1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:

20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

21 My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

26 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.

27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

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.
Envy not sinners. And let not a desire ever come into thy mind, Oh that I could shake off restraints!
McArther Bible Commentary
Cf. Pro 23:3, Pro 23:17.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 1:1 Psalm 37:1 Proverbs 1:15 Proverbs 3:31 Proverbs 23:17 Proverbs 24:19

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.
Envy not sinners. And let not a desire ever come into thy mind, Oh that I could shake off restraints!
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Destruction - How they may oppress and destroy others.
Bible Cross References
Job 15:35 Psalm 10:7 Psalm 38:12 Proverbs 6:18 Isaiah 30:12 Jeremiah 22:17

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.
Piety and prudence in outward affairs, both go together to complete a wise man. By knowledge the soul is filled with the graces and comforts of the spirit, those precious and pleasant riches. The spirit is strengthened for the spiritual work and the spiritual warfare, by true wisdom.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Through wisdom - There is no need that thou shouldest raise thy family by ruining others, which thou mayest more effectually do by wisdom.
McArther Bible Commentary
house is built. House can refer to a physical structure (cf. Pro 14:1), a family (see Jos 24:15), or even a dynasty (see 2Sa 7:11-12; 1Ki 11:38; 1Ch 17:10).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 9:1 Proverbs 14:1

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.
Piety and prudence in outward affairs, both go together to complete a wise man. By knowledge the soul is filled with the graces and comforts of the spirit, those precious and pleasant riches. The spirit is strengthened for the spiritual work and the spiritual warfare, by true wisdom.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
By knowledge - Which in scripture phrase includes the love and practice of what we know.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 8:21 Proverbs 24:5

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.
Piety and prudence in outward affairs, both go together to complete a wise man. By knowledge the soul is filled with the graces and comforts of the spirit, those precious and pleasant riches. The spirit is strengthened for the spiritual work and the spiritual warfare, by true wisdom.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Is strong - Is courageous and resolute, and able by wisdom to do greater things than others can accomplish by strength.
McArther Bible Commentary
Wisdom and wise counsel are associated with strength. See notes on Pro 11:14; Pro 13:20; cf. Ecc 9:16-18.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 21:22 Proverbs 24:6

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.
Piety and prudence in outward affairs, both go together to complete a wise man. By knowledge the soul is filled with the graces and comforts of the spirit, those precious and pleasant riches. The spirit is strengthened for the spiritual work and the spiritual warfare, by true wisdom.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 27:32-34.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Thy war - War is better managed by wisdom than by strength.
Bible Cross References
2 Chronicles 22:4 Proverbs 11:14 Proverbs 20:18

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 weak man thinks wisdom is too high for him, therefore he will take no pains for it. It is bad to do evil, but worse to devise it. Even the first risings of sin in the heart are sin, and must be repented of. Those that strive to make others hateful, make themselves so.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A fool - For a wicked man, whose sins enfeeble his mind, and make it incapable of wisdom. Openeth not - He knows not how to speak acceptably, and profitably in the publick assembly.
McArther Bible Commentary
the gate. See note on Pro 22:22. Since the leading minds were there debating the issues of life, it was no place for fools. Key Word Foolish: Pro 12:23; Pro 14:1; Pro 14:24; Pro 15:2, Pro 15:14; Pro 19:3; Pro 22:15; Pro 24:9; Pro 27:22-signifies an absence of wisdom. Except for two occurrences in the Psalms, this term occurs only in Proverbs, where the foolishness of fools is frequently contrasted with the wisdom of the wise and prudent (Pro 13:16; Pro 14:8, Pro 14:18, Pro 14:24). Foolishness characterizes the speech of fools and the reactions of the impulsive person (Pro 12:23; Pro 14:17, Pro 14:29; Pro 15:2, Pro 15:14; Pro 18:13). Foolishness affects the lifestyle of a person, causing his or her heart to fret against God (Pro 15:21; Pro 19:3). Indeed, foolishness is often identified with iniquity and sin (Pro 5:22-23; Pro 24:9; Psa 38:4-5). Although Proverbs does not hold out much hope for separating an adult fool from his foolishness, the rod of correction is identified as a remedy for children (Pro 22:15; Pro 26:11; Pro 27:22).
Bible Cross References
Job 5:4 Psalm 10:5 Psalm 127:5 Proverbs 14:6 Proverbs 17:7 Proverbs 17:16 Isaiah 32:6

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.
A weak man thinks wisdom is too high for him, therefore he will take no pains for it. It is bad to do evil, but worse to devise it. Even the first risings of sin in the heart are sin, and must be repented of. Those that strive to make others hateful, make themselves so.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Shall be called - Though he cover his wicked devices with fair pretences, he shall be branded with that infamy which is due to him.
Bible Cross References
Romans 1:30 Proverbs 6:14 Proverbs 14:22

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.
A weak man thinks wisdom is too high for him, therefore he will take no pains for it. It is bad to do evil, but worse to devise it. Even the first risings of sin in the heart are sin, and must be repented of. Those that strive to make others hateful, make themselves so.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The thought - The very inward thought or contrivance of evil, is a sin in God's sight.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 15:19 Acts 8:22 Proverbs 9:7 Proverbs 21:24

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.
Under troubles we are apt to despair of relief. But be of good courage, and God shall strengthen thy heart.
Bible Cross References
Hebrews 12:3 Deuteronomy 20:8 Job 4:5 Jeremiah 51:46

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.
If a man know that his neighbour is in danger by any unjust proceeding, he is bound to do all in his power to deliver him. And what is it to suffer immortal souls to perish, when our persuasions and example may be the means of preventing it?
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Deliver - When it is in thy power. Drawn - By the violence of lawless men.
McArther Bible Commentary
The danger here may be from unjust treatment or violence. Deliverance can either be by giving a true testimony on their behalf, by providing what they need to survive, or by rescuing them from a fatal course.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 82:4 Psalm 88:15 Isaiah 58:6 Isaiah 58:7

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.
If a man know that his neighbour is in danger by any unjust proceeding, he is bound to do all in his power to deliver him. And what is it to suffer immortal souls to perish, when our persuasions and example may be the means of preventing it?
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Consider - That this is only a frivolous excuse.
McArther Bible Commentary
He who weighs the hearts. This proverb is quoted or alluded to more times in the NT (8) than any other of Solomon's sayings (Mat 16:27; Luk 16:15; Rom 2:6; 2Ti 4:14; 1Pe 1:17; Rev 2:23; Pro 20:12-13; Pro 22:12). See note on Pro 16:2. God is the One who knows the truth about the motives of the heart and the excuses for failing to do what is right (cf. Jas 4:17). render to each man according to his deeds. Cf. Pro 24:29; Job 34:11; Jer 25:14; Jer 50:29.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 16:27 Romans 2:6 1 Samuel 2:3 1 Samuel 16:7 Job 34:11 Psalm 94:9 Psalm 121:3 Proverbs 12:14 Proverbs 21:2 Ecclesiastes 5:8

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.
We are quickened to the study of wisdom by considering both the pleasure and the profit of it. All men relish things that are sweet to the palate; but many have no relish for the things that are sweet to the purified soul, and that make us wise unto salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Eat - This is not a command, but a concession, and is only here expressed to illustrate the following verse. Honey in those parts was an usual food.
McArther Bible Commentary
This is not a command to eat honey, but an analogy to seek the sweetness of wisdom's rewards. Cf. Psa 19:10
Bible Cross References
Psalm 19:10 Psalm 119:103 Proverbs 16:24 Proverbs 25:16 Proverbs 27:7 Song of Solomon 4:11 Song of Solomon 5:1

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.
We are quickened to the study of wisdom by considering both the pleasure and the profit of it. All men relish things that are sweet to the palate; but many have no relish for the things that are sweet to the purified soul, and that make us wise unto salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A reward - It is not only sweet for the present, but brings a sure and everlasting reward.
McArther Bible Commentary
hope … cut off. See note on Pro 23:18.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 119:103 Proverbs 2:10 Proverbs 16:24 Proverbs 23:18

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 sincere soul falls as a traveller may do, by stumbling at some stone in his path; but gets up, and goes on his way with more care and speed. This is rather to be understood of falls into affliction, than falls into actual sin.
McArther Bible Commentary
seven times. This stands for "often" or "many" (see Pro 26:16; Job 5:19). The plots of the wicked against the righteous, though partially and temporarily successful, shall not be ultimately successful; the wicked themselves will fall under God's eternal judgment and find no help or deliverance.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 10:9 Psalm 10:10

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.
The sincere soul falls as a traveller may do, by stumbling at some stone in his path; but gets up, and goes on his way with more care and speed. This is rather to be understood of falls into affliction, than falls into actual sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Falleth - Into calamities, of which he evidently speaks both in the foregoing verse, and in the following branch of this verse. Fall - Frequently into irrecoverable destruction.
Bible Cross References
2 Corinthians 4:9 Job 5:19 Psalm 34:19 Psalm 34:21 Psalm 37:24 Psalm 79:12 Proverbs 6:15 Proverbs 14:32 Proverbs 24:22 Jeremiah 8:4 Jeremiah 18:17 Micah 7:8

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 pleasure we are apt to take in the troubles of an enemy is forbidden.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Falleth - Into mischief.
McArther Bible Commentary
when your enemy falls. See note on Pro 25:21-22. Gloating over a fallen enemy can be more serious than the sin the enemy committed.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 3:32 Job 31:29 Psalm 35:15 Psalm 35:19 Proverbs 17:5 Proverbs 24:18 Obadiah 1:12 Micah 7:8

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.
The pleasure we are apt to take in the troubles of an enemy is forbidden.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
From him - Understand, upon thee, which is implied in the Hebrew phrase.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 24:17 Proverbs 24:19

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.
Envy not the wicked their prosperity; be sure there is no true happiness in it.
McArther Bible Commentary
Do not fret. Do not become angrily excited or envious at the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Cf. Pro 3:31; Pro 23:17-18; Pro 24:1.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 37:1 Proverbs 23:17 Proverbs 24:1 Proverbs 24:18

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.
Envy not the wicked their prosperity; be sure there is no true happiness in it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
No reward - All his happiness shall quickly and eternally perish. The candle - All their comfort and glory shall cease.
McArther Bible Commentary
lamp of the wicked. See note on Pro 13:9.
Bible Cross References
Job 15:31 Job 18:5 Job 18:6 Job 21:17 Proverbs 13:9 Proverbs 17:20 Proverbs 20:20 Proverbs 21:4 Proverbs 23:18

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 godly in the land, will be quiet in the land. There may be cause to change for the better, but have nothing to do with them that are given change.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
To change - That are unstable in their obedience to God or to the king.
McArther Bible Commentary
fear the Lord. See note on Pro 1:7. the king. Loyalty to the king is proper because he is the agent of the Lord's wisdom (cf. Deu 17:14-20; Rom 13:1-7). That loyalty includes having no part with rebels who seek to subvert or overthrow him ("change"). Peter draws on this verse in his call to good citizenship in 1Pe 1:17; 1Pe 2:17.
Bible Cross References
Romans 13:1 1 Peter 2:17

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 godly in the land, will be quiet in the land. There may be cause to change for the better, but have nothing to do with them that are given change.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Who knoweth - Who can conceive how sore and sudden will be the ruin of them that fear not God, and the king.
McArther Bible Commentary
the ruin those two can bring. A reference to the retributive power of the king and the Lord (cf. Job 31:23).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 6:15 Proverbs 24:16

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 wisdom God giveth, renders a man fit for his station. Every one who finds the benefit of the right answer, will be attached to him that gave it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
These - The counsels following, to the end of the chapter, no less than those hitherto mentioned, are worthy of their consideration.
McArther Bible Commentary
a These words introduce a brief section forming an appendix of further wise sayings (Pro 24:23-34) that finish the first group of proverbs compiled from wise men by Solomon (Pro. 22:22-24:22) to add to his own (Pro. 10:1-22:16). See note on Pro. 22:17-24:34.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 1:17 Deuteronomy 16:19 Job 13:8 Proverbs 1:6 Proverbs 18:5 Proverbs 22:17 Proverbs 28:21

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 wisdom God giveth, renders a man fit for his station. Every one who finds the benefit of the right answer, will be attached to him that gave it.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 11:26 Proverbs 17:15 Isaiah 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 wisdom God giveth, renders a man fit for his station. Every one who finds the benefit of the right answer, will be attached to him that gave it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Rebuke - That publickly and judicially rebuke and condemn the wicked. Delight - The peace of a good conscience.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 24:26 Proverbs 28:23

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 wisdom God giveth, renders a man fit for his station. Every one who finds the benefit of the right answer, will be attached to him that gave it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Shall kiss - Shall respect him. A right answer - That speaks pertinently and plainly, and truly.
McArther Bible Commentary
kisses the lips. A just and righteous response is as desirable as this most intimate expression of friendship.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 24:25 Proverbs 24:27

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.
We must prefer necessaries before conveniences, and not go in debt.
McArther Bible Commentary
First secure, by diligent work and planning, a good living in your fields; then build. In other words, provide a financial base so that all the necessities and contingencies are secured, then move from the tents (which were acceptable) to a house (which was desirable).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 24:26 Proverbs 27:23

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.
There are three defaults in a witness pointed out.
McArther Bible Commentary
Avenging the evil done by one's neighbor by offering false witness (cf. Pro 14:5; Pro 19:5) against him is forbidden. See notes on Pro 6:16-19; Pro 20:22.
Bible Cross References
Ephesians 4:25 Leviticus 6:2 Leviticus 6:3 Leviticus 19:11 Proverbs 25:18 Proverbs 26:19

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.
There are three defaults in a witness pointed out.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:39 Romans 12:17 Romans 12:19 Proverbs 20:22

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.
See what a blessing the husbandman's calling is, and what a wilderness this earth would be without it. See what great difference there is in the management even of worldly affairs. Sloth and self-indulgence are the bane of all good. When we see fields overgrown with thorns and thistles, and the fences broken down, we see an emblem of the far more deplorable state of many souls. Every vile affection grows in men's hearts; yet they compose themselves to sleep. Let us show wisdom by doubling our diligence in every good thing.
McArther Bible Commentary
. See notes on Pro 6:6, Pro 6:11. Thorns also appear in his life in Pro 15:19 (see note there).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 6:32 Ecclesiastes 10:18

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.
See what a blessing the husbandman's calling is, and what a wilderness this earth would be without it. See what great difference there is in the management even of worldly affairs. Sloth and self-indulgence are the bane of all good. When we see fields overgrown with thorns and thistles, and the fences broken down, we see an emblem of the far more deplorable state of many souls. Every vile affection grows in men's hearts; yet they compose themselves to sleep. Let us show wisdom by doubling our diligence in every good thing.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 3:18 Job 30:7 Proverbs 24:32 Isaiah 5:5

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.
See what a blessing the husbandman's calling is, and what a wilderness this earth would be without it. See what great difference there is in the management even of worldly affairs. Sloth and self-indulgence are the bane of all good. When we see fields overgrown with thorns and thistles, and the fences broken down, we see an emblem of the far more deplorable state of many souls. Every vile affection grows in men's hearts; yet they compose themselves to sleep. Let us show wisdom by doubling our diligence in every good thing.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Received - I learned wisdom by his folly.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 24:31 Proverbs 24:33

Verse 33

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 what a blessing the husbandman's calling is, and what a wilderness this earth would be without it. See what great difference there is in the management even of worldly affairs. Sloth and self-indulgence are the bane of all good. When we see fields overgrown with thorns and thistles, and the fences broken down, we see an emblem of the far more deplorable state of many souls. Every vile affection grows in men's hearts; yet they compose themselves to sleep. Let us show wisdom by doubling our diligence in every good thing.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 6:10 Proverbs 19:15 Proverbs 20:13 Proverbs 24:32 Proverbs 24:34 Ecclesiastes 4:5

Verse 34

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 what a blessing the husbandman's calling is, and what a wilderness this earth would be without it. See what great difference there is in the management even of worldly affairs. Sloth and self-indulgence are the bane of all good. When we see fields overgrown with thorns and thistles, and the fences broken down, we see an emblem of the far more deplorable state of many souls. Every vile affection grows in men's hearts; yet they compose themselves to sleep. Let us show wisdom by doubling our diligence in every good thing.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 6:11 Proverbs 24:33 Proverbs 25:1