1 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

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.
There is great hope of those that reverence their parents. There is little hope of any who will not hear those that deal faithfully with them.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 9:7 Proverbs 9:8 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 15:12 Proverbs 15:20

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.
By our words we must be justified or condemned, (Matthew 12:37).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Shall eat - Shall receive comfort, and benefit by his wise and profitable discourses.
McArther Bible Commentary
The parallels here are implied. A man of good words prospers; but, a man of evil words (thus unfruitful to God) provokes violence against himself.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 1:31 Proverbs 4:17 Proverbs 12:14 Proverbs 18:21 Hosea 10:13

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.
He that thinks before he speaks, that suppresses evil if he have thought it, keeps his soul from a great deal both of guilt and grief. Many a one is ruined by an ungoverned tongue.
Bible Cross References
James 3:2 Psalm 34:13 Psalm 141:3 Proverbs 10:14 Proverbs 13:4 Proverbs 18:7 Proverbs 18:21 Proverbs 20:19 Proverbs 21:23

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.
The slothful desire the gains the diligent get, but hate the pains the diligent take; therefore they have nothing. This is especially true as to the soul.
McArther Bible Commentary
See notes on Pro 6:6, Pro 6:11.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 6:6 Proverbs 10:4 Proverbs 12:27 Proverbs 13:3 Proverbs 13:5 Proverbs 20:4 Proverbs 21:5 Proverbs 21:25

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.
Where sin reigns, the man is loathsome. If his conscience were awake, he would abhor himself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Bible Cross References
Colossians 3:9 Psalm 119:163 Proverbs 3:35 Proverbs 13:4 Ecclesiastes 3:8

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.
An honest desire to do right, preserves a man from fatal mistakes, better than a thousand fine-drawn distinctions.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Keepeth him - From that over - throw which befal sinners.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 119:1 Proverbs 10:29 Proverbs 11:3 Proverbs 11:20

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.
Some who are really poor, trade and spend as if they were rich: this is sin, and will be shame, and it will end accordingly. Some that are really rich, would be thought to be poor: in this there is want of gratitude to God, want of justice and charity to others. There are many hypocrites, empty of grace, who will not be convinced of their poverty. There are many fearing Christians, who are spiritually rich, yet think themselves poor; by their doubts, and complaints, and griefs, they make themselves poor.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Maketh rich - Some men who have little or nothing, pretend to have great riches. Maketh rich - Some rich men profess to be poor.
McArther Bible Commentary
makes himself rich … makes himself poor. The same pretense is presented in two contrasting weaknesses; one pretends to be rich, while the other pretends to be poor. In contrast, people should be honest and unpretentious (cf. Pro 11:24; 2 Cor Pro 6:10).
Bible Cross References
Luke 12:20 Luke 12:21 Luke 12:33 2 Corinthians 6:10 James 2:5 Proverbs 11:24 Proverbs 13:8

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.
Great riches often tempt to violence against those that possess them; but the poor are free from such perils.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Riches - Riches enable a man to redeem his life when it is in greatest danger, and poverty preserves a man from many injuries. Because they are cautious, that they may not provoke others; and because they are esteemed objects of pity.
McArther Bible Commentary
ransom … riches … poor … rebuke. Riches deliver some people from punishment, while others suffer because they will not heed the rebuke of laziness, which keeps them poor.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 13:7 Proverbs 13:9 Proverbs 14:24

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.
The light of the righteous is as that of the sun, which may be eclipsed and clouded, but will continue: the Spirit is their Light, he gives a fulness of joy: that of the wicked is as a lamp of their own kindling, easily put out.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The light - The prosperity. Rejoiceth - Shines with a pleasant and constant brightness. Rejoicing is here ascribed to the light, as it is to the sun, (Psalms 19:5) , metaphorically. Put out - Their felicity shall have a hidden end.
McArther Bible Commentary
light … lamp. This image of life, prosperity, and joy is contrasted with adversity and death (cf. Job 3:20).
Bible Cross References
Job 18:5 Job 29:3 Proverbs 4:18 Proverbs 13:8 Proverbs 13:10 Proverbs 20:20 Proverbs 24:20 Ezekiel 32:7

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.
All contentions, whether between private persons, families, churches, or nations, are begun and carried forward by pride. Disputes would be easily prevented or ended, if it were not for pride.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Pride - It is chiefly, pride which blows up the coals of contention. Well - advised - Who are not governed by their passions, but by prudent considerations. Wisdom - Which teaches them to avoid contention.
McArther Bible Commentary
The proud spurn advice from others; the wise accept it.
Bible Cross References
Judges 19:30 Proverbs 13:9 Proverbs 13:11

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.
Wealth gotten by dishonesty or vice, has a secret curse, which will speedily waste it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Vanity - By wicked practices.
McArther Bible Commentary
Cf. Pro 20:21.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 13:10 Proverbs 13:12 Proverbs 21:6

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.
The delay of what is anxiously hoped for, is very painful to the mind; obtaining it is very pleasant. But spiritual blessings are chiefly intended.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Hope deferred - Delays in obtaining what a man passionately desires. The desire - The good desired. A tree of life - It is satisfactory, and reviving.
McArther Bible Commentary
tree of life. See note on Pro 3:18.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 2:7 Proverbs 3:18 Proverbs 13:11 Proverbs 13:13

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.
He that stands in awe of God, and reverences his word, shall escape destruction, and be rewarded for his godly fear.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The word - The word of God.
McArther Bible Commentary
word … commandment. These terms refer to divine revelation.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 9:20 Numbers 15:31 2 Chronicles 36:16 Proverbs 13:12 Proverbs 13:21 Proverbs 19:16

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.
The rule by which the wise regulate their conduct, is a fountain yielding life and happiness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The law - The instruction, or counsel; as the word law, is frequently understood in scripture.
McArther Bible Commentary
fountain of life. The same Hebrew word meaning "well of life." See note on Pro 10:11.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 18:5 Proverbs 10:11 Proverbs 14:27

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.
The way of sinners is hard upon others, and hard to the sinner himself. The service of sin is slavery; the road to hell is strewed with the thorns and thistles that followed the curse.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Giveth - Makes a man acceptable to God. Rough - Offensive and hateful to God and men, as rough ways are to a traveller.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 111:10 Proverbs 3:4

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.
It is folly to talk of things of which we know nothing, and to undertake what we are no way fit for.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Knowledge - Considerately and discreetly. Layeth open - By his foolish actions.
McArther Bible Commentary
lays open. The language vividly shows that a fool displays folly, like a peddler spreads out his wares for others to gaze upon. Cf. Pro 12:23; Pro 15:2.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 12:23 Proverbs 15:2 Proverbs 18:2 Ecclesiastes 10:3

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.
Those that are wicked, and false to Christ and to the souls of men, do mischief, and fall into mischief; but those that are faithful, find sound words healing to others and to themselves.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A messenger - Who is unfaithful in the execution of that which is committed to his charge. Is health - Procures benefit, as to his master, so to himself.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 25:13 Proverbs 13:18

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 that scorns to be taught, will certainly be brought down.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 13:19 Proverbs 13:25 Proverbs 15:5 Proverbs 15:32 Ecclesiastes 7:5

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.
There are in man strong desires after happiness; but never let those expect any thing truly sweet to their souls, who will not be persuaded to leave their sins.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sweet - Whatsoever men earnestly desire, the enjoyment of it is sweet to them; therefore sinners rejoice in the satisfaction of their sinful lusts, and abhor all restraint of them.
McArther Bible Commentary
The fool's relentless pursuit of evil and hatred of good does not let him taste the sweet blessings of obedience.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 13:18 Proverbs 13:20

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.
Multitudes are brought to ruin by bad company. And all that make themselves wicked will be destroyed.
McArther Bible Commentary
walks … companion. This speaks of the power of association to shape character. Cf. Pro 1:10, Pro 1:18; Pro 2:12; Pro 4:14; Pro 16:29; Pro 22:24-25; Pro 23:20; Pro 28:7, Pro 28:19; Psalm 1.
Bible Cross References
2 Chronicles 10:8 2 Chronicles 22:4 Proverbs 2:20 Proverbs 13:19 Proverbs 15:31

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.
When God pursues sinners he is sure to overtake them; and he will reward the righteous.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Evil - Punishment proportionable to their sin.
McArther Bible Commentary
This is a basic theme/general principle throughout Proverbs and is illustrated throughout the OT, which establishes that righteousness brings divine blessing and evil brings divine cursing.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 32:10 Psalm 54:5 Proverbs 11:31 Proverbs 13:13 Proverbs 17:13 Isaiah 3:10 Isaiah 47:11

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.
The servant of God who is not anxious about riches, takes the best method of providing for his children.
McArther Bible Commentary
leaves an inheritance. While good people's estates remain with their families, the wealth of the wicked does not. In the providence of God, it will ultimately belong to the righteous. Cf. Pro 28:8; Job 27:16-17.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 9:12 Job 27:16 Job 27:17 Psalm 37:25 Proverbs 17:6 Proverbs 28:8 Ecclesiastes 2:26

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.
The poor, yet industrious, thrive, though in a homely manner, while those who have great riches are often brought to poverty for want of judgment.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The poor - Poor persons by their diligent labours, and God's blessing often grow rich. Destroyed - Or, consumed, brought to poverty, for want of discretion.
McArther Bible Commentary
lack of justice. The contrast here is between the poor but industrious man who will be rewarded with provision from his efforts, and the rich man whose efforts are brought to ruin by his deeds of injustice (cf. Jas 5:1-6).
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 21:4 Proverbs 12:11

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.
He acts as if he hated his child, who, by false indulgence, permits sinful habits to gather strength, which will bring sorrow here, and misery hereafter.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Hateth his son - His fond affection, is as pernicious to him as hatred.
McArther Bible Commentary
rod … disciplines … promptly. Early childhood teaching (see note on Pro 22:6) requires both parental discipline, including corporal punishment (cf. Pro 10:13; Pro 19:18; Pro 22:15; Pro 29:15, Pro 29:17), and balanced kindness and love. There is great hope that the use of the "divine ordinance" of the rod will produce godly virtue (cf. Pro 23:13-14) and parental joy (cf. Pro 10:1; Pro 15:20; Pro 17:21; Pro 23:15-16, Pro 23:24-25; Pro 28:7; Pro 29:1, Pro 29:15, Pro 29:17). Such discipline must have the right motivation (Heb 12:5-11) and appropriate severity (Eph 6:4). One who has genuine affection for his child, but withholds corporal punishment, will produce the same kind of child as a parent who hates his offspring.
Bible Cross References
Hebrews 12:7 Deuteronomy 8:5 Proverbs 3:12 Proverbs 19:18 Proverbs 22:15 Proverbs 23:13 Proverbs 23:14 Proverbs 29:15 Proverbs 29:17

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.
It is the misery of the wicked, that even their sensual appetites are always craving. The righteous feeds on the word and ordinances, to the satisfying of his soul with the promises of the gospel, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Bread of life.
McArther Bible Commentary
This states more directly the teaching of verses Pro 13:13, Pro 13:18, Pro 13:21.
Bible Cross References
Luke 15:14 Psalm 34:10 Psalm 103:5 Psalm 132:15 Proverbs 10:3 Proverbs 13:18