And the strong shall be as a {p} wick, and its maker as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them.

(p) The false god's in which you put your confidence will be consumed as easily as a piece of wick.

Wesley's Notes

1:31 The strong - Your idols, which you think to be strong and able to defend you. As tow - Shall be as suddenly and easily, consumed by my judgments, as tow is by fire. The maker - Of the idol, who can neither save himself nor his workmanship.

King James Translators' Notes

maker...: or, and his work

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

31. strong-powerful rulers (Am 2:9).

maker of it-rather, his work. He shall be at once the fuel, "tow," and the cause of the fire, by kindling the first "spark."

both-the wicked ruler, and "his work," which "is as a spark."

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

1:21-31 Neither holy cities nor royal ones are faithful to their trust, if religion does not dwell in them. Dross may shine like silver, and the wine that is mixed with water may still have the colour of wine. Those have a great deal to answer for, who do not help the oppressed, but oppress them. Men may do much by outward restraints; but only God works effectually by the influences of his Spirit, as a Spirit of Judgment. Sin is the worst captivity, the worst slavery. The redemption of the spiritual Zion, by the righteousness and death of Christ, and by his powerful grace, most fully accord with what is here meant. Utter ruin is threatened. The Jews should become as a tree when blasted by heat; as a garden without water, which in those hot countries would soon be burned up. Thus shall they be that trust in idols, or in an arm of flesh. Even the strong man shall be as tow; not only soon broken, and pulled to pieces, but easily catching fire. When the sinner has made himself as tow and stubble, and God makes himself as a consuming fire, what can prevent the utter ruin of the sinner?