Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
1 If we would get knowledge and grace, we must try all methods of improving ourselves. #2|. Those make nothing to purpose, of learning or religion, whose only design is to have something to make a show with. #3|. As soon as sin entered, shame followed. 4|. The well-spring of wisdom in the heart of a believer, continually supplies words of wisdom. #5|. The merits of a cause must be looked to, not the person. #6,7|. What mischief bad men do to themselves by their ungoverned tongues! #8|. How base are those that sow contention! and what fatal effects may be expected from small beginnings of jealousy! #9|. Omissions of duty, and in duty, are fatal to the soul, as well as commissions of sin. #10,11|. The Divine power, made known in and through our Lord Jesus Christ, forms a strong tower for the believer, who relies on the Lord. How deceitful the defence of the rich man, who has his portion and treasure in this world! It is a strong city and a high wall only in his own conceit; for it will fail when most in need. They will be exposed to the just wrath of that Judge whom they despised as a Saviour. #12|. After the heart has been lifted up with pride, a fall comes. But honour shall be the reward of humility. #13|. Eagerness, with self-conceit, will expose to shame. #14|. Firmness of mind supports under many pains and trials. But when the conscience is tortured with remorse, no human fortitude can bear the misery; what then will hell be? #15|. We must get knowledge, not only into our heads, but into our hearts. #16|. Blessed be the Lord, who makes us welcome to come to his throne, without money and without price. May his gifts make room for him in our souls. 17|. It is well to listen to our enemies, that we may form a better judgment of ourselves. #18|. It was customary sometimes to refer matters to God, by casting lots, with solemn prayer. The profaning the lot, by using it in matters of diversion, or coveting what belongs to others, forms an objection to this now. 19|. Great care must be taken to prevent quarrels among relations and those under obligations to each other. Wisdom and grace make it easy to forgive; but corruption makes it difficult. #20|. The belly is here put for the heart, as elsewhere; and what that is filled with, our satisfaction will be accordingly, and our inward peace. #21|. Many a one has caused his own death, or the death of others, by a false or injurious tongue. #22|. A good wife is a great blessing to a man, and it is a token of Divine favour. #23|. Poverty tells men they must not order or demand. And at the throne of God's grace we are all poor, and must use entreaties. #24|. Christ Jesus never will forsake those who trust in and love him. May we be such friends to others, for our Master's sake. Having loved his own, which were in the world, he loved them unto the end; and we are his friends if we do whatever he commands us, #Joh 15:14|.
Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.
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