Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 10:7

"The memory of the righteous is blessed; But the name of the wicked shall rot." — Proverbs 10:7 (ASV)

We use knowledge rightly when we disperse it; but the heart of the foolish has nothing to disperse that is good.

This shows how important it is for everyone to keep out of debt. Regarding the things of this life, there is a difference between the rich and the poor; but let the poor remember, it is the Lord who made the difference.

A good man is not liable to uneasiness in devising what he will do, or in reflecting on what he has done, as those who walk in deceit. And his family fares better for his sake.

Some who are truly poor trade and spend as if they were rich; this is sin, it will be their shame, and it will end accordingly. Some who are truly rich wish to be thought of as poor; in this, there is a lack of gratitude to God, and a lack of justice and charity towards others. There are many hypocrites, empty of grace, who will not be convinced of their poverty. There are many God-fearing Christians, who are spiritually rich, yet think themselves poor; by their doubts, and complaints, and griefs, they make themselves poor.

Injustice will return upon the sinner, and will destroy him here and forever.

When a godly man dies, all his fears vanish; but when a wicked man dies, his hopes vanish.

Christ was left by all his disciples; but the Father was with him. It encourages our faith that he had such a large experience of the sorrows of poverty.

He who has all hearts in his hand can make a man's enemies to be at peace with him.

The poor have a better relish of their enjoyments, and are often more thankful for them, than the rich. Similarly, the proud and self-sufficient disdain the gospel; but those who hunger and thirst after righteousness find comfort from the humblest book or sermon that testifies of Christ Jesus.

This verse is applicable to compassion for the distress of the poor, and the unfeeling disregard shown by the wicked.

Companions of riotous men not only grieve their parents, but shame them.

A fool, in Solomon's Proverbs, signifies a wicked man, whom excellent speech does not suit, because his conduct contradicts it.

Both the just and the wicked must die; but between their souls there is a vast difference.

We discern a wicked man if there is no trace of piety in his speech.

God's blessing is often continued to the families of godly men, while the wicked are overthrown.