Bibelkommentare

2. Comp. with the first clause of this verse Proverbs 12:14.

the soul] i.e. the desire (Proverbs 6:30, and Proverbs 13:4 below), or appetite. His desire is to inflict violence on others; it shall be fed, or satisfied, by violence inflicted on him. This is more forcible and preserves the parallelism better than the desire of the treacherous is for violence, R.V. marg.

3. keepeth … keepeth] Rather, guardeth … keepeth, R.V., the Heb. words being different. For the sentiment comp. Proverbs 10:19.

5. is loathsome] lit. stinketh. Comp. Ecclesiastes 10:1; Exodus 5:21, where the same Heb. word occurs.

In R.V. marg. an alternative rendering is suggested: causeth shame and bringeth reproach.

6. keepeth] Rather, guardeth, as in Proverbs 13:3 above.

him that is upright in the way] “Heb. uprightness of way,” R.V. marg.

the sinner] “Heb. sin,” R.V. marg.

7. maketh] This rendering, which is retained in R.V. text, has its highest illustration in Christ Himself (Php 2:5-11; 2 Corinthians 8:9), and accords with the constant teaching of the N.T. (Php 3:7-9; 2 Corinthians 6:10; Luke 12:21; Revelation 3:17). Some however, with R.V. marg., would render feigneth himself, in both clauses, makes himself out to be what he is not.

8. heareth] i.e. heedeth. Comp. Proverbs 13:1.

rebuke] Rather threatening; ἀπειλήν, LXX.

If wealth has its advantage in enabling its possessor to purchase deliverance from danger and death (as, for example, by paying a ransom to robbers, or a fine or bribe in a court of justice), so has poverty in conferring immunity from the perils by which the rich are threatened: cantabit vacuus coram latrone viator.

9. light … lamp] The change of word is doubtless designed. So our Lord is φῶς, and John Baptist λύχνος (John 8:12; John 5:35).

shall be put out] Comp. Proverbs 20:20, Proverbs 24:20.

The LXX. add to this verse:

“Deceitful souls go astray in sins;

But the righteous are pitiful and merciful.”

10. Only by pride cometh] Rather, By pride cometh only, R.V. Pride is sure to rouse opposition and lead to contention; whereas wisdom belongs to those who accept advice and avoid disputes.