For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them. The turning away from the monitions of Wisdom ("Turn ye," Proverbs 1:23) on the part of the simple. Prosperity in the parallel clause corresponds to "turning away" (from divine wisdom), as cause answers to effect. Compare Zechariah 7:11, "They refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear;" Numbers 14:43. "Ye are turned away from the Lord."
And the prosperity of fools shall destroy them - (Psalms 106:15.) When Jeshurun waxed fat, he kicked (Deuteronomy 32:15). Thus the objection is met that sinners often outwardly prosper now. Yes, replies Wisdom; but that prosperity proves their very curse, and accelerates the Judgments of God. It is harder to bear prosperity than adversity, because we endure the latter, but are apt to be corrupted and blinded to our ruin by the former. It is they who are "settled on their lees, that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil" (Zephaniah 1:12).