Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.
If we compare not only the end, but the way, we shall find that religion has the advantage; for, 1. The way of saints is pleasant and agreeable: Good understanding gains favour with God and man; our Saviour grew in that favour when he increased in wisdom.
Good understanding giveth favour,.... A good understanding in things natural and civil gives favour among men; and so a good understanding in divine and spiritual things gives a man favour among religious people, makes him taken notice of by them, and acceptable to them: and such an understanding no man has, unless it be given him; and such appear to have one that do the commandments of God, Psa 111:10.
Right perception and action secure good will, while evil ways are difficult as a stony road. The wicked left of God find punishment of sin in sinning. hard--or, "harsh" (compare Hebrew: Deu 21:4; Jer 5:15).