1. The king’s heart. Because of the great influence their position gives them, kings can affect large numbers of people. To cause all things to work together for good it is often necessary for God to turn the hearts of kings toward paths they would not otherwise have followed. Thus…

1. Mocker. Heb. leṣ, translated “scorner” in ch. 19:29. This suggests that “wine,” the “mocker,” is here personified and that the statement does not assert that wine mocks men, but that men under the influence of wine and strong drink become scornful of right and religion. Strong drink. Fermented drinks…

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….

1. Through desire. The verse reads literally, “One who is separated seeks for desire; he bursts out against all sound wisdom.” The meaning of the first clause is obscure. Perhaps the LXX has preserved the correct reading: “A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all…

1. Sacrifices. Only a part of the animal for a peace offering was burned. The rest, except for the portion for the priest, was eaten by the offerer, his family, and friends (see Lev. 7:11–18). Eating and drinking to excess naturally leads to strife, because the abuse of the stomach…

1. In man. This verse should be translated so as to show the contrast that is evident in Hebrew, “The counsels of the heart are man’s, but the answer of the tongue is the Lord’s.” The truth of this proverb is illustrated in the experience of Balaam. This covetous prophet…

1. A soft answer. This statement is so true that even when the procedure is used by skillful deceivers, the soft answer enables them to control their victims and lead them on into greater loss. The natural man or woman tends to answer anger with anger, so that the difficulty…

1. Woman. No house can be strong unless it be controlled by a wise and diligent woman. When the woman of the house is foolish, not only will she neglect to order the house aright, but her foolish behavior will raise up enemies without and stir up strife within (see…

Pro 13:1  A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.  Solomon had seen the teachings of this verse clearly and tragically demonstrated in his father’s household. Several of his brothers scorned the rebuke of David and went on in their evil way until…

Pro 12:1  Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.  Some people would be happy to acquire knowledge if it did not necessitate the receiving of instruction, correction, and reproof (see 2 Tim. 3:16). To lack regret for past failure, to have no willingness to reform, and…