs 14:27 Proverbs 28:18 Ecclesiastes 7:17

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
What man is he that loves life? Let him fear God, and that will secure to him life enough in this world, and eternal life in the other.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Gladness - Shall be accomplished, and turned into enjoyment.
Bible Cross References
Job 8:13 Job 11:20 Psalm 112:10 Proverbs 11:7 Proverbs 11:23

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
The believer grows stronger in faith, and obeys with increased delight.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The way - The way of God's precepts. Strength - Gives strength, support, and protection.
McArther Bible Commentary
The way of the Lord. This is the spiritual path on which God directs man to walk (see note on Act 18:25).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 13:6 Proverbs 21:15 Hosea 14:9

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
The wicked would be glad to have this earth their home for ever, but it cannot be so. They must die and leave all their idols behind.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Never be removed - They shall live happily here, and eternally in heaven. The earth - They shall not have so much as a quiet abode upon earth; much less shall they have any possession in heaven.
McArther Bible Commentary
Cf. Psa 37:9-11.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 37:29 Psalm 125:1 Proverbs 2:21 Proverbs 2:22

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
A good man discourses wisely for the benefit of others. But it is the sin, and will be the ruin of a wicked man, that he speaks what is displeasing to God, and provoking to those he converses with. The righteous is kept by the power of God; and nothing shall be able to separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 37:30 Proverbs 10:13 Proverbs 17:20 Proverbs 31:26

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
A good man discourses wisely for the benefit of others. But it is the sin, and will be the ruin of a wicked man, that he speaks what is displeasing to God, and provoking to those he converses with. The righteous is kept by the power of God; and nothing shall be able to separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The lips - Knowledge is here ascribed to the lips, as it is to the hands, (Psalms 78:72) , because they are conducted by knowledge and wisdom. Acceptable - What is truly worthy of acceptation.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 2:12 Proverbs 4:24 Proverbs 6:12 Proverbs 15:28 Ecclesiastes 10:12 Ecclesiastes 12:10