Geneva Study Bible The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. The {a} king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it wherever he will.
(a) Though kings seem to have all things at commandment, they are not able to bring their own purposes to pass unless God has appointed: much less are the inferiors able. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. An high look, and a proud heart, and the {b} plowing of the wicked, is sin.
(b) That is, the thing by which he is guided or which he brings forth as the fruit of his work. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of {c} every one that is hasty only to want.
(c) He who goes rashly about his business and without counsel. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. The {d} robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
(d) He means this chiefly of judges and princes who leave that calling, to which God has called them, and impoverish their subjects to maintain their lusts. The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right. The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. {e} When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
(e) Read Pr 19:25. The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. The righteous man wisely {f} considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
(f) Though the godly admonish them both by words and example of life, yet the wicked will not amend, till God destroys them. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. A {g} gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
(g) To do a pleasure to the angry man pacifies him. It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. The {h} wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
(h) God will cause that to fall on their own heads, which they intended against the just by delivering the just, and putting the wicked in their places. It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. There is a treasure to be desired and {i} oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
(i) Meaning, abundance of all things. He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. A {k} wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of its confidence.
(k) Wisdom overcomes strength and confidence in worldly things. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. The desire of the slothful {l} killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
(l) He thinks to live by wishing and desiring all things, but will make no effort to get anything. He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth {m} speaketh constantly.
(m) He may boldly testify the truth that he has heard. A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. The Geneva Bible Translation Notes [1599] Bible Hub |
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