shame;" that is, is not transported with passion in an unseemly manner. Dr. Wells. 19.—a lying tongue is but for a moment.] A liar is soon detected, being apt to contradict himself, and to blast his reputation for ever. Bp. Patrick. 23. A prudent man &c.] A prudent man will not display his knowledge, except on proper occasions; but a fool on all occasions betrays his ignorance and folly. Bp. Patrick, Dr. Durell. 25. —a good word maketh it glad.] The kind and encouraging discourses of a friend raise it and make it glad. Bp. Patrick. 27. The slothful man &c.] The slothful man for want of exertion loses even the fruit of his former labours; but the diligent man sets a just value on it, and converts it to its proper use. a tree of life. + Heb. with the hand. Chap. XIII. ver. 2. A man shall eat good &c.] He that speaks well of others, and gives them faithful counsels, shall reap the benefit thereof himself; and they that perfidiously calumniate or deceive others, shall suffer themselves the injury which they design to do their neighbours. Bp. Patrick. 7. There is that maketh himself rich, &c.] There are those who are rich in their poverty, because they are content, and use generously what they have: there are others, who in the midst of their riches are really poor, from their insatiable covetousness or profusion. Calmet. 8. The ransom of a man's life &c.] The rich, on account of their wealth, are sometimes accused of high crimes, that they may pay a large sum to save their lives; but nobody takes the trouble of finding fault with the poor, or bringing charges against him. Bp. Patrick. 9. The light of the righteous &c.] The happiness of the righteous shines like the sun, and increases to their endless joy; but the happiness of the wicked is as feeble as the light of a candle, and will soon be extinguished. Bp. Patrick. 28. In the way of righteousness is life; &c.] This is, as it were, the sum and substance of the chapter, and a proper conclusion of all that we have been taught in the foregoing maxims of Divine philosophy; namely, that religion and a holy conversation are the only sure and infallible way to happiness. So excellent, and so far beyond every other scheme, is this "way of righteousness," that not one of all the actions and pursuits in Or, "The lamp of the wicked shall be put out:" the which it engages us shall ever end in misery and dis-seeming and false mirth of wicked men, with which appointment. "In the pathway thereof there is no they are vainly elated, will soon be put out and end in death;" but, saith the Gospel, seconding the royal sorrow. Bp. Hall. moralist, All things work together for good to them that love God," Rom. viii. 28. Wogan. 12. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick:] He speaks of a case, when by repeated disappointments the hope Moral virtues, CHRIST Before 13 Whoso despiseth the word | the poor: but there is that is destroyed about 1000. shall be destroyed: but he that fear- for want of judgment. eth the commandment || shall be rewarded. || Or, shall be in peace. e Chap. 14. 27. f Chap. 12. 23. & 15. 2. † Heb. spreadeth. e 14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. f Before about 1000. i Chap. 23. 24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son but he that loveth him 13. chasteneth him betimes. 16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool + layeth EVERY wise woman buildeth her open his folly. 17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. 18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be ho noured. seems to be removed farther off from day to day; which is justly said to sicken the heart. Dr. Durell. 13. Whoso despiseth the word &c.] Despiseth the good counsels and admonitions that are given him. Bp. Patrick. 14. The law of the wise &c.] The law of God, which is the matter and scope to which all the instruction of wise teachers tends, is that fountain, from which spiritual and eternal life flows, and the only means of delivering the soul from the snares of eternal death. Bp. Hall. 15. Good understanding giveth favour:] A prudent, pious, and regular behaviour, is most amiable and acceptable to all men; but the conversation of those who live by no law but their own lusts, like a rough way, is grievously uneasy. Bp. Patrick. 20. He that walketh with wise men] That is, who chooses wise persons for his companions, and loses no opportunity of receiving their advice and instruction. Dr. Jortin. 21. to the righteous good shall be repayed.] This sentence expresses the general truth, that the practice of righteousness is men's true interest, even in the present life; and that wickedness is attended with great misery generally, even here as well as hereafter. Dr. S. Clarke. 22. the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.] Being transferred from his family to another which is virtuous. Bp. Patrick. 24. He that spareth his rod &c.] A fond indulgence house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. 2 He that walketh in his upright- a Job 12. 4 ness feareth the LORD: abut he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. 5 b A faithful witness will not lie but a false witness will utter lies. : b Exod. 20. 16. & 23. 1. ch. 6. 19. & 12. 17. 6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy c Chap. 8. 9. unto him that understandeth. 7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. of children is frequently their utter ruin, and in truth is not love, but hatred. Abp. Tillotson. 25. The righteous eateth &c.] A righteous man never wants a sufficiency, because his desires are moderate, and he makes a temperate use of God's blessings: whereas wicked men bring themselves to poverty by riot and dissipation. Bp. Patrick. Chap. XIV. ver. 1.— buildeth her house:] By her diligent and prudent management raises up a family, and increases its riches and reputation. Bp. Patrick. 3. In the mouth of the foolish &c.] The tongue of the fool is a scourge by which his own pride is lashed; but the lips of the wise are a safe defence to himself. Bp. Hall. 4. Where no oxen are, &c.] If the fields lie fallow and neglected, a famine will follow; but good husbandry bestowed upon them makes great plenty.-Oxen were the principal instruments of husbandry in Palestine, being employed, not only in ploughing the land, and carrying home the crop, but also in treading out the corn. Bp. Patrick. 6. A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not :] He that comes to seek after knowledge with a mind to scorn and censure, shall be sure to find matter enough for his humour, but none for his instruction. Lord Bacon. -but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.] But he who does not deem himself too wise to learn, easily and quickly attains the knowledge of things necessary and useful. Bp. Patrick. Moral virtues, Before CHRIST 9 d Fools make a mock at sin: but | bour sinneth: but he that hath about 1000. among the righteous there is favour. d Chap. 10. 23. ↑ Heb. the bitterness of his soul. e Chap. 16. 25. 10 The heart knoweth + his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. 11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. 12e There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. 14 The backslider in heart shall [Chap. 1. 31. be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. g Chap. 19. 7. 15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. 16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. 17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly and a man of wicked devices is hated. 18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor is hated even of his + Heb. many own neighbour: but † the rich hath of the rich. many friends. are the lovers 21 He that despiseth his neigh 9. Fools make a mock at sin:] Wantonly commit sin, think nothing of injuring others. but among the righteous there is favour.] Righteous men do not injure each other, but mutually confer what kindness they can. Dr. Wells. 10. The heart knoweth &c.] Every man is best acquainted with his own secret sorrows, and knows where he is inwardly wrung, while the world thinks him happy: as, on the other hand, he may have hidden occasions of joy, which cannot be judged of by others. Bp. Hall. 14. The backslider in heart &c.] He that is froward and perverse, and willingly falls from his former good purposes, shall be sure to suffer the punishment of his wicked courses. Bp. Hall. — a good man shall be satisfied from himself.] A good man hath the pleasure of being wise and acting reasonably, the pleasure of being justified to himself in what he does, and of being acquitted by the sentence of his own mind. There is a great pleasure in being innocent, because that prevents guilt and trouble; it is pleasant to be virtuous and good, because that is to excel others; and it is pleasant to grow better, because that is to excel ourselves. Abp. Tillotson. 19. The evil bow before the good;] The meaning is, on the poor, happy is he. mercy 22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. 23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. Before CHRIST about 1000. h Ps. 112. 9. The wicked finally yield the ascendancy in life to the good. 23. - but the talk of the lips &c.] He that spendeth his time in idle talk, and doth nothing, will be certain of coming to poverty. Bp. Hall. 24. The crown of the wise &c.] Riches are a singular advantage and ornament to a wise and virtuous man, who knows how to use them; but such is the folly of wicked men, that their wealth makes them the more vile, and serves to render their folly more conspicuous. Bp. Patrick. 29. — he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.] Exposes his own folly, and makes it apparent to every one. Bp. Patrick. Anger is certainly one of the most foolish passions of human nature, and commonly betrays men to the most imprudent and unreasonable things. Abp. Tillotson. 30. A sound heart is the life] A quiet, honest, contented mind, is "the life of the flesh," conduces much to health and happiness. Dr. Wells. 32. the righteous hath hope in his death.] These words have no sense or meaning except on the supposition of a future state: for hope always looks forward, and has respect unto something that is future: but, if death puts an end to our being; if, according to the creed of the unbeliever, we die like brute animals, and have no after-existence; what hope can the righteous have in his death, any more than the wicked, or how can either of them have any hope at all? This hope can be built on nothing, but the belief of the soul's immortality, and a future state of retribution. Dr. Ibbot. -resteth in the heart] That is, is locked up in his breast, till the proper time comes of drawing it forth. Dr. Isham. 33. 34. Righteousness exalteth a nation:] We must enlarge in this sentence the meaning of the word "righteousness" to the general strain of the book of Proverbs, in which the words wisdom and righteousness are commonly used very comprehensively to signify all religion and virtue. Abp. Tillotson. sin is a reproach] Brings down calamities and misery. Dr. Wells. This is an admirable sentence, and ought to be engraved in all the most public places of every nation. Calmet. 35.that causeth shame.] That disgraces his master's government by his evil and unfaithful management of the trust or office committed to him. Dr. Wells. Chap. XV. ver. 1. A soft answer &c.] Solomon here gives this general caution, that we should not think it enough, never to begin strife and contention; but if others begin it, we should not continue it by rough answers, but endeavour presently to make an end by softening the matter, and yield much for the sake of tranquillity. Bp. Patrick. 3. The eyes of the Lord &c.] A continual sense of e and their contrary vices. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. Before CHRIST about 1000. e Chap. 21. 27. Amos 5. 22. Isa. 1. 11. & Jer. 6. 20. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he 66.3. loveth him that followeth after right- & 7. 22. eousness. Instruction. 10 | Correction is grievous unto Or, him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. 11 Hell and destruction are be- f Job 26. 6. fore the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? 12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. 22. 13 & A merry heart maketh a cheer- Chap. 17. ful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. 16h Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. h Ps. 37. 16. chap. 16. 8. 1 Tim. 6. 6. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs i Chap. 17. 1. where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. the Divine presence is the best and only true restraint from vice, the strongest and most encouraging motive to virtue. Wogan. 4. A wholesome tongue] A sound (or a healing) tongue, a tongue which imparts sound advice, or pacifies anger. Dr. Durell. "Is a tree of life;" is an incomparable blessing to all within its influence. But perverseness therein hurts or wounds the soul. Bp. Patrick. 8. The sacrifice of the wicked &c.] The sacrifice of the wicked, however costly it may be, is an abomination to the Lord; but the bare prayer of the upright, though he be unable to bring any costly offerings or sacrifices, is his delight. Dr. Wells. 11. Hell and destruction &c.] Even the devouring grave, and the lowest depths of the earth, lie open to the eyes of the Lord; how much more does He behold the bottom of man's heart! Bp. Hall. See the notes on Job xxvi. 6. 13.-by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.] When grief and sorrow seize on the heart, they deject, enfeeble, and break the most courageous spirit. Bp. Patrick. p Chap. 12. 7. & 14. 11. q Chap. 6. 18. 24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. and their contrary vices. Before CHRIST 28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth about 1000. of the wicked poureth out evil things. r & 145. 18. 29 The LORD is far from the r Ps. 34. 16. wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. 31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. correction. 32 He that refuseth || instruction! Or, despiseth his own soul: but he that || heareth reproof †getteth under- Or, obeyeth. standing. ↑ Heb. possesseth an heart. 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before Chap. 18. honour is humility. CHAP. XVI. 12. 25 The LORD will destroy the THE preparations of the heart a Ver. 9. house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the + Heb. words words of the pure are + pleasant words. 27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. of pleasant ness. and "a stalled (or crammed) ox," an ox put up in a stall, and there fatted, was esteemed the best entertainment. Thus in the New Testament, the marriage provision which the king made for his son's wedding was "oxen and fatlings," Matt. xxii. 4. And "the fatted calf" was brought forth to entertain the returning prodigal. In the same manner Homer describes the entertainments of his greatest princes and heroes, as consisting almost entirely of fatted oxen and other animals. Bochart. 19. The way of the slothful man &c.] The proceedings of the slothful man are full of embarrassments and uneasiness; like a man breaking through a hedge of thorns, he moves with difficulty and pain. 23. A man hath joy &c.] It is a great pleasure to a man to give wholesome counsel, and to see the good success of it; and the greatest of all, both to himself and to others, is to have it given so seasonably, that a business has been easily effected by it, which would not have been done without it. Bp. Patrick. 24. The way of life is above to the wise,] He that is truly wise has his affections and conversation above; and in the holy way of obedience walketh to eternal life. Bp. Hall. will 25.— he will establish the border of the widow.] He preserve the poor widow, who has no helper, in her right when insolent persons invade it. Bp. Patrick. 27. troubleth his own house ;] Throweth his house or family into confusion. he that hateth gifts] That hateth bribes and all unlawful gains, "shall live" and prosper. Dr. Wells. 28. The heart of the righteous &c.] A good man does not speak without consideration: but bad men are rash, and forward to utter their mind. Bp. Patrick. 30. The light of the eyes &c.] As light gives pleasure VOL. II. to the eye, and pours joy into the recesses of the heart, so a good reputation creates inward satisfaction, and contributes to the health of the body. Calmet. 31. the reproof of life] Salutary reproof. 33.-before honour is humility.] Humility, docility, the fear of God, are the means which lead to honour and true wisdom. Calmet. Our Lord Himself has made "humility" the first entrance to the "honour" of being his disciple, as well as the first step in his scale of blessings, Matt. v. And with this important maxim the chapter concludes, as the sum total of the foregoing precepts, "Before honour is humility." Wogan. Chap. XVI. ver. 1. The preparations of the heart &c.] The literal version of the original gives the best and truest sense of this text, "To man are the dispositions of the heart, but from the Lord is the answer of the tongue;" that is, Man hath a power over his thoughts to propose and dispose, to intend and contrive; but to bring such thoughts to effect, or even to utter them with the tongue, especially to utter them wisely, depends wholly upon God. A similar sentence occurs in this chapter at ver. 9; also chap. xx. 24, &c. Wogan. 2. All the ways of a man &c.] Every man is apt to think the best of his own actions, and to justify himself in his own courses; but the Lord judgeth and examineth the inward disposition, the soul and spirit of a man. Bp. Hall. 3. Commit thy works &c.] When thou undertakest any thing, implore the Divine blessing; and, committing the success of it to God's providence, leave it to Him to give what issue to it He pleases; which is the surest way to have thy honest designs accomplished. Bp. Pa |