Teks -- Proverbs 15:19-33 (NET)

15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is like a highway. 15:20 A wise child brings joy to his father, but a foolish person despises his mother. 15:21 Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has understanding follows an upright course. 15:22 Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with abundant advisers they are established. 15:23 A person has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and a word at the right time– how good it is! 15:24 The path of life is upward for the wise person, to keep him from going downward to Sheol. 15:25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he maintains the boundaries of the widow. 15:26 The Lord abhors the plans of the wicked, but pleasant words are pure. 15:27 The one who is greedy for gain troubles his household, but whoever hates bribes will live. 15:28 The heart of the righteous considers how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. 15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 15:30 A bright look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the body. 15:31 The person who hears the reproof that leads to life is at home among the wise. 15:32 The one who refuses correction despises himself, but whoever hears reproof acquires understanding. 15:33 The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction, and before honor comes humility.

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Wesley: Pro 15:19 - An hedge

As a way hedged up with thorns, troublesome, perplexed, and full of difficulties.

Wesley: Pro 15:19 - Plain

Is easy and pleasant to him, notwithstanding all its difficulties.

Wesley: Pro 15:22 - Counsel

When men do not seek, or will not receive advice from others.

Wesley: Pro 15:23 - The answer

By a wise, or good and seasonable answer.

Wesley: Pro 15:24 - The way

The way a wise man takes to obtain life, is to place his heart, and treasure, and conversation on things above.

Wesley: Pro 15:25 - The proud

Of the mighty oppressors.

Wesley: Pro 15:25 - The border

The estate, the border being often used, for the land within the borders.

Wesley: Pro 15:26 - Pleasant

Acceptable to God.

Wesley: Pro 15:27 - Troubleth

Brings God's curse upon himself and family.

Wesley: Pro 15:27 - Gifts

Bribes given to corrupt judgment.

Wesley: Pro 15:27 - Live

Shall preserve himself and family from ruin.

Wesley: Pro 15:28 - Studieth

He speaks considerately.

Wesley: Pro 15:28 - The mouth

Not the heart; for he rashly speaks what comes into his mouth, without the direction of his heart or conscience.

Wesley: Pro 15:30 - A good report

A good name.

Wesley: Pro 15:30 - Fat

Not only chears a man for the present, but gives him such stable comfort as revives his soul, and gives vigour to his body.

Wesley: Pro 15:31 - The ear

The man that hearkens to that reproof which leads to life, seeks and delights in the company of the wise.

Wesley: Pro 15:33 - The instruction

Doth instruct men in true wisdom.

JFB: Pro 15:19

The difficulties of the slothful result from want of energy; the righteous find a

JFB: Pro 15:19 - plain [and open] way

Literally, "a highway," by diligence (1Sa 10:7; Psa 1:3).

JFB: Pro 15:20

(Compare Pro 10:1).

JFB: Pro 15:21 - walketh uprightly

And so finds his joy (Pro 3:6; Pro 10:23).

JFB: Pro 15:22 - Without counsel

Or, "deliberation," implying a wise deference to the opinions of the wise and good, contrasted with rashness.

JFB: Pro 15:23

Good advice blesses the giver and receiver.

JFB: Pro 15:24

(Compare Col 3:2). Holy purposes prevent sinning, and so its evils.

JFB: Pro 15:25

The most desolate who have God's aid have more permanent good than the self-reliant sinner (Pro 2:22; Pro 12:7).

JFB: Pro 15:25 - border

Or, "boundary for possessions" (Psa 78:54).

JFB: Pro 15:26 - are pleasant words

That is, pleasing to God (Pro 8:8-9).

JFB: Pro 15:27

(Compare Pro 11:17). Avarice brings trouble to him and his.

JFB: Pro 15:27 - hateth gifts

Or, "bribes" (Exo 23:8; Psa 15:5), and is not avaricious.

JFB: Pro 15:28

(Compare Pro 15:14; Pro 10:11). Caution is the fruit of wisdom; rashness of folly.

JFB: Pro 15:29 - far . . . wicked

In His love and favor (Psa 22:11; Psa 119:155).

JFB: Pro 15:30 - light of the eyes

(Pro 13:9). What gives light rejoiceth the heart, by relieving from anxiety as to our course; so

JFB: Pro 15:30 - good report

Or, "doctrine" (Isa 28:9; Isa 53:1),

JFB: Pro 15:30 - maketh . . . fat

Or, "gives prosperity" (Pro 3:13-17; Pro 9:11). The last clause is illustrated by the first.

JFB: Pro 15:31-32

(Compare Pro 10:17).

JFB: Pro 15:31-32 - reproof of life

Which leads to life.

JFB: Pro 15:31-32 - abideth . . . wise

Is numbered among them.

JFB: Pro 15:32 - refuseth

Or, "neglects," "passes by" (Pro 1:25; Pro 4:15).

JFB: Pro 15:32 - despiseth . . . soul

So acts as if esteeming its interests of no value.

JFB: Pro 15:33 - The fear . . . wisdom

Wisdom instructs in true piety.

JFB: Pro 15:33 - before . . . humility

(compare Luk 24:26; 1Pe 1:11); opposite (compare Pro 16:18).

Clarke: Pro 15:19 - The way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns

The way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns - Because he is slothful, he imagines ten thousand difficulties in the way which cannot be surmounted; but they are all the creatures of his own imagination, and that imagination is formed by his sloth.

Clarke: Pro 15:22 - But in the multitude of counsellors

But in the multitude of counsellors - See note on Pro 11:13 (note). But רב יועצים rob yoatsim might be translated, chief or master of the council, the prime minister.

Clarke: Pro 15:24 - The way of life is above to the wise

The way of life is above to the wise - There is a treble antithesis here

1.    The way of the wise, and that of the fool

2.    The one is above, the other below

3.    The one is of life, the other is of death.

Clarke: Pro 15:25 - The house of the proud

The house of the proud - Families of this description are seldom continued long. The Lord hates pride; and those that will not be humble he will destroy.

Clarke: Pro 15:27 - He that is greedy of gain

He that is greedy of gain - He who will be rich; troubleth his own house - he is a torment to himself and his family by his avariciousness and penury, and a curse to those with whom he deals

Clarke: Pro 15:27 - But he that hateth gifts

But he that hateth gifts - Whatever is given to pervert judgment.

Clarke: Pro 15:28 - The heart of the righteous studieth to answer

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer - His tongue never runs before his wit, he never speaks rashly, and never unadvisedly; because he studies - ponders, his thoughts and his words.

Clarke: Pro 15:29 - The Lord is far from the wicked

The Lord is far from the wicked - He is neither near to hear, nor near to help.

Clarke: Pro 15:30 - The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart

The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart - Nature and art are continually placing before our view a multitude of the most resplendent images, each of which is calculated to give pleasure. The man who has a correct judgment, and an accurate eye, may not only amuse, but instruct himself endlessly, by the beauties of nature and art.

Clarke: Pro 15:31 - The ear that heareth the reproof

The ear that heareth the reproof - That receives it gratefully and obeys it. "Advice is for them that will take it,"so says one of our own old proverbs; and the meaning here is nearly the same.

Clarke: Pro 15:32 - Despiseth his own soul

Despiseth his own soul - That is constructively; for if the instruction lead to the preservation of life and soul, he that neglects or despises it throws all as much in the way of danger as if he actually hated himself.

Clarke: Pro 15:33 - The fear of the Lord

The fear of the Lord - See note on Pro 1:7. Much is spoken concerning this fear

1.    It is the beginning of wisdom

2.    It is also the beginning of knowledge

3.    It is the instruction of wisdom. Wisdom derives its most important lessons from the fear of God. He who fears God much, is well taught

Clarke: Pro 15:33 - And before honor is humility

And before honor is humility - That is, few persons ever arrive at honor who are not humble; and those who from low life have risen to places of trust and confidence, have been remarkable for humility. We may rest assured that the providence of God will never elevate a proud man; such God beholds afar off. He may get into places of trust and profit, but God will oust him, and the people will curse him, and curse his memory. So will it ever be with bad ministers and advisers of the crown.

Defender: Pro 15:33 - instruction of wisdom

The fear of the Lord is not only the beginning of wisdom (Pro 9:10), but also its "instruction." The Hebrew word actually means "discipline" or "chastisement.""

TSK: Pro 15:19 - way of the slothful // the way of the righteous // made plain

way of the slothful : Pro 22:5, Pro 22:13, Pro 26:13; Num 14:1-3, Num 14:7-9

the way of the righteous : Pro 3:6, Pro 8:9; Psa 5:8, Psa 25:8, Psa 25:9, Psa 25:12, Psa 27:11; Isa 30:21, Isa 35:8

made plain : Heb. raised up as a causey, Isa 57:14

TSK: Pro 15:20 - wise // despiseth

wise : Pro 10:1, Pro 23:15, Pro 23:16, Pro 29:3; 1Ki 1:48, 1Ki 2:9, 1Ki 5:7; Phi 2:22

despiseth : Pro 23:22, Pro 30:17; Exo 20:12; Lev 19:3

TSK: Pro 15:21 - joy // destitute of wisdom // a man

joy : Pro 10:23, Pro 14:9, Pro 26:18, Pro 26:19

destitute of wisdom : Heb. void of heart, Pro 11:12 *marg.

a man : Pro 14:16; Job 28:28; Psa 111:10; Eph 5:15; Jam 3:13

TSK: Pro 15:22

Pro 11:14, Pro 20:18; Ecc 8:6

TSK: Pro 15:23 - joy // in due season // how

joy : Pro 12:14, Pro 16:13, Pro 24:26, Pro 25:11, Pro 25:12; Eph 4:29

in due season : Heb. in his season, Ecc 3:1; Isa 50:4

how : 1Sa 25:32, 1Sa 25:33

TSK: Pro 15:24 - way // above // that

way : Pro 6:23; Psa 16:11, Psa 139:24; Jer 21:8; Mat 7:14; Joh 14:6

above : Phi 3:20; Col 3:1, Col 3:2

that : Pro 2:18, Pro 5:5, Pro 7:27, Pro 9:8, Pro 23:14

TSK: Pro 15:25 - destroy // but

destroy : Pro 12:7, Pro 14:11; Job 40:11-13; Psa 52:1, Psa 52:5, Psa 138:6; Isa 2:12; Dan 5:20; 1Pe 5:5

but : Deu 10:17, Deu 10:18; Psa 68:5, Psa 68:6, Psa 146:9; Jam 1:27

TSK: Pro 15:26 - thoughts // but // pleasant words

thoughts : Pro 6:16-19, Pro 24:9; Jer 4:14; Mat 15:19

but : Pro 15:23; Psa 19:14, Psa 37:30, Psa 37:31, Psa 45:1; Mat 12:34-37

pleasant words : Heb. words of pleasantness

TSK: Pro 15:27 - He that is // but

He that is : Pro 1:19, Pro 11:19, Pro 11:29, Pro 20:21; Deu 7:26; Jos 6:18, Jos 7:11, Jos 7:12, Jos 7:24, Jos 7:25; 1Sa 8:3-5; 2Ki 5:27; Isa 5:8-10; Jer 17:11; Hab 2:9-11; Zec 5:3, Zec 5:4

but : Pro 28:16, Pro 29:4; Exo 18:21, Exo 23:8; Deu 16:19; Isa 33:15, Isa 33:16

TSK: Pro 15:28 - heart // the mouth

heart : Pro 15:2, Pro 16:23; 1Ki 3:23-28; Ecc 5:2, Ecc 5:6; 1Pe 3:15

the mouth : Pro 10:19, Pro 13:16, Pro 29:11, Pro 29:20; Ecc 10:12-14; Mat 12:34; Tit 1:10, Tit 1:11; Jam 3:6-8; 2Pe 2:18

TSK: Pro 15:29 - far // he heareth

far : Psa 10:1, Psa 34:16, Psa 73:27, Psa 138:6; Mat 25:46; Eph 2:12, Eph 2:13

he heareth : Pro 15:8; Psa 34:15-17, Psa 66:18, Psa 66:19, Psa 145:18, Psa 145:19; Isa 55:8, Isa 55:9; Joh 9:31; Rom 8:26, Rom 8:27; Jam 5:16-18; 1Pe 3:12

TSK: Pro 15:30 - light // a good // the bones

light : Pro 13:9; Ezr 9:8; Ecc 11:7; Rev 21:23, Rev 22:5

a good : Pro 17:22, Pro 25:25; Psa 89:15; Luk 2:10-19

the bones : Pro 3:8; Isa 58:11

TSK: Pro 15:31 - ear // abideth

ear : Pro 15:5, Pro 1:23, Pro 9:8, Pro 9:9, Pro 13:20, Pro 19:20, Pro 25:12; Isa 55:3

abideth : Joh 15:3, Joh 15:4; 1Jo 2:19

TSK: Pro 15:32 - refuseth // instruction // heareth // getteth understanding

refuseth : Pro 1:24-33, Pro 5:11, Pro 5:12, Pro 8:33-36; Psa 50:17; Heb 12:15

instruction : or, correction, Pro 29:1; Isa 1:5; Jer 5:3; Eze 24:13, Eze 24:14

heareth : or, obeyeth, Pro 5:13; Deu 21:18, Deu 21:20; Mat 7:24-27; Jam 1:22; Rev 3:19

getteth understanding : Heb. possesseth an heart, Pro 15:14, Pro 15:21 *marg. Pro 17:16, Pro 18:15

TSK: Pro 15:33 - fear // and

fear : Pro 1:7, Pro 8:13; Job 28:28; Psa 34:11, Psa 111:10

and : Pro 18:12, Pro 25:6, Pro 25:7, Pro 29:23; Luk 14:11; Phi 2:5-11; Jam 4:10; 1Pe 5:5

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: Pro 15:19 - The way of the slothful man // is as an hedge of thorns // The way of the righteous // Is made plain

The way of the slothful man the way in which he doth or ought to walk, any good work which he pretends or desires to undertake,

is as an hedge of thorns as a way hedged up with thorns, as it is expressed, Hos 2:6 , troublesome and perplexed, and full, of such difficulties as he despaireth, and therefore never striveth, to overcome.

The way of the righteous who is always diligent in his calling, which is one branch of righteousness, and therefore is fitly opposed to the slothful , who is joined with the wicked, Mat 25:26 , and censured as such both in Scripture and heathen authors, because idleness is both in itself a sin, and it leads the way to many other wickednesses.

Is made plain is easy and pleasant to him, notwithstanding all his discouragements and difficulties.

Poole: Pro 15:20 - Maketh a glad father // Despiseth his mother

Maketh a glad father by giving him that honour and obedience which he oweth to him.

Despiseth his mother whereby he maketh her sad. See Poole "Pro 10:1" , where we have the same proverb.

Poole: Pro 15:21 - Is joy // Walketh uprightly

Is joy he doth not only work wickedness, but taketh pleasure in it.

Walketh uprightly Heb. directeth or maketh straight his going , i.e. ordereth all his actions by the rule of God’ s word, and delighteth in so doing, which is understood from the opposite clause.

Poole: Pro 15:22 - Without counsel // purposes are disappointed // In the multitude of counsellors // they are established

Without counsel when men do not seek or will not receive advice from others in weighty affairs,

purposes are disappointed their designs are ill managed, and succeed accordingly.

In the multitude of counsellors i.e. of wise and good counsellors, for such only deserve that name,

they are established i.e. accomplished and brought to a good issue.

Poole: Pro 15:23 - By the answer // A word spoken in due season // how good is it!

By the answer i.e. by a wise or good and seasonable answer or advice, as is manifest, both from the opposite clause, and from the nature of the thing, because it is manifest and undeniable, that a foolish answer can be no credit nor comfort to the answerer. Thus above, Pro 15:10 , the way is put for God’ s way; and such synecdoches are frequent in Scripture.

A word spoken in due season counsel or comfort given to another in fit time and manner,

how good is it! it is highly acceptable and useful.

Poole: Pro 15:24 - The way of life is above to the wise // From hell beneath

The way of life is above to the wise the way or course which a wise man taketh to preserve and obtain life, is to place his heart, and treasure, and conversation in things above, and to manage all his affairs in this world with due respect and subserviency to the happiness of a better life.

From hell beneath or, from the lowermost hell ; not from the grave , as this word is elsewhere used, for no wisdom can prevent that; but from hell properly so called, as this word is elsewhere used, as hath been formerly observed.

Poole: Pro 15:25 - Of the proud // The border

Of the proud of the most mighty oppressors, who conceit themselves to be unmovably fixed.

The border either,

1. The estate, the border being oft used for the land within the borders, as Psa 105:31,33 , and elsewhere. Or,

2. The border by which lands were then bounded and distinguished, which those proud persons endeavoured to remove contrary to God’ s law, Deu 19:14 27:17 .

Poole: Pro 15:26 - The thoughts of the wicked // The words of the pure // Pleasant

The thoughts of the wicked and much more their words, which express their thoughts; for thoughts are said to be free, and wicked men are seldom and but little concerned for the sins of their thoughts.

The words of the pure which discover and proceed from their thoughts, Mat 15:19 .

Pleasant acceptable to God, which is opposed to abomination to him.

Poole: Pro 15:27 - He that is greedy of gain // troubleth his own house // That hateth // Shall live

He that is greedy of gain that seeketh wealth by unjust courses, as appears from the opposite clause,

troubleth his own house bringeth God’ s curse and destruction upon himself and his family, whom he designed to enrich and establish.

That hateth who refuseth them not with dissimulation, nor only from prudential reasons, but from a hearty abhorrency of all unrighteousness. Gifts , i.e. bribes given to corrupt judgment. See Exo 18:21 23:8 Deu 16:19 .

Shall live shall preserve himself and (which is understood out of the former clause) his family from ruin.

Poole: Pro 15:28 - Studieth to answer // The mouth // Evil things

Studieth to answer he answers or speaks considerately and conscientiously, and therefore profitably, or to the use and edification of the hearers.

The mouth not the heart; for he is without heart in Scripture account, and he rashly speaks what comes into his mouth, without the direction of his heart or conscience.

Evil things foolish, and unprofitable, and hurtful speeches.

Poole: Pro 15:29 - Is far from the wicked // nigh to the righteous

Is far from the wicked to wit, when they pray to him, as the next clause explains, and therefore doth not hear nor regard them, as he is said to be

nigh to the righteous Psa 34:18 145:18. But this farness or nearness respecteth not God’ s essence, which is every where, but his gracious and helpful presence.

Poole: Pro 15:30 - The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart // A good report // Maketh the bones fat

The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart the light which we see with our eyes, and by the help of which we see many other pleasant objects, is a great comfort and refreshment. Compare Ecc 11:7 , Truly the light is sweet , and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun ; which is a good comment upon this place.

A good report either,

1. Glad tidings. Or rather,

2. A good name, which is a more lasting thing, and makes deeper impression.

Maketh the bones fat not only cheereth a man for the present, but gives him such solid and stable comfort as doth both revive his soul, and give health and rigour to his body. So he compares two senses together, seeing and hearing, with respect to their several objects, and prefers the latter before the former.

Poole: Pro 15:31 - The ear that heareth // The reproof of life // Abideth among the wise

The ear that heareth the man that hearkeneth to it, and delights in it.

The reproof of life that reproof and good counsel which leads to life.

Abideth among the wise Heb. shall or will abide , &. c. Either,

1. He will thereby be made wise, and be esteemed one of that number. Or rather,

2. He seeketh and delighteth in the company and conversation of the wise, by whom he may be admonished; as, on the contrary, fools, who hate reproof, do avoid and abhor the society of wise men and reprovers, Amo 5:10 .

Poole: Pro 15:32 - Despiseth his own soul // Getteth understanding

Despiseth his own soul which hereby he exposeth to the danger of utter destruction, whereby he shows his folly.

Getteth understanding whereby he saveth his soul. Heb. possesseth an heart , which the Hebrews make the seat of wisdom.

Poole: Pro 15:33 - Is the instruction of wisdom // Before honour is humility

Is the instruction of wisdom doth instruct men in or lead them to true wisdom; whence it is said to be the beginning of wisdom, Pro 1:7 9:10 .

Before honour is humility i. e. it is the ready way to honour, both from God and from men. Humility ; whereby men submit to God, and yield to men, which gains them love and respect; whereas pride procures them hatred and contempt from God and men.

Haydock: Pro 15:19 - Thorns

Thorns. All seems to them impossible. (Calmet) ---

In agriculture, however, (Haydock) "in domestic affairs, negligence is attended with more labour than diligence." (Colum. xii. 2.)

Haydock: Pro 15:21 - Fool

Fool. He thinks himself the most happy of mortals. (Calmet) ---

Septuagint, "the ways of the fools are senseless." (Haydock)

Haydock: Pro 15:22 - Counsel // Established

Counsel. Hebrew, "secrecy." ---

Established. We put in execution without fear, what has been resolved maturely. (Calmet)

Haydock: Pro 15:24 - Above

Above. Literally, "upon the learned." (Haydock) ---

One path leads to the realms above. (Calmet) ---

The wise must be intent on God. (Menochius)

Haydock: Pro 15:26 - Shall by

Shall by, &c., is not added in Hebrew, &c., nor in several Latin manuscripts.

Haydock: Pro 15:27 - Troubleth // By // Faith

Troubleth. With all sorts of temporal misfortunes. A judge who receives bribes, is accursed, Exodus xxiii. 8. ---

By, &c., is not here in Hebrew, but [in] chap. xvi. 6. St. Cyprian (3 Test.) found it in his copy. ---

Faith, or fidelity and truth, as it is elsewhere expressed, chap. iii. 3. These virtues move God to pardon.

Haydock: Pro 15:28 - Studieth

Studieth. And speaks deliberately. Roman Septuagint is more embarrassed in the rest of this, and the nine first verses of the following chapter, than the Complutensian edition.

Haydock: Pro 15:30 - Fat

Fat. And contributes to health. By less noble motives, the mind is gradually raised to the more excellent.

Haydock: Pro 15:33 - Lesson

Lesson. Or "what teacheth." Humility, or docility, as those who acknowledge no master will never be wise, Matthew xxiii. 12. (Calmet)

Gill: Pro 15:19 - The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns // but the way of the righteous is made plain

The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns,.... Or, "strewed with thorns", as the Septuagint and Arabic versions; the Targum is,

"the ways of the slothful are briers and thorns.''

Either really being made so by his own conduct; who, by his slothfulness, has implicated and entangled himself in such difficulties, that he cannot extricate himself; his way is not passable, at least not very easily; it is as it were hedged up with thorns; see Hos 2:6; or in his own apprehensions; who raises such difficulties about doing business, which to him seem insurmountable; at least which discourage him from attempting it, it being like breaking through thorns and briers; hence he will not plough because of the cold, nor go abroad because there is a lion in the streets, Pro 20:4; or the way of his duty, especially of virtue and religion, is as troublesome and disagreeable to him as breaking through a thorn hedge, or treading upon briers and thorns; to attend the duties of public worship, prayer, and hearing the word, is very irksome to him; to be present at family worship, at prayer, and hearing the Scriptures or religious discourses read, is like sitting upon thorns unto him. This, as Aben Ezra observes, is to be understood of a wicked man, as the opposition in the next clause shows;

but the way of the righteous is made plain: it is a castup way, as the word ^p signifies; a causeway, a highway, and a plain one, in which a truly righteous and good man finds no difficulty; yea, it is so plain, that men, though fools in other respects, shall not err therein, Isa 35:8; nor is it grievous and troublesome, but, on the contrary, very delightful, as the ways of Christ and wisdom are; his commandments are not grievous, his yoke is easy, and his paths pleasant; and the righteous man walks at liberty and with pleasure in them; and without offence or stumbling, as the Vulgate Latin version renders it.

Gill: Pro 15:20 - A wise son maketh a glad father // but a foolish man despiseth his mother

A wise son maketh a glad father,.... See Gill on Pro 10:1;

but a foolish man despiseth his mother; that bore him and brought him up, and perhaps was too indulgent to him; which aggravates his sin and her sorrow; See Gill on Pro 10:1; or causes her to be despised by others, as Jarchi interprets it; such a man's sin, which is great folly, and shows him to be a foolish man, is highly resented by the Lord, and will be severely punished; see Pro 30:17. The Targum is,

"a foolish son despises his mother;''

and so the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions, which makes the antithesis more clear; and the Hebrew text designs one grown up to man's estate.

Gill: Pro 15:21 - Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom // but a man of understanding walketh uprightly

Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom,.... Or "that wants a heart" ^q, a wise and understanding one; by "folly" is meant sin, for all sin is folly; and that is very pleasing and joyous to a wicked he chooses it and delights in it; instead of being ashamed of it, and sorry for it, he glories in it, and makes his boast of it; and not only takes pleasure in committing it himself, but also in those that do it; see Pro 10:23;

but a man of understanding walketh uprightly; he who has his understanding enlightened by the Spirit of God; who has an understanding given him by the Son of God; who has a spiritual and experimental understanding of the Gospel, and the truths of it: he walks according to the rule of the divine word; he walks as he has Christ for an example, and by faith on him; and after the spirit, and not after the flesh: or "directs himself in walking" ^r, his goings, as the Vulgate Latin version, according to the above rule, example, and guidance, by the assistance of the spirit and grace of God; otherwise it is not in man that walketh of himself to direct his steps, Jer 10:23.

Gill: Pro 15:22 - Without counsel purposes are disappointed // but in the multitude of counsellors they are established

Without counsel purposes are disappointed,.... If a man determines and resolves upon a matter, and at once hastily and precipitately goes about it, without mature deliberation, without consulting with himself, and taking the advice of others in forming a scheme to bring about his designs, it generally comes to nothing; see Luk 14:28; or "without a secret" ^s without keeping one; if a man divulges his intentions, it is much if they are not frustrated; so the Targum,

"vain are the thoughts (or designs) where there is no secret;''

if a man makes no secret of what he designs to do, he is easily counterworked, and his purposes disappointed;

but in the multitude of counsellors they are established; his purposes are, as in Pro 20:18; having the advice of others, and these many, he is confirmed that he is right in what he has thought of and purposed to do; and therefore goes about it with the greater spirit and cheerfulness, and is most likely to succeed, and generally does; see Pro 11:14.

Gill: Pro 15:23 - A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth // and a word spoken in due season, how good is it

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth,.... When his advice is asked, and he gives good and wholesome counsel, and that being taken succeeds; it is a pleasure to a man that he is capable of assisting his friend, and doing him service, or a common good, whether it be in things natural, civil, or religious; when his speech is with salt, seasoned with grace, and he knows how he ought to answer every man; when that which is good proceeds from him, and is to the use of edifying, and ministers grace to the hearers, and is acceptable to them; when with readiness he gives an answer to every man that asks him a reason of the hope that is in him, with meekness and fear, Col 3:6, Eph 4:29;

and a word spoken in due season, how good is it? whether by way of advice and counsel to such who stand in need of it, or of exhortation and instruction to those that want it, or of comfort to those that are distressed; such is a word of promise spoken and applied by the Spirit of God to the hearts of his people in a time of need; and such is the Gospel of peace, pardon, righteousness, and salvation, as spoken by Christ and his ministers to weary and wounded souls; it cannot be well and fully expressed how sweet, how good, how suitable, as well as seasonable, it is: see Pro 25:11.

Gill: Pro 15:24 - The way of life is above to the wise // that he may depart from hell beneath

The way of life is above to the wise,.... Of "the way of life"; See Gill on Pro 10:17; this is said to be "above", or it tends "to what is above"; it leads to heaven and happiness above; the life itself it is the way of or to is above, it is hid with Christ in God; eternal life, glory, and happiness, is above; it is a house eternal in the heavens, an inheritance reserved there, and will be there enjoyed by the saints: the way to it is above; Christ is the way, and he is in heaven, at the Father's right hand, through whom only men can come at this life; wherefore those who are in the way of it have their thoughts, their hearts, their affections and conversations, above, Mat 6:21. Faith, which deals with Christ the way, and by which men walk in him, is signified by soaring aloft, mounting up with wings as eagles, by entering within the vail, and dwelling on high, and by looking upwards, and at things unseen, and being the evidence of them. The Vulgate Latin version renders it, "the way of life is above the learned man", or wise man; the man that has no other than natural learning and wisdom, this way of life and salvation by Christ lies out of his knowledge; it is what the most sagacious and penetrating man could never discover; it is hid from the wise and prudent, and revealed to babes; or this is only known to such who are truly wise unto salvation; it is plain to them, and they highly esteem it, and choose to walk in it; it is an "ascent to him that understands", as the Syriac version renders it; it is a going up hill, it is an ascending upwards and heavenwards; such a man is continually looking upwards unto Christ, the author and finisher of his faith; pressing towards him, the mark for the prize; keeping his eye, not on things on earth, things temporal, which are seen here below, but on things above, things unseen, which are eternal in the heavens;

that he may depart from hell beneath; not from the grave, as "sheol" sometimes signifies: for wise men die as well as fools, and come to the grave, which is the house appointed for all living; even those who are in the way of life that is above do not escape death and the grave: but such are secured from everlasting ruin and destruction, from being destroyed soul and body in hell; they steer quite a different course and road from that; every step they take upwards carries them so far off from hell; which is the contrary way; the broad road of sin is the lower way, or what leads to hell and destruction beneath; the narrow way of faith in Christ is the upper way, and that leads to eternal life above.

Gill: Pro 15:25 - The Lord will destroy the house of the proud // but he will establish the border of the widow

The Lord will destroy the house of the proud,.... To whom he has the utmost aversion; he sets himself against them and resists them, and will not only destroy them, but their stately houses too, which their have fancied shall continue for ever; and also their families, their children and posterity; these shall be as stubble, and shall be burnt up in his wrath, and neither root nor branch left. Moreover, the man of sin, the son of perdition, may be more especially intended, that exalts himself above all that is called God, with all the sons of pride supported by him; his house, which is the house of the foolish and adulterous woman, the idolatrous church of Rome, shall be rooted up; the city of Rome, the seat of the beast itself, where his house or palace is, shall be destroyed, and all that belong unto him, even all they that have destroyed the earth, Rev 11:18;

but he will establish the border of the widow; whose advocate, judge, and defender he is; when men, rich, proud, and oppressive, attempt to remove the landmark of the widow's border, and so lessen her land and enlarge their own, God will not suffer it to be done, but will establish it in its place; that is, such who are weak and helpless, as widows are, and cannot defend themselves and their property, he will protect them and secure it for them. So the church of Christ, during the reign of antichrist, being obliged to flee into the wilderness, looks like a widow deprived of her husband, and has but "little strength" to support and defend herself, as is said of the church of Philadelphia, Rev 3:8; yet the Lord will secure and preserve her, and firmly settle and establish her, yea, enlarge her borders, and make them of pleasant stones; spread the kingdom of Christ from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. Frequent mention is made of the establishing of the church in the latter day, Psa 48:8, Isa 2:2.

Gill: Pro 15:26 - The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord // but the words of the pure are pleasant words

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,.... They are known unto the Lord, who is the searcher of the heart, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of it; he knows they are vain and sinful, yea, that they are only evil, and that continually, and therefore are hateful and abominable to him; it may be rendered "the thoughts of evil", as by the Targum; or evil thoughts, as the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and the Oriental versions; but Aben Ezra interprets as we, the thoughts of a wicked man, which are never otherwise but evil; whereas in a good man, though there are many evil thoughts which are abominable to himself, yet there are some good thoughts, and which are pleasing to the Lord, as follows;

but the words of the pure are pleasant words; that is, unto the Lord; which are the same with their thoughts, and are the effect of them, and so stand opposed to the thoughts of the wicked; these, expressed either in a way of prayer or of praise, are sweet and pleasant, and acceptable unto God through Christ; as likewise their words and discourse in religious conversation, which also minister grace unto the hearer, and are very delightful and pleasing to saints; the words may be supplied thus, "but the thoughts of the pure", of such who are pure in heart, whose hearts are purified by faith in the blood of Christ, are "words of pleasantness", so Gersom; there is a language in thought which is known to a man's self, and by the Lord; there is the meditation or discourse of the heart, and this being about divine and spiritual things is pleasing to God; he hearkens to it, and writes a book of remembrance for them that fear him, and have thought on his name; see Psa 19:14.

Gill: Pro 15:27 - He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house // but he that hateth gifts shall live

He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house,.... Or "that covets a covetousness" ^t, an evil one, as in Hab 2:9; that seeks riches by unlawful means, that gathers the mammon of falsehood, or unrighteousness, as the Targum; he entails a curse and brings ruin and destruction upon his family; the Septuagint and Arabic versions are, he "destroys himself"; or "his own soul", as the Syriac version; it may be understood of a man that is over anxious and eager to be rich, and hurries on business, and gives his servants no proper time for food and rest; See Gill on Pro 11:29;

but he that hateth gifts shall live; that rejects them with abhorrence, when offered to bribe him to pervert judgment, or to do an unjust thing; otherwise gifts may be lawfully received from one friend by another; the sin is when they are given and taken for the sake of doing what is base and sinful; and a man that shakes his hand from receiving gifts on such a basis, he and his family shall prosper and increase in worldly things; and, doing this from a right principle of grace, shall live comfortably in a spiritual sense, and thrive and flourish in his soul, and live an eternal life hereafter; see Psa 16:5.

Gill: Pro 15:28 - The heart of the righteous studieth to answer // but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer,.... He thinks before he speaks, meditates what he shall say, what answer to give to men; whether in things civil, natural, or religious; and what to return to the Lord when he is reproved by him; or what to say in prayer to him, or by way of thankfulness for mercies received from him; see Pro 3:6; though our Lord advises his disciples, when summoned before their persecutors, not to meditate beforehand what they should answer, since they should have immediate assistance, Luk 21:14; but this was in extraordinary cases; in common ones the observation of the wise man should be attended to. A Jewish ^u writer renders the words, "the heart of the righteous meditates wormwood", or bitter things; see Pro 5:4; as the judgment of God, death, and hell; this sense is mentioned by Aben Ezra, but rejected;

but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things; without any previous thought and consideration, without fear or wit; in great abundance, as water out of a fountain; thus an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil things readily and at once, having no concern about the consequences of things, Mat 12:25; See Gill on Pro 15:2.

Gill: Pro 15:29 - The Lord is far from the wicked // but he heareth the prayer of the righteous

The Lord is far from the wicked,.... Not as to his essence or powerful presence, which is everywhere, for he is God omnipresent; but with respect to his favour and good will, he is far from helping in distress, and from hearing their cries when they apply unto him in desperate circumstances; nor does he admit them to nearness and communion with him now, as he does the righteous; nor will he receive them to himself at the last day, but bid them depart from him; they are far from him and from his law, and from all righteousness; and he is far from them, and keeps them at a distance from him;

but he heareth the prayer of the righteous; they draw nigh to him, and he draws nigh to them; he is nigh to all that call upon him in truth; and there is none like them that has God so nigh them as they have; his eyes are upon them, and his ears are open to their cries; he is a God hearing and answering their prayers, and bestows upon them the favours they ask for, and stand in need of.

Gill: Pro 15:30 - The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart // and a good report maketh the bones fat

The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart,.... Not so much the visive power, the faculty of seeing, a strong and clear eyesight; though this is a great mercy, and from the Lord, and to be prized, and does give joy of heart; but rather the objects seen by the light of the eyes, as Jarchi; as green gardens, flowing rivers, pleasant meadows, rising hills, lowly vales, herbs, plants, trees, birds, beasts, and creatures of every kind; nor is the eye ever satisfied with seeing; especially light itself beheld rejoiceth the heart, and particularly that grand luminary and fountain of light, the sun. "Light is sweet", says the wise man, Ecc 11:7, "and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun", which is a proper comment on this text: and much more pleasant and delightful, cheering and rejoicing, must be the spiritual light of the eyes of the understanding, when opened by the Spirit of God at conversion; it is marvellous light souls are then called into, and wonderful things do they then behold, which rejoice their hearts; as Christ the sun of righteousness himself, the light of the world, the glories of his person and office, the fulness of grace that is in him, pardon of sin by his blood, justification by his righteousness, and free and full salvation through him for the worst and chief of sinners: in the light which is thrown into them they see light; the light of God's countenance, his face and favour, which put gladness into them; the light of the divine word, and the precious truths of it; yea, the light, joy, and happiness of the world to come, in the hope of which their hearts rejoice. Jarchi mystically interprets this of the light of the eyes in the law; but it is much better to understand it of the light of the eyes in the Gospel, and the mysteries of it;

and a good report maketh the bones fat; or "a good hearing" ^w; not the sense of hearing, or a quick exercise of that, though a very great blessing; but things heard. Some understand this of a good or "fame" ^x, which is sometimes the sense of the phrase; either a good report which a man hears of himself, which makes his spirit cheerful; and this affects his body and the juices of it, which fill his bones with marrow, and cover them with fatness; or which he hears of his friends, and is pleasing to him, as it was to the Apostle John that Demetrius had a good report of all men, 3Jo 1:12. But rather this is to be understood of the good news, or good hearing, from a far country, as the same phrase is rendered in Pro 25:25; and here in the Arabic version is so translated, even the Gospel, which is a report; see Isa 53:1; a report concerning God, the perfections of his nature, the purposes of his heart, the covenant of his grace, his love, grace, and mercy towards men in Christ Jesus; a "report" concerning Christ, concerning his person and offices, concerning his incarnation, obedience, sufferings, and death; concerning his resurrection, ascension, sitting at the right hand of God, intercession for his people, and second coming to judgment; and concerning salvation, peace, pardon, righteousness, and eternal life by him; a report concerning the good land, the heavenly Canaan, and the glories of it, the way unto it, and the persons that shall possess it: and this is a "good" report; it is good tidings of good things, a report of good things laid up in covenant, which are come by Christ the great High Priest, which saints are interested in, and shall partake of here and hereafter; it is a true report, and to be believed, since it is made by God himself, by Jesus Christ the faithful witness, and by the apostles of Christ, who were eye and ear witnesses of the things they reported; and such a report being heard, received, and embraced, greatly contributes to the spiritual health and prosperity of the children of God, it makes them fat and flourishing; such pleasant words are as the honeycomb, sweet to the soul, make glad the heart, and are marrow and health to the bones; see Pro 3:8.

Gill: Pro 15:31 - The ear that heareth the reproof of life // abideth among the wise

The ear that heareth the reproof of life,.... That is given according to the word of life, in a warm, fervent, and lively manner, with zeal, and in good earnest; which reproves the life of another by his own, as well as by words; and which tends to the spiritual and eternal life of the person reproved; being taken, a man that diligently hearkens to, kindly and cordially receives, and cheerfully obeys such reproof given him,

abideth among the wise; he not only chooseth to be among them, that he may have the advantage of their wise counsels and reproofs, but he becomes wise himself thereby, and attains to the character of a wise man, and is numbered among them; such a man abides in the house of wisdom, the church of God, and attends upon and has conversation with the wise dispensers of the word, and shall have a part with them in the church above, in the kingdom of heaven, where the wise will shine as the firmament; the word here used does not denote a lodging for a night, as it sometimes signifies, but a perpetual abiding.

Gill: Pro 15:32 - He that refuseth instruction // despiseth his own soul // but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding

He that refuseth instruction,.... The instruction of parents, masters, ministers, and of God himself; or "correction" ^y, instruction either by the word or by the rod; he that withdraws himself from it, will not be in the way of it, that shuns, neglects, and despises it, or carelessly and contemptuously attends it:

despiseth his own soul; shows that he makes no account of it, has no regard for it or care about it, when it is so precious a jewel, and the loss of it irreparable; not that a man can strictly and properly despise his soul, but comparatively, having a greater regard for his body, and especially for his carnal lusts and pleasures, than for that; or as a man diseased and refuses proper medicines may be said to despise his health;

but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding; or "a heart" ^z; he gets understanding by listening to reproof, and behaving according to it; he better understands himself and his case, what he should shun and avoid, what he should receive, embrace, and do; instead of losing his soul, as the man that refuses correction does, he finds the life of it, and possesses it, and with it a large share of experience and spiritual wisdom.

Gill: Pro 15:33 - The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom // and before honour is humility

The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom,.... It is "the beginning of wisdom", Pro 9:10; it leads unto it, instructs a man in it; by means of it he attains to true spiritual and evangelical wisdom; it teaches him to abstain from sin, and to serve the Lord; and to seek the salvation of his soul in the way God has appointed, which is by his Son Jesus Christ, which to do is the highest wisdom;

and before honour is humility; the fear of God and humility go together, where the one is the other is; and as the one is the way to wisdom, the other is the way to glory; Christ's humiliation was before his exaltation; men are first humbled and laid low in their own eyes, and then they are raised out of their low estate, and are set among princes; and shall inherit the throne of glory, being made kings and priests unto God; it is a frequent saying of Christ's, "he that humbleth himself shall be exalted", Luk 14:11; such an one is raised to a high estate of grace, and at last to eternal glory.