Wicked people earn deceitful wages, but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
a deceitful work--or, "wages," which fail to satisfy, or flee away (Pro 10:2; Pro 23:5). sure reward--or, "gain," as from trading (Hos 10:12; Gal 6:8-9).
The wicked worketh a deceitful work,.... Such a wicked man as before described; that neither enjoys the good things of life he has, nor suffers others to enjoy them; and all to accumulate riches, which are deceitful and perishing; and who abstains from meats, which God has created for use, under a pretence of religion, and so deceives his own soul; and indeed every sin...
Pro 11:18 Man consists of body and soul. In regard to both, benevolence brings its reward, and hatred its punishment. The godless acquires deceptive gain; But he that soweth righteousness, a true reward. Jerome makes 18b an independent clause, for he translates it as if the word were written וּלזרע; the Syr. and Targ. also, as if אמתּו שׂכרו (his fidelity is his reward).