PROVERBS CHAPTER 22.
V. 13. The slothful man saith, eagerly making use of every shadow of an excuse to abstain from work, senseless though it may be, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets, so he prefers not to take any chances, but continues to indulge his laziness.
V. 14. The mouth of strange women, for so the harlots were commonly designated in the midst of God’s people, is a deep pit, on account of the alluring and seductive language which they use in pursuing their intended victims; he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein, in just punishment of his wickedness, the curse of Jehovah thereby going into effect.
V. 15. Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, the reference being not merely to silly pranks and senseless escapades, but to the sinfulness of a child’s nature, which shows itself in evil words and acts; but the rod of correction, which the Lord has entrusted to parents, as His representatives, for the use of which they are responsible to Him, shall drive it far from him, judicious punishment properly administered will put the dread of evil in the heart of the child.
V. 16. He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, his oppression results in ill-gotten wealth for himself, and he that giveth to the rich shall surely come to want, such an act will result in nothing but loss to himself. In either case, selfishness is the ruling motive, and in either case the punishment of God will strike the transgressor.