A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
1 A right cause will be better pleaded with meekness than with passion. Nothing stirs up anger like grievous words. #2|. He that has knowledge, is to use it aright, for the good of others. 3|. Secret sins, services, and sorrows, are under God's eye. This speaks comfort to saints, and terror to sinners. #4|. A good tongue is healing to wounded consciences, by comforting them; to sin-sick souls, by convincing them; and it reconciles parties at variance. #5|. If instruction is despised, reprove men rather than suffer them to go on undisturbed in the way to ruin. #6|. The wealth of worldly men increases their fears and suspicions, adds strength to their passions, and renders the fear of death more distressing. #7|. We use knowledge aright when we disperse it; but the heart of the foolish has nothing to disperse that is good. #8,9|. The wicked put other things in the stead of Christ's atonement, or in the place of holy obedience. Praying graces are his gift, and the work of his Spirit, with which he is well pleased. #10|. He that hates reproof shall perish in his sins, since he would not be parted from them. 11|. There is nothing that can be hid from the eyes of God, not even man's thoughts. #12|. A scorner cannot bear to reflect seriously within his own heart. #13|. A gloomy, impatient, unthankful spirit, springing from pride and undue attachment to worldly objects, renders a man uneasy to himself and others. 14|. A wise man seeks to gain more wisdom, growing in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. But a carnal mind rests contented, flattering itself. #15|. Some are much in affliction, and of a sorrowful spirit. Such are to be pitied, prayed for, and comforted. And others serve God with gladness of heart, and it prompts their obedience, yet they should rejoice with trembling. 16,17|. Believers often have enough when worldly eyes see little; the Lord is with them, without the cares, troubles, and temptations which are with the wealth of the wicked. #18|. He that is slow to anger, not only prevents strife, but appeases it, if kindled. #19|. Those who have no heart to their work, pretend that they cannot do their work without hardship and danger. And thus many live always in doubt about their state, because always in neglect of some duty. #20|. Those who treat an aged mother or a father with contempt or neglect, show their own folly. #21|. Such as are truly wise, study that their thoughts, words, and actions should be regular, sincere, and holy. #22|. If men will not take time and pains to deliberate, they are not likely to bring any thing to pass. #23|. Wisdom is needed to suit our discourse to the occasions. #24|. A good man sets his affections on things above; his way leads directly thither. 25|. Pride is the ruin of multitudes. But those who are in affliction God will support. #26|. The thoughts of wicked men offend Him who knows the heart. #27|. The covetous man lets none of his family have rest or enjoyment. And greediness of gain often tempts to projects that bring ruin. #28|. A good man is proved to be a wise man by this; he governs his tongue well. 29|. God sets himself at a distance from those who set him at defiance. #30|. How delightful to the humbled soul to hear the good report of salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ! #31|. Faithful, friendly reproofs help spiritual life, and lead to eternal life. #32|. Sinners undervalue their own souls; therefore they prefer the body before the soul, and wrong the soul to please the body. #33|. The fear of the Lord will dispose us to search the Scriptures with reverence; and it will cause us to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit. While we humbly place all our dependence on the grace of God, we are exalted in the righteousness of Christ.
Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.
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