1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord.

4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord.

15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.

22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

23 The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

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.
A poor man who fears God, is more honourable and happy, than a man without wisdom and grace, however rich or advanced in rank.
McArther Bible Commentary
Integrity is better than wealth. Cf. Pro 15:16-17; Pro 16:8.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 26:11 Proverbs 4:24 Proverbs 14:2 Proverbs 20:7 Proverbs 28:6

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.
What good can the soul do, if without knowledge? And he sins who will not take time to ponder the path of his feet.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Hasteth - That rashly and headily rushes into actions.
McArther Bible Commentary
sins. Lit. "to miss the mark." hastens with his feet. Rashness, the result of ignorance, brings trouble.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 21:5 Proverbs 28:20 Proverbs 29:20

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.
Men run into troubles by their own folly, and then fret at the appointments of God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Perverteth - Blasts his designs and enterprises. Fretteth - He ascribes his unhappiness not to his own sin, but to God and his providence.
McArther Bible Commentary
his heart frets. The fool blames God for his troubles and failures (cf. Gen 4:5; Isa 8:21; Lam 3:39-41).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 11:3 Isaiah 8:21 Isaiah 32:6

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.
Here we may see how strong is men's love of money.
McArther Bible Commentary
Wealth makes. Cf. verse Pro 19:7; Pro 14:20. Lit. wealth adds new friends, while poverty alienates existing friends who grow weary of the demands of the poor.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 14:20 Proverbs 19:5

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.
Those that tell lies in discourse, are in a fair way to be guilty of bearing false-witness.
McArther Bible Commentary
For the sin of perjury, cf. Pro 6:19; Pro 12:17; Pro 14:5, Pro 14:25; Pro 19:9; Deu 19:18-21.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 23:1 Deuteronomy 19:16 Deuteronomy 19:19 1 Kings 13:18 Psalm 56:7 Proverbs 6:19 Proverbs 14:5 Proverbs 19:9 Proverbs 21:28

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.
We are without excuse if we do not love God with all our hearts. His gifts to us are past number, and all the gifts of men to us are fruits of his bounty.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A friend - in profession.
McArther Bible Commentary
Generosity or bribery could be the issue.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 18:16 Proverbs 21:14 Proverbs 29:26

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.
Christ was left by all his disciples; but the Father was with him. It encourages our faith that he had so large an experience of the sorrows of poverty.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Brethren - His nearest relations. Hate - Despise and shun him. Pursueth - Earnestly imploring their pity.
McArther Bible Commentary
See note on verse Pro 19:4.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 38:11 Proverbs 10:15 Proverbs 14:20 Proverbs 18:23

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.
Those only love their souls aright that get true wisdom.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 16:20 Proverbs 19:9

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.
Lying is a damning, destroying sin.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 6:19 Proverbs 12:19 Proverbs 19:5 Proverbs 21:28 Daniel 6:24

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.
A man that has not wisdom and grace, has no right or title to true joy. It is very unseemly for one who is a servant to sin, to oppress God's free-men.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Delight - To live in pleasure and outward glory, doth not become him, nor suit with him; because prosperity corrupts even wise men, and makes fools mad; and because it gives him more opportunity to discover his folly, and to do mischief both to himself and others.
McArther Bible Commentary
Neither are suited for possessions or responsibilities beyond their capabilities of managing wisely (cf. Pro 30:21-23).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 17:7 Proverbs 26:1 Proverbs 30:22 Ecclesiastes 10:6 Ecclesiastes 10:7

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.
He attains the most true glory who endeavours most steadily to overcome evil with good.
McArther Bible Commentary
slow to anger. See note on Pro 14:17.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:44 Ephesians 4:32 Colossians 3:13 2 Kings 5:12 Proverbs 11:13 Proverbs 14:29 Proverbs 16:32 Proverbs 29:11

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.
Christ is a King, whose wrath against his enemies will be as the roaring of a lion, and his favour to his people as the refreshing dew.
McArther Bible Commentary
This is a call to submit to governmental authority. Cf. Rom 13:1-4; 1Pe 2:13-17.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 27:28 Deuteronomy 33:28 Psalm 133:3 Proverbs 16:14 Proverbs 28:15 Isaiah 18:4 Hosea 14:5 Micah 5:7

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.
It shows the vanity of the world, that we are liable to the greatest griefs where we promise ourselves the greatest comfort.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Dropping - Are like rain continually dropping upon an house.
McArther Bible Commentary
continual dripping. An obstinate, argumentative woman is literally like a leak so unrelenting that one has to run from it or go mad (cf. Pro 21:9, Pro 21:19). Here are two ways to devastate a man: an ungodly son and an irritating wife.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 17:21 Proverbs 17:25 Proverbs 21:9 Proverbs 21:19 Proverbs 27:15

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.
A discreet and virtuous wife is more valuable than house and riches.
McArther Bible Commentary
One receives inheritance as a family blessing (a result of human birth), but a wise wife (cf. Pro 31:10-31) is a result of divine blessing. Cf. Pro 12:4; Pro 18:22; Pro 31:10-31.
Bible Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:14 Proverbs 18:22 Proverbs 31:10

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.
A sluggish, slothful disposition makes men poor; it brings them to want. And this applies both to the present life and that which is to come.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Casteth - Makes a man careless, and like one asleep in his business.
McArther Bible Commentary
See notes on Pro 6:6, Pro 6:11.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 6:9 Proverbs 6:10 Proverbs 20:13 Proverbs 24:33 Proverbs 31:27

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.
If we keep God's word, God's word will keep us from every thing really hurtful. We abuse the doctrine of free grace, if we think that it does away the necessity and advantage of obedience. Those that live at random must die. This truth is clearly taught in words enough to alarm the stoutest sinner.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
His ways - The commands of God.
McArther Bible Commentary
commandment. Wisdom is equated with God's commandments. In a sense, Proverbs contain the applications and implications of all that is in God's moral law.
Bible Cross References
Luke 10:28 Luke 11:28 Proverbs 13:13 Proverbs 16:17

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.
God has chosen the poor of this world, to be rich in faith, and heirs of his kingdom.
McArther Bible Commentary
See note on Pro 14:31. Cf. Mat 25:40
Bible Cross References
Matthew 10:42 Matthew 25:40 Luke 6:38 2 Corinthians 9:6 Hebrews 6:10 Deuteronomy 15:7 Deuteronomy 15:8 Deuteronomy 24:19 Psalm 72:13 Proverbs 12:14 Proverbs 14:21 Proverbs 14:31 Proverbs 22:9 Proverbs 28:27 Ecclesiastes 11:1 Ecclesiastes 11:2

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.
When parents keep under foolish tenderness, they do their best to render children a comfort to them, and happy in themselves.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
While - Before custom in sin, and thy indulgence have made him incorrigible. Let not - Forbear not to give him due and necessary correction.
McArther Bible Commentary
Chasten. See notes on Pro 3:11-12; Pro 13:24; Pro 22:6. Cf. Eph 6:4.
Bible Cross References
Hebrews 12:7 Proverbs 13:24 Proverbs 19:19 Proverbs 23:13 Proverbs 29:15 Proverbs 29:17

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.
The spared and spoiled child is likely to become a man of great wrath.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Great wrath - Of strong passions. Deliver - If thou forbear to punish him. Do it - Thou must deliver him again and again.
McArther Bible Commentary
Repeated acts of kindness are wasted on ill-natured people.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 19:18 Proverbs 19:20

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.
Those that would be wise in their latter end, must be taught and ruled when young.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 1:3 Proverbs 4:1 Proverbs 8:14 Proverbs 8:33 Proverbs 12:15 Proverbs 19:19

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.
What should we desire, but that all our purposes may agree with God's holy will?
McArther Bible Commentary
See note on Pro 16:1.
Bible Cross References
Hebrews 6:17 Psalm 33:10 Psalm 33:11 Proverbs 16:1 Proverbs 16:9 Proverbs 19:22 Isaiah 14:26 Isaiah 14:27 Isaiah 46:10 Jeremiah 44:29

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.
It is far better to have a heart to do good, and want ability for it, than to have ability for it, and want a heart to it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The desire - The hearty desire of being kind is accepted by God, and should be owned by men as a real kindness. A poor man - Who is not able to give what he desires to do. A liar - Than a rich man who feeds the poor with fair promises, but doth not perform what he pretends.
McArther Bible Commentary
Rich liars are not kind since their lies bring harm; a kind poor man is more desirable.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 19:21 Proverbs 19:23

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.
Those that live in the fear of God, shall get safety, satisfaction, and true and complete happiness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Satisfied - Shall be fully contented with God's favour and blessing.
McArther Bible Commentary
fear of the Lord. See note on Pro 1:7.
Bible Cross References
1 Timothy 4:8 Psalm 25:13 Psalm 91:10 Proverbs 11:19 Proverbs 12:21 Proverbs 14:26 Proverbs 14:27 Proverbs 19:22

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.
Indolence, when indulged, so grows upon people, that they have no heart to do the most needful things for themselves.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Bring it - To feed himself; he expects that the meat should drop into his mouth.
McArther Bible Commentary
The lazy man's lack of action to move his hand from the flat, metal food saucer up to his mouth is because he is too lazy, as explained in Pro 26:15.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 26:23 Mark 14:20 Proverbs 26:15

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.
A gentle rebuke goes farthest with a man of understanding.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Scorner - An obstinate and impudent transgressor. Simple - Who sin thro' ignorance, being possibly drawn to it by the scorner's evil counsel or example. Reprove - A verbal reproof will be more effectual for his reformation, than the severest punishments will be to a scorner.
McArther Bible Commentary
scoffer … simple … understanding. Three classes of people are noted: (1) scoffers are rebuked for learning nothing; (2) simpletons are warned by observing the rebuke of the scoffer; and (3) the understanding deepen their wisdom from any reproof.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 141:5 Proverbs 9:7 Proverbs 9:8 Proverbs 21:11

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.
The young man who wastes his father's substance, or makes his aged mother destitute, is hateful, and will come to disgrace.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wasteth - His father's estate. Chaseth - Causes her to avoid his presence, and to go from the house where he is.
McArther Bible Commentary
mistreats. Cf. Pro 10:1; Pro 15:20; Pro 17:21, Pro 17:25; Pro 28:24. The son appears to come into possession of his father's property during his parents' lifetime, but rather than caring for them, he drives them out (cf. Exo 20:12; Exo 21:15, Exo 21:17).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 19:27 Proverbs 28:24

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.
It is the wisdom of young men to dread hearing such talk as puts loose and evil principles into the mind.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 19:26 Proverbs 19:28 Jeremiah 27:9

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.
Those are the worst of sinners, who are glad of an opportunity to sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Scorneth - Hath no reverence to the place of justice, nor to the presence of God there. Devoureth - Utters it with greediness and delight.
McArther Bible Commentary
disreputable witness. See note on Pro 12:17.
Bible Cross References
Job 15:16 Job 20:12 Job 20:13 Job 34:7 Proverbs 19:27

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 unbelief of man shall not make God's threatenings of no effect. Christ himself, when bearing sins not his own, was not spared. Justice and judgment took hold of our blessed Surety; and will God spare obstinate sinners?
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Prepared - Although they be deferred for a time, yet they are treasured up for them.
McArther Bible Commentary
See note on Pro 10:13.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 25:2 Psalm 1:1 Proverbs 9:12 Proverbs 10:13 Proverbs 18:6 Proverbs 26:3