If this is the close of Solomon’s part of the book of Proverbs, as seems evident (see chs. 30:1; 31:1), this verse makes a fitting conclusion, for it summarizes the subject matter of the book. The mutual antipathy of good and evil about which the wise man has spoken, extends to those who practice these deeds. The good man finds it impossible to remain in close, personal relationship with bad men because their aims, preoccupations, and standards are so different. Unless he lowers his own standards he cannot be comfortable in their presence. The opposite is equally true (see Isa. 53:3; John 15:19). Unless the wicked man is willing to let the good character of the righteous influence him into changing his own ways, he will be irked by association with the upright. The “hatred” which the righteous man feels should be a detestation of the wickedness of the wicked man (see Ps. 139:19-21).