1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 sn The subject of this proverb is the hope of the wicked, showing its consequences – his expectations die with him (Ps 49). Any hope for long life and success borne of wickedness will be disappointed. 19 20 21 sn The verse is not concerned with the problem of evil and the suffering of the righteous; it is only concerned with the principle of divine justice. 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 sn According to Proverbs (and the Bible as a whole) how one treats a neighbor is an important part of righteousness. One was expected to be a good neighbor, and to protect and safeguard the life and reputation of a neighbor. 33 34 35 36 37 sn This is the intent of a person who makes disparaging comments about others – he cannot wait to share secrets that should be kept. 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 sn The implication is that the ruthless men will obtain wealth without honor, and therefore this is not viewed as success by the writer. 48 sn This contrasts the “kind person” and the “cruel person” (one who is fierce, cruel), showing the consequences of their dispositions. 49 50 51 sn There may be a conscious effort by the sage to contrast “soul” and “body”: He contrasts the benefits of kindness for the “soul” (translated “himself”) with the trouble that comes to the “flesh/body” (translated “himself”) of the cruel. 52 53 54 sn Whatever recompense or reward the wicked receive will not last, hence, it is deceptive (R. B. Y. Scott, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes [AB], 88). 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109