16 The man that wandereth out of the way of wisdom shall abide in the congregation of the dead.
-- for her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead; none that go unto her return again, neither do they attain to the paths of life:
for she hath cast down many wounded, and all slain by her were strong. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.
And this is the judgment, that light is come into the world, and men have loved darkness rather than light; for their works were evil. For every one that does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light that his works may not be shewn as they are;
For it is impossible to renew again to repentance those once enlightened, and who have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of [the] Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God, and [the] works of power of [the] age to come, and have fallen away, crucifying for themselves [as they do] the Son of God, and making a show of [him].
For where we sin wilfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains any sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and heat of fire about to devour the adversaries.
For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known [it] to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. But that [word] of the true proverb has happened to them: [The] dog [has] turned back to his own vomit; and, [The] washed sow to [her] rolling in mud.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 21
Commentary on Proverbs 21 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 21
Pr 21:1-31.
1. rivers—irrigating channels (Ps 1:3), whose course was easily turned (compare De 11:10). God disposes even kings as He pleases (Pr 16:9; Ps 33:15).
2. (Compare Pr 14:2; 16:2-25).
3. (Compare Ps 50:7-15; Isa 1:11, 17).
4. high look—(Compare Margin; Ps 131:1).
proud heart—or, "heart of breadth," one that is swollen (compare Ps 101:5).
ploughing—better "lamp," a frequent figure for prosperity (Pr 20:20); hence joy or delight.
5. The contrast is between steady industry and rashness (compare Pr 19:2).
6. The getting—or, "what is obtained" (compare Job 7:2; Jer 22:13, Hebrew).
vanity … to and fro—as fleeting as chaff or stubble in the wind (compare Pr 20:17-21; Ps 62:10). Such gettings are unsatisfactory.
them … death—act as if they did (Pr 8:36; 17:19).
7. robbery—or, "destruction," especially oppression, of which they are authors.
shall destroy—literally, "cut with a saw" (1Ki 7:9), that is, utterly ruin them. Their sins shall be visited on them in kind.
to do judgment—what is just and right.
8. of man—any one; his way is opposed to truth, and also estranged from it. The pure proves himself such by his right conduct.
9. corner—a turret or arbor on the roof.
brawling—or contentious.
wide house—literally, "house of fellowship," large enough for several families.
10. So strongly does he desire to do evil (Ps 10:3; Ec 8:11), that he will not even spare his friend if in his way.
11. (Compare Pr 19:25). That which the simple learn by the terrors of punishment, the wise learn by teaching.
12. (Compare Ps 37:35-38; 73:17, 20).
house—family or interests.
overthroweth—either supply "God" (compare Pr 10:24), or the word is used impersonally.
13. The principles of retribution, often taught (compare Ps 18:26; Mt 7:1-12).
14. The effect of bribery (Pr 17:23) is enhanced by secrecy, as the bribed person does not wish his motives made known.
15. But the just love right and need no bribes. The wicked at last meet destruction, though for a time happy in concealing corruption.
16. the way of understanding—(Compare Pr 12:26; 14:22).
remain—that is, rest as at a journey's end; death will be his unchanging home.
17. Costly luxuries impoverish.
18. (Compare Pr 11:8). By suffering what they had devised for the righteous, or brought on them, the wicked became their ransom, in the usual sense of substitutes (compare Jos 7:26; Es 7:9).
19. (Compare Pr 21:9).
wilderness—pasture, though uninhabitable ground (Ps 65:12).
20. The wise, by diligence and care, lay up and increase wealth, while fools
spend—literally, "swallow it up," greedily.
21. He who tries to act justly and kindly (Ps 34:14) will prosper and obtain justice and honor.
22. "Wisdom is better than strength" (Ec 7:19; 9:15).
strength … thereof—that in which they confide.
23. (Compare Pr 13:2, 3; Jas 3:6-10).
24. The reproachful name is deserved by those who treat others with anger and contempt.
25. desire—that is, of ease and idleness brings him to starvation.
26. The sin of covetousness marks the sluggard, as the virtue of benevolence the righteous.
27. God regards the heart, and hypocrisy is more odious than open inconsistency.
wicked mind—or, "design" (Pr 1:4).
28. (Compare Pr 19:5).
that heareth—or heeds instruction, and so grows wise.
speaketh constantly—or sincerely (compare Hab 1:5), and hence is believed (Pr 12:19; Jas 1:19).
29. hardeneth his face—is obstinate.
directeth … way—considers it, and acts advisedly.
30, 31. Men's best devices and reliances are vain compared with God's, or without His aid (Pr 19:21; Ps 20:7; 33:17).