R. Yonah: This Parashah discusses Zehirus (carefulness). Learning brings to deed, and deed brings to Zehirus ¹ . Shlomo first taught about learning Chachmah, and afterwards three Parshiyos about deeds - (a) perfection of Emunah (Bitachon) and Yir'as Hashem; (b) fulfilling Torah; (c) to honor Torah and fear bearers of Torah, and to separate from company of the Rasha, for a great loss comes from it also to Chachamim and Tzadikim. Now it discusses Zehirus, in four Parshiyos - in Mitzvos, in fear, from monetary damage - also in this, one can reach a great level - and laziness, the opposite of Zehirus. The style of this Sefer is to teach about every coveted Midah, and afterwards the lowliness of its opposite, to distance you from its border. Zehirus is guarding from negligence, lest one be negligent in Mitzvos ² . We warn only one who is Zahir ³ . Usually, warning helps only one whose Sechel rebukes him. One who is not Zahir is close to Mezid. Even though he is Shogeg at the time of the sin, he was negligent for not being careful; his punishment is great. Be careful about learning, for a mistake in learning is considered Mezid ⁴ (Avos 4:13).

Malbim: Devarim are the words at length, the way one expounds, elaborates and gives reasons. Amarim are the expressions in which he clothes his words. Listen to the matters at length, and also tilt your ears to the choice of words and guard the expression [in which I said them]. E.g. the expression in which written Torah was said are Amarim, and the Halachos that were handed over orally are the Devarim. You must put your mind to both of them!