The king’s heart; his very inward purposes and inclinations, which seem to be most in a man’s own power, and out of the reach of all others, and much more his tongue and hand, and all his outward actions.

This was said Prov. 16:2, where it is explained, and is here repeated, either for the great importance and usefulness of it, or because he perceived that the Israelites were very prone to self-deceit.

Justice and judgment; the conscientious performance of all our duties to men. Than sacrifice; than the most costly outward services offered to God, joined with the neglect of our moral duties to God or men. The same thing is affirmed 1 Sam. 15:22, Hos. 6:6, Mic. 6:7.

An high look; one gesture or sign of pride put for all the rest, Prov. 6:17. A proud heart; pride lurking and reigning in the heart, though it do not discover itself to men by outward actions, but be disguised with a show of humility, it is frequently. The ploughing; either, 1.

The diligent, who carefully and industriously prosecutes what he hath wisely contrived and resolved. That is hasty; who manageth his affairs rashly, without due consideration. Only to want; is likely to bring himself to poverty.

By a lying tongue; by false witness-hearing, or by any other false or deceitful words or actions, whereby many men get riches. Is a vanity tossed to and fro; is like the chaff or smoke driven away by the wind; it is neither satisfactory nor durable, but quickly vanisheth away, as hath been…

The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; the injury which they do to others shall either by God or men be returned upon their own heads. They refuse to do judgment; they wilfully and obstinately give up themselves to unrighteous practices.

The way of man; the course of his life. Of man; of every man; of man by nature and in his corrupt estate; of a wicked or impure man, to whom the pure is opposed in the next clause.

To dwell, to wit, alone in quietness, as appears from the opposite clause. Of the house-top; of the roof of the house, which in those countries was flat and plain, and habitable, but was exposed to all the injuries of the weather.

The soul of the wicked desireth evil; his heart is fully and earnestly set in him, as it is expressed, Eccles. 8:11, to do evil, to work wickedness, to do mischief to others, to satisfy his own lusts, though it be with injury of others.

The simple; the honest or plain-hearted man, as Prov. 19:25, where this whole verse for the substance of it is contained and explained. Instructed; or, prospers, as this word is used, Prov. 17:8, and elsewhere.

Wisely considereth the house of the wicked; he looketh through its present power and glory (which dazzleth the eyes of others) unto that ruin to which it is designed.

Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, when they cry out by reason of oppression or want, and beg relief from him, he also shall cry himself unto God or men, in his straits which God will bring upon him.

A gift, to a person offended and angry with us, as the following words show. In secret; which makes it more acceptable; for gifts openly given savour of ostentation in the giver, and cause some shame or contempt to the receiver. In the bosom; secretly conveyed into his bosom. See Poole “Prov.

It is joy to the just: the sense is either, 1. He is highly pleased and delighted with it. Or, 2. He reapeth much comfort and benefit by it, which is opposed to the following destruction: joy is put for matter or cause of joy.

The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding; that forsaketh the rule of God’s word, and walketh after his own lusts; shall remain in the congregation of the dead; shall, without repentance, be condemned to eternal death or damnation.

He that loveth pleasure, that gives up himself to the pursuit and enjoyment of sensual and immoderate pleasures, shall be a poor man; takes the ready course to poverty. Wine and oil are put for all delicious fare and luxurious feasting; for wine and oil were much used in feasts in those parts.

The wicked shall be brought into those troubles which were either threatened by God or designed by wicked men against the righteous, and by that means, as by a ransom, the righteous shall be delivered. Thus Achan was a ransom for Israel, Josh. 7:26, and Haman for Mordecai.

Than, understand, in a wide house, as it is expressed above, Prov. 21:9, and as the opposition here requires.

Wise men lay up all necessary and desirable treasures for their own use, and for their children and families. Oil is particularly mentioned, partly because that was a considerable part of their wealth and treasures in those countries, of which see Deut. 7:13, Deut. 28:40, Deut. 28:51, Judg.

That followeth after; that fervently desires, and diligently and constantly endeavours, to attain to them, for such shall and will certainly obtain them. Righteousness and mercy; living in the constant exercise of these virtues.

A wise man sealeth the city of the mighty; wisdom and policy is ofttimes more considerable and powerful than strength. The strength of the confidence thereof; the strongest forts, to which the citizens trust most for their defence.

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue from offensive and provoking speeches, keepeth his soul, his person, from troubles; which a licentious and abusive tongue frequently brings upon a man.

Proud and haughty scorner is his name; instead of that respect and glory which he seeks by such courses, he shall be branded with the title and imputation of an arrogant and scornful person, which is most contemptible and hateful to mankind.

Killeth him; either, 1. Tormenteth him almost to death, whilst he passionately desires that which he sees he shall not enjoy, and will not take pains to procure. Or, 2.

He coveteth; the slothful man, mentioned in the last verse. But because the verses in this book are for the most part independent one upon another, this clause is and may be otherwise rendered, There is that coveteth, &c.

The sacrifice; all the most glorious and costly services which they offer to God. Is abomination; God rejects and abhors them, because they are offered by such men and in such manner as God justly abhors.

A false witness, Heb. a witness of lies; one who is forward to swear or speak false things, or such things as he hath not heard nor learned from others, nor seen, but devised in his own heart.

Hardeneth his face; continueth in evil courses with obstinacy and impudence, in spite of all the commands of God, or counsels of men. He directeth his way; he ordereth his steps aright; and if at any time, he goeth awry, he doth not add rebellion to his sin, nor persist in his error, but…

Which can prevail against the counsel and will of God.

The horse; under which particular all warlike provisions are comprehended. Safety is of the Lord; the success of the battle depends not upon any human strength or art, but merely upon God’s providence, who gives the victory when and to whom he pleaseth, and ofttimes to those that have least reason…