1A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. 2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. 3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. 4By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it. 5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 6An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices. 7The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns. 8Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger. 9If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution. 10Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life. 11A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. 12If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked. 13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. 14A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever. 15A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. 16When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall. 17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. 18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law. 19A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond. 20Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end. 22An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. 23A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. 24A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify. 25The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high. 26Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD. 27An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
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.