A good name, Heb. name put for good name, as Eccles. 7:1, the word good being easily understood out of the next clause, in which it is expressed in the Hebrew text. A good reputation amongst wise and good men.

The rich and poor meet together; either, 1. In a way of hostility or opposition, as this word is sometimes used; the rich contemning and oppressing the poor, and the poor envying and purloining from the rich; and so the following words are a reason why that hostility should cease. Or, 2.

The evil; the calamity or judgment of God threatened and approaching. Hideth himself; retireth to his strong tower, mentioned Prov. 18:10; by prayer and repentance putteth himself under the protection of the Almighty. Compare Isa. 26:20.

By humility; or, because of humility; or, as many others render it, the reward of humility; that reward which God hath graciously promised and will give to humility; which is a grace of great price in God’s eyes. See Isa. 57:15, James 4:6.

Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward; the wicked by their evil courses expose themselves to many dangers and occasions both of sin and mischief.

Train up, or, initiate or instruct, a child in the way he should go, Heb. in or according to his way, i.e. either, 1. According to his capacity. Or rather, 2. In that course or manner of life which thou wouldst have him choose and follow.

Ruleth over the poor, to wit, with rigour and tyranny, taking advantage of his necessities. Is servant to the lender; is at his mercy, and therefore forced to comply with his pleasure.

He that soweth iniquity, or unrighteousness, whose common practice it is to wrong or oppress others, shall reap vanity; or, trouble or misery, as this word is commonly used, and as divers here render it. The mischief which he hath done to others shall be returned to him by God’s righteous sentence.

He that hath a bountiful eye, Heb. a good eye, he who looks upon the wants and miseries of others with compassion and kindness, as this phrase is used, Matt. 20:15; as an evil eye is put for one that beholds others with envy and unmercifulness, Deut. 15:9, Prov. 23:6, Prov.

Cast out of your society, avoid conversation with, the scorner; who neither fears God, nor reverences man, but scorns all admonitions, and minds only the pleasing of himself, and the gratifying of his own lusts, which is the chief cause of most contentions.

That loveth pureness of heart; who is plain-hearted or sincere, and abhors dissimulation. For the grace of his lips; for those gracious speeches which naturally and commonly flow from a pure heart.

The eyes of the Lord preserve, God by the watchful eye of his providence maintains and defends, knowledge, to wit, men of knowledge; the abstract being put for the concrete, as pride is put for a proud man, Ps. 36:11, deceit for the deceitful, as Prov.

Saith, allegeth as his excuse to them who upbraid him with idleness, or persuade him to diligence, There is a lion without; there are extreme dangers and invincible difficulties in my way. I shall be slain, by that lion, or some other way.

The mouth; her fair and flattering speeches, wherewith she enticeth him to gross filthiness, as it is noted, Prov. 7:21. A deep pit; into which it is easy to fall, but hard, if not impossible, to get out of it.

Is bound; is fixed and settled there, as being born with him, and rooted in his very nature, and not plucked up without great difficulty and diligence. The rod of correction shall drive it far from him; the smart of punishment makes him weary of his sin, and watchful against it.

That giveth to the rich; that vainly and prodigally casts away his estate upon those who do not need it, or gives it to them with evil design, as that they may assist him in oppressing the poor, or at least not hinder him in it.

Of the wise; of wise and holy men of God. Apply thine heart; thirst after it, and give of thyself to the diligent study of it. My knowledge; the knowledge of God, and of thy several duties, which I am here delivering to thee.

If thou keep them, the words of the wise, within thee, Heb. in thy belly. i.e. in thine heart, which implies receiving them in love, and retaining them in mind and memory. Be fitted; be fitly expressed; or, be disposed or ordered.

That knowing God, and his word and promises, thou mayst cheerfully and confidently trust in him, which is the only way to thy safety and happiness.

Excellent things; or, princely things, as they are called, Prov. 8:6, the great things of God’s law, as Hos. 8:12. In counsels and knowledge; consisting of counsels to direct thy practice, and knowledge to inform and enrich thy mind. Or by that known figure hendiadis, in counsels of knowledge, i.e.

That I may make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that I may teach thee, not false, or vain, or uncertain things, as the teachers of the heathen nations do, but the true and infallible oracles of God.

Because he is poor: this may be mentioned, either, 1. As a motive to this robbery, because he was unable to resist him, or to revenge himself upon him. Do not take advantage of his poverty. Or, 2.

Will plead their cause; which he hath in a peculiar manner undertaken to do. Spoil the soul; take away not only their goods, but their lives too; so fully will he recompense their wickedness to them.

Into his company; not converse frequently and familiarly with him, as friends use to do.

Lest thou learn his ways; lest thou be infected by his example, or provoked by this passion to return the like to him. A snare; either, 1. A mischief, which is oft the effect of unbridled rage. Or, 2.

To wit, rashly, or unnecessarily.

Why wilt thou put thyself into the hands of such a man, who will exact the debt from thee without any compassion? For though God did not allow this practice, covetous creditors would frequently do it.

Landmark, whereby the lands of several possessors were distinguished and divided. Do not enrich thyself with the injury of other men; do not invade the rights of others.

Diligent; or, expeditious, as the word properly signifies; one of quick despatch, vigorous and speedy in executing what hath been well and wisely contrived. He shall stand before kings; he is fit to be employed in the affairs of the greatest princes.