Proverbs 19:16-29

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 19:16

Here is, 1. The happiness of those that walk circumspectly. Those that make conscience of keeping the commandment in every thing, that live by rule, as becomes servants and patients, keep their own souls; they secure their present peace and future bliss, and provide every way well for themselves. If we keep God's word, God's word will keep us from every thing really hurtful. 2. The misery of those that live at large and never mind what they do: Those that despair their ways shall die, shall... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 19:17

Here is, I. The duty of charity described. It includes two things:?1. Compassion, which is the inward principle of charity in the heart; it is to have pity on the poor. Those that have not a penny for the poor, yet may have pity for them, a charitable concern and sympathy; and, if a man give all his goods to feed the poor and have not this charity in his heart, it is nothing, 1 Cor. 13:3. We must draw out our souls to the hungry, Isa. 58:10. 2. Bounty and liberality. We must not only pity the... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 19:18

Parents are here cautioned against a foolish indulgence of their children that are untoward and viciously inclined, and that discover such an ill temper of mind as is not likely to be cured but by severity. 1. Do not say that it is all in good time to correct them; no, as soon as ever there appears a corrupt disposition in them check it immediately, before it gets head, and takes root, and is hardened into a habit: Chasten thy son while there is hope, for perhaps, if he be let alone awhile, he... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 19:19

1. As we read this, it intimates, in short, that angry men never want woe. Those that are of strong, or rather headstrong, passions, commonly bring themselves and their families into trouble by vexatious suits and quarrels and the provocations they give; they are still smarting, in one instance or other, for their ungoverned heats; and, if their friends deliver them out of one trouble, they will quickly involve themselves in another, and they must do it again, all which troubles to themselves... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 19:20

Note, 1. It is well with those that are wise in their latter end, wise for their latter end, for their future state, wise for another world, that are found wise when their latter end comes, wise virgins, wise builders, wise stewards, that are wise at length, and understand the things that belong to their peace, before they be hidden from their eyes. A carnal worldling at his end shall be a fool (Jer. 17:11), but godliness will prove wisdom at last. 2. Those that would be wise in their latter... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 19:21

Here we have, 1. Men projecting. They keep their designs to themselves, but they cannot hide them from God; he knows the many devices that are in men's hearts,?devices against his counsels (as those, Ps. 2:1-3; Mic. 4:11),?devices without his counsel (no regard had to his providence, as those Jas. 4:13; this and the other they will do, and not take God along with them),?devices unlike God's counsels; men are wavering in their devices, and often absurd and unjust, but God's counsels are wise... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 19:22

Note, 2c6c 1. The honour of doing good is what we may laudably be ambitious of. It cannot but be the desire of man, if he have any spark of virtue in him, to be kind; one would not covet an estate for any thing so much as thereby to be put into a capacity of relieving the poor and obliging our friends. 2. It is far better to have a heart to do good and want ability for it than have ability for it and want a heart to it: The desire of a man to be kind, and charitable, and generous, is his... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 19:23

See what those that get by it that live in the fear of God, and always make conscience of their duty to him. 1. Safety: They shall not be visited with evil; they may be visited with sickness or other afflictions, but there shall be no evil in them, nothing to hurt them, because nothing to separate them from the love of God, or hurt to the soul. 2. Satisfaction: They shall abide satisfied; they shall have those comforts which are satisfying, and shall have a constant contentment and complacency... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 19:24

A sluggard is here exposed as a fool, for, 1. All his care is to save himself from labour and cold. See his posture: He hides his hand in his bosom, pretends he is lame and cannot work; his hands are cold, and he must warm them in his bosom; and, when they are warm there, he must keep them so. He hugs himself in his own ease and is resolved against labour and hardship. Let those work that love it; for his part he thinks there is no such fine life as sitting still and doing nothing. 2. He will... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 19:25

Note, 1. The punishment of scorners will be a means of good to others. When men are so hardened in wickedness that they will not themselves be wrought upon by the severe methods that are used to reclaim and reform them, yet such methods must be used for the sake of others, that they may hear and fear, Deut. 19:20. If the scorner will not be recovered from his sin, the disease being inveterate, yet the simple will beware of venturing upon the sin which exposes men thus. If it cure not the... read more

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