1. hardeneth ... neck -- obstinately refuses counsel (2Ki 17:14; Ne 9:16).

destroyed -- literally, "shivered" or "utterly broken to pieces."

without remedy -- literally, "without healing" or repairing.

2. (Compare Pr 11:10; 28:28).

in authority -- (Compare Margin), increased in power.

3. (Compare Pr 4:6, 7; 10:1, &c.).

4. by judgment -- that is, righteous decisions, opposed to those procured by gifts (compare Pr 28:21), by which good government is perverted.

land -- for nation.

5. (Compare Pr 26:28).

spreadeth ... feet -- By misleading him as to his real character, the flatterer brings him to evil, prepared by himself or others.

6. In -- or, "By"

the transgression -- he is brought into difficulty (Pr 12:13), but the righteous go on prospering, and so sing or rejoice.

7. considereth -- literally, "knows," as Ps 1:6.

the cause -- that is, in courts of justice (compare Pr 29:14). The voluntary neglect of it by the wicked (Pr 28:27) occasions oppression.

8. Scornful men -- those who contemptuously disregard God's law.

bring -- (Compare Margin), kindle strife.

turn away wrath -- that is, "abate wrath."

9. contendeth -- that is, in law.

whether ... laugh -- The fool, whether angry or good-humored, is unsettled; or referring the words to the wise man, the sense is, that all his efforts, severe or gentle, are unavailing to pacify the fool.

10. bloodthirsty -- (Compare Margin), murderers (Ps 5:6; 26:9).

hate, &c. -- (Pr 1:11; Ge 3:4).

seek ... soul -- that is, to preserve it.

11. (Compare Pr 12:16; 16:32).

mind -- or, "spirit," for anger or any ill passion which the righteous restrain.

12. His servants imitate him.

13. (Compare Pr 22:2).

deceitful man -- literally, "man of vexations," an exactor.

the Lord ... their eyes -- sustains their lives (1Sa 14:27; Ps 13:3); that is, both depend on Him, and He will do justice.

14. (Compare Pr 20:28; 25:5). Such is the character of the King of kings (Ps 72:4, 12).

15. (Compare Pr 13:24; 23:13).

16. (Compare Pr 29:2, 12; Ps 12:1-8).

shall see ... fall -- and triumph in it (Ps 37:34-38; 58:10, 11).

17. (Compare Pr 29:3, 15; Pr 19:18).

give thee rest -- peace and quiet (compare Pr 29:9).

18. no vision -- instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions (1Sa 3:1).

people perish -- (Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints.

keepeth the law -- has, and observes, instruction (Pr 14:11, 34; Ps 19:11).

19. A servant -- who lacks good principle.

corrected -- or discovered.

will not answer -- that is, will not obey.

20. (Compare Pr 21:5).

hasty in ... words? -- implying self-conceit (Pr 26:12).

21. become his son -- assume the place and privileges of one.

22. (Compare Pr 15:18). Such are delighted by discord and violence.

23. (Compare Pr 16:18; 18:12).

honour ... spirit -- or, "such shall lay hold on honor" (Pr 11:16).

24. hateth ... soul -- (Compare Pr 8:36).

heareth cursing -- (Le 5:1), risks the punishment, rather than reveal truth.

25. The fear ... snare -- involves men in difficulty (compare Pr 29:6).

shall be safe -- (Compare Margin; Pr 18:10).

26. (Compare Margin; Ps 27:8). God alone will and can do exact justice.

27. (Compare Pr 3:32). On last clause, compare Pr 29:16; Ps 37:12.