Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19
Verses 1-29
CHAPTER 19
Pr 19:1-29.
1. (Compare Pr 28:6). "Rich" for fool here. Integrity is better than riches (Pr 15:16, 17; 16:8).
Verses 2
2. The last illustrates the first clause. Rashness, the result of ignorance, brings trouble.
Verses 3
3. perverteth … way—turns him back from right (Pr 13:6; Jas 1:13); and he blames God for his failures.
Verses 4
4. (Compare Pr 14:20). Such facts are often adduced with implied disapprobation.
Verses 5
5. Compare Pr 19:9, where perish explains not escape here (compare Ps 88:9, 10).
Verses 6-8
8. (Compare Margin; Pr 15:32).
loveth … soul—or, "himself," which he evinces by regarding his best interests.
keepeth—or, "regards."
Verses 9-10
10. (Compare Pr 17:7). The fool is incapable of properly using pleasure as knowledge, yet for him to have it is less incongruous than the undue elevation of servants. Let each abide in his calling (1Co 7:20).
Verses 11
11. (Compare Pr 14:29; 16:32). This inculcation of a forgiving spirit shows that true religion is always the same (Mt 5:22-24).
Verses 12
12. (Compare Pr 16:14, 15; 20:2). A motive to submission to lawful authority.
Verses 13
13. calamity—literally, "calamities," varied and many.
continual dropping—a perpetual annoyance, wearing out patience.
Verses 14
14. A contrast of men's gifts and God's, who, though author of both blessings, confers the latter by His more special providence.
and—or, "but," implying that the evils of Pr 19:13 are only avoided by His care.
Verses 15
15. a deep sleep—a state of utter indifference.
idle soul—or, "person" (compare Pr 10:4; 12:24).
Verses 16
16. (Compare Pr 10:17; 13:13).
despiseth … ways—opposed to keeping or observing, neglects (Pr 16:17) (as unworthy of regard) his moral conduct.
Verses 17
17. (Compare Pr 14:21; Ps 37:26).
hath pity—shown by acts (compare Margin).
Verses 18
18. (Compare Pr 13:24; 23:13).
let not … spare—literally, "do not lift up thy soul" (Ps 24:4; 25:1), that is, do not desire to his death; a caution to passionate parents against angry chastisement.
Verses 19
19. Repeated efforts of kindness are lost on ill-natured persons.
Verses 20
20. (Compare Pr 13:18-20).
latter end—(Pr 5:11). In youth prepare for age.
Verses 21
21. (Compare Pr 16:1, 9; Ps 33:10, 11). The failure of man's devices is implied.
Verses 22
22. desire—that is, to do good, indicates a kind disposition (Pr 11:23); and the poor thus affected are better than liars, who say and do not.
Verses 23
23. The fear … life—(Compare Pr 3:2).
abide—or, "remain contented" (1Ti 4:8).
not visited with evil—(Pr 10:3; Ps 37:25), as a judgment, in which sense visit is often used (Ps 89:32; Jer 6:15).
Verses 24
24. bosom—literally, a wide dish in which the hand was plunged in eating (Mt 26:23). Compare Pr 26:15, the sentiment expressed with equal irony and less exaggeration.
Verses 25
25. Such is the benefit of reproof; even the simple profit, much more the wise.
Verses 26
26. Unfilial conduct often condemned (Pr 17:21-25; 20:20; De 21:18, 21).
Verses 27
27. Avoid whatever leads from truth.
Verses 28
28. ungodly witness—(Compare Margin), one false by bad principles (compare Pr 6:12).
scorneth judgment—sets at naught the dictates of justice.
devoureth—literally, "swalloweth," as something delightful.
Verses 29
29. Their punishment is sure, fixed, and ready (compare Pr 3:34; 10:13).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.