1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord.

11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them.

13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.

23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good.

24 Man's goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?

25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

27 The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.

30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

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.
It seems hard to believe that men of the greatest abilities, as well as the ignorant, should render themselves fools and madmen, merely for the taste or excitement produced by strong liquors.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on ch. 23:29-35.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A mocker - Wine immoderately drunk makes men mockers. Raging - Makes men full of rage.
McArther Bible Commentary
Wine … strong drink. This begins a new theme of temperance (see Pro 21:17; Pro 23:20-21, Pro 23:29-35; Pro 31:4-5). Wine was grape juice mixed with water to dilute it, but strong drink was unmixed (see note on Eph 5:18). While the use of these beverages is not specifically condemned (Deu 14:26), being intoxicated always is (Isa 28:7). Rulers were not to drink, so their judgment would not be clouded nor their behavior less than exemplary (see Pro 31:4-5). See notes on Pro 9:2; 1Ti 3:3. mocker … brawler. Mocker is the same word as scoffer in Pro 19:25, Pro 19:29; a brawler is violent, loud, and uncontrolled. Both words describe the personality of the drunkard.
Bible Cross References
Ephesians 5:18 Genesis 9:21 Leviticus 10:9 1 Samuel 25:36 2 Samuel 11:13 1 Kings 20:16 Proverbs 23:20 Proverbs 23:29 Proverbs 23:30 Proverbs 23:32 Proverbs 31:4 Isaiah 5:22 Isaiah 28:7 Isaiah 56:12 Hosea 4:11 Habakkuk 2:5

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.
How formidable kings are to those who provoke them! how much more foolish then is it to provoke the King of kings!
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The fear - The terror which the wrath of a king causes.
McArther Bible Commentary
See notes on Pro 16:14; Pro 19:12. People who resist governmental authority injure themselves. See notes on Rom 13:1-5.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 16:38 1 Kings 2:23 Proverbs 8:36 Habakkuk 2:10

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.
To engage in quarrels is the greatest folly that can be. Yield, and even give up just demands, for peace' sake.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Meddling - Is always ready to begin strife, and obstinate in the continuance of it.
McArther Bible Commentary
Cf. Pro 15:18; Pro 17:14; Pro 19:11.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 13:7 Genesis 13:8 Proverbs 17:14

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.
He who labours and endures hardship in his seed-time for eternity, will be properly diligent as to his earthly business.
McArther Bible Commentary
lazy man. See notes on Pro 6:6, Pro 6:11.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 6:6 Proverbs 13:4 Proverbs 20:5 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.
Though many capable of giving wise counsel are silent, yet something may be drawn from them, which will reward those who obtain it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Counsel - Designs of doing something of moment. Deep water - Is secret and hard to be discovered.
McArther Bible Commentary
deep water. The wise man has keen discernment reaching to the deepest intentions of the heart to grasp wise counsel (cf. Pro 18:4; Heb 4:12).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 18:4 Proverbs 20:4 Proverbs 20:6

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.
It is hard to find those that have done, and will do more good than they speak, or care to hear spoken of.
McArther Bible Commentary
There are a lot more people who are eager to brag about themselves than there are those who are truly faithful to testify of God's goodness.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 6:2 Luke 18:8 Luke 18:11 Psalm 12:1 Proverbs 20:5 Proverbs 25:14

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.
A good man is not liable to uneasiness in contriving what he shall do, or in reflecting on what he has done, as those who walk in deceit. And his family fare better for his sake.
McArther Bible Commentary
integrity. See note on Pro 10:9.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 26:1 Psalm 37:26 Psalm 112:2 Proverbs 19:1

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.
If great men are good men, they may do much good, and prevent very much evil.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
His eyes - With his very looks, or by his diligent inspection into affairs.
McArther Bible Commentary
scatters. The king as judge literally "winnows" or "sifts" (as in Pro 20:26) data as he discerns evil and good (cf. Isa 11:3-4).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:30 1 Kings 7:7 Proverbs 20:26 Proverbs 25:5

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.
Some can say, Through grace, we are cleaner than we have been; but it was the work of the Holy Spirit.
McArther Bible Commentary
No one can make himself sinless. Cf. Job 14:4; Rom 3:10, Rom 3:23; 1Jn 1:8. Those whose sin has been forgiven are pure before God (Psa 51:1-2, Psa 51:9-10).
Bible Cross References
Romans 3:9 1 John 1:8 1 Kings 8:46 2 Chronicles 6:36 Job 14:4 Job 15:14 Ecclesiastes 7:20

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.
See the various deceits men use, of which the love of money is the root. The Lord will not bless what is thus gotten.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Divers - One greater for shew and one lesser for use.
McArther Bible Commentary
See note on Pro 11:1; cf. Pro 20:23.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 19:36 Proverbs 11:1 Proverbs 20:23

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.
Parents should observe their children, that they may manage them accordingly.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Is known - The future disposition of a man may be probably conjectured from his childish manners.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 7:16 Proverbs 20:12

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.
All our powers and faculties are from God, and are to be employed for him.
McArther Bible Commentary
Because God has given man the ability to hear and see, it should be obvious that He hears and sees everything (see Psa 94:9).
Bible Cross References
Exodus 4:11 Psalm 94:9 Proverbs 25:12 Isaiah 29:18

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 indulge themselves, may expect to want necessaries, which should have been gotten by honest labour.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Open - Shake off sloth and betake thyself to thy employment with diligence and vigour.
McArther Bible Commentary
See notes on Pro 6:6, Pro 6:11.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 6:9 Proverbs 6:10 Proverbs 19:15 Proverbs 20:14 Proverbs 24:33 Proverbs 28:19 Proverbs 31:15

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.
Men use arts to get a good bargain, and to buy cheap; whereas a man ought to be ashamed of a fraud and a lie.
McArther Bible Commentary
The buyer purposely undervalues the thing he is negotiating to purchase, in order to bring down the price. Afterward, he brags about his cleverness.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 20:13 Proverbs 20:15 Ezekiel 7:12

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.
He that prefers true knowledge to riches, follows the ways of religion and happiness. If we really believed this truth, the word of God would be valued as it deserves, and the world would lose its tempting influence.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The lips - But wise speeches are of far greater worth.
McArther Bible Commentary
Wealth is a blessing when honestly gained, but wisdom is more desirable. See notes on Pro 3:14-15; Pro 8:10-11, Pro 8:18-21; Pro 16:16.
Bible Cross References
Job 28:18 Proverbs 20:14 Proverbs 20:16

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.
. Those ruin themselves who entangle themselves in rash suretyship. Also those who are in league with abandoned women. Place no confidence in either.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Take - As a pledge, without which he ought not to be trusted. Of him - That is surety.
McArther Bible Commentary
See note on Pro 6:1. Garments were common security for a loan, but they always had to be returned by sundown (Exo 22:26-27; Deu 24:10-13). "Seductress" is more likely "foreigner." Anyone who foolishly has taken on the responsibility for the debt of a stranger or an immoral woman will likely never be paid back; the borrower will never pay his creditor unless his own garment is taken as security.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 22:26 Proverbs 6:1 Proverbs 20:15 Proverbs 20:17 Proverbs 22:27 Proverbs 27:13

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.
Wealth gotten by fraud may be sweet, for the carnal mind takes pleasure in the success of wicked devices; but it will be bitter in the reflection.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 9:17 Proverbs 20:16 Lamentations 3:16

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.
Especially we need advice in spiritual warfare. The word and Spirit of God are the best counsellors in every point.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Established - The way to bring our purposes to good effect is to manage them with serious consideration.
McArther Bible Commentary
wise counsel. Cf. Pro 11:14; Pro 15:22; Luk 14:28-32.
Bible Cross References
Luke 14:31 Proverbs 11:14 Proverbs 15:22 Proverbs 24:6

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 dearly buy their own praise, who put confidence in a man because he speaks fairly.
McArther Bible Commentary
talebearer. Those who love to spread secrets will flatter to learn them.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 19:16 Proverbs 11:13 Proverbs 13:3

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.
An undutiful child will become very miserable. Never let him expect any peace or comfort.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Lamp - His name and memory shall utterly perish.
McArther Bible Commentary
lamp will be put out. Cf. Pro 13:9. This grievous sin (cf. Pro 30:11, Pro 30:17; Exo 21:17; Lev 20:9) will result in death.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 15:4 Exodus 21:17 Leviticus 20:9 Job 18:5 Proverbs 13:9 Proverbs 20:21 Proverbs 24:20 Proverbs 30:11

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.
An estate suddenly raised, is often as suddenly ruined.
McArther Bible Commentary
gained hastily. This implies an unjust method in gaining the inheritance, so that it will be lost by the same unjust ways or by punishment (cf. Pro 13:11; Pro 21:5-6; Pro 28:20, Pro 28:22).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 20:20 Proverbs 20:22 Proverbs 21:6 Proverbs 28:20

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.
Wait on the Lord, attend his pleasure, and he will protect thee.
McArther Bible Commentary
I will recompense evil. God, not man, avenges evil (cf. Deu 32:35; Rom 12:17, Rom 12:19; 1Th 5:15; Heb 10:30) and delivers from the wicked.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:39 Romans 12:17 Romans 12:19 1 Thessalonians 5:15 1 Peter 3:9 Psalm 27:14 Proverbs 20:21 Proverbs 24:29

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.
A bargain made by fraud will prove a losing bargain in the end.
McArther Bible Commentary
Cf. verse Pro 20:10; see note on Pro 11:1.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 25:13 Proverbs 11:1 Proverbs 20:10

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.
How can we form plans, and conduct business, independently of the Lord?
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
His way - What the issue of his designs will be.
McArther Bible Commentary
See notes on Pro 16:1, Pro 16:9, Pro 16:33. Since a person cannot comprehend the unfolding purposes of God's providence in his life, he has to walk in faith.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 16:9 Jeremiah 10:23 Daniel 5:23

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 evasions men often use with their own consciences show how false and deceitful man is.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A snare - It brings guilt upon him. After - After a man has made vows to enquire for ways to break them.
McArther Bible Commentary
to devote rashly. To declare something sacred, i.e., promising it to God in consecration as an offering, was irreversible and, therefore, serious. See Ecc 5:4-6; cf. Num 30:2; Deu 23:21-23; Psa 50:14; Psa 78:11.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 18:13 Ecclesiastes 5:2 Ecclesiastes 5:4 Ecclesiastes 5:5

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.
Justice should crush the wicked, and separate them from the virtuous.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The wheel - As the cart - wheel was anciently turned over the sheaves to beat the corn out of them. He punishes them as their offences deserve.
McArther Bible Commentary
See note on Pro 20:8.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 3:2 Proverbs 20:8 Isaiah 28:27

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.
The rational soul and conscience are as a lamp within us, which should be used in examining our dispositions and motives with the revealed will of God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The spirit - The reasonable soul. The candle - Is a clear and glorious light set up in man for his information and direction. Of the Lord - So called because it comes from God in a more immediate manner than the body, (Ecclesiastes 12:7) , and because it is in God's stead, to observe and judge all our actions. Searching - Discerning not only his outward actions, which are visible to others, but his most inward thoughts and affections. The belly is here put for the heart, as it is frequently.
McArther Bible Commentary
the lamp of the Lord. The "spirit" represents the conscience of man which searches every secret place. Cf. Rom 2:15; see note on 2Co 1:12. Cf. 1Co 2:11.
Bible Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:11 Proverbs 20:28

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.
Mercy and truth are the glories of God's throne.
McArther Bible Commentary
Mercy and truth. See note on Pro 3:3.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 40:11 Proverbs 29:14

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.
Both young and old have their advantages; and let neither despise or envy the other.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 16:31 Proverbs 20:30

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.
Severe rebukes sometimes do a great deal of good. But such is the corruption of nature, that men are loth to be rebuked for their sins. If God uses severe afflictions, to purify our hearts and fit us for his service, we have cause to be very thankful.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The blueness - Grievous wounds, which make men black and blue; or severe punishments. Cleanseth - Are the means to reclaim a wicked man, and to purge out his corruption. The belly - Of the heart. Grievous wounds or stripes cleanse not only the outward man by keeping it from evil actions, but even the inward man, by expelling or subduing vile affections: which is a great and blessed benefit of afflictions.
McArther Bible Commentary
Wise use of corporal punishment deters evil behavior. See note on Pro 10:13.
Bible Cross References
1 Peter 2:24 Psalm 89:32 Proverbs 22:15 Proverbs 27:6 Isaiah 53:5