Chapter 19

1. His integrity. “Poor but honest” may have been derived from this proverb. A proverb closely parallel substitutes “rich” for “fool” (ch. 28:6). Some have felt that “rich” should be understood here too, in order to have an effective contrast, but this is not necessary to the sense (see ch. 17:20).

2. Sinneth. Or, “misses the mark.” This interpretation suits the context equally well. Ignorance and haste are common causes of mistakes and sometimes of sin. For other practices listed that are not good see chs. 17:26; 18:5; 20:23; 24:23.

4. Is separated. See on ch. 14:20.

5. Unpunished. Even though the false witness escapes punishment in this life, he cannot escape the retribution in the next. His part will be outside the city (Rev. 21:8). Every idle word and every wicked word will come back to mind and convince the impenitent of the justice of his condemnation (see Ex. 20:16; Matt. 12:36; PK 252). This verse is repeated almost exactly in v. 9.

6. The prince. Because princes are usually rich and powerful, few fail to cultivate every opportunity to gain their favor.

Giveth gifts. See on ch. 18:16.

7. His friends. If a man’s own brothers come to hate the sight of the poor man for fear of having demands made upon them, who can blame his friends for forsaking him? The only exception would be the kind of friend that sticks closer than a brother (ch. 18:24).

This is one of the few proverbs containing three parts. Some feel that originally there were probably two of the regular two-part proverbs. The LXX has a longer reading, which, though we cannot be certain of its accuracy, hints that probably the original contained more than what is found in the present Masoretic text. The rendering of the LXX for v. 7 is, “Every one who hates his poor brother shall also be far from friendship. Good understanding will draw near to them that know it, and a sensible man will find it. He that does much harm perfects mischief; and he that uses provoking words shall not escape.”

8. Wisdom. Literally, “heart.” Anciently the heart was regarded as the seat of the intellect.

9. Unpunished. See on v. 5.

10. Delight. Heb. taФanug, “daintiness”, “luxury.” A fool cannot resist the corrupting influences of delicate living, nor can a servant rule without developing arrogance (see Eccl. 10:6, 7).

11. Deferreth. Compare Prov. 14:29; 15:18; 16:32; James 1:19.

Pass over. Some feel that they can best gain glory by demonstrating a stern regard for justice, but the glory of God is shared by those who are quick to forgive when forgiveness may open the way for reclaiming the offender.

12. The king’s wrath. Compare chs. 16:14; 20:2.

13. Calamity. Heb. hawwoth, “engulfing ruin,” “destruction.” Compare chs. 10:1; 15:20; 17:21, 25.

Continual dropping. Leaking roofs were common in the East, and the constant dripping tried the nerves of the inhabitants much as does a nagging woman (see ch. 27:15).

14. Of fathers. That is, from fathers. By contrast as prudent wife is a special gift from God (see ch. 18:22).

15. Deep sleep. Heb. tardemah, used to describe the unconsciousness of Adam when Eve was formed from his rib (Gen. 2:21). Tardemah also occurs in Gen. 15:12; 1 Sam. 26:12; Job 4:13; 33:15; Isa. 29:10. Laziness has such a soporific effect upon a man’s senses that he goes about in a daze. Hunger is the fate that awaits such a man (see Prov. 10:4; 12:24; 20:13; 23:21).

16. His own soul. Compare ch. 16:17.

17. Lendeth. The care of the poor, in contrast with the neglect practiced without shame by other nations, is an evidence of a divine revelation to the Israelites. The thought that such care makes God our debtor is remarkable. It is in line with the claim Christ made when He said that He regards ministration to the poor a personal service to Him (Matt. 25:40; cf. Prov. 11:24; 28:27).

18. Let not thy soul spare. This clause reads literally, “Do not lift up thy soul to kill him.” The translation of the KJV is based upon the medieval Jewish interpretation, which teaches that it is better for the son to weep under chastening now than for the father to weep over the eternal loss of his son later. In contrast, the literal translation makes the clause a warning against such angry punishment as might slay the son. Or it may be a warning to the father not to neglect chastisement, lest his son come to ruin. In Israel, a depraved son was to be brought before the elders for judgment and, if necessary, be executed (Deut. 21:18–21).

Early punishment is good punishment. Later, when a youth is set in his evil ways, there is less hope of reformation. Too often parents postpone punishment until a child is old enough to reason, only to discover that he is then in the grip of habits of behavior that can hardly be broken (see chs. 13:24; 23:13).

19. Punishment. To a man whose anger is beyond his control, lessons earlier learned are of no avail, for they are forgotten in the heat of passion. If you persuade the authorities to excuse his offense because he has learned his lesson, you will find that you were mistaken. Indeed, his wrath may well turn on you for your interference in his affairs.

20. Latter end. Aside from the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, men tend to be in age what they were in youth. The time to learn lessons of wisdom is in the early years of life. Childish ignorance or petulance, which is sometimes admired or excused in the very young, disgusts and annoys when exhibited in exaggerated forms later on.

21. Counsel of the Lord. Sinful men and fallen angels may devise countless schemes to prevent the Lord from carrying out His eternal purposes; nevertheless the counsels of God will be accomplished and the universe eventually cleansed from both sin and sinners. God expects His servants to submit their plans to His overruling providence (Prov. 16:9; Isa. 46:10; James 1:17; 7T 298).

22. The desire. The meaning of the first clause is not clear. Some interpret the statement as meaning that the intention is what counts in benevolence. A poor man who does all he can to help, even though that be little, is to be honored above one who promises much, but whose word cannot be trusted (see ch. 3:27, 28). The LXX renders this verse, “Mercy is a fruit to a man: and a poor man is better than a rich liar.

23. Abide satisfied. Some have felt that religion is a bar to health and happiness in this life, that pleasure here is sacrificed for promised joys in the hereafter. This is not true of a genuine “fear of the Lord” (see PP 600). Obedience to the laws of God leads to physical vigor, which is not sapped by indulgence in sinful amusements or vexing cares (see 6T 225). A Christian who worries is but half a Christian. With all care cast upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7), with every action within his power accomplished, the servant of the Lord rests in the assurance that all the angels of heaven are available to ensure that nothing happens to him that is not for his ultimate good (see Rom. 8:28).

24. In his bosom. Literally, “in the dish.” The translation “in his bosom” is based on the LXX, the Syriac, and some medieval Jewish expositors. The figure is taken from the ancient custom of eating from a common dish. The slothful man dips his hand into the food, doubtless groping for the choicer morsels. Solomon sarcastically suggests that the lazy man will not trouble to lift the food to his mouth (see ch. 26:15).

25. Smite a scorner. The scorner is regarded as too hardened for the punishment to help him, but the simpleton who is not yet beyond reformation will take warning and learn prudence. The man of understanding does not need to be beaten or to see another so punished. He is quick to learn from a simple reproof (see 1 Tim. 5:20).

26. Chaseth away. He drives his mother away either by his behavior or by bringing his parents to poverty, so that they lose their home (see chs. 10:5; 17:2).

28. Scorneth judgment. He is not concerned with seeing justice done, so is willing to perjure himself to aid his friend or to harm the innocent. He is careless of the denunciations of the law of God against such practices (Ex. 20:16; Lev. 5:1).

Devoureth iniquity. Compare Job 15:16; 20:12; Rom. 1:32.

29. Judgments. The love of iniquity and the damage done to the innocent will not go unpunished. Retribution is prepared for evil men.

Ellen G. White comments

5    PK 252

11   2T 426

14   MH 359

11   Ed 141; 6T 307

18   CG 257

23   6T 225; PP 600

27   MB 208