The proverbs of Solomon
V. 17. He is in the way of life, on the highway to the true enjoyment of life, that keepeth instruction, heeding and accepting correction; but he that refuseth reproof, turning from it, impatient of being led aright, erreth, goes astray and may lead others astray.
V. 18. He that hideth hatred with lying lips, deliberately deceiving others as to the real condition of his heart, being hypocritical falsehood personified, and he that uttereth a slander, spreading abuse and base detraction concerning his neighbor, is a fool, for slander is one of the most odious of vices, making a person loathsome and despised in the sight of God and men.
V. 19. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, that is, one given to excessive talking on any and every subject will easily become guilty of transgression; but he that refraineth his lips, showing discretion in speech, is wise, for silence is golden. Compare Jas. 3, 2; Matt. 12, 36.
V. 20. The tongue of the just, the speech of the righteous, is as choice silver, his words and advice are of great value; the heart of the wicked is little worth, it is a trifle, it is no good. V.
21. The lips of the righteous feed many, the counsel of their wholesome instruction serving as nourishment for heart and intellect; but fools die for want of wisdom, bringing misfortune and destruction upon themselves by their persistent rejection of true understanding.
V. 22. The blessing of the Lord, by which He gives prosperity and wealth, it maketh rich, for in this case there is no taint of ill-gotten wealth, and He addeth no sorrow with it, rather, “and not does labor add beside it,” that is, all anxious worrying and striving for this world’s goods will not bring true prosperity and happiness, Psalm 127, 2; Matthew 6, 25-34.