4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
4 "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.
4 "Look at that man, bloated by self-importance - full of himself but soul-empty. But the person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive.
4 "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.
4 "Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:4
Commentary on Habakkuk 2:1-4
(Read Habakkuk 2:1-4)
When tossed and perplexed with doubts about the methods of Providence, we must watch against temptations to be impatient. When we have poured out complaints and requests before God, we must observe the answers God gives by his word, his Spirit, and providences; what the Lord will say to our case. God will not disappoint the believing expectations of those who wait to hear what he will say unto them. All are concerned in the truths of God's word. Though the promised favour be deferred long, it will come at last, and abundantly recompense us for waiting. The humble, broken-hearted, repenting sinner, alone seeks to obtain an interest in this salvation. He will rest his soul on the promise, and on Christ, in and through whom it is given. Thus he walks and works, as well as lives by faith, perseveres to the end, and is exalted to glory; while those who distrust or despise God's all-sufficiency will not walk uprightly with him. The just shall live by faith in these precious promises, while the performance of them is deferred. Only those made just by faith, shall live, shall be happy here and for ever.