Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 10:29

"The way of Jehovah is a stronghold to the upright; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity." — Proverbs 10:29 (ASV)

A mild, patient man is one who learns from Christ, who is Wisdom itself. Unbridled passion is folly made known.

He who brings trouble upon himself and his family, by carelessness, or by wickedness, will be unable to keep and enjoy what he gets, as a person is unable to hold the wind, or to satisfy himself with it.

We may learn from animals to conduct ourselves well; also to keep our temper under all provocations.

We must keep the evil thought in our minds from breaking out into evil speeches. We must not stir up the passions of others. Let nothing be said or done with violence, but everything with gentleness and calmness.

Alas, how often have we done foolishly in rising up against the Lord our King! Let us humble ourselves before Him. And having found peace with Him, let us follow peace with all men.

A wicked man defies the terrors of the law and the rebukes of Providence. But a good man asks, What does God require of me?

The believer grows stronger in faith, and obeys with increased delight.

God sets himself at a distance from those who defy him.

Human unbelief shall not make God's threats ineffective. Christ himself, when bearing sins not his own, was not spared. Justice and judgment took hold of our blessed Surety; and will God spare obstinate sinners?

Both young and old have their advantages; and let neither despise nor envy the other.

Solomon warns against drunkenness. Those who would be kept from sin must keep from all its beginnings and fear coming within reach of its allurements. Foresee the punishment, what it will ultimately lead to, if repentance does not prevent it. It makes men quarrel.

Drunkards willfully create woe and sorrow for themselves. It makes men impure and insolent. The tongue grows unruly; the heart utters things contrary to reason, religion, and common civility. It stupefies and besots men. They are in danger of death, of damnation; as much exposed as if they slept on the top of a mast, yet feel secure.

They fear no peril when the terrors of the Lord are before them; they feel no pain when the judgments of God are actually upon them. So lost is a drunkard to virtue and honor, so wretchedly is his conscience seared, that he is not ashamed to say, I will seek it again. With good reason we were instructed to stop before the beginning.

Who, possessing common sense, would contract a habit, or sell himself to a sin, which tends to such guilt and misery, and exposes a man every day to the danger of dying insensible, and awaking in hell? Wisdom seems in these chapters to take up the discourse as at the beginning of the book. They must be considered as the words of Christ to the sinner.