EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS (4)

Verse 10.—

Verse 12 (first clause).—The upright man’s “foot,” is said to “stand in an even place;” he walks not haltingly and uncomely, as those who go in unequal ways, which are hobbling, and up and down, or those whose feet and legs are not even (as Solomon saith), “The legs of the lame are not equal,” and so cannot stand in an even place, because one is long and the other short; the sincere man’s feet are even, and legs of a length, as I may say; his care alike conscientious to the whole will of God. The hypocrite, like the badger, hath one foot shorter than another; or, like a foundered horse, he doth not stand, as we say, right of all four; one foot at least you shall perceive he favours, loth to put it down.—William Gurnall.

Verse 12.—“On an even place.” As a man whose feet are firmly fixed upon even ground is apprehensive of no fall, so the pious worshippers of Jehovah feel no dread lest their adversaries should finally triumph over them.—William Walford.