Bibelkommentare

XX.

(1) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging—i.e., producing these effects in those who subject themselves to their power.

(2) The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion, i.e., the dread which he casts upon others when he is becoming angry is a warning of approaching. danger.

Sinneth against his own soul—i.e., against his own life.

(3) But every fool.—Self-willed person. (Comp. Proverbs 1:22.)

Will be meddling.—Or, rather, shewing his teeth: (Comp. Proverbs 17:14) thinking that his own personal dignity is at stake.

(5) Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water.—The wise thoughts of a “man,” fitly so-called (comp. Proverbs 18:4), may be hid deep in his breast, like the waters of a well, but a man of understanding knows how to draw them out as by a windlass and bucket (Exodus 2:16).

(6) Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness.—Will be full of his benevolent intentions, “but a faithful man,” who carries out these promises, “who can find?”

(7) The just man.—Comp. Proverbs 10:2.

His children are blessed after him.—Comp. 1Kings 15:4, Jeremiah 33:20-21.

(8) A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment . . .—See note on Proverbs 16:12.

(9) Who can say, I have made my heart clean?—Though we may have done our best by self-examination and confession, and repentance and trust in the atoning blood of Christ to obtain remission of sin, still the heart is so deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), sins may so easily have escaped our notice (Psalm 19:12, 1Corinthians 4:4), that satisfaction with ourselves ought never to be allowed (Romans 11:20).