| Scripture |
Expanded Comments |
| 1 A man often reproved, hardening the neck, Is suddenly broken, and there is no healing. |
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 In the multiplying of the righteous the people rejoice, And in the ruling of the wicked the people sigh. |
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 A man loving wisdom rejoiceth his father, And a friend of harlots destroyeth wealth. |
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| 4 A king by judgment establisheth a land, And one receiving gifts throweth it down. |
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| 5 A man taking a portion above his neighbour, Spreadeth a net for his own steps. |
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| 6 In the transgression of the evil [is] a snare, And the righteous doth sing and rejoice. |
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| 7 The righteous knoweth the plea of the poor, The wicked understandeth not knowledge. |
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| 8 Men of scorning ensnare a city, And the wise turn back anger. |
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| 9 A wise man is judged by the foolish man, And he hath been angry, And he hath laughed, and there is no rest. |
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| 10 Men of blood hate the perfect, And the upright seek his soul. |
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| 11 A fool bringeth out all his mind, And the wise till afterwards restraineth it. |
All his mind – Ruach, mind, thoughts, plans, purposes. E318
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| 12 A ruler who is attending to lying words, All his ministers [are] wicked. |
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| 13 The poor and the man of frauds have met together, Jehovah is enlightening the eyes of them both. |
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| 14 a king that is judging truly the poor, His throne for ever is established. |
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| 15 A rod and reproof give wisdom, And a youth let away is shaming his mother. |
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| 16 In the multiplying of the wicked transgression multiplieth, And the righteous on their fall do look. |
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| 17 Chastise thy son, and he giveth thee comfort, Yea, he giveth delights to thy soul. |
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| 18 Without a Vision is a people made naked, And whoso is keeping the law, O his happiness! |
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| 19 By words a servant is not instructed though he understand, And there is nothing answering. |
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| 20 Thou hast seen a man hasty in his words! More hope of a fool than of him. |
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| 21 Whoso is bringing up his servant delicately, from youth, [At] his latter end also he is continuator. |
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| 22 An angry man stirreth up contention, And a furious man is multiplying transgression. |
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| 23 The pride of man humbleth him, And humility of spirit upholdeth honour. |
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| 24 Whoso is sharing with a thief is hating his own soul, Execration he heareth, and telleth not. |
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| 25 Fear of man causeth a snare, And the confident in Jehovah is set on high. |
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 are seeking the face of a ruler, And from Jehovah [is] the judgment of each. |
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| 27 An abomination to the righteous [is] the perverse man, And an abomination to the wicked [is] the upright in the way! |
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