Commentary on Proverbs 19

(Pro. 19:1-29)

(Compare Pro 28:6). "Rich" for fool here. Integrity is better than riches (Pro 15:16-17; Pro 16:8).

The last illustrates the first clause. Rashness, the result of ignorance, brings trouble.

perverteth . . . way--turns him back from right (Pro 13:6; Jam 1:13); and he blames God for his failures.

(Compare Pro 14:20). Such facts are often adduced with implied disapprobation.

Compare Pro 19:9, where perish explains not escape here (compare Psa 88:9-10).

(Compare Margin; Pro 15:32).

loveth . . . soul--or, "himself," which he evinces by regarding his best interests.

keepeth--or, "regards."

(Compare Pro 17:7). The fool is incapable of properly using pleasure as knowledge, yet for him to have it is less incongruous than the undue elevation of servants. Let each abide in his calling (Co1 7:20).

(Compare Pro 14:29; Pro 16:32). This inculcation of a forgiving spirit shows that true religion is always the same (Mat 5:22-24).

(Compare Pro 16:14-15; Pro 20:2). A motive to submission to lawful authority.

calamity--literally, "calamities," varied and many.

continual dropping--a perpetual annoyance, wearing out patience.

A contrast of men's gifts and God's, who, though author of both blessings, confers the latter by His more special providence.

and--or, "but," implying that the evils of Pro 19:13 are only avoided by His care.

a deep sleep--a state of utter indifference.

idle soul--or, "person" (compare Pro 10:4; Pro 12:24).

(Compare Pro 10:17; Pro 13:13).

despiseth . . . ways--opposed to keeping or observing, neglects (Pro 16:17) (as unworthy of regard) his moral conduct.

(Compare Pro 14:21; Psa 37:26).

hath pity--shown by acts (compare Margin).

(Compare Pro 13:24; Pro 23:13).

let not . . . spare--literally, "do not lift up thy soul" (Psa 24:4; Psa 25:1), that is, do not desire to his death; a caution to passionate parents against angry chastisement.

Repeated efforts of kindness are lost on ill-natured persons.

(Compare Pro 13:18-20).

latter end-- (Pro 5:11). In youth prepare for age.

(Compare Pro 16:1, Pro 16:9; Psa 33:10-11). The failure of man's devices is implied.

desire--that is, to do good, indicates a kind disposition (Pro 11:23); and the poor thus affected are better than liars, who say and do not.

The fear . . . life--(Compare Pro 3:2).

abide--or, "remain contented" (Ti1 4:8).

not visited with evil-- (Pro 10:3; Psa 37:25), as a judgment, in which sense visit is often used (Psa 89:32; Jer 6:15).

bosom--literally, a wide dish in which the hand was plunged in eating (Mat 26:23). Compare Pro 26:15, the sentiment expressed with equal irony and less exaggeration.

Such is the benefit of reproof; even the simple profit, much more the wise.

Unfilial conduct often condemned (Pro 17:21-25; Pro 20:20; Deu 21:18, Deu 21:21).

Avoid whatever leads from truth.

ungodly witness--(Compare Margin), one false by bad principles (compare Pro 6:12).

scorneth judgment--sets at naught the dictates of justice.

devoureth--literally, "swalloweth," as something delightful.

Their punishment is sure, fixed, and ready (compare Pro 3:34; Pro 10:13).

Next: Proverbs Chapter 20