Proverbs 17:11 (BSB)

An evil man seeks only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

From Proverbs 17. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 17:11

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 17:11: Here is the sin and punishment of an evil man. 1. His sin. He is an evil man indeed that seeks all occasions to rebel against God, and the government God has set over him, and to contradict and quarrel with those about him. Quaerit jurgia - He picks quarrels; so some.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 17:11: An evil man seeketh only rebellion,.... For he seeks nothing but what is evil; and all sin is rebellion against God, a contempt of his laws, and a transgression of them; a trampling upon his legislative power and authority; an act of hostility against him, and a casting off allegiance to him.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 17:11: Such meet just retribution (Kg1 2:25). a cruel messenger--one to inflict it.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 17:11: An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. (e) By the messenger is meant such means as God uses to punish the rebels.