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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 13:16

Note, 1. It is wisdom to be cautious. Every prudent discreet man does all with knowledge (considering with himself and consulting with others), acts with deliberation and is upon the reserve, is careful not to meddle with that which he has not some knowledge of, not to launch out into business which he has not acquainted himself with, will not deal with those that he has not some knowledge of, whether they may be confided in. He is still dealing in knowledge, that he may increase the stock he... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 13:17

Here we have, 1. The ill consequences of betraying a trust. A wicked messenger, who, being sent to negotiate any business, is false to him that employed him, divulges his counsels, and so defeats his designs, cannot expect to prosper, but will certainly fall into some mischief or other, will be discovered and punished, since nothing is more hateful to God and man than the treachery of those that have a confidence reposed in them. 2. The happy effects of fidelity: An ambassador who faithfully... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 13:18

Note, 1. He that is so proud that he scorns to be taught will certainly be abased. He that refuses the good instruction offered him, as if it were a reflection upon his honour and an abridgment of his liberty, poverty and shame shall be to him: he will become a beggar and live and die in disgrace; every one will despise him as foolish, and stubborn, and ungovernable. 2. He that is so humble that he takes it well to be told of his faults shall certainly be exalted: He that regards a reproof,... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 13:19

This shows the folly of those that refuse instruction, for they might be happy and will not. 1. They might be happy. There are in man strong desires of happiness; God has provided for the accomplishment of those desires, and that would be sweet to the soul, whereas the pleasures of sense are grateful only to the carnal appetite. The desire of good men towards the favour of God and spiritual blessings brings that which is sweet to their souls; we know those that can say so by experience, Ps.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 13:16

Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge ,.... In order to get more, and with men of knowledge for the same purpose; all he does is with knowledge and discretion; he does not meddle with things, nor has he to do with persons, he knows nothing of; he both acts and speaks with knowledge, cautiously, wisely, considering well time, place, and persons: and every wise and good man deals with evangelical knowledge, and studies to grow in the knowledge of the Gospel, and the mysteries of it; in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 13:17

A wicked messenger falleth into mischief ,.... That does not do his errand right, nor deliver his message faithfully; such an one falls from the degree of honour in which he was into disgrace; he loses his master's favour that sent him; he is degraded from his post and office: he falls "by evil", or "into evil" F18 ברע "in malum", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Tigurine version, Junius & Tremellius, Pisccator, &c.; ; by the evil of sin, into the evil of punishment. So wicked... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 13:18

Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction ,.... Of parents, masters, and ministers of the word; the instruction of wisdom, the instruction of the Gospel, in things relating to their present spiritual peace, and to their eternal welfare: such generally come to poverty and disgrace in this life, and to everlasting shame and contempt in another; see Proverbs 5:11 ; but he that regardeth reproof ; the reproof of the word, and of the ministers of it, and of all good men,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 13:19

The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul ,.... Whether the desire be after riches and honour, after wisdom and knowledge; or after the best things, the knowledge of God, and communion with him; an interest in Christ, and the blessings of his grace, as pardon, righteousness, &c.; and a right and title to eternal glory and happiness, and the enjoyment of that: and how sweet are these things the soul desires, when they are possessed! see Proverbs 13:12 ; such are "the desires of the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 13:16

The way of transgressors is hard - Never was a truer saying; most sinners have more pain and difficulty to get their souls damned, than the righteous have, with all their cross-bearings, to get to the kingdom of heaven. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 13:17

A wicked messenger - The Septuagint: basileuv yrasuev, a bold king; instead of מלאך malach , a messenger, they had read מלך melech , a king: but they are singular in this rendering; none of the other versions have it so. He that betrays the counsels of his government, or the interests of his country, will sooner or later fall into mischief; but he that faithfully and loyally fulfils his mission, shall produce honor and safety to the commonwealth. read more

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