For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, [whom] the LORD abhorreth.
Ver. 3. For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire] Though the soul of the wicked desire evil, Proverbs 21:10, yet he glorieth in it, as did that thrasonical Lamech, Genesis 4:23,24, and that pyrgopolynices Nebuchadnezzar, Isa 10:9-12 Daniel 4:30,31. See Psa 52:1 Philippians 3:19. This the just and jealous God cannot bear, as neither that which followeth.
And blesseth the covetous] Ut sapientem et providum, as a wise man and good husband. So they in Malachi, who said, "And now we count the proud happy," &c. Felix scelus virtus vocatur (Seneca).
Whom the Lord abhorreth] Smiting his hands with indignation at his dishonest gain, Ezekiel 22:13, like as Balak did at Balsam, with whom he was deeply displeased, Numbers 24:10 .