Geneva Study Bible A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. A false {a} balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
(a) Under this word he condemns all false weights, measures and deceit. When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. When pride cometh, then cometh {b} shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
(b) When man so gets himself, and thinks to be exalted above his calling then God brings him to confusion. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his {c} stead.
(c) That is, will enter into trouble. An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. An {d} hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
(d) A deceiver who pretends friendship, but privately is an enemy. When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. When the righteous prosper, the city {e} rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
(e) The country is blessed, where there are godly men, and they ought to rejoice when the wicked are taken away. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding {f} holdeth his peace.
(f) Will not make light report of others. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety. Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of {g} counsellors there is safety.
(g) Where God gives store of men of wisdom and counsel. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure. He that is surety for a {h} stranger shall smart for it: and he {i} that hateth suretiship is secure.
(h) He who does not without judgment and consideration of the circumstances put himself in danger, as in Pr 6:1. (i) He who does not co-sign loans for others is very wise. A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches. A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. The merciful man {k} doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
(k) Rewards both himself and others. The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. {l} Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
(l) Though they make many friends, or think themselves sure, yet they will not escape. As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked {m} is wrath.
(m) They can look for nothing but God's vengeance. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. There is that scattereth, {n} and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more {o} than is right, but it tendeth to poverty.
(n) Meaning they who give liberally, whom God blesses. (o) That is, the miser. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that {p} selleth it.
(p) That provides for the use of them who are in need. He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. He that troubleth his own {q} house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be {r} servant to the wise of heart.
(q) The covetous men who spare their riches to the hinderance of their families, will be deprived of it miserably. (r) For though the wicked are rich, yet they are only slaves to the godly, who are the true possessors of the gifts of God. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that {s} winneth souls is wise.
(s) That is, brings them to the knowledge of God. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner. Behold, the righteous shall be {t} recompensed upon the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner. (t) Will be punished as he deserves, 1Pe 4:18. The Geneva Bible Translation Notes [1599] Bible Hub |
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