14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouths of fools feed on folly.
Solomon said, You have shown to your servant David my father great loving kindness, according as he walked before you in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with you; and you have kept for him this great loving kindness, that you have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, Yahweh my God, you have made your servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child; I don't know how to go out or come in. Your servant is in the midst of your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can't be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this your great people? The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. God said to him, Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, neither have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice; behold, I have done according to your word: behold, I have given you a wise and an understanding heart; so that there has been none like you before you, neither after you shall any arise like you.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 15
Commentary on Proverbs 15 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 15
Pr 15:1-33.
1. soft—tender or gentle.
turneth … wrath—from any one.
stir up—as a smouldering fire is excited.
2. useth … aright—commends knowledge by its proper use.
poureth out—utters abundantly (Pr 12:23), and so disgusts others.
3. beholding—watching (compare Pr 5:21; Ps 66:7).
4. A wholesome tongue—(Compare Margin), pacifying and soothing language.
tree of life—(Pr 3:18; 11:30).
perverseness therein—cross, ill-natured language.
breach … spirit—(compare Isa 65:14, Hebrew), grieves, instead of appeasing.
5. (Compare Pr 4:1; 10:17; 13:1-18).
is prudent—acts discreetly.
6. treasure—implying utility.
trouble—vexation and affliction.
7. (Compare Pr 10:20, 21).
heart … not so—not right, or vain.
8, 9. The sacrifice [and] prayer—are acts of worship.
way … followeth … righteousness—denote conduct. God's regard for the worship and deeds of the righteous and wicked respectively, so stated in Ps 50:17; Isa 1:11.
10. (Compare Pr 10:17).
the way—that in which God would have him to go (Pr 2:13; Ps 119:1).
11. Hell—(Ps 16:10).
destruction—or, "Abaddon," the place of the destroyer. All the unseen world is open to God, much more men's hearts.
12. (Compare Pr 9:8).
go unto the wise—to be instructed.
13. maketh … countenance—or, "benefits the countenance."
spirit is broken—and so the countenance is sad.
14. (Compare Pr 10:21, 22). The wise grow wiser, the fools more foolish (Pr 9:9).
15. The state of the heart governs the outward condition.
evil—sad, contrasted with the cheerfulness of a feast.
16. trouble—agitation, implying the anxieties and perplexities attending wealth held by worldlings (Pr 16:18; 1Ti 6:6).
17. dinner—or, "allowance" (2Ki 25:30)—
of herbs—and that the plainest.
and hatred—(compare Pr 10:12, 18).
18. (Compare Pr 14:29; 16:32).
19. The difficulties of the slothful result from want of energy; the righteous find a
plain [and open] way—literally, "a highway," by diligence (1Sa 10:7; Ps 1:3).
20. (Compare Pr 10:1).
21. walketh uprightly—and so finds his joy (Pr 3:6; 10:23).
22. Without counsel—or, "deliberation," implying a wise deference to the opinions of the wise and good, contrasted with rashness.
23. Good advice blesses the giver and receiver.
24. (Compare Col 3:2). Holy purposes prevent sinning, and so its evils.
25. The most desolate who have God's aid have more permanent good than the self-reliant sinner (Pr 2:22; 12:7).
border—or, "boundary for possessions" (Ps 78:54).
26. are pleasant words—that is, pleasing to God (Pr 8:8, 9).
27. (Compare Pr 11:17). Avarice brings trouble to him and his.
hateth gifts—or, "bribes" (Ex 23:8; Ps 15:5), and is not avaricious.
28. (Compare Pr 15:14; 10:11). Caution is the fruit of wisdom; rashness of folly.
29. far … wicked—in His love and favor (Ps 22:11; 119:155).
30. light of the eyes—(Pr 13:9). What gives light rejoiceth the heart, by relieving from anxiety as to our course; so
good report—or, "doctrine" (Isa 28:9; 53:1),
maketh … fat—or, "gives prosperity" (Pr 3:13-17; 9:11). The last clause is illustrated by the first.
31, 32. (Compare Pr 10:17).
reproof of life—which leads to life.
abideth … wise—is numbered among them.
32. refuseth—or, "neglects," "passes by" (Pr 1:25; 4:15).
despiseth … soul—so acts as if esteeming its interests of no value.
33. The fear … wisdom—Wisdom instructs in true piety.
before … humility—(compare Lu 24:26; 1Pe 1:11); opposite (compare Pr 16:18).