1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. 2The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life. 3It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. 4The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. 5The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. 6Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man? 7The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him. 8A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes. 9Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”? 10Differing weights and unequal measures— both are detestable to the LORD. 11Even a young man is known by his actions— whether his conduct is pure and upright. 12Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both. 13Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food. 14“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats. 15There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure. 16Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. 17Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel. 18Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance. 19He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. 20Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness. 21An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end. 22Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. 23Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good. 24A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way? 25It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows. 26A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them. 27The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being. 28Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne. 29The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old. 30Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.
Matthew Henry's Commentary
1 It seems hard to believe that men of the greatest abilities, as well as the ignorant, should render themselves fools and madmen, merely for the taste or excitement produced by strong liquors. #2|. How formidable kings are to those who provoke them! how much more foolish then is it to provoke the King of kings! #3|. To engage in quarrels is the greatest folly that can be. Yield, and even give up just demands, for peace' sake. #4|. He who labours and endures hardship in his seed-time for eternity, will be properly diligent as to his earthly business. 5|. Though many capable of giving wise counsel are silent, yet something may be drawn from them, which will reward those who obtain it. #6|. It is hard to find those that have done, and will do more good than they speak, or care to hear spoken of. 7|. A good man is not liable to uneasiness in contriving what he shall do, or in reflecting on what he has done, as those who walk in deceit. And his family fare better for his sake. #8|. If great men are good men, they may do much good, and prevent very much evil. #9|. Some can say, Through grace, we are cleaner than we have been; but it was the work of the Holy Spirit. #10|. See the various deceits men use, of which the love of money is the root. The Lord will not bless what is thus gotten. #11|. Parents should observe their children, that they may manage them accordingly. #12|. All our powers and faculties are from God, and are to be employed for him. #13|. Those that indulge themselves, may expect to want necessaries, which should have been gotten by honest labour. #14|. Men use arts to get a good bargain, and to buy cheap; whereas a man ought to be ashamed of a fraud and a lie. #15|. He that prefers true knowledge to riches, follows the ways of religion and happiness. If we really believed this truth, the word of God would be valued as it deserves, and the world would lose its tempting influence. #16|. Those ruin themselves who entangle themselves in rash suretiship. Also those who are in league with abandoned women. Place no confidence in either. #17|. Wealth gotten by fraud may be sweet, for the carnal mind takes pleasure in the success of wicked devices; but it will be bitter in the reflection. #18|. Especially we need advice in spiritual warfare. The word and Spirit of God are the best counsellors in every point. #19|. Those dearly buy their own praise, who put confidence in a man because he speaks fairly. #20|. An undutiful child will become very miserable. Never let him expect any peace or comfort. #21|. An estate suddenly raised, is often as suddenly ruined. #22|. Wait on the Lord, attend his pleasure, and he will protect thee. 23|. A bargain made by fraud will prove a losing bargain in the end. #24|. How can we form plans, and conduct business, independently of the Lord? #25|. The evasions men often use with their own consciences show how false and deceitful man is. #26|. Justice should crush the wicked, and separate them from the virtuous. #27|. The rational soul and conscience are as a lamp within us, which should be used in examining our dispositions and motives with the revealed will of God. #28|. Mercy and truth are the glories of God's throne. #29|. Both young and old have their advantages; and let neither despise or envy the other. 30|. Severe rebukes sometimes do a great deal of good. But such is the corruption of nature, that men are loth to be rebuked for their sins. If God uses severe afflictions, to purify our hearts and fit us for his service, we have cause to be very thankful.