Proverbs 23
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18. an end--or, "hereafter," another time, when apparent inequalities shall be adjusted (compare Psalms 37:28-38 ).
19-21. guide . . . way--or direct thy thoughts to a right course of conduct (compare Proverbs 4:4 , 9:6 ).
20. riotous . . . flesh--prodigal, or eating more than necessary. Instead of "their flesh" (compare Margin), better, "flesh to them," that is, used for pleasure.
21. drowsiness--the dreamy sleep of the slothful.
22. Hearken--that is, obey ( Proverbs 1:8 , Ephesians 6:1 ).
despise . . . old--Adults revere the parents whom, as children, they once obeyed.
23. Buy--literally, "get" ( Proverbs 4:5 ).
truth--generally and specially as opposed to errors of all kinds.
24, 25. (Compare Proverbs 10:1 , Proverbs 17:21 Proverbs 17:25 ).
26-35. A solemn warning against whoredom and drunkenness ( Hosea 4:11 ).
give me--This is the address of that divine wisdom so often presented ( Proverbs 8:1 , 9:3 , &c.).
heart--confidence.
observe--keep.
my ways--such as I teach you ( Proverbs 3:17 , 9:6 ).
27, 28. deep ditch--a narrow pit, out of which it is hard to climb.
lieth in wait--to ensnare men into the pit, as hunters entrap game (compare Proverbs 22:14 ).
28. increaseth . . . transgressors--( Proverbs 5:8-10 ). The vice alluded to is peculiarly hardening to the heart.
29, 30. This picture is often sadly realized now.
mixed wine--(Compare Proverbs 9:2 , Isaiah 5:11 ).
31. when . . . red--the color denoting greater strength (compare Genesis 49:11 , Deuteronomy 32:14 ).
giveth . . . cup--literally, "gives its eye," that is, sparkles.
moveth . . . aright--Perhaps its foaming is meant.
32. The acute miseries resulting from drunkenness contrasted with the temptations.
33, 34. The moral effects: it inflames passion ( Genesis 19:31 Genesis 19:35 ), lays open the heart, produces insensibility to the greatest dangers, and debars from reformation, under the severest sufferings.
35. awake--that is, from drunkenness ( Genesis 9:24 ). This is the language rather of acts than of the tongue.