angela hormberg

Category: Matthew Henry’s Commentary

  • Proverbs 11:25

    Proverbs 11:25

    The Liberal Soul

    Commonplace –

    “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself” (Proverbs 11:25).

    Proverbs 11:25 continues the theme of 11:24, giving and receiving. 11:24 teaches, if we scatter our seed, it will return a harvest; similarly, in 11:25 we read, if we liberally pour ourselves out like water, we shall be watered in return.

    A picture of this process in nature is the water cycle. In the sun’s heat, the water evaporates and rises. Eventually, the water condenses into clouds. Finally, the water falls back to the earth, refilling the rivers and lakes, watering the plants. As Solomon points out in Ecclesiastes 1:7:

    “All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again” (Ecclesiastes 1:7).

    In the same way, our lives should be a continual pouring out and refilling. Pouring out for the better of those around us actually fills us up. Can we believe it and act on it?

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Proverbs 11:25.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2026 Angela Hormberg

  • Proverbs 11:24

    Proverbs 11:24

    Scattering and Holding

    Commonplace –

    “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty” (Proverbs 11:24).

    Proverbs 11:24 seems counterintuitive. Solomon tells us that if we scatter, we will see an increase, and if we hold back, we will become poor. Obviously, if we have money and squander it, we will become poor, and if we have money and save it, our wealth will grow. Yet, Solomon, who was the most wise, tells us that the opposite actually happens. Is this true?

    First, we must consider it from Solomon’s point of view as the wisest person. Obviously, he is not talking about buying stuff. Clearly, if we squander our money on things, we will become poor. If we save our money, it will increase.

    Yet, there are times when we scatter our money and, like seed, it grows. If we give our money to good causes, such as a meal for someone, to a church ministry, like vacation bible school, or gift a bible to someone, we are not squandering our money. We are investing it in people and the kingdom. We are storing up our treasures in heaven. If we hold back our money at those times, we are storing up our treasure “where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal” (Matthew 6:19).

    In regard to Proverbs 11:24 and scattering, Matthew Henry notes the following in his Commentary,

    “It is possible a man may grow rich by prudently spending what he has, may scatter in works of piety, charity, and generosity, and yet may increase” (700).

    In relation to withholding, Henry notes,

    “…let man be ever so saving of what they have, if God blast it and blow upon it, it comes to nothing” (700).

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Proverbs 11:24.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2026 Angela Hormberg

  • Proverbs 11:23

    Proverbs 11:23

    Desires and Expectations

    Commonplace –

    “The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath” (Proverbs 11:23).

    In Proverbs 11:23, Solomon mentions desires and expectations, and essentially, the words have the same meaning. The Hebrew word for ‘desire’ is “ta’ăvâ“, which means the “longing of the heart” (“H378”). The Hebrew word for ‘expectations’ is “tiqvâ“, which means “hope” (“H8615”).

    What is the hope of the righteous? The righteous long for a good outcome. What is the hope of the wicked? The wicked long for a bad outcome. The good hope the best for themselves and those around them. The wicked desire wrath, fury, and revenge.

    What are you thinking when you think of the outcome of events?

    Works Cited

    “H8378 – ta’ăvâ – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 10 Mar, 2026. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8378/kjv/wlc/0-1/.

    “H8615 – tiqvâ – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 10 Mar, 2026. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8615/kjv/wlc/0-1/.

    Henry, Matthew. “Proverbs 11:23.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2026 Angela Hormberg

  • Proverbs 11:22

    Proverbs 11:22

    Jewels and Swine

    Commonplace –

    “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion” (Proverbs 11:22).

    In Proverbs 11:22, the word discretion comes from the Hebrew word “ṭaʿam” (“H2940”), which means to have judgment, understanding, and taste. The writer is comparing a beautiful woman without good judgment to a pig wearing jewels. The outer beauty is meaningless if the woman is a pig at heart. I like the way Matthew Henry explains ‘discretion’ in his Commentary,

    “By discretion here we must understand religion and grace, a true taste and relish (so the word signifies) of the honours and pleasures that attend an unspotted virtue; so that a woman without discretion is a woman of a loose and dissolute conversation” (699).

    The choice of pig as the animal in this proverb is intentional, as they are opportunistic omnivores. A mother pig, a sow, will sometimes even eat her own babies.

    To avoid being like a pig, a woman must cultivate her understanding, judgment, and taste, choosing wisely rather than indiscriminately.

    Works Cited

    “H2940 – ṭaʿam – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 9 Mar, 2026. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2940/kjv/wlc/0-1/.

    Henry, Matthew. “Proverbs 11:22.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2026 Angela Hormberg

  • Proverbs 11:21

    Proverbs 11:21

    Punishment and Deliverance

    Commonplace –

    “Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered” (Proverbs 11:21).

    Proverbs 11:21 is about justice. Oftentimes, it seems evil goes unpunished. However, we can stand on the promises of the Word, and Proverbs 11:21 is one of those promises. Whether it be in this world or the next, the wicked will be punished, regardless of their number, and the righteous will be delivered.

    Matthew Henry notes in his Commentary,

    “Though justice may come slowly to punish the wicked, and mercy may come slowly to save the righteous, yet both will come surely” (699).

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Proverbs 11:21.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2026 Angela Hormberg

  • Proverbs 11:20

    Proverbs 11:20

    The Lord’s Delight

    Commonplace –

    “They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight” (Proverbs 11:20).

    The word ‘froward’ comes from the Hebrew word ‘ʿiqqēš, which means “twisted, distorted, crooked, perverse, perverted” (“H6141”). In Proverbs 11:20, the writer tells us that being the type of person who is perverted or crooked is disgusting to the Lord. In contrast an upright person, a straight person, delights the Lord.

    As Matthew Henry notes in is Commentary,

    “It concerns us to know what God hates and what he loves, that we may govern ourselves accordingly, may avoid his displeasure and recommend ourselves to his favour” (699).

    God makes his expectations clear to us, which is a kindness. There is no guessing needed. The only thing left to us is to choose wisely.

    Works Cited

    “H6141 – ʿiqqēš – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 6 Mar, 2026. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h6141/kjv/wlc/0-1/.

    Henry, Matthew. “Proverbs 11:20.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2026 Angela Hormberg

  • Proverbs 11:19

    Proverbs 11:19

    Tending and Pursuing

    Commonplace –

    “As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death” (Proverbs 11:19).

    Proverbs 11:19 is about action, just different kinds.

    In the first part of the verse, we are told that righteous ‘tends to’ or leads to life. This is interesting. What is leading? Righteousness is leading, in the sense that we are following an example. Only one is truly righteous, and that is Jesus, “in him is no sin” (1 John 3:5). Only through our faith in Christ are we justified. Therefore, when we are choosing to follow Christ’s example, we are submitting our will to him. Only in this way are we acting justly and only in Christ are we justified and receive eternal life. “…righteousness, in its own nature, has a direct tendency to life and wickedness to death” (Henry 699).

    In the second part of the verse, we are told about the person who pursues evil. Who is pursuing? The person that seeks to do evil. This person has in front of him the desire to act unjustly, and he chooses to seek it. “The more violent a man is in sinful pursuits the eagerly bent he is upon his own destruction; he awakens it when it seemed to slumber and hastens it when it seemed to linger” (Henry 699).

    We are either following an example or pursuing our own desires.

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Proverbs 11:19.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2026 Angela Hormberg

  • Proverbs 11:18

    Proverbs 11:18

    Reaping What Is Sown

    Commonplace –

    “The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward” (Proverbs 11:18).

    When we think of influencers, we immediately think of modern day social media and individuals who hold sway over an audience. Proverbs 11:18 is a witness to the fact that influencers are an ancient idea. In today’s verse, we are presented with the wicked influencers and the righteous influencers.

    The wicked influencer deals in deceit. They use lies of omission and commission to manipulate others. The wicked are self-focused, choosing to sway others to their own wants. His eye is always on the material.

    The righteous influencer is different; they sow truth. How does this look? By embodying the Fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The righteous are altruistic. They see the other person and look at what their needs are. His eye is always on the spiritual.

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Proverbs 11:18.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2026 Angela Hormberg

  • Proverbs 11:17

    Proverbs 11:17

    Mercy vs. Cruelty

    Commonplace –

    “The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh” (Proverbs 11:17).

    In Proverbs 11:17, the writer tells us that showing mercy is not only good for those we are giving mercy to but also for us; it is a double blessing. Because when we are merciful, we are obeying the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:30, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”.

    Cruelty leaves its mark on our soul. As Matthew Henry notes in his Commentary, “A cruel, froward, ill-natured man, troubles his own flesh, and so his sin becomes his punishment; he starves and dies for want of what he has, because he has not a heart to use it either for the good of others or for his own” (698).

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Proverbs 11:17.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2026 Angela Hormberg

  • Proverbs 11:16

    Proverbs 11:16

    Men and Women

    Commonplace –

    “A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches” (Proverbs 11:16).

    In Proverbs 11:16, Solomon gives us all something to aspire to, to be gracious women and strong men.

    According to BlueLetterBible.org, the word ‘gracious’ in this verse comes from the Hebrew word “ḥēn” (Strong’s H2580), which is defined by Strong’s as “graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty):—favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured” (“ḥēn“). A woman who is kind, pleasant, and gracious is a woman to be favored and honored by those around her. In his Commentary, Matthew Henry notes the following in regard to Proverbs 11:16 reference to gracious women,

    “…a gracious woman is as solicitous to preserve her reputation for wisdom and modesty, humility and courtesy, and all those other graces that are the true ornaments of her sex, as strong men are to secure their estates; and those women who are truly gracious will, in like manner, effectually secure their honour by their prudence and good conduct” (698).

    According to BlueLetterBible.org, the word ‘strong’ comes from the Hebrew word “ʿārîṣ ” (Strong’s H6184), which is defined by Strong’s as “fearful, i.e. powerful or tyrannical:—mighty, oppressor, in great power, strong, terrible, violent (“ʿārîṣ “). A man who is strong is mighty and inspires awe in those around him, while striking terror in the hearts of his enemy. In his Commentary, Matthew Henry, notes the following in regard to Proverbs 11:16 reference to strong men,

    “…those who bustle in the world, who are men of spirit and interest, and are able to make their part good against all who stand in their way, are likely to keep what they have and to get more, while those who are weak are preyed upon by all about them” (698).

    Works Cited

    “H6184 – ʿārîṣ – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 25 Feb, 2026. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h6184/kjv/wlc/0-1/.

    “H2580 – ḥēn – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 25 Feb, 2026. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2580/kjv/wlc/0-1/.

    Henry, Matthew. “Proverbs 11:16.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2026 Angela Hormberg