Matthew Henry on Proverbs 10:31–end
Here, as before, men are judged of, and, accordingly, are justified or condemned, by their words, Mat 12:37. 1. It is both the proof and the praise of a man's wisdom and goodness that he speaks wisely and well. A good man, in his discourse, brings forth wisdom for the benefit of others. God gives him wisdom as a reward of his righteousness (Ecc 2:26), and he, in gratitude for that gift and justice to the giver, does good with it, and with his wise and pious discourses edifies many. He knows what is acceptable, what discourse will be pleasing to God (for that is it that he studies more than to oblige the company), and what will be agreeable both to the speaker and to the hearers, what will be…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:32
know--regard and provide for (Psa 1:6).
frowardness--all kinds of deceit and ill-nature. The word is plural.
Next: Proverbs Chapter 11
John Gill on Proverbs 10:32
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,.... To God and man; what is well pleasing to, God, and what ministers grace to the hearers, or what is grateful: and such things they will deliver out; they are used and accustomed to them; not only the righteous know in their judgment what is acceptable, but they use themselves to say those things; they not only know them in theory, but practise them: some men know what is acceptable, but their lips do not know it; they are not used to it, but the contrary;
but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness; or perverse things, as before. Or, "the mouth of the wicked knoweth frowardness" (b); or perverse things; or is used only to speak frow…
Read the whole note in the consoleKeil & Delitzsch on Proverbs 10:32–end
21 The lips of the righteous edify many;
But fools die through want of understanding.
