| Scripture |
Expanded Comments |
| 1 He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and without remedy. |
Hardeneth his neck – A figure drawn from the stiffness of neck of an unruly yoke of oxen. R3464:1
Often reproved, yet stiff-necked. R4820:2
Be destroyed – If reproofs do not have a corrective influence the result must mean a final destruction--Second Death. R4820:2
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| 2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. |
When the righteous – The Church associated with the Lord. R3285:5, R3447:5
The people mourn – "The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together" (Rom. 8:22) while Satan is at the helm. R3447:5
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| 3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; but he that is a companion of harlots destroyeth his substance. |
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| 4 A king by just judgment establisheth the land; but he that taketh gifts overthroweth it. |
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| 5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his steps. |
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| 6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; but the righteous shall sing and rejoice. |
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| 7 The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; the wicked understandeth not knowledge. |
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| 8 Scornful men set the city in a flame; but the wise turn away anger. |
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| 9 If a wise man contendeth with a fool, whether he rage or laugh, he hath no rest. |
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| 10 The bloodthirsty hate the perfect, but the upright care for his soul. |
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| 11 A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise man keepeth it back. |
All his mind – Ruach, mind, thoughts, plans, purposes. E318
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| 12 If a ruler hearken to lying words, all his servants are wicked. |
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| 13 The indigent and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both. |
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| 14 A king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. |
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| 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. |
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| 16 When the wicked increase, transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall see their fall. |
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| 17 Chasten thy son, and he shall give thee rest, and shall give delight unto thy soul. |
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| 18 Where there is no vision the people cast off restraint; but happy is he that keepeth the law. |
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| 19 A servant is not corrected by words: he understandeth indeed, but he will not answer. |
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| 20 Hast thou seen a man hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. |
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| 21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child, shall in the end have him as a son. |
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| 22 An angry man exciteth contention; and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. |
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| 23 A man's pride bringeth him low; but the humble in spirit shall obtain honour. |
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| 24 Whoso shareth with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration, and declareth not. |
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| 25 The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his confidence in Jehovah is protected. |
The fear of man – And man's churches. R2208:3
"How can ye believe which receive honor one of another." (John 5:44) R4208:1
God would have every man in Christ realize his liberty from sin and superstition and his solemn accountability to God for all his thoughts and words and doings. R1788:5
Hindering even some of God's true servants from faithfulness. D61
A temptation comes to the Lord's people to guide their course not entirely by the Word of the Lord, but with a deference to the sentiments of others. R4208:1
Man can do no more, at worst, than take our life; while, on the other hand, our hopes respecting eternal life are with God. (Matt. 10:26-28) CR9:1
Bringeth a snare – The neglect of the principle of individual judgment brought upon the church the snare of the great apostacy, with popes to dictate in matters of faith and conduct, subverting the consciences of men. R1788:6
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| 26 Many seek the ruler's face; but a man's right judgment is from Jehovah. |
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| 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; and he that is of upright way is an abomination to the wicked man2. |
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