The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want.
Ver. 5. The thoughts of the diligent tend only, &c.] The word rendered "diligent" signifies one that is sedulous and solicitous in his business; that weighs circumstances and waits opportunities; that "sits down first and counts his costs"; Luk 14:28 that considers seriously, and then executes speedily. a Such a one was Abraham's servant, Gen 24:1-9 Joseph, Boaz, Daniel. And how should such a man choose but thrive? See Trapp on " Pro 10:4 " A sufficiency he is sure of, though not of a superfluity.
But of every one that is hasty.] And headlong; that, resolving to be rich, graspeth greedily all he can come at - accounting all good fish that comes to hand, and not sticking at any injustice or cruelty that may make for his advantage. The beggar will catch this man ere long; - the usurer will get him into his clutches, and leave him never a feather to fly with. There is a curse upon such precipitate practices, though men be never so industrious, as in Jeboiakim, Jer 22:24-30 and Saul. 1Sa 14:24-30 Those that, making more haste than good speed to be rich, reach at things too high for them - which David would not do Psa 131:1 - may be likened to the panther, which loves the dung of man so much, as if it be hanged a height from it, it will skip and leap up, and never leave till it have burst itself in pieces to get it.
a Qui res omnes suas ordine facit loco et tempore, &c. Cuius limitatae et velut iudicio decisae actiones omnes. - Mercer.