Wesley's Explanatory Notes

For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

But — By a wise and good prince.

A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

It like — Is like a violent rain or flood, which washes away the very seeds in the earth. He is the worst of all oppressors.

They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

Contend — Are so far from praising them, that they severely reprove them.

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

Judgment — What is just and right.

All things — Which are necessary to be known by them.

Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

Better — In a much happier condition.

Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

Causeth — That by evil counsel, or example, or artifice, draws them into evil.

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

Rejoice — Are promoted.

Glory — In that common-wealth.

Rise — Are advanced to authority.

Hidden — Wise and good men, who only are worthy of the name of men, withdraw themselves into obscure places.

Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Alway — In all times, companies, and conditions.

The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

Oppressor — The tyranny of a prince, is a manifest sign of folly.

Prolong — By God's favour, the peace and satisfaction of his own mind, and the hearty love of his people.

A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

Violence — That sheddeth any man's blood.

Shall flee — Shall speedily be destroyed.

Shall slay — None should desire or endeavour to save him from his deserved punishment.

Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

At once — Once for all; so he shall never rise more.

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Faithful — Who deals truly and justly in all his transactions.

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

For — When a man hath once accustomed himself to take bribes, a very small advantage will make him sell justice.

He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

Evil eye — Is uncharitable to persons in want, and envious to those who get any thing besides him.

Poverty — And consequently that he shall need the pity and help of others.

Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

The same — Is a thief and robber.

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

Fat — Shall live happily and comfortably.

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Wisely — Distrusting his own judgment, and seeking the advice of others, and especially of God.

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Men — Righteous men are afraid to appear publickly.