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Expanded Comments |
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1 He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck
Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
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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 are increased, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.
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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 keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance.
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4 The king by justice establisheth the land;
But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.
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5 A man that flattereth his neighbor
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 doth sing and rejoice.
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7 The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor;
The wicked hath not understanding to know it.
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8 Scoffers set a city in a flame;
But wise men turn away wrath.
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9 If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man,
Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.
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10 The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect;
And as for the upright, they seek his soul.
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11 A fool uttereth all his anger;
But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it.
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All his mind – Ruach, mind, thoughts, plans, purposes. E318
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12 If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood,
All his servants are wicked.
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13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.
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14 The 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 causeth shame to his mother.
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16 When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth;
But the righteous shall look upon their fall.
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17 Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest;
Yes, he will give delight unto thy soul.
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18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint;
But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
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19 A servant will not be corrected by words;
For though he understand, he will not give heed.
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20 Seest thou a man that is 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 have him aspire to be a son at the last.
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22 An angry man stirreth up strife,
And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.
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23 A man’s pride shall bring him low;
But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
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24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul;
He heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.
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25 The fear of man bringeth a snare;
But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.
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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 favor;
But a mans judgment cometh from Jehovah.
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27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous;
And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked. |
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