25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a rich blessing will come on them.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
There is no surer path to popularity than a righteous severity in punishing guilt.
But to them that rebuke him shall be delight,.... That is, such that rebuke in the gate, or openly, in a court of judicature; that reprove delinquents, such as are found guilty of malpractices, and punish them as they ought to be, according to the laws of God and man; they shall have delight in themselves, peace and pleasure in their own minds; or the people shall delight in them, and speak well of them, and think themselves happy under such a just administration; or the Lord shall delight in them, the beauty or sweetness of the Lord shall come unto them, as Aben Ezra explains it; the Lord shall be sweet and delightful to them, and they shall have pleasure in him;
and a good blessing shall come upon them; or "a blessing of good" (w); a blessing of good things, temporal and spiritual, here and hereafter; the blessing of a good God, and a blessing from him; and a blessing of good men, as opposed to the curse of the people in Proverbs 24:24.
(w) "benedictio boni", Baynus, Mercerus, Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis, Schultens; "benefactio cujusque boni": Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.
Rebuke - That publickly and judicially rebuke and condemn the wicked. Delight - The peace of a good conscience.
*More commentary available at chapter level.