1A man hating sharp words and making his heart hard, will suddenly be broken and will not be made well again. 2When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people. 3A man who is a lover of wisdom is a joy to his father: but he who goes in the company of loose women is a waster of wealth. 4A king, by right rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste. 5A man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his steps. 6In the steps of an evil man there is a net for him, but the upright man gets away quickly and is glad. 7The upright man gives attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it. 8Men of pride are the cause of violent acts in a town, but by wise men wrath is turned away. 9If a wise man goes to law with a foolish man, he may be angry or laughing, but there will be no rest. 10Men of blood are haters of the good man, and evil-doers go after his soul. 11A foolish man lets out all his wrath, but a wise man keeps it back quietly. 12If a ruler gives attention to false words, all his servants are evil-doers. 13The poor man and his creditor come face to face: the Lord gives light to their eyes equally. 14The king who is a true judge in the cause of the poor, will be safe for ever on the seat of his power. 15The rod and sharp words give wisdom: but a child who is not guided is a cause of shame to his mother. 16When evil men are in power, wrongdoing is increased; but the upright will have pleasure when they see their downfall. 17Give your son training, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your soul. 18Where there is no vision, the people are uncontrolled; but he who keeps the law will be happy. 19A servant will not be trained by words; for though the sense of the words is clear to him, he will not give attention. 20Have you seen a man who is quick with his tongue? There is more hope for a foolish man than for him. 21If a servant is gently cared for from his early years, he will become a cause of sorrow in the end. 22An angry man is the cause of fighting, and a man given to wrath does much wrong. 23A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a gentle spirit will get honour. 24A man who takes part with a thief has hate for his soul; he is put under oath, but says nothing. 25The fear of man is a cause of danger: but whoever puts his faith in the Lord will have a safe place on high. 26The approval of a ruler is desired by great numbers: but the decision in a man's cause comes from the Lord. 27An evil man is disgusting to the upright, and he who is upright is disgusting to evil-doers.
Matthew Henry's Commentary
1 If God wounds, who can heal? The word of God warns all to flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before us in Jesus Christ. #2|. The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their rulers are righteous or wicked. #3|. Divine wisdom best keeps us from ruinous lusts. #4|. The Lord Jesus is the King who will minister true judgment to the people. #5|. Flatterers put men off their guard, which betrays them into foolish conduct. #6|. Transgressions always end in vexations. Righteous men walk at liberty, and walk in safety. #7|. This verse is applicable to compassion for the distress of the poor, and the unfeeling disregard shown by the wicked. #8|. The scornful mock at things sacred and serious. Men who promote religion, which is true wisdom, turn away the wrath of God. #9|. If a wise man dispute with a conceited wrangler, he will be treated with anger or ridicule; and no good is done. #10|. Christ told his disciples that they should be hated of all men. The just, whom the blood-thirsty hate, gladly do any thing for their salvation. 11|. He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep no counsel. #12|. One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers. #13|. Some are poor, others have a great deal of deceitful riches. They meet in the business of this world; the Lord gives to both the comforts of this life. To some of both sorts he gives his grace. #14|. The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for. #15|. Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence. #16|. Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience. #17|. Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do amiss. #18|. How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing. 19|. Here is an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant; one that serves not from conscience, or love, but from fear. #20|. When a man is self-conceited, rash, and given to wrangling, there is more hope of the ignorant and profligate. #21|. Good usage to a servant does not mean indulgence, which would ruin even a child. The body is a servant to the soul; those that humour it, and are over-tender of it, will find it forget its place. #22|. An angry, passionate disposition makes men provoking to one another, and provoking to God. #23|. Only those who humble themselves shall be exalted and established. #24|. The receiver is as bad as the thief. #25|. Many are ashamed to own Christ now; and he will not own them in the day of judgment. But he that trusts in the Lord will be saved from this snare. 26|. The wisest course is, to look to God, and seek the favour of the Ruler of rulers; for every creature is that to us which God makes it to be. #27|. The just man abhors the sins of the wicked, and shuns their company. Christ exposed the wickedness of men, yet prayed for the wicked when they were crucifying him. Hatred to sin in ourselves and others, is a needful branch of the Christian temper. But all that are unholy, have rooted hatred to godliness.