10. regardeth—literally, "knoweth" (Psalms 1:6). mercies . . . cruel—as acts of compassion ungraciously rendered to the needy. The righteous more regards a beast than the wicked a man. read more
5. The value of righteousness 12:1-12 read more
The words of the wicked, particularly their false accusations, are an ambush, but the words of the upright are straightforward and sincere (cf. Proverbs 1:18). [Note: Cf. Whybray, The Book . . ., p. 73.] read more
A better translation is, "Better is a man of humble standing who works for himself than one who plays the great man but lacks bread" (RSV)."The point seems to be that some people live beyond their means in a vain show . . . whereas, if they lived modestly, they could have some of the conveniences of life, e.g., a servant." [Note: Ross, p. 969.] read more
4. A crown, etc.] Possibly there may be a reference to the crown worn on their wedding-day by bride and bridegroom (Song of Solomon 3:11; Song of Solomon 8:9). In Damascus the bridal crown consists of a silver hoop covered with a network of strings of corals. On this net are fastened strings of gold coins.5. Two kinds of plans. 6. Their very words are an ambush, meant to cause destruction.9. Even a poor man in those days could afford to have a slave (cp. Exodus 21:32), and such a man, although... read more
(4) A virtuous woman.—Literally, of power, i.e., of ability and character, like the wife described in Proverbs 31:0, or the “able” men of Exodus 18:21. read more
(5) The thoughts of the righteous are right.—Or, justice. (Comp. Matthew 12:35.) read more
(6) The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood—i.e., are calculated for this end.The mouth of the upright shall deliver them—i.e., those for whom the wicked lie in wait. read more
(7) The wicked are overthrown.—By the righteous judgments of God (Psalms 37:35-36), or by the storms of temptation and trouble, which, when they come, overwhelm the house built on the sand of earthly hopes, and not on the “Rock of ages.” (Isaiah 26:4; Matthew 7:24, sqq.) read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 12:9
9. despised—held in little repute, obscure (1 Samuel 18:23; Isaiah 3:5). hath a servant—implying some means of honest living. honoureth himself—is self-conceited. read more