성경 주석서

XXVIII

(1) The wicked flee when no man pursueth.—Comp. the curse pronounced upon Israel for disobedience (Leviticus 26:17; Leviticus 26:36).

The righteous are bold as a lion.—Comp. Leviticus 26:8; 1Samuel 17:32, sqq.; Psalm 91:1, sqq.

(2) For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof.—Comp. 1Kings 15:27, sqq., and indeed the whole history of the kingdom of Israel as compared with the regular succession of the family of David in accordance with the promise of Psalm 89:33.

The state thereof shall be prolonged—i.e., its settled condition. Or it may signify “right” (i.e., authority)” continues.”

(3) A poor man that oppresseth the poor.—If the recollection of his own former troubles has not softened his heart towards his poor neighbours, he will be rendered more callous to their sufferings.

Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.—That sweeps away grain and soil, instead of bringing plenty with it.

(4) They that forsake the law praise the wicked.—The mark of extreme wickedness. (Comp. Romans 1:32.)

But such as keep the law contend with them.—Just as the sight of ill-doing was the one thing which roused our Lord to wrath, while insults and wrongs offered to Himself were passed by unnoticed.

(5) Evil men understand not judgment.—Or, what is right. For God reveals Himself only to those who fear Him (Psalm 25:14, comp. 1Corinthians 2:11; 1John 2:20); they, by following the light they have, are “guided into all truth” (John 16:13); the evil, by continually shutting their eyes to the light, at last can not see it, even if they would (John 12:39, sqq.).

(6) Better is the poor that walketh . . .—A variation of Proverbs 19:1.

Perverse in his ways.—According to the pointing of the text the words signify, “perverse in two ways.” That is, the sinner tries to “go two ways” (Ecclesiasticus 2:12); to follow his own way without entirely deserting God’s; to “serve God and mammon;” he is “double-minded” (James 1:8), instead of setting before himself God’s will as the guide of his life.

(8) He that by usury . . . increaseth his substance.—See above on Proverbs 6:1.

He shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.—The “pound” is taken from him who knows not how to use it (Luke 19:24), and given to one who does. (Comp. 1Samuel 15:28.)

(9) Even his prayer shall be abomination.—See above on Proverbs 15:8.