a man giuen to disquietnes and trouble seeketh onely euill i. studieth nothing els but how he may performe mischief but hee shall gaine nothing thereby as appeareth by that which followeth and a cruell messenger i. either a tormentor or some other who shall execute the iudgement of God and the Magistrates against him not repenting shall bee sent vz. from God or man or both against him vz. to punish him according to the greeuousnes of his offences Vers 12. It is better i. there is lesse danger in it for a man vz. that is himselfe alone vnprepared or vnarmed to meete vz. in the wildernes or els where a beare the worde is of the Masculine gender and signifieth notwithstanding the Femall also or shee beare robbed of hir whelpes i. whose yong ones haue been taken from hir by some one meanes or other The beares when they haue lost their whelps are verie fearce and cruell speciallie the shee beares as whose affection seemeth to bee greater towards them concerning the greatnes of the danger which may befall men by beares see 2. Samuel 17.8 2. king 2.24 Hoseah 13.8 than a foole in his follie i. then a wicked man in the extremitie of his wickednes and rage q.d. it were lesse euill to fall into the power of the one than of the other Vers 13. He vz. whosoeuer he bee that rewardeth i. rendreth and yeeldeth vnto another man euill i. mischief and hurt for good i. for the good and profit that hee hath receaued by him euill i. plagues and punishments from God and manie times displeasure from men also shall not depart from his house i. from him or from his wicked posteritie It is a sinne against all lawe yea euen against nature to requite good with euill see it forbidden Roman 12.17 where wee are forbidden to recompence euill for euill much lesse to recompence good with euill Vers 14. The beginning of strife i. the beginner of strife he putteth the thing for the persons q.d. he that is the worker of the beginning of strife is as one that openeth the waters vz. which were shut vp in standing pooles or ponds which being once let out they ouerflowe and carrie away euery thing that standeth before them and cannot againe be shut vp and inclosed q.d. the hole or since by which they are let foorth at the first seemeth narrowe but afterwards by the rage of the waters it is made greater and so is it with strife and contention therefore or the contention be medled with i. before it be any whit at al begun leaue of vz. from it He would haue vs to withstand and quench the beginning of strife Ver. 15. He that iustifieth i. declareth either by word or déed as iust so haue you the word oftentimes vsed both in the old new Testament Exod. 23.7 Isaiah 5.23 Math. 11.19 1. Tim. 3.17 the wicked vz. man and he that condemneth i. either by word or deed pronounceth sentence of condemnation against the iust i. the vpright innocent person euen they both vz. of what state condition or calling soeuer they be are an abomination to the Lord. i. lothed disliked of him see chapt 11.1 for this phrase and for the matter words almost see the like sentence Chapt. 24.24 Ve. 16. Wherfore i. to what end purpose is there a price i. means as riches or monie wherby a thing prised may bee bought in the hand i. in the power as sundry times in the scripture of the foole i. of the wicked vngodlie man to get wisedome vz. by it he hath none heart vz. to obtaine it meaning that he hath no affection or pleasure thereto q.d. It auaileth the foole nothing yea rather it is a miserable thing vnto him to haue full hands or great power no heart or wil at all to obtaine good things For he is vnworthie of good things that disdaineth wisedom yea those very good things shall tend to his greater iudgement Ver. 17. A friend i. he that is a faithfull trustie friend loueth vz. vnfeignedly with a good heart his familiar friend or acquaintance at all times vz. both of aduersitie and prosperitie for nothing can turne away his minde and a brother i. a naturall and deare friend for I suppose he speaketh not of naturall brethren onely is borne i. is brought foorth as it were into the worlde and so made manifest for aduersitie i. euen against the daies of troubles and trialls come q.d. then doth the force of naturall friendship appeare which before in prosperitie lay as it were hidden Vers 18. A man destitute of vnderstanding i. an vnwise and foolish man toucheth the hand vz. of another giuing him his hand and word as it were for the payment and performance of some thing see Chapt. 6.1 and becommeth suretie vz. by that meanes for his neighbour i. his familiar friend and acquaintance see chap. 1.1 2 c. Also chap. 11.15 Vers 19. He loueth transgression that loueth strife vz. either betwéene himselfe and some others or els betwéene other men though he himselfe be none of the parties striuing He meaneth that the author of contention loueth all manner of euill because there is almost none euill but it ariseth and is increased by contention and he that exalteth i. setteth on high his gate i. the gate or doore of his house meaning in an allegorie hereby he that despising others lifteth vp himselfe which is fitly shadowed out by this speach because it sometime falleth out that they that set their doores high fall backward from thence and so bruse hurt and wound themselues seeketh destruction i. his own hurt and danger Vers 20. The froward heart i. the man giuen to frowardnes a part for the whole and yet he nameth the heart because it is the seate of affections from whence also they flowe findeth no good i. obtaineth no good thing either before God or man but much euill and hurt rather and he that hath a naughtie tongue i. he that vseth his tongue to speake either lewdlie and filthilie or els vntruely or falsely against any shall fall into euill i. shall be ouertaken with Gods iudgements for the same and haue those things light vpon him that his tongue hath pronounced against other men Vers 21. He that begetteth a foole i. the parents of a foolish child He putteth the first part of procreation for the whole and the education thereof also because in the first generation no man knoweth what his sonne or child shal be and of the habite which the child afterwards getteth either by the parents negligence or euill bringing vp or though he haue béen well instructed yet notwithstanding he hath an euill hart or mind getteth himselfe sorowe vz. through the follie of his child and the father of a foole i. his parents can haue no ioye vz. in their foolish children and so long as they continue such see Prouerb 10.1 Also 15.20 And also verse 25. of this Chapter Vers 22. A
griefe and hurt that dronkards through their owne follie drawe vnto themselues Vers 33. Thine eyes shall looke vpon strange women i. thou shalt become shamelesse and vnchast if thou giue thy selfe to dronkennes vnderstanding by strange women harlots as sundrie times heretofore and this is another reason why dronkennes is to be auoyded because vnchastnes is ioyned with it as an inseperable companion and thine heart i. thou out of the abundance of thy heart Matth. 12.32 for otherwise the heart speaketh not shall speake vz. openly and in the presence of others lewd things i. filthie and vnseemelie things Another reason why dronkennes is to be auoyded because of the euil speach that is ioyned with it Vers 34. And thou shalt be vz. when thou art so dronke as one that sleepeth in the middest of the sea that is it will make thée careles and secure as the sléepie man is and as he that sleepeth in the toppe of the mast i. as one that is in great and continuall danger readie through the rage and violence of the sea to be cast out of the mast into the maine sea Here is two reasons contained the one because it maketh men carelesse the other because they are in wonderfull great danger though perhaps they themselues feele it not Vers 35. They i. sundrie men haue striken me vz. grieuouslie and very hard shalt thou vz. O dronkard say vz. when thou art waked out of the dead sleepe of thy dronkennes but I was not sicke i. I was not grieued or pained for all their blowes they haue beaten me vz. very much but J knewe not vz. that they had so dealt with me for dronkennes taketh away almost all the senses when I awoke vz. out of the sléepe of my dronkennes till such time as other made me know it by some one meane or other therefore will I seeke vz. diligently and carefully it i. strong and pleasant wine meaning thereby that he would pursue dronkennes notwithstanding all these inconueniences yet still i. somewhat longer q.d. dronkennes will make thee so much the more miserable by how much thou shalt glorie of the dulnes of thy bodie and minde yea which is worse by many degrees thou shalt of purpose prouoke thy selfe to continue and increase in thine old excesse ryot and dronkennes a horrible thing no doubt Do. Verse 1. Teacheth vs to haue regard of time place persons c. Vers 2. Teacheth vs that it is a hard matter to bridle appetite and also that wee must deale earnestly in the subduing thereof Verse 3. Teacheth vs that we may easilie be ouertaken with daintie fare vnlesse wee take good heed to our selues Vers 4. Teacheth vs to auoide couetousnes and trusting too much in our owne wit Verse 5. Setteth out the incertaintie of riches and the vanitie thereof Verse 6. Teacheth vs to auoide the companie of niggardlie minded men Verse 7. Setteth out the hypocrisie of the niggard speaking one thing and meaning another Verse 8. Teacheth vs that there is not onely no good gotten but much hurt done both to our selues and others by resorting to niggards tables and feastes Ver. 9. Teacheth vs to take heede that wee despise not good counsell Verse 10. Teacheth vs not to incroch vpon any but to be content with our owne Verse 11. Setteth out Gods fauour and loue towards the poore afflicted Verse 12. Teacheth vs to imploye and lend all our forces to obtaine heauenly wisedome Vers 13. Teacheth vs moderatly and in good order to correct such as GOD hath committed to our bringing vp Verse 14. Declareth what good commeth by reasonable correction Verse 15. and 16. Teach vs that good and wise children reioyce continually the hearts of their parents and friends Vers 17. Teacheth two things first that wee should not be enuious at the wickeds prosperitie secondly that we should continually meditate and thinke vppon the reuerence and feare of Gods Maiestie Verse 18. Teacheth vs not onely in patience to waite for good things but to bee assured also that wee shall in good time obtaine them Verse 19. Teacheth vs that Gods word should be a continuall direction of the affections of our hearts Verse 20. Teacheth vs to shunne euill companie Verse 21. Setteth out the inconueniences of gluttonie and idlenes Verse 22. Teacheth obedience to superiours and others whom God hath placed ouer vs. Verse 23. Teacheth vs not onely to vse all meanes to get knowledge in Gods trueth but when we haue obtained it to make much of it Verse 24. Teacheth vs that good children are matters of great ioye to their parents Vers 25. Teacheth the same thing Vers 26. Teacheth vs diligently to hearken to the good counsell of our parents and friends Vers 27. Setteth out the dangers of whoredome Vers 28. Describeth the qualities and properties of harlots Verse 29. Declareth the great miseries and mischiefes that insue vpon dronkennes Verse 30. Teacheth vs to beware that we be not ouertaken euen with the vse of lawfull things Verse 31. Teacheth vs to withstand the beginnings and to auoide the occasions of dronkennes Verse 32. Setteth out the hurts that followe vpon it Verse 33. Teacheth vs that dronkennes hath either whoredome or inticements to whoredome annexed with it Verse 24. Teacheth vs that dronkennes thrusteth men headlong into most dangerous dangers Verse 35. Teacheth vs that it bereaueth men euen of their senses for the time and instructeth vs further in time to cease from euill least going on in the same an vnauoidable iudgement ouertake vs. CHAP. 24. Co. THe holie Ghost hauing before liuely painted out wicked men and namely dronkurds knowing also our readines to imbrace such vices beginneth this Chapter with an admonition to auoide such companie which thing also he expressed before Chap. 23. vers 17 20. so that it seemeth to bee as it were a continuance of the same doctrine Di. I Would diuide this Chapter into three especiall parts In the first he teacheth Di. 1 men to auoide euill companie commendeth wisedome knowledge vnderstanding and counsell he speaketh also against such as imagine mischiefe and scorne at others and instructeth patiently to beare aduersitie and to defend and maintaine the innocent from verse 1. to the end of the Di. 2 12. In the second he setteth out the excellencie of wisedome exhorteth the wicked to leaue off their wickednes and not to reioyce at the fall of any he teacheth men not to bee grieued at the wickeds prosperitie to yeeld obedience to God and Magistrates and to beware of sedicious persons for feare of punishments that shal fall vpon thē from vers 13. to the end of the Di. 3 22. In the third he willeth men to beware of hauing respect of persons and of iustifying the vngodlie and teacheth them to speake good things and to deale wisely and prouidently in all their affaires to beware of false witnes bearing and of recompensing euill for euill and of idlenes which bringeth nothing with it but beggerie and pouertie from verse
23. to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. BE not thou enuious against euill men it is the same in meaning that wée had before Chap. 23.17 though it differ somewhat in words neither desire i. haue not so much as an affection to be with them vz. in companie or acquainted with them and hereof he sheweth a reason in the next verse Vers 2. For their heart imagineth i. they themselues doo nothing els but imagine and deuise destruction i. hurt and harme against other men and marke how he saith their heart meaning that the wicked haue but as it were one minde specially in working mischiefe and their lippes speake i. they with their lippes boldly vtter mischiefe vz. against other men q.d. they feare not with their mouthes to speake the mischiefe that they haue deuised Vers 3. Through wisedome He meaneth this of heauenly wisedome and knowledge is a house builded He speaketh not onely of the outward framing of a house but of the increase also of a mans familie and the attaining of things necessarie for the same and with vnderstanding vz. of Gods will reuealed in his word it is established vz. firme and sure so that it cannot be moued see Matth. 7.24 25. Vers 4. And by knowledge i. right skill to gouerne the things wherewith God hath blessed men shall the chambers i. all the parts and péeces of the house yet he maketh speciall mention of the chambers because men commonly lay vp things in them bee filled vz. plentifully and abundantly with all precious and pleasant riches He meaneth no doubt specially outward and earthly riches yet so that vnder them he comprehendeth the true and right riches q.d. hée that shall skilfully gouerne his house shall obtaine all sortes of blessings Vers 5. A wise man is strong hée still commendeth wisedome shewing that it hath other excellent qualities adioyned to it for I would rather reade it and a man of vnderstanding i. he that is indued with right knowledge and wisedome increaseth his strength i. is indéede very mightie and many times doth that by his wisdome which the strong cannot doo by their strength and therefore is to be preferred see Eccles 9.13 14 c. also Chap. 21.22 Vers 6. For with counsell i. with right and holy counsel thou shalt enterprise thy warre i. the warre that thou shalt make against other men and in the multitude of them i. where there are many or great store is that can giue counsell i. good and right counsell as before is health i. great store and abundance of all manner of blessings see Prouerb 11.14 also 15.22 also 20.18 and this is a reason why wisdome is to be preferred because of the good successe it giueth Vers 7. Wisdome i. holy and heauenlie wisdome is high to a foole i. to a wicked and vngodly man q.d. A foole cannot attaine wisdome but a wise man easilie getteth it see Chap 14.6 therefore i. because it is such an excellent thing and not obteyned by him hee i. the foole or wicked man cannot open his mouth i. speak see Matth. 5.2 also Acts. 10.34 the beginning of speach put for speach it selfe for a man must open his mouth before hee can speak in the gate i. the place of publike assemblies see Chapter 1.21 and other places in which méetings wisdome should most especiallie be manifested Vers 8. Hee that imagineth vz. in his heart see vers 2. of this Chap. to doo euill i. hurt and mischief against other men men i. many men speciallie good men shall call him vz. iustly and thorow his owne wicked demerits an author of wickednes i. a most wicked and vngodly person as hee that is the author of any euill is counted the most notorious amongst them all Vers 9. The wicked thought of a foole i. the wicked man which thinketh nothing but wicked things yea euen his wicked thoughts is sinne vz. before God though perhaps men deeme not so and the scorner i. he that derideth all matters appertaining either to God or men is an abhomination vnto men i. is loathed and abhorred of them speciallie of the good people Vers 10. If thou be faintt vz. harted in the day of aduersitie i. in the time of trouble whether it lye vpon thy self or others thy strength i. the force and power that seemed to be in thee is small i. will then appeare to be nothing when calamitie shall set vpon thee Vers 11. Deliuer vz. what in thee lyeth and by all the meanes thou canst them that are drawne to death i. them that are vniustlie oppressed by what meanes danger or extremitie soeuer it be Psal 79. they are called the children of death and wilt thou not vz. what in thee lyeth preserue vz. by thy power them that are led to be slaine vz. by others q.d. If thou doost it not it shall bee thy great sinne Vers 12. If thou say q.d. If thou wouldst lay for an excuse behold we knewe not of it vz. that he was ignorant q.d. though thou wouldest pretend ignorance of the man or the matter or both hee that pondreth the hearts i. God for this is a Periphrasis of him because to him only it belongeth to search the heartes and reynes dooth not hee vnderstand it vz. both his iust cause and thy neglect of his defence q.d. certainely he doth and will take the matter into his owne hands as followeth in this verse and he that keepeth thy soule i. defendeth thee thy selfe from danger and distresse whereinto thy neighbour is fallen and that to this end that thou shouldest helpe the oppressed see Esther 4.13 14. knoweth he it not q.d. it cannot be but that he doth knowe it and will reuenge it for in both places the interrogation or demaund importeth so much will not hee also recompense vz. vprightly and iustly and to the full euerie man vz. of what state or calling soeuer hee be according to his worke vz. which hee hath wrought see Psalm 62.13 Roman 2.6 Vers 13. My sonne see before Chap. 1.8 10. eate honie for it is good i. healthfull and profitable to the bodie and the honnie combe for it is sweete vnto thy mouth i. pleasant and delectable to thy taste q.d. there is two commodities come by it vz. profit and pleasure see Psal 19.10 Vers 14. So i. both profitable and pleasant shall the knowledge of wisdome i. the vnderstanding feeling and practise of Gods word for so large is the word knowledge in this place in my minde be vnto thy soule i. vnto thee thy selfe and yet hee dooth not without cause name the soule because therein consisteth both the beginning and continuance of all these things if thou finde it q.d. if thou once rightlie and truely finde it and laye holde of it and this hee speaketh because hee would not haue men goe away in an idle imagination of the thing not hauing the thing it selfe and there shall be an end vz. of thy studie and labor meaning such an end as he
for bringeth with it great horror and danger they know not vz. so farre of are they from being able to shunne or auoide their iudgements wherein i. into what danger and mischiefe they shall fall vz. sodainlie and certainlie Vers 20. My sonne see Chapt. 1.8 hearken vz. diligentlie vnto my words i. the things that I shall speake and vtter in my words see vers 4.10 of this Chapter incline thine eare i. bee prest and readie with attention to marke vnto my sayings this doubling of one and the selfe same thing setteth out the great loue of the holie Ghost and our wonderfull dulnes to conceiue any good thing Vers 21. Let them not depart from thy eyes see Chapter 3.21 but keepe them vz. safelie and stedfastlie in the middest of thy heart i. within thy heart q.d. hide them deepelie and surelie in thy minde as Chapter 2.1 In these two verses he mentioneth three principall parts of mans bodie the eare the eyes the heart that he might thereby teach vs to lend all our senses thereto and to occupie all our affections about that and yet wee must speciallie vnderstand him of the eares and eyes of the minde Vers 22. For they i. the words of holie wisedome and counsell are life i. are effectuall meanes of right life in this life and of eternall life in the life to come see Chapter 3.18 22. also verse 13. of this Chapter in which respect it is called the word of life Philip. 2.16 vnto those i. vnto all those of what state and condition so euer they be that find them i. obtaine them hearing them laying thē vp in their hearts and performing them and health vnto all their flesh i. it shall bring soundnes vnto their whole man And note that by these outward blessings there are signified inward and spiritual blessings also see Chap. 3.8 Vers 23. Keepe thine heart vz. from filthines corruption and sinne with all diligence i. be more diligent to watch and keepe it than any other thing whatsoeuer meaning by kéeping of his heart a watching ouer it a trying of it and indeuour to purge it from the euill that is in it or els might otherwise assault it for thereout commeth life i. as it is the fountaine of naturall life so it should be the fountaine of good life in this world for the heart and purging of it see Math. 12.35 also Math. 15.18 19. Vers 24. Put away vz. by al meanes thou canst from thee i. as farre as thou maist a froward mouth i. a mouth that speaketh froward things for otherwise the mouth is not froward of it selfe and put wicked lippes farre from thee i. let not thy lippes vtter wicked things because the mouth lippes and tongue are hardly ruled he doubleth his exhortation see Iames 3.2 3. c. Vers 25. Let thine eyes behold the right i. right good holie things only looking vpon nothing wickedly indirectly or inconstantly see Psal 119.37 also Iob. 31.1 and let thine eye liddes direct thy way before thee i. let not thine eyes be wandring hether and thether for then thou shalt easilie go out of the way It is a metaphore taken from trauailers or runners whose eyes must not wander hether and thether but attend diligently vpon their way and iorney Vers 26. Ponder vz. diligently and carefully to sée whether they be right yea or no the paths of thy feete i. all thy indeuours and actions which things the scripture doth many times attribute to the feete because they are instruments to carrie vs about the doing of them and let all thy waies i. all thy affaires and whole life and conuersation be ordered aright i. haue an eye that they may be rightly guided by the rule of holie wisedom and Gods word Marke how in these foure verses 23 24 25 26. the holie ghost requireth that our mind be vpright and pure from euill secondly that our words be holie and good thirdly that our eyes be chast and lastly that our indeuours and actions be holie Vers 27. Turne not vz. from the right way of the word of God to the right hand or to the left i. to any side whether it be of thine owne deuise or of other mens corruptions but remoue thy foote from euill i. from al manner of euill of what sort or in what persons soeuer vnderstanding by remouing the foote a quicke speedie departure from it And I take this to bee the conclusion of the former doctrines q.d. shewe thy selfe vpright in all things and a most diligent obseruer of that way which God himselfe hath commanded see Deutero 4.2 also Deutero 5.32 33. see also verse 5. of this Chapter Do. Vers 1. Teacheth vs first that it is parents duetie to teach their children secondlie that is childrens duetie to hearken reuerentlie and to performe diligentlie the good things taught them Vers 2. Teacheth vs that parents must propound nothing but good holie things to their children Vers 3. Teacheth vs that the care which our parents haue had ouer vs should bee an argument to prouoke vs to haue the like care ouer our children Vers 4. Teacheth vs to lay vp Gods lawe within our hearts and to keepe it so sure there that nothing may pull it from them Vers 5. Teacheth vs to take all labour and paine that we may attaine heauenly wisedome Vers 6. Teacheth vs that whosoeuer is indued with true wisedome indeede shall bee kept safe and sound from perishing by any hurts Vers 7. Teacheth vs that wisedome must bee preferred before all treasures and possessions whatsoeuer or els she is not rightly esteemed Vers 8. Teacheth vs that the way to come to true honor preferment is reuerently to esteeme to seeke the exaltation of Gods wisedome and word The same doctrine doth verse 9. deliuer Vers 10. Teacheth vs that long life is a blessing giuen from God to his children for the care and conscience that they haue of obedience Vers 11 Teacheth vs that parents should bee good guides and teachers vnto their children Vers 12. Teacheth vs that all things shall prosper with them which vnfeignedly imbrace Gods wisedome Vers 13. Teacheth vs to take sure hold and to continue in the care of holie wisedome Vers 14.15 Teach two things first that the companie and fellowship of the wicked is very dangerous secondlie that we should take heed that we come not at any hand nigh vnto it Vers 16. Sheweth that the wicked are so set on mischiefe that the very desire they haue to do it breaketh their sleepe Vers 17. That to performe wickednesse is meate and drinke to the vngodlie and that they take as great delight and pleasure in the one as in the other Vers 18. Doth not only shewe the great difference that God in his account maketh betweene the good and the bad but also teacheth how that the faithfull doo daylie proceede and growe vp in all goodnesse Vers 19. Teacheth vs that the wicked are ignorant of their own destruction
therfore vse no meanes to preuent it Vers 20. Teacheth yong folkes and children to be attentiue to the words of good counsell and exhortation Vers 21. Teacheth them to keepe them in continuall remembrance to the ende they may doo them Vers 22. Teacheth vs that there is no health soundnes or life indeede without the knowledge and obedience of Gods truth Vers 23. Teacheth vs to haue a speciall eye to the guiding and clensing of the affections and corruptions of our heart and to begin first there because it is the seate and fountaine from whence all things flowe Vers 24. Teacheth the brideling of our tongues and wordes and also to put away from vs frowardnesse and hastinesse of speach Vers 25. Teacheth vs to master our eyes because they are the shoppe windowes by which wickednesse is conueied into our hearts Vers 26. Teacheth vs narrowly nighlie to looke vnto our steppes and by this particular enumeration of sundrie we may learne this generall doctrine that all the partes and actions of our bodies should be directed to the aduancement of Gods glorie and the good of others Vers 27. Teacheth vs in al our actions and affaires to keepe euen that kingly broad way which the Lord hath sanctified and set foorth vnto vs in his word CHAP. 5. Co. THe holie Ghost proceedeth on in exhortation of men to imbrace wisedome shewing by the effects and fruites which it will bring forth that it is a verie notable thing and worthie to be had in great regard and account so that J take the beginning of this Chapter to bee the continuance of that exhortation that was begun Chapter 4.20 because the first verse differeth little or nothing from it either in words or matter as plainlie appeareth to him that will looke into it Di. I Suppose this Chapter may very well bee diuided into two parts In the Di. 1 first after his exhortation to attention he sheweth how dangerous a thing whoredome is exhorting men in time to beware least afterwards they repent too late from verse 1. to the end of the 14. In the second he putteth Di. 2 downe sundrie instructions as that men should liue of their owne that they should auoide prodigalitie keepe them to the wiues which God hath giuen them and pronounceth the ouerthrowe of the wicked from verse 15. to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. MY sonne this is sundrie times expounded before and namely Cap. 1.8 hearken vz. diligentlie and that not with thy bodilie eares onely but with the eares of thy minde vnto my wisedome i. vnto that wisedome which I teach thee and incline thine eare vz. earnestlie and attentiuely vnto my knowledge i. vnto the things which I vtter not only sauouring of knowledge but tending also to this end to bring thee to wisedome and knowledge see Chapt. 4.20 Vers 2. That thou maiest regard i. estéeme and that rightly to thine owne good and profite counsell vz. in disposing and performing of thy things that thou be not deceiued and thy lippes obserue knowledge i. keepe it yet so that thou maiest vtter the knowledge which thou hast obtained by my rules he meaneth that he might vse and declare wisedome both in his works in his words Vers 3. For the lippes these wordes must be set against the former commandement q.d. hearken vnto me and not vnto the counterfeit words of an harlot and why so for though she speake faire yet she will destroy thee in the end and by lippes he vnderstandeth words because that by the lippes they are vttered see Chapt. 4.24 of a strange woman i. of an harlot see Chapt. 2.16 droppe as an honie combe i. seeme to haue plentie of pleasure and swéetnes in them and her mouth i. the words of her mouth see Chapt. 4. 24. is more soft than oyle vz. in outward appearance and shewe meaning by this manner of speach that they seeme outwardly gentle and swéete but they are indeede sharpe and bitter Vers 4. But the ende of her i. not only of her her selfe but of those which communicate with her is bitter as wormwood i. is most bitter for there are fewe things more bitter than it and in this place he seemeth to allude to the constitution of the bodie as though that a harlot were comely in the foreparts but most filthie and vile on the backe and sharpe as a two edged sword i. she woundeth deadlie as a sharpe two edged sword doth which may soeuer it strike see Chapter 2.18 19. Vers 5. Her feete i. her deuises and deedes see Chapt. 4.26 go downe to death or to the graue q.d. she and those that she carrieth after her are as nigh to destruction as they whose feete are at the graues brincke and readie to be put into it see Chapt. 2.18 and her steppes take hold on hell i. carrie her selfe and others that followe her headlong thether the holie ghost meaneth that she and her companions runne with hast to destruction both of bodie and soule Vers 6. She weigheth not i. she little or nothing at all regardeth the way of life i. of true and holie life here which indeede leadeth to life eternall her paths are moueable i. her orders and waies are vncertaine one while she vseth one way and another while another way thou canst not knowe them vz. for the varietie and vncertaintie of them Some reade it otherwise giue another sense but me thinketh this is plaine Vers 7. Heare see Chap. 4.1 ye me vz. counselling teaching instructing you now i. while I instruct you and you haue time to learne therefore q.d. seeing the dangers are so great hearken to my counsell O children i. see chap. 4.1 and depart not vz. at any hand or on any side from the wordes of my mouth i. from the precepts I giue you and the rules which I vtter and speake vnto you see Chapt. 4.5 Vers 8. Keepe thy way farre from her q.d. come not nigh her for there is infection and contagion with her companie see Chapter 4.14 15. for the phrase or manner of speach and come not neere the doore of her house i. bee so farre off from hauing familiaritie with her that looke thou come not into her house nor once drawe nigh to her dore Vers 9. Least this verse and some others following containe reasons why men should flye from whores and whoredome thou giue i. bestowe and that with present pleasure though paine insue thine honor i. whatsoeuer within thee or without thee may make thee honorable or estéemed as the flowre of thy age the comelines of thy bodie yea and thy bodie thy strength wit riches c. vnto others i. to the harlot her selfe the children begotten by her and those that appertaine vnto her and thy yeares i. thy yong yeares and the best part of thy life to the cruell i. to the harlot who is cruell for she consumeth both mens substance and the powers both of their bodies and mindes Vers 10. Least the
he can scarce begin to speake but he will vtter wordes tending either to his owne destruction or the great hurt of others Vers 15. The rich mans goods i. the land monie and whatsoeuer els he hath are his strong citie i. are as sure an ayde and defence vnto him as he supposeth as if he were in a walled towne but the feare of the needie is their pouertie i. their pouertie maketh them to feare this and that and least one inconuenience or other should fall vpon them Vers 16. The labour of the righteous i. those things which good people labour for and get by their labour see labour so vsed Chapter 5.10 tendeth to life i. to the maintenance and vpholding of his owne life and other mens too in this life see Ephes 4.28 but the reuenues of the wicked i. all the increase how great or little so euer it be that the wicked hath to sinne i. serueth not for his neede but for pleasure and the satisfying of his wicked affections one while in oppression another while in whoredome c. Vers 17. He that regardeth vz. diligently and attentiuely instruction vz. whether it bee from God or men as his meanes and instruments is in the way of life i. is entred into that course that will bring him not only to goodnes in this life but in the end to eternall life also but he that refuseth correction vz. as though he were a disobedient and rebellious child goeth out of the way vz. which leadeth to true blessednes either in this life or in the life to come Vers 18. He that dissembleth hatred i. the corrupt affection of his heart with lying lippes i. with fained words which indéed are but lyes making as though he bare a man good wil whereas indéed he hateth him cruelly and that vnto death and he that inuenteth slaunder i. slaunderous and false reports against another man is a foole i. a very wicked person He noteth here two kind of persons which regard not instruction to wit hypocrites and obstinate fellowes see before verse 10. of this Chapter Vers 19. Jn many words vz. spoken rashly and vnaduisedly there cannot want iniquitie i. it cannot be auoided but that there is great sinne but he that refraineth his lippes vz. from rash and hastie speach see Psalme 34.13 is wise i. is truely wise indeed He meaneth that a wise man is spare in his speach and vttereth nothing rashlie but doth before hand well ponder the same otherwise it is a hard matter but that amongst such as rashly and without choyce speake many things there shall be much sinne in their speaches Neither mindeth he here to condemne abundance of words which tend to edification and doctrine Vers 20. The tongue of a iust man i. the wordes and speaches which he vttereth with his tongue as before verse 11. The mouth of a righteous man is as fined siluer i. is as precious and excellent as the most fine siluer see Chapter 8.19 Meaning by this manner of speach that they are most excellent and therefore to be imbraced but the heart of the wicked is little worth i. is worth little or nothing at all Now if the heart from whence the speach first commeth bee of no regard then much lesse to be esteemed are the words themselues so that he vnderstandeth by heart the words also which doo manifest the same for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh see Math. 12.34 Vers 21. The lippes of the righteous i. his good and holie words as verse 13. of this Chapter doo feede many vz. with good things as with the gift of knowledge iudgement vtterance and such like but fooles shall dye for want of wisedome q.d. so farre off is it that they can feed many or any by their word and speach that for want of sound iudgement and knowledge they shal pull destruction vpon themselues Vers 22. The blessing of the Lord vz. only or alone it vz. indeed and nothing but it maketh rich i. maketh men rich as verse 4. of this Chapter And how true this is wée haue it daylie confirmed by experience and finde it written also Psalme 127.1 2 c. and he doth adde no sorowes with it i. God doth most perfectly make men rich and setteth his farre off from al griefes that the wicked haue with their riches Vers 23. Jt is a pastime to a foole to doo wickedly i. he taketh great delight and pleasure in the same as men doo in their sports or pastimes but wisedome is vnderstanding to a man i. it bringeth him to great iudgement and vnderstanding both of Gods matters and mens Vers 24. That vz. euill and punishment which the wicked feareth vz. to bee powred forth vppon him shall come vpon him vz. both sodainlie and certainly see Chapter 1.26 27. but God will graunt vz. in great mercie the desire of the righteous i. such good things as godlie men wish and pray for according to his will Vers 25. As the whirle wind passeth vz. away and that with great vehemencie and sodainnes so is the wicked no more vz. to bee seene but he passeth from his place with as great swiftnes see Psalme 37.37 but the righteous is as an euerlasting foundation i. shall remaine stedfast for euer and euer as a foundation that cannot be remoued Vers 26. As vineger is vz. hurtfull to the teeth vz. of a man because the power and force of it speciallie if it be taken in any great quantitie doth dull the teeth and as smoke vz. is hurtfull to the eyes vz. of men because it doth not onely trouble them much many times but also in some is a meane to drawe humors downe too fast so is the slothfull i. idle or negligent person to them that send him vz. about any affaires either publike or priuate He exhorteth men from vsing heauie and sluggish persons in performance of any their businesses because they can get nothing by such but trouble and griefe Vers 27. The feare of the Lord i. an vnfeigned reuerence of God in mens hearts increaseth the daies vz. of mans life he meaneth by this speach that it is a meane to bring them with greater peace and prosperitie to the yeres which they should liue by Gods appoyntment or by their owne nature or by the constitution of their bodies but the yeares of the wicked i. of their life shall be diminished vz. very much And as Dauid saith in one of his Psalmes the vngodlie shall not liue out halfe his daies Vers 28. The pacient abiding vz. for the execution and performance of Gods will of the righteous i. which the righteous haue and vse shall be gladnes i. shall certainlie in the ende bee recompenced with abundance of ioy for he speaketh of the plural number and this must be vnderstood not only because they hope they shall inioy gladnes but also because their hope shall end in gladnes and they obtaine that which they hoped for and so be made throughly
glad but the hope of the wicked i. both the thinges which he hoped for and the hope he had to receiue them shall perish i. come to naught and so he shall be ouerwhelmed with sorrowe because he is frustrate of his hope Vers 29. The way of the Lord i. both the things which he commandeth and the knowledge which good men haue of his prouidence and gouernment is strength to the vpright man i. matter of great strength and boldnes against all euill and sorrowe whatsoeuer but feare i. great sorrowe and griefe and continuall trembling shall be for the workers of iniquitie or to them when they shall looke vpon Gods waies and gouernment see Hosea 14. vers 9. And touching these words workers of iniquitie see Psalme 6.8 Vers 30. The righteous shall neuer be remoued vz. from the hope and feeling of good things euen in this life but the wicked shall not dwell vz. long in the land vz. but shall shortly be rooted out of it and cut from it Vers 31. The mouth of the iust shall be fruitfull in wisedome i. he shall most pleasantly and plentifully vtter wise and holie things euen as fruite yeeldeth abundance wherevpon words are called the fruites of the lippes Isaiah 57.19 but the tongue of the froward shall be cut out i. he that giueth himselfe to speake frowardly and peruersly shall be depriued of his speach because the meane thereof shall be taken from him Vers 32. The lippes of the righteous knowe what is acceptable i. they knowe and can speake those thinges which will procure fauour both before GOD and men but the mouth of the wicked speaketh froward things i. the vngodlie spare not to speake such things as may displease both God and men Do. Vers 1. Teacheth parents to reioyce in the gifts that God bestoweth vppon their children it teacheth children to striue to obtaine such things that they may indeede make glad their parents hearts Vers 2. Teacheth men to take heede how they get their goods vz. that they doo it vprightlie and not deceitfullie Vers 3. Doth comfortablie expresse the great care that God hath ouer his children and his great iudgements against the wicked Vers 4. Teacheth euery man to walke faithfully and diligently in his calling auoiding idlenes Vers 5. Teacheth vs to vse the opportunities that GOD in mercie giueth vs for the performance of any good thing Vers 6. Teacheth that God indueth the godlie with al manner of blessings but vtterly confoundeth the wicked and vngodlie Vers 7. Teacheth vs that nothing that the wicked hath is of any great continuance Vers 8. Teacheth vs two things first paciently to beare the words of admonition and reproofe secondlie to beware of rash and hastie speach Vers 9. Teacheth vs that there is no wickednes so secret but God will at some one time or other bring it to light Vers 10. Teacheth vs to beware of hypocrisie on the one side and of open workings of euill on the other side Vers 11. Teacheth vs that a good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things Vers 12. Teacheth vs to flie hatred and earnestly to imbrace sound and sincere loue Vers 13. Teacheth vs that mens wordes are many times meanes to manifest either the wisedome or the follie of him that speaketh Vers 14. Teacheth vs how dangerous and hurtfull rash and hastie speaches are Vers 15. Teacheth vs that the wicked many times repose trust and affiance in the multitude of their riches Vers 16. Sheweth both what contentednes the godlie haue when it pleaseth God to blesse their labours and how the wicked abuse euen their riches and all thinges they haue to the increase of iudgement against their owne soules Vers 17. Teacheth vs how dangerous a thing it is to refuse good counsell Vers 18. Teacheth vs to flie from dissimulation lying and slandering Vers 19. Teacheth vs to shunne vaine babling and multitude of words Vers 20. Teacheth vs that the words of such as are truely wise bee very precious but the imaginations and deuises of the vngodlie are of no account Vers 21. Teacheth vs that we ought to referre our wisedom and knowledge to the good of others Vers 22. Teacheth vs that it is not mans wit or labour but the blessing of the Lord only that maketh men rich Vers 23. Teacheth vs that the wicked reioyce and take pleasure in the performance of their wickednes Vers 24. Teacheth vs that the vngodlie shall haue the selfe same punishments fall vppon them that they feare also that God will graciouslie grant the requestes of his seruants Vers 25. Teacheth vs that the vngodlie shall be destroyed but the godly shall florish continually Vers 26. Teacheth vs what hurt a sluggish person doth both to himselfe and them that imploy him in any seruice Vers 27. Teacheth vs that long yeares shall be to the godlie but short and fewe daies to the wicked Vers 28. Teacheth vs not only paciently to tarrie the Lords leisure but sheweth vs that if we doo so we shall haue a ioyfull issue and end thereof Vers 29. Teacheth vs that Gods prouidence is a great comfort to those that are his and his iudgements terrible to the wicked Vers 30. Teacheth vs what difference there is betweene the estates of the good and the bad Vers 31. Teacheth vs that a godlie wise mans words tend both to his owne commendation and also to the good and profite of others Vers 32. Sheweth that it is a great grace to speake in place and time conuenient Also it teacheth that the wicked giue their tongues libertie to vtter whatsoeuer euill their froward hearts can imagine CHAP. 11. Co. IN the other Chapter specially in the last verse of it he had taught men to vse good and gracious words and to auoide all euill and corrupt speaches Now in this Chapter and specially in the first verse of it he teacheth men to looke to their dealings and actions and so proceedeth on to other instructions Di. Di. 1 THis Chapter may be diuided into three parts In the first he speaketh against false weights pride the frowardnes of the wicked trust in vncertaine riches and against the wicked themselues exhorting men on the other side to striue to all vpright dealing true humilitie and other good fruits annexing a promise thereto for the better fructifying of his doctrine Di. 2 and this reacheth from verse 1. to the end of the 9. In the second he intreateth of the blessings which come by good and wise gouernours of the hurt that pride slandering and idlenes yeeld and by the contrarie he sheweth what inconueniences insue for want of good gouernours c. from vers 10. Di. 3 to the end of the 21. In the third he dealeth against foolish women niggardlines couetousnes trust in riches contention and such like and on the other side commendeth liberalitie care for obeying of good things and for winning of men to God c. And this reacheth from verse 22.
be inherited vnto his Childrens Childerne i. vnto his posteritie for many generations see Psalme 128.6 he meaneth that the Lord will in mercy shewe such fauour to good men that not onely they themselues shall enioye their landes and liuing but euen their issue after them vnto many generations and the riches of the sinner i. the goods and lands that he possesseth is laid vp vz. safe and sure for the iust vz. that they may possesse and enioye them Hee meaneth that neither the wicked themselues nor their vngodly seede and posteritie after them shal inioy them but the good shall haue them How true this is see Iob. 27.16 17. see also Ester 8.7 11. Vers 23. Much foode i. much graine and corne méete for foode so is the word taken Gen. 42.2 is in the feild vz. that is well tilled and manured though perhapes the soyle it self be somwhat barren of the poore i. of that man who though he be poore yet notwithstanding is diligent in his labour but the field is destroyed without descretion he meaneth that the corne in the field can come to little or no profit where there is not good husbandrie and good gouernement One readeth it thus But there is vz. a man who consumeth himselfe i. both himselfe and all that he hath thorowe sluggishnes or els vnskilfulnes for the word importeth both and is set here against the knowledge and diligence of the poore laboring man q.d. by idlenes and want of skill hee commeth to nothing and is vtterly consumed Ver. 24. He that spareth i. withholdeth from the correction and chastising of his child his rodde i. the rodde of correction which God hath committed into his hands hateth his sonne i. his child as ver 1. of this chap. meaning that he is euen as though he did hate him because that not correcting him he is a cause that he falleth into euill by meanes whereof he doth at the length pul vpon him his owne destruction but he that loueth him vz. vnfeinedly and with the loue of a godly father chasteneth him vz. measurablye and according to the offence committed betime i. in good season and while that he is tender and yong least growing in yeres he growe in strength and courage and so either little regarde or vtterly refuse all fatherly correction Vers 25. The righteous eateth vz. of the giftes and blessings which God hath bestowed vpon him to the contentation of his minde i. to the satisfying of himself for he noteth vnder that word not onely contentednes but abundance also but the bellie of the wicked i. the wicked himselfe a part for the whole putting also bellie for the stomack wherein resteth appetite shall want vz. many times great store of Gods blessings he meaneth that good men haue alwaies sufficient and abundance but the wicked neuer see Psal 34.10 also Psalme 37.16 Do. Verse 1. Teacheth children their duty vz. to obey the good instructions of their parents it teacheth vs also to beware of scorning and of contempt of admonition Vers 2. Teacheth vs that the good wordes of good men are profitable both to themselues and others also that the wicked shall not escape iudgement Vers 3. Teacheth vs to be warie and circumspect in our words and to auoyde babling and much speech Vers 4. Teacheth vs to auoyde sluggishnes and to bee painefull and faithfull in our callings Vers 5. Teacheth vs to abhorre lying Vers 6. Setteth out the vnlikelie rewarde of righteousnes and wickednes Vers 7. Teacheth to beware as of vayne boasting on the one side so of counterfeiting pouerty on the other side Vers 8. Teacheth vs that riches and pouertie haue either of them their profite and their disprofits Vers 9. Teacheth vs Gods fauour towards the good and his iudgements vpon the wicked Vers 10. Teacheth vs that pride is the mother of strife but they that are humble will yeeld to good counsell and peace Vers 11. Teacheth vs that euill gotten goods shall come to nothing also that diligence and labor is a meane to get and increase riches Vers 12. Teacheth vs to doo good quicklie and in good season least otherwise the gift either come too late or be not so acceptable Vers 13. Teacheth vs that the contempt of Gods word shall neuer escape vnpunished Vers 14. Teacheth vs that good counsell is a good meane to make men to auoyde the snares of sinne Vers 15. Teacheth vs that Gods gifts in any must be reuerenced and sinne and iniquitie abhorred Vers 16. Teacheth vs to doo all things according to iudgement and discretion and to take heed that either by word or deede wee bewray not the follie of our harts Vers 17. Teacheth vs to deale faithfullie in the charges wherein we are placed both that wee may thereby auoyde euill and also procure good vnto our selues and others Vers 18. Teacheth vs that contempt of good counsell is a meane of beggery and shame as on the other side obedience to good speeches is the high way to honor and estimation before GOD and men Vers 19. Teacheth vs that we may reioyce when lawfull and holy things are done for vs also that it is a very harde matter to drawe the vngodly from sinne Vers 20. Teacheth vs to make choyce of our companie cleauing to such as are good and flying from the euill Vers 21. Setteth out the vnlikelie reward of the good and the bad from God Vers 22. Teacheth vs that good men thorowe Gods blessing leaue their goods and lands to their posteritie euen many ages togeather one after another also that God in his iustice doth many times depriue the wicked of their wealth and giueth it to the good Vers 23. Teacheth vs that labor is a meane to make men rich also that for want of labor and good gouernement many things are consumed Vers 24. Teacheth parents to correct their children but yet so that they doo it in measure and in such sort and at such a time as it may doo the parties corrected most good not onely for the time present but also for the time to come Vers 25. Setteth out Gods fauor towards the good and his iustice towards the wicked and vngodlie CHAPT 14. Co. IN the latter end of the other chapter he had spoken of Parents and children and now he beginneth this chapter with a tâ—eatie of women passing on from thence to describe generall dueties appertayning to all states ages and sexes whatsoeuer Di. Di. 1 THis chapter may bee diuided into foure partes In the first hee intreateth of a wife and foolish woman of the feare and contempt of God of pride and humilitie of labor and husbandrie of a faithfull and lying witnesse of the scorner and wise person of the foolish and the prudent or righteous Di. 2 man from vers 1. to the end of the 9. In the second he intreateth of the heart or conscience of the wicked and the Godly of an vpright way of heauinesse of heart of a wicked heart of easines to beleeue
and faithfull imploying of a mans selfe in his owne function there is abundance vz. of good things and blessings meaning that he which giueth himselfe painefully to followe labor in his calling shall thriue and prosper but the talke of the lippes i. bare and vaine words as when a man will labor with his tongue and let the rest of his members bee idle bringeth onely want i. bringeth nothing with it but pouerty that word onely I would refer rather to the first words reading it thus but the talke of the lippes onely q.d. where there is no more but labor in the mouth and no performance of it in deed there must of necessity be beggery pouerty Ve. 24. The crowne of the wise is their riches i. the riches which wise men thorowe Gods goodnes possesse and haue them annexed vnto their wisdome they are a singular ornament vnto them this word crowne is sundry times so vsed before and the follie of fooles is foolishnes q d. though fooles haue neuer so great riches they auaile them nothing to remoue their folly but their folly is meere folly notwithstanding all that yea they are so farre of from adorning them that they rather serue to stayne them because they are instruments and arguments to cause them more and more to bewray their folly Vers 25. A faithfull witnes i. he that being called to witnes a matter speaketh faithfullie and truely deliuereth vz. from danger and distresse soules i. men or persons see Exod. 1.5 meaning such as were ready to be destroyed and were oppressed thorowe euill reports but a deceiuer i. a deceitfull and false witnes speaketh lies vz. against men by which he indeuoreth to bring men to death and destruction he setteth deceit against trueth and speaketh of lies against deliuerance because that lies many times bring men to great danger and destruction Vers 26. In the feare of the Lord is an assured strength i. hee that hath a right and reuerent feare of Gods Maiestie planted in his heart neede not feare any thing for the Lord will bee an assured strength and defence vnto him and his children i. Gods children whome he hath in Christ begotten vnto himselfe by the incorruptible seede of his word that they might walke in his reuerence and feare for I had rather referre it vnto them than to the posteritie and children of good people though I knowe that sense also may stand because good fathers many times haue euill children shall haue hope i. an assured hope in the Lorde which shall not make them ashamed as Roman 5.5 Vers 27. The feare of the Lord i. the right and reuerent feare of his Maiestie planted in mens hearts is as a wel-spring of life i. blessednes in this life and eternall life in the world to come doth aboundantly proceede from it see Prouerb 13.14 also chap. 10.11 to auoide i. to teache men to auoyd and shunne the snares of death i. such snares as in which if men be caught and escape not from them there is no way but death both of bodie and soule see chap. 13 14. Vers 28. In the multitude of the people is the honor of a king i. it is a great honor and credit for a king to haue many people willingly subiect vnto him and ready to performe his will and therefore for the increase of the same he ought to vse equitie and clemency and not tyrranie and cruelty to lessen them and for the want of people commeth the destruction of the Prince vz. because his countreyes and territories are easily subdued to the power of his enemies because he hath not forces sufficient wherewithall to resiste and so are the borders of his gouernement diminished Vers 29. Hee that is slowe to wrath vz. against other men laboring to master the rage of his affections sée Iames 1.19 is of great wisdome i. declareth thereby that God hath blessed him with abundance of wisdome while he can refraine his rage and doo nothing rashly but hee that is of an hastie minde vz. against others meaning such a one as is furious and soone stirred vp exalteth follie i. doth openly commit it as though hee woulde lifte it vp that all men might sée it see vers 17. of this chap. Vers 30. A sounde heart i. a heart frée from vicious affections specially from euill will and despight against others is the life of the flesh i. bringeth health and soundnes to the whole man that hath it hee putteth a parte for the whole but enuie vz. once conceaued in the heart against other men is the rotting of the bones i. will quickely consume a man and bring him to his end as the diseases which lye in the boanes and eate them vp sée chap. 12.4 q.d. hee that is of a courteous gentle and free heart shall haue a sound body and passe away his dayes in quietnes reioycing other men also but the trouble which enuie bringeth with it leaueth not the strongest parts of the body sounde but infecteth and corrupteth them and maketh the whole man in all mens iudgement filthie and stincking Vers 31. He vz. of what state or calling so euer hee bee that oppresseth vz. by fraude force slaunder or other wise for the word is generall and reacheth to any kinde of oppression the poore i. the needie and he that is not able to make his parte good against him reprooueth vz. by his wicked and leud dealing him that made him i. God who appointed that hee should bee poore and this hee speaketh because the wicked man thinketh that God either cannot or will not deliuer him out of his hands it may bee taken also thus that whosoeuer releeueth not the poore despiseth God see Matt. 25.35 c. but he honoreth him i. the Lord and why doth he honor him Because hee dooth a worke appoynted by God in his lawe that hath mercie on the poore i. sheweth him pittie and compassion see vers 21. of this Chap. Vers 32. The wicked shall be cast away vz. from the Lord and from the enioying of his gracious presence which the godly alwaies behold for his malice 1. for the euill and naughtines which he hath committed against God and man but the righteous hath hope vz. of Gods fauor and goodnes towards him and of his owne deliuerance in his death i. either when he dyeth or else is set in most grieuous distresses the greatest whereof is death q d. though he should dye yet he would not doubte of Gods goodnes towards him Psalme 23.4 for euen death it selfe should be for his good Vers 33. Wisdome i. holy and heauenly wisdome from God resteth vz. as it were in his owne house or dwelling place in the heart i. in the soule and minde of him that hath vnderstanding i. of all that delight in wisdome and vnderstanding and is known i. wisdome is made manifest in the midst of fooles i. openly and in their sight so that they can pretend no ignorance A worthie man readeth this latter
but for all their scorning and cunning speaches iudgements i. punishments and the plurall number noteth the variety and multitude of them are prepared i. not onely appoynted but euen in a readynes to be executed eyther by the Magistrate or els by the Lord himselfe eyther in this life or in the life to come or both for the scorners i. for such as scorne at God and all goodnes and stripes for the back of fooles hee meaneth that which hee spake before expressing it vnder other termes vnderstanding hereby not onely bodily punishments in this life but also eternal in the life to come Do. Vers 1. Teacheth vs that the godlie poore estate is not the worst also Do. that we should not giue our lippes leaue to runne at randome Vers 2. Teacheth vs that sounde knowledge is the informer of the minde also that we should bridle the partes and members of our bodies from wickednes Vers 3. Teacheth vs that lacke of sound iudgement is the very mother of all the corruptions which we commit against God or man Verse 4. Teacheth vs that wee should not regarde a man for his riches onely nor despise him for his pouertie but respect rather his good or his euill dealing towards God and men Vers 5. Teacheth vs to abhorre false witnes bearing and and lying Vers 6. Teacheth vs rightly to esteeme great personages and to practise liberalitie as a vertue which doth much commend vs to GOD and men Vers 7. Teacheth vs that pouertie dooth many times estrange the hearts of frends and kinsfolkes from such as fall into it Vers 8. Teacheth vs that heauenlie wisdome is the meane to preserue vs both in this life and in the life to come Vers 9. Teacheth vs to flee from false witnes bearing and lying Ver. 10. Teacheth vs that things vncomely are not to be allowed of Ver. 11. Teacheth vs to bridle the rage of our angrie affections and to be readie to forgiue offences committed against vs. Vers 12. Sheweth what great difference there is betweene the grace and displeasure of Princes and mightie men Vers 13. Setteth out the miseries that come by euill children and wicked wiues Vers 14. Sheweth what a great blessing and that from the Lorde a good wife is Vers 15. Teacheth vs to auoide idlenes on the one side and deceit on the other side Vers 16. Setteth out the good that commeth by obedience of Gods lawe and the miserie that insueth vpon carelesnesse of holie conuersation Vers 17. Teacheth vs pittie and liberalitie towards the poore Vers 18. Teacheth parents to giue moderate and due correction to their offending children or seruants Vers 19. Setteth out the great miserie that commeth by giuing our anger the reynes Vers 20. Teacheth vs alwaies to receaue good counsell Vers 21. Sheweth as the varietie of mans minde and the inconstancie of all his deuices so the assurednes of the Lordes purposes Verse 22. Teacheth vs that this is the especiall marke wee shoulde shoote at in this life euen goodnes and wel doing and neuer to refuse a man for his pouertie but for his lying Vers 23. Setteth out the effectes and fruites of the feare of God Vers 24. Teacheth vs to shunne idlenes Vers 25. Teacheth vs that reproofes can neuer be vttered in vaine but that it shall doo good though perhappes not to the partie reprooued yet to others which are by Vers 26. Teacheth men to auoide all vnnaturalnes towards their parents Vers 27. Teacheth vs not to giue eare towards that will prouoke to sinne Vers 28. Doth liuelie painte out the nature of the wicked and vngodlie Vers 29. Teacheth vs that they shall not escape vnpunished for the same CHAP. 20. Co. IN the other Chapter and last end thereof he taught men for feare of punishment to take heede how they gaue themselues ouer to any wickednes and namelie to false witnes bearing And now in the beginning of this Chapter hee willeth them for the inconuenience that may insue thereof to beware of dronkennes and the meanes of that vice and so proceedeth to deliuer other doctrines and exhortations Di. Di. 1 THe Chapter may be diuided into three parts The first reacheth from vers 1. to the end of the 10. Wherein he intreateth of dronkennes of a kings wrath of contention of idlenes of the depth of mans heart of boasting of fond dealing of a good King and his duetie of naturall corruption and of false weights and measures The second reacheth from verse 11. to Di. 2 the end of the 20. wherein he speaketh of good or euill workes of the right vse of the eye and eare of sleeping or idlenes of craft and deceit of the excellencie of knowledge of sureties and their estate of aduice or counsell of slandering and flatterie of vnnaturalnes towards parents The third reacheth Di. 3 from verse 1. to the end of the Chapter wherein he speaketh of ill gotten goods of patience of false weights of Gods prouidence of the right vse of holie things of a good King or Prince of the power and force of Gods word of mercie and iustice the two props of all kingdomes of yong men and old persons and of corrections Se. Vers 1. WIne vz. taken and receiued immoderatly is a mocker i. a deceiuer of him that so vseth it for where as he vainely supposed that it was swéete and pleasant vnto him it is become hurtfull and strong drinke the Hebrue word importeth euery drinke that may make men dronken is raging i. it carrieth those men that excessiuely vse it into outrage and violence against others and whosoeuer vz. of what state or condition soeuer he be is deceiued thereby i. is ouertaken therewith is not wise i. sheweth thereby that he hath not as yet tasted of the heauenlie wisedome I allowe not the note in the Geneua bible which referreth it to the persons Vers 2. The feare of the King vz. being once angrie against a man meaning by feare that terror with his wrath or anger striketh into men with whom he is offended is like the roring of a lyon i. is very fearefull and terrible see Chap. 19.12 Also Chap. 16.14 he vz. how great soeuer he be that prouoketh vz. by his ill demeanour him i. the King to anger vz. against himselfe sinneth against his owne soule i. putteth his life in very great danger for the Kings wrath shall bee towards him that is lewd Chap. 14.35 Vers 3. It is a mans honor i. it is a glorious and very honorable thing for a man see Chap. 19.11 to cease vz. what in him lieth and as much as is possible from strife vz. with al other men see Rom. 12.18 but euery foole i. euery one that is foolish not rightly taught of God will be medling vz. busilie with other men and their matters which is indéede the mother and nurse of all contention Vers 4. The slothfull vz. man or person will not plow i. diligently and faithfully followe his calling for by one which is
drinke vz. of such as wee haue or as wee say you are welcome I am sorie I haue no better cheare c. but his heart is not with thee i. standeth not vprightly affected towards thee hee giueth a reason why men should not eate such mens meates because they are hollowe hearted and full of hipocrisie pretending in words liberalitie whereas they foster niggardlines in their soule Vers 8. Thou shalt vomit vz. euen for very griefe and sorrowe thy morsels which thou hast eaten i. all that thou hast eaten of his q.d. because thou hast eaten of his meate perceiued his niggardly minde thou shalt wish all vomited vp whatsoeue it be it shall greeue the so much and thou shalt loose thy sweete words i. the good communication and speach which in the time of eating thou hast vsed shall bee as it were labor lost One readeth this and the former verse also otherwise and giueth another sense but mee thinketh this is plaine inough Vers 9. Speake not vz. graue wise and good things in the eares of fooles i. in the hearing of a very wicked and vngodly man for he wil despise the wisdome of thy words i. he wil little or nothing esteeme such things as thou shalt wisely and learnedly vtter I take it to be the same in sense which our Sauior speaketh in other words Matth. 7.6 Vers 10. Remoue not the auncient bounds see for this Chap. 22.28 and enter not vz. either by fraude or force or otherwise to take any thing away from thence that is not thine into the feilds i. into the groundes houses lands or possessions of the fatherles i. of any that are weaker than thy selfe and not able to resist for the word vsed here signifieth such ones as thorrowe want of age are not able to defende themselues nor to put back iniurie whose father the Lord is called Psalm 68.5 Vers 11. For this verse conteyneth a reason why men should not oppresse the poore hee that redeemeth them vz. from danger and distresse meaning also thereby that hee will redéeme them and yet to the end the godly might be rightly perswaded of the continuall care of the almightie toward them hee speaketh in the present tense is mightie vz. so mightie as no one man no not all the creatures in the world are able to withstand the least parte of his power q.d. though thou now oppresse them because they cannot resist thee knowe yet that the Lord who is mightier and greater than all wil redeeme and defend them hee will defend their causes aganst thee see this expounded before Chap. 22.23 Vers 12. Applie thine heart to instruction i. bend all the powers and senses of thy minde to receaue it and thine eares to the words of knowledge i. applie all the partes and powers of thy bodie also to imbrace such things as are not onely skilfully propounded vnto thee but also may builde thee vp in knowledge and iudgement he vseth a parte of the inward and a parte of the outward for the whole man both inward and outward see Chap. 22. vers 17. Vers 13. Withhold not vz. at any hand correction i. moderate and due punishment such as the partie punished is able to beare and his fault requireth from the childe vz. that by any meanes deserueth the same if thou smite him i. chastise and correct him with the roode vz. of correction he shall not dye i. either thou shalt not kill him or hurt him or els by that meanes thou shalt withdrawe him from many euils that would leade to the death both of body and soule see for correctiō cha 13.24 also 19.18 also 22.15 Ver. 14. Thou shalt smite him with the rodde this is expounded ver 13. and shalt deliuer vz. by that meanes his soule i. him himselfe a parte for the whole from hell i. from danger and death both of body and soule Vers 15. My sonne see before chap. 1.8 10. if thine heart be wise i. if it be inclined to imbrace wisdome and thriue and growe therein my heart shal reioyce vz. very much or greatly and I also vz. my selfe in my whole man shall take wonderfull delight and pleasure therein Vers 16. And my reynes shall reioyce i. euen from the inward affection of my minde I will be glad for the scripture attributeth the seate of will and affections to be in the reynes as where it sayth God is the searcher of the heart and reynes when thy lipps speake righteous thinges i. when thou shalt vtter good holy and wise things hee putteth lippes for speach because they be helping instruments to vtter the voyce by Verse 17. Let not thine heart bee enuious against sinners vz. because thou seest them prosper or florish Many of Gods children haue been sore assaulted with this temptation as Dauid Psalme 37.1 Ieremiah and others and therefore it is not without cause that this commandement is so often put downe but let it be vz. fast fixed set and grounded in the feare of the Lord i. in a sincere reuerence of his Maiestie continuallie i. at all times both in prosperitie and aduersitie c. Vers 18. For this verse conteyneth a reason why they should cease from emulating at the wicked and fixe their hearts continually vpon the feare of GOD surely i. without al doubt and this affirmation serueth for the certaintie and trueth of the thing there is an end vz. not onely of the wickeds prosperitie and florishing how great or much so euer it be but also of thine owne patience and hope and thy hope shall not be cut off i. made frustrate or deceaued but thou shalt in good time haue the thing that thou didst hope for Vers 19. O thou my sonne vnder this terme he meaneth euery particular one that is apt and ready to heare or learne see vers 15. of this Chap. heare vz. diligently and attentiuely both with the eares of the body and the minde and be wise i. learne wisdome by hearing good and holy things and guide thine heart i. frame and fashion the affections of thy soule yea labor to rule them in such sorte that thou mayst walke in the way vz. which I shall shewe thee that is in the right way of Gods commandements see Psalm 32.8 Vers 20. Keepe not companie vz. at any hand this he addeth both because youth are greatlie delighted in eatings and drinkings and also because that thereby they are many times drawne from the way of vertue and well doing with dronkards in Hebrue it is bibbers of wine meaning thereby such as would quaffe of cuppe after cuppe and neuer bee satisfied such a one the Iewes did falsely accuse our Sauior Christ to be Matth. 11.19 nor with gluttons i. such as ouer charge their stomacks with meate q.d. haunt not such mens companie nor haue any familiaritie with them Vers 21. For this verse conteineth a reason why they should not haunt their companie because beggery and pouertie is the ende thereof the dronkards and gluttons shall
these things builde thine house i. doo that that thou art to doo for thine owne good and the good of thy people and furnish so thy whole house with things necessarie to which purpose thou must of necessitie get in such things as are abroad wherevpon thou mayest liue within doores This may bee a good sense and yet I take this rather to bee his meaning that before he attempt any thing hee should be furnished with all the meanes whereby hee might performe it whether thinges in his owne ground or in other mens possessions Vers 28. Be not a witnesse vz. in any matter nor for any mans cause against thy neighbour i. against any speciallie against him that dwelleth nigh vnto thee without cause i. falsely for otherwise he doth not forbid to beare witnesse in a trueth for wilt thou deceaue vz. other men with thy lippes i. with thy words which thy lippes shall vtter a reason why men should not vse false witnes bearing because there is ioyned with it deceipt Vers 29. Say not i. neither thinke nor speake for if it be vnlawfull to speake it is vnlawfull to thinke J will if I liue or be able doo to him vz. that hath done me iniurie as hee hath done to me i. doo him iniurie or wrong I will recompense euery man vz. that dealeth iniuriously with me according to his worke vz. which he hath practised or performed against me see Chap. 20.22 Vers 30. I vz. trauailing passed by the field of the slothfull i. ground appertaining to an idle and sluggish person and by the vineyard of a man destitute of vnderstanding i. by a negligent and careles mans vineyard whom he saith to bee destitute of vnderstanding or as it is in the Hebrue voide of a heart because he seldome or neuer thinketh vpon his busines or affaires Vers 31. And lo it was all growne ouer with thornes i. lying vntilled and vnhusbanded it was barren and vnfruitfull for thornie ground is not good see Matth. 13.7 and nettles had couered the face thereof i. the vpper or outward part of it he noteth thereby the barrennes and vnfruitfulnes of it and the stone wall thereof i. that which was made for the defence of it was broken downe vz. so that it lay as it were a wast or common plot readie to be spoyled see Isaiah 5.5 Also Psalme 80.12 He noteth in this verse the confusion that idlenes worketh Vers 32. Then I beheld vz. both the ground and the discommodities which followed of idlenes and I considered it well i. I weighed it déepely in my minde and he speaketh of them both together as it were of one thing because they followe one another as the shadowe doth the bodie I looked vpon it vz. attentiuely and diligently and receiued instruction vz. thereby that I might learne by his example to beware of idlenes and sloth Vers 33. Yet a little sleepe These bee the words of the idle person who though he haue slept neuer so much yet desireth more a little slumber q.d. besides that I haue had counting notwithstanding euen a great deale but a litte a little folding of the hands to sleepe see Chapter 6.10 And also Chapter 19.15 where it is sayd that slothfulnes causeth sléepe Vers 34. So vz. as is before expressed by meanes of thy idlenes and slothfulnes thy pouertie i. the néede and want that thou must indure commeth vz. vppon thée and thine as one that trauaileth by the way i. very sodainlie and speedelie as the wayfaring man will not stay long or much till such time as hée come to his iornies end and thy necessitie i. that necessitie and want which through idlenes shall fall vppon thee and pinch thée like an armed man i. with great force and violence so that thou shalt not be able to resist or withstand it see Chap. 6.11 Verse 1. Teacheth vs to shunne fellowship and societie with the wicked Do. Verse 2. Doth not onely teach the disposition of the wicked and vngodlie but instructeth good men also to labour the reformation of their thoughts and words Vers 3. Teacheth vs that wisedome is able to bring great and hard things to passe Verse 4. Teacheth vs that wisedome is many times crowned with great store of pleasure and profite Vers 5. Teacheth vs that wisedome is better than strength Verse 6. Setteth out not onely the commodities that come by wisedome but also teacheth vs to attempt nothing but in a wise consideration of the same before hand Vers 7. Teacheth vs that wicked and worldly minded men cannot attaine heauenlie wisedome Vers 8. Teacheth vs to bridle our hearts from imagining euill Verse 9. Teacheth vs that wicked thoughts are sinne also to auoide scorning and scoffing Verse 10. Teacheth vs in the daies of affliction to striue to bee of good courage Verse 11. Teacheth vs to vse all the power and lawfull meanes that GOD hath indued vs withall to deliuer the innocent being oppressed Verse 12. Teacheth vs that ignorance of any matter will be no excuse before God it setteth out also the knowledge and prouidence of God and manifesteth Gods great and eternall iustice Vers 13. Teacheth vs with moderation and thankes giuing to receiue and vse the blessings of God Verse 14. Teacheth vs to imbrace holie and heauenlie wisedome for the fruites and effects that it will worke in vs. Verse 15. Teacheth vs to doo no iniurie to any but specially to the good people Verse 16. Teacheth vs that many are the miseries of the righteous but the Lord deliuereth them out of all Verse 17. Teacheth vs not to reioyce at the miserie hurt or hinderance of any Verse 18. Teacheth vs first that God seeth all things secondly that for the sinne of hard hartednes he punisheth very sharply Verse 19. Teacheth vs that the prosperitie of the wicked should not make vs either to murmur against God or to bee malitious against the vngodly themselues Verse 20. Teacheth vs that the prosperous and florishing estate of the wicked shall soone come to an end Vers 21. Teacheth vs to obey first God and then in and for God the Magistrate also to beware of seditious and rebellious people Verse 22. Doth teach vs not onely what great iudgement shall ouertake the wicked but also how sodainlie it shall come vpon them Vers 23. Teacheth vs to cast from vs all respect of persons Vers 24. Teacheth vs not to flatter or commend the vngodly in their sinne Verse 25. Teacheth vs to rebuke plainlie according to the notoriousnes of the offence any offending partie Verse 26. Teacheth vs that vpright and faithfull dealing both in words and deedes is the way to obtaine both reuerence and loue Verse 27. Teacheth men in wisedome to bee sure of the meanes to performe a thing by before they attempt the same Vers 28. Teacheth vs to beware of vniust of false witnes bearing Verse 29. Teacheth vs that we should not recompense euill with euill but rather ouercome euill with weldoing Verse 30 31 32 33
manifested by word or deede shewing it selfe when neede is Ver. 6. The woundes i. the graue and sharpe reprehensions which seeme for the time euen as it were to wound of a louer i. of one that dooth vnfeynedly loue and beare good affection are faithfull i. such as a man may trust because they proceede from a louing and faithfull heart but the kisses of an enemie i. the fayre and flattering countenances or behauior of one that hateth a man In the woord kisses he alludeth to the manner vsed in the Eastern countries who did vse to kisse one another are pleasant i. seeme to be so but indeede are bitter and therefore to bee shunned looke in Ioabs example 2. Samuel 3.27 also 2. Samuel 20.9 And for reproofe see Psal 14.4 5. Vers 7. The person that is full i. hath meate and drinke at his wil and that in all abundance despiseth a honie combe i. al delicate and sweete meates but vnto the hungrie soule i. to him that is indeede pinched with hunger and wants euerie bitter thing is sweete i. he alloweth and liketh of most meane and base fare Vers 8. As a bird vz. is in great danger that wandereth vz. without good cause from hir nest vz. wherein hir yong ones are or she hir selfe resteth so is a man vz. in great danger that wandreth from his owne place i. that strayeth from the standing or place wherein God hath placed him q.d. he that rashly changeth his dwelling place and stayeth not in the state wherein God hath set him but enterpriseth newe things and that not being well assured of Gods wil and his owne calling is no wiser or better stayed than a bird that fluttereth hither and thether Vers 9. As oyntment vz. applyed outwardly to the bodie and perfume vz. being put into the fire by their sweete sauor and smel reioyce the heart i. euen affect and pearce the inward partes and that to their great good and delight so dooth the sweetnes of a mans frend vz. much delight and reioyce him speciallie when it is declared by hartie counsell i. by sounde and sincere aduise in euerie thing and by mutuall conference and communication speciallie of the best matters see Psal 55.14 Vers 10. Thine owne frend i. one whome thou haste had triall of to be frendlie to thee and thy fathers frend i. hee that hath continued frendship to thy father also forsake not i. cast him not off at any hand nor breake not friendship with him he willeth men to continue friendship with those whom they haue had good triall of In which respect one saith well forsake not an old friend for the new shall not be like him a newe friend is as new wine when it is olde thou shalt drinke it with pleasure neither enter into thy brothers house i. thinke to haue as little succour from thy brother and the things that he hath as may be for all the brethren of the poore hate him Chapter 19.7 in the day of thy calamitie i. when thou art distressed and in pouertie for better i. more comfortable and profitable is a neighbour i. any friend or acquaintance whatsoeuer that is neere vz. not onely in respect of place but good will the reason of this is because a friend loueth alwaies Chap. 17.17 see also 18.24 Vers 11. My sonne see Chap. 1.8 10. be wise i. striue by all the meanes thou canst to obtaine and get wisedome and reioyce mine heart i. make me glad by thy wisedome and by thy godly conuersation as a fruit of the same by which thinges indéede parents are made glad as Chap. 10.1 also Chap. 23.24 25. that I may answer vz. boldly and truely him i. any man that reprocheth me vz. either for lacke of doing my duetie towards thee or for thy euill behauiour or for any other cause q.d. let thy life and conuersation approue how faithfully I haue performed the duetie of a good parent see Psal 127.3 4 5. Vers 12. A prudent man i. one that is inlightened with holie and heauenly wisedome seeth the plague vz. approching or drawing néere vnderstanding by plague calamities and afflictions of all sorts sent from God and hideth himselfe vz. from it meaning that he laboureth by all meanes to put it from him and to escape it but the foolish i. the wicked and vngodlie goe on still vz. forward in their sinne and naughtines and are punished vz. iustly for the same q.d. God doth iustly afflict them seeing they will not be reclaimed see this very sentence Chap. 22.3 Vers 13. Take his garment c. This verse is also word for word put downe before Chap. 20.16 where you may see it also wholly expounded Vers 14. He vz. whosoeuer he be that praiseth his friend vz. with a flattering minde and fauning words I suppose the Hebrue word would better stand here it selfe and the sense also be more plaine thus He that blesseth his friend i. wisheth wel vnto him in words only not in heart and that to this end that he may be seene of men with a loud voyce i. so that he may bee heard of others and by that lewd meanes purchase fauour from the partie rising early in the morning vz. for to doo it and that before others it shall be counted to him as a curse i. it shall be so farre off this kind of dealing of his from being esteemed as a blessing or good wishing that it shall bée taken rather as a certaine kind of cursing because it sauoureth of flatterie not that he forbiddeth vs either to salute or to commend our friends iustly but alwaies to haue an eye to auoide flatterie and ostentation in the same q.d. the false flatterer which maketh a shewe as though he did at all times his duetie is rather cursed of God and men than well liked of Vers 15. A continuall dropping vz. into a mans house or vpon the goods in the same in the day of raine i. when it raineth much and a contentious woman i. a woman giuen either altogether or very much to brauling and chiding are a like vz. both dangerous and discommodious for as the raine rotteth the things it falleth vpon and consumeth in time the same so doth contentions and braulings a man and his familie see Chap. 19.13 Also Chap. 21.9 Vers 16. He that hideth her i. he that laboureth to keepe close her braulings and iarres hideth the winde i. laboureth as much in vaine as if he would goe about to couer keepe close or shut vp in a place the winde it selfe she is the oyle in his right hand that vttereth it selfe vz. by the smell and sauour thereof though perhappes it may not bee seene by reason it is kept close or hidden in some vessell q.d. her rage can be restrained by no meanes no not by shame amongst people but spread abroad it will be for a man may sooner keepe the winde in his hand or represse the sauour of ointment that other should not smell it than stoppe her in
him and by equitie or in the plurall number as it is in the Hebrue text equities which also maketh some to turne it euerie right thing vpright equall dealing one with another Vers 4. To giue vz. by the meanes of the master and teacher vnto the simple i. to him that not onelie hath little knowledge and is as a man would saie vnskilled but though he haue some iudgement is notwithstanding easilie and in a moment as it were induced to beleeue anie thing and is carried as it were hether and thether from the waie of trueth see Prouerb 14.15 where the same word in our English text is turned foolish sharpnesse of wit he vnderstandeth hereby not onelie quicknesse of sight to perceaue the subtilties of the enemies but also soundnesse of iudgement that he be no more carried awaie as he hath been and to the childe i. vnto him that is vnaduised and wanteth discretion it giueth knowledge i. sound iudgement and discretion viz. how and after what sort to behaue himselfe and to walke see Eph. 4.14 Vers 5. A wise man q.d. These things profite not the simple and vnlearned onelie but euen they that haue attained some measure of light and knowledge shall both be confirmed and increased in iudgement shall heare vz. these things vnderstanding by hearing not onelie the bending of the outward eares but also the inclining of the minde thereto increase vz. thereby in learning i. in all maner of knowledge q.d. he shal be more wise and learned than he was before and a man of vnderstanding i. he that by experience as it were hath attained to a more measure of knowledge and iudgement than others see ver 2. of this chap. shall attaine vz. by this meanes meaning also by attayning not only the getting but the possessing keeping and vsing vnto wise counsels vz. not only in himselfe but shall bee able to profite others thereby Vers 6. To vnderstand vz. by meanes of the holie and wholesome rules propounded in this booke a parable see vers 1. of this chapter and the interpretation vz. of parables or of any fine or eloquent speech whatsoeuer the words of the wise yea though they speake neuer so wisely and their darke sayings q.d. yea though they speake neuer so darklie also And all these profites the holie Ghost alleadgeth not only to shewe the excellencie of the booke but also to drawe men to the loue and liking of his doctrine Vers 7. The feare of the Lord i. a reuerence of Gods maiestie in mens hearts with an acknowledgement that wee onely trust in him and a care and a conscience being loth and fearefull to displease him is the beginning of knowledge i. is not onely the first meane and way to attayne the sound knowledge of God and all goodnesse but is as it were the fountaine and foundation of all good things Salomon in this followed his father Dauid as may appeare Psalme 111.10 but fooles i. wicked and vngodlie persons as generallie throughout this booke and more particularlie Psalme 14.1 despise vz. either proudlie or careleslie but yet both wayes to their owne hurt wisedome and instruction see vers 2. of this chapter Vers 8. My sonne Salomon speaketh this to euerie one that is willing to learn as the teacher being great either in yeres or credit may speake to the partie that is to be instructed see Psalme 34. 12. heare vz. attentiuelie and diligentlie sée also vers 5. of this Chapter thy fathers instruction i. the instruction and good counsell that thy father giueth thée and forsake not vz. at anie time but kéepe carefullie with thée thy mothers teaching i. those thinges which thy mother shall instruct and teach thée he maketh mention of mother because he had before spoken of father meaning by both together the counsels and commandements of their parents and yet because mothers admonitions perswasions are of great force in their children while they are young he speaketh also particularlie of them Ver. 9. For they i. the instructions and doctrines of thy parents if they be rightlie receiued on thy behalfe shall be a comely ornament vnto thy head and as chaines for thy necke i. they shall garnish and decke thee verie excellentlie euen as a Crowne set vpon the head or a chaine about the neck adorneth a man meaning that they shall make him gracious and acceptable both before God men And this is a reason of his exhortation hauing respect therein to the very maners affections of children who are much moued with gifts sundrie sorts of ornaments euen so men should be drawne to the obedience of Gods will by his great large promises V. 10. My sonne see vers 8. of this chapt if sinners 1. notorious wicked men as Psal 1.1 5. doo intise thee vz. to any manner of wickednesse whatsoeuer their intisements he rehearseth afterwards vers 11 12 13 14. consent thou not vz. at any hand to those their vngodlie prouocations much lesse doo the euill Vers 11. If they i. those wicked ones saie vz. either openlie or closelie and that either by word or deede for a mans gestures and actions speake after a sort come vz. and go with vs that is be a companion with vs in the mischiefe we will performe we will lay waite vz. closely and craftelie for bloud i. for mens liues to take them away meaning that they would commit murther and all manner of outrage to other mens hurt see Esay 1.15 also Psalm 5.6 also Psalm 51.14 and sundrie other places and lie priuelie vz. in waite see Psalm 10.8.9.10 for the innocent vz. to catch and snare him see Psalm 141.9 without a cause vz. on their behalfe giuen to practise so against them see Psalm 119.161 and these may bee either the wicked mens words who in the testimonie of their owne conscience say they persecute the godlie without any cause at all or els the words of the holie Ghost iustifying the good but I incline rather to the former And note that as in this verse they bragge what mischiefe they will closelie and craftelie performe against them so in the next verse they doo shamefullie vaunt what open mischiefe they will commit Vers 12. Wee vz. in the pride and crueltie of our owne hearts will swallow them vp i. will quite and cleane destroy the godlie aliue i. being either in good health and sound or els florishing in glorie wealth c. but the former is the better though the Rabbins allow of the latter like a graue i. euen as a graue doth receiue and take in dead corpses and neuer is satisfied see Prouerb 30.15 16. so will they destroy the good and neuer leaue off euen whole i. wee will spare no part or peece of them neither skinne flesh nor bones as those that go downe into the pit i. as those that are buried whole so shall these bee destroyed whole Vers 13. Wee shall finde i. not only certainlie finde but assuredlie also obteyne and possesse all
neither speaketh he this as though they had either will or power to doo it without God but to shew that now the meane was offered them which if they refused it would be a greater iudgement against them at my correction i. now that I doo by words and speaches labor to correct and amend you loe q.d. if you will doo this see what benefites you shall draw and pull to your selfe J will powre out my minde vnto you i. I wil make you plentifullie acquainted with the fulnesse of all good things which dwell in me and make you vnderstand my words i. the words which I shall speake for your amēdment q.d. till I giue you vnderstanding thereof they can be no otherwise to you but as a sealed or closed booke Vers 24. Because I haue called vz. earnestlie vnto you for your amendement and good and ye refused vz. to hearken and yeelde obedience vnto my voyce J haue stretched out mine hand q.d. I haue beckened vnto you with my hand and giuen you signes and tokens of my calling and protection and none vz. amongest you would regard vz. these testimonies and tokens of my loue towardes you Vers 25. But q.d. moreouer and besides all this ye haue despised all my counsell i. through your rebellion you haue contemptuouslie cast frō you all that I purposed and offered vnto you for your good and would none of my correction i. would not accept or regard anie meane that I vsed either of word or chastisement for your bettering and amendment In these two verses he reckoneth vp their sinnes in the next followeth their iudgements Vers 26. I will also laugh i. I will not care for you or regarde you Laughter attributed to God according to man see Psalm 2.4 at your destruction The word properlie signifieth a vapor exhalation or clowde but here by a Metaphore it is taken for calamitie or miserie which bringeth destruction vpon men and that in a double respect because as clowdes and vapors darken the daie so calamitie and miserie make dark manie times the glorie and renowme of men againe as vapors and exhalations arise sodainlie and sodainlie depart againe so dooth the glorie of the wicked when the tempest of miserie beginneth once to blowe vpon it and mocke vz you in your miserie and this is spoken of God according to mans capacitie when your feare cōmeth vz. sodainly as in the next verse vpon you vnderstanding by feare not only the things which the wicked feare but also the time of their calamitie in which they shall be in great feare doubting yea the very anguish griefe of their hart also Ver. 27. When your feare see ve 26. commeth vz. vpon you and that certainlie and assuredlie which he signifieth by speaking in the present tense like sodaine desolation i. like such destruction and wasting as for the sodainnes of it can neither be easely borne nor well preuented That word which is here turned desolation dooth properly signifie a sodaine and furious breach or destruction of any thing breaking and ouerthrowing euery thing that it méeteth with and your destruction i. the destruction which is appoynted for you shall come vz. vppon you like a whirlewind i. both sodainlie and with great violence he expresseth one thing vnder sundrie termes when affliction and anguish i. when trouble and griefe either outward in the bodie or inward in the minde shall come vppon you vz. iustly from God q.d. I will not only then laugh at your destruction but you your selfe shall pray and not be heard Vers 28. Then i. in the time of their trouble and sorrowe shall they i. the wicked marke the sodaine change of the person from the second to the third call vpon me i. pray vnto me as Psalme 50.15 but I will not answere i. graunt them their requestes yea by with-holding the thinges they pray for I will testifie my wrath against them they shall seeke me earely i. very diligently carefully and as it were incessantly q.d. they shall spare no paines yea they shall breake their sleepes in the morning but shall not finde me vz. gracious and merciful vnto them in their griefes because God wil be found of none but of such as seeke him according to his will reuealed in his word and that with the same affection of heart which he in the same requireth Vers 29 Because they hated knowledge see vers 22. of this Chapter he doth here againe repeate the causes of the ruine and destruction of the wicked and did not chuse vz. when it was graciouslie tendred and offered them the feare of the Lord see vers 7. of this Chapter Vers 30. They would none of my counsell but despised all my correction see vers 25. of this Chapter He meaneth that in the pride of their owne hearts they were set to contemne and despise whatsoeuer God would do for them Vers 31. Therefore vz. for this their great contempt and rebellion shall they eate vz. in al aboundance plentie and fulnes of the fruite of their owne way i. they shall bee satisfied with their wicked counsels and haue iust punishments layd vpon them for the same euen the wickednesse which they haue sowne they shall reape with all fulnes see Chapter 22.8 and be filled with their owne deuices i. with the punishments and mischiefes which they themselues had deuised against others Vers 32. For ease i. not only the peace and quietnesse which they here inioy but their stubbornnes and setlednes in euill wherein they please themselues and promise vnto themselues all prosperitie see Ieremiah 48.11 Zephani 1.12 slaieth the foolish i. the simple which knowe not how to vse it as vers 22. of this Chapter and the prosperitie of fooles i. that prosperitie which fooles and wicked persons enioy destroyeth them i. plungeth them daylie more and more into destruction Vers 33. But he that obeieth mee vz. in doing the things which I command him shall dwell safelie vz. from all naughtie men or any mischiefe they can imagine against him see Psalm 4.8 and be quiet from feare of euill i. not only no euill it selfe but no suspition or feare of it shall go to his heart he shall bee so strengthened through Gods promises and defended by his almightie power Vers 1. Teacheth vs that it is a great blessing Do. when God giueth to any countrie or common wealth wise and godlie Princes Vers 2. Teacheth vs that Gods word is and ought to bee the ground of all our knowledge Vers 3. Teacheth vs that it ought to bee the rule of all our actions either publique or priuate Vers 4. Proueth that the knowledge of Gods worde belongeth euen to the simple contrarie to the Popish assertion which would haue none meddle with it but great schollers and learned men Vers 5.6 Shewe that euen the wisest also may out of the same learne for increase of iudgement and knowledge so that wee may rightly say that the word are waters wherein the great Elephant may
swimme and the little Lambe wade and goe Vers 7 Teacheth vs that wee can neuer come to sound knowledge of God and his truth vnlesse there bee a right reuerence of his Maiestie in our hearts Vers 8. Teacheth vs first that it is parents dueties to instruct those whom God hath giuen them Secondly that children should reuerently hearken vnto the wholesome counsell of their friends and parents Vers 9. Teacheth vs that it is a notable grace to bee bowable to the good wordes of exhortation Vers 10. Teacheth vs at no hand to consent to wicked perswasions and inticements Vers 11 12 13 14. Teach vs that the wicked will leaue no stone vnrolled to the end they may drawe some to commit wickednesse with them sometimes setting before them pleasure sometimes profite and sometimes one thing and sometimes another Vers 15. Teacheth vs two things first to auoyd the companie of the wicked secondly not to bee like vnto them in outward conuersation Vers 16. Sheweth how egar and sharpe set the wicked are vpon mischiefe Vers 17. Teacheth vs that the wicked are not so sure of the accōplishment of their practises as they suppose Vers 18. Teacheth vs that through Gods iust iudgements the vngodly are many times taken in the mischieuous imaginations of their owne hearts Vers 19. Teacheth vs that there is no wicked man of what estate or condition so euer he be which continueth in his sinne that shall escape vnpunished Vers 20 21 22. Teacheth vs that the heauenlie wisedome vseth all meanes and opportunities to bring men vnto it which are stragling from it Vers 22. Sheweth that the wicked preferre vanitie and sinne before all goodnesse whatsoeuer Vers 23. Teacheth vs that those which vnfeignedlie turne to the Lord shall not only escape iudgements in this life and in the life to come but shall bee throughlie instructed in all the waies of God Vers 24 25. Teacheth vs that there can be no greater sinne committed against God than rebellion and the contempt of his maiestie Vers 26. Teacheth that the Lord will haue no care of them that haue no care of him Vers 27. Sheweth that both sodaine and fearefull destruction shall fall vpon all wicked contemners of God and his truth Vers 28. Teacheth vs that those which refuse to heare God when he speaketh shall not be heard when they pray vnto him Vers 29. Teacheth vs that this is a great sinne against God euen the contempt and refusall of graces offered the same thing doth vers 30. teach vs. Vers 31. Teacheth vs that it is a iust with God to punish sinne with sinne in the wicked though he himselfe delight not in sinne Vers 32. Teacheth vs that euen the very good things that the wicked haue tend to their greater iudgement and condemnation Vers 33. Teacheth vs that obedience to Gods lawe is a good pledge to his children that God will in his prouident and fatherly care continually watch ouer them CHAP. 2. Co. SAlomon in the ende of the other Chapter had brought in Gods wisedome speaking vnto men and calling them to amendment which being done he beginneth againe either in his owne person or in the person of wisedome chuse whether you will accept of to exhort men to imbrace her and reuerentlie and rightlie to esteeme of her Di. I Would thinke that the Chapter may be diuided into two parts In the first either Wisedome it selfe or Salomon admonisheth vs to obey her both because it teacheth vs the feare of God and also instructeth vs in his Di. 2 mercie prouidence c. In the second part he reckoneth vp the great benefites and blessings that that heauenlie Wisedome bestoweth vpon vs and namelie that it shall deliuer vs from euerie euill way as slaunder backbyting adulterie c. The first part reacheth from vers 1 to the end of the 9. verse and the second from vers 10. to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. MY sonne see chapt 1.8 if thou wilt receaue i. euen as it were gréedelie earnestlie reuerentlie rightlie my words i. the matters that I shall propound and speake vnto thée and hide vz. as most precious and deare things see Psalm 119 11. my commandements i. the things words which I command thee within thee vz. in thy heart yet so that they may be expressed also in thy outward conuersation Vers 2. And cause thine eares vz. both of thy bodie and of thy minde to hearken vz. reuerentlie attentiuelie and diligentlie vnto wisedome vz. that speaketh so often so openly vnto thee as chapt 1. ver 20. c. and incline vz. willinglie and vnfeinedlie thine heart vz. whollie altogether to vnderstanding i. to obtaine get sound knowledge of Gods will reuealed in his word Vers 3. For this word would be better turned yea q.d. if thou addest this further that thou hast a minde to praie for wisedome if thou callest after knowledge i. bend thy speach towards her that thou maist as it were call her vnto thee as when one calleth another and so by that meanes she may become familiar and acquainted with thee and criest vz. aloud and earnestly by which he noteth care and diligence for vnderstanding i. for the obteining of it as men when some are going apace frō them crie aloud that they may be heard Some read this verse thus Yea if thou call vpon wisedome i. reuerentlie call vpon God for the obteining of wisedome as Salomon did 1. King 3.6 and criest aloud to vnderstanding i. prayest earnestlie to God as God himselfe commandeth Iam. 1.5 And indeed I take this to be the better sense by reason of that which foloweth ver 6. of this chapter Ver. 4. If thou seekest her vz. as diligentlie and paynfullie as siluer i. as thou thy self wouldest or any other man seeke siluer lost or hidden and searchest for her vz. as carefullie as narrowlie as for treasures vz. which are hidden in some close strong and secret place as in the earth or otherwise whether men cannot come but by great labour and toile q.d. if thou seekest it with as earnest an affection as siluer is sought and treasures digged vp and that thou art not content with a common kinde of searching but if thou finde it not at once thou wilt still seeke till thou hast found then thus and thus shall it be with thee And marke here what degrees the holie Ghost vseth first he would haue vs to be carefull to receiue and to hold fast the doctrine of God vers 1. Then he would haue vs to bée carefull by diligent attention for the receiuing and remembring of it ver 2. Thirdly he would haue vs to vse earnest praier for the obtaining of it ver 3 And lastly he would haue vs to bestow all labour studie and industrie vers 4. Vers 5. Then i. when thou hast carefully striuen to the performance of these things shalt thou vnderstand vz. plainly familiarly rightly and soundly the feare of the Lord see Chapt. 1. vers
the worde hands here because they are the instruments of murther and when he saith shed innocent bloud he meaneth such as kill men and take away their liues without any good cause Vers 18. An heart vz. of a man that imagineth wicked enterprises vz. against other men speciallie those which are good and marke that the heart is put here in the fourth place and in the middest betwéene the sixe because it is as it were the fountaine and roote of all these euilles feete that be swift in running to mischiefe i. to accomplish and performe mischiefe he meaneth by this speach such as are whollie set vppon working of mischiefe of whom see before cap. 4.16 17. Vers 19. A false witnesse that speaketh lyes i. such a one as before a Magistrate either vppon his owne word or oath vttereth an vntruth and so it is diuers from the second thing because the tongue may be giuen to lying without false witnes bearing and him that raiseth vp vz. by any manner of meanes as by tale-carrying c. contention i. any manner of quarrelling or chiding among brethren vz. who should bee ioyned fast together he meaneth here such a one as is an author of quarrelles and contentions Vers 20. My sonne keepe thy fathers commandement i. practise the thing which thy father commandeth thee and forsake not thy mothers instruction i. set not light by at any hand such good things as thy mother shall instruct and teach thee in see Chapter 1.8 where you haue almost the very same words Vers 21. Bind them alway vpon thy heart i. thinke vpon them and remember them continually and tye them about thy necke vz. that thou feeling and seeing them maiest be put in minde to practise them see Chapter 3.3 Vers 22. It i. the wholesome counsell of thy parents giuen thee out of the law and word of God and receiued by thee shall leade thee vz. into all truth and weldooing when thou walkest i. whatsoeuer thou takest in hand or whether soeuer thou turnest thee it shall watch for thee vz. to keepe thée safe and sound both in minde and bodie when thou sleepest i. laiest thee downe and takest thy naturall rest and when thou wakest vz. to goe about thy busines and affaires it shall talke with thee i. it shall not onely counsell thee but also teach thee what how to speake Vers 23. For the commandement vz. of God meaning by commandement the whole word because it consisteth specially of commandements see Psalm 19.8 is a lanterne vz. to lighten the beléeuers and to go before them in the way of eternall life see Psalme 119.105 and instruction vz. out of Gods word a light vz. to our darke and blind consciences and corrections for instructions i. sharpe reproofes to instruct men specially when they cannot otherwise bée reclaimed for instruction so vsed see Chapt. 5.12 are the way of life i. the high and readie way or as a man would say effectuall meanes to bring vs to life and I would reade this verse by a Parenthesis and so ioyne the 22. and 24. together Vers 24. To keepe thee i. the word shal instruct thee to kéepe thée farre from the wicked woman i. from a woman whollie giuen ouer to wickednesse and from the flatterie of the tongue of the strange woman i. from the flatterie which the harlot vseth in the wordes which she vttereth with her tongue of this see before Chapter 5.3 He meaneth that heauenly wisedome out of Gods word shall kéepe him vntouched from all the assaults of pleasure and from all hinderances in the doing of his duetie so that neither by fleshly pleasure nor other euilles whatsoeuer he shall be carried away Vers 25. Desire not her beautie in thine heart i. take héed that thy heart be not ouertaken with desire and lust of her beautie see Math. 5 28. neither let her take thee vz. leading thee from the right way and stealing thy heart from thée with her eye lids i. either with the fairenes of her eyes or with the twinckling of the eyes or with setting thy eyes vpon her or els with any other either wanton lookes or whorish gestures Vers 26. For because of the whorish woman i. for satisfying of her in her greedie desire a man is brought vz. to seeke to a morsell of bread i. to extreame neede and beggerie so that begging from dore to dore he would be glad of a morsell of bread see Prouer. 29.3 and a woman i. a wicked adulterous and whorish woman will hunt for i. by all the meanes that she can seeke and neuer leaue of labouring till she haue gotten the precious life of a man i. mans life which is a very precious and deare thing and in this verse is contained a reason why adulterie is vile to wit because it bringeth with it losse of goods and destruction both of bodie and soule Vers 27. Can a man take fire in his bosome and his clothes not be burnt q.d. It is impossible Vers 28. Or can a man go vppon coales i. hot burning coales and without any thing vpon his feete and his feete not be burnt q.d. it cannot be for by this propounding of it in the way of a question he noteth the hardnes or impossibilitie rather of the thing And here note that he compareth whoredome to a fire of which see Iob. 31.12 shewing by two very apt similitudes that he cannot auoide both bodilie hurt and spirituall danger that hath any thing to do with a harlot or hath any acquaintance or familiaritie with her Vers 29. So he that goeth into his neighbours wife i. lieth with her and knoweth her he vseth an honest and sober speach to expresse a filthie and vile act see 2. Sam. 16.21 see also Psalme 51. in the title shall not be innocent i. cleare either before God or man but subiect to iudgement not onely to that which is inward and eternall from God but also that which is outward amongst men to which he is subiect if he be taken in it and this sense is confirmed by that which followeth where he compareth an adulterer to a chéefe shewing the one to bee a greater offence than the other Vers 30. Men do not despise vz. very much a theefe i. he that stealeth any thing when he stealeth q.d. no though he be taken in the fact of théeuerie if it be to satisfie his soule i. his life and maintaine it when he standeth in neede for wee knowe that the soule eateth not because he is hungrie vz. and he stealeth to satisfie his hunger onely Vers 31. But if he be found q.d. yea though the hardest fall out that he bée found in the deede doing he shall restore vz. to him from whom he hath stollen seauen fold i. very much for otherwise the Scripture maketh mention what he shall restore and in what cases see Exod. 22.1 2 c. or vz. if he be not able to restore he shall giue all the substance of his house i.
beléeue bare words only Vers 17. Stollen waters are sweete I take these to be the words of the harlot intising the foolish and simple man q.d. wee will secretly commit whoredome which to the flesh in deede seemeth very pleasant and sweet and not only because it is not seene or knowne but also because the desire and vse of strange flesh which is called in this place the euerie is or at the least seemeth delectable for the time and hidde bread is pleasant i. bread eaten in corners which they dare not eate openly either because it was forbidden them or because it was stollen Vnder these two similitudes she meaneth one thing that is secret or close committing of whoredom and here we may see that euen by the account of whores and harlots whoredome is condemned as a vile sinne Vers 18. But he vz. who is so intised of her knoweth not vz. being deceiued through the sweetnes and pleasures of sinne which indure but for a while that the dead are there i. that such as vse her house and frequent her companie are dead alreadie as 1. Timoth. 5.6 and that her guestes i. such as she hath bidden and doo yéeld to her bidding are in the depth of hell i. are alreadie condemned some referre it to the graue but the other sense also is true vnlesse it please God to giue them vnfeigned repentance and amendment of life Do. Verse 1 2 3. Set out the great loue that God beareth towardes man which teacheth vs on the otherside not to requite it with vnkindnesse as when he louinglie calleth we should chorlishly refuse to come but thankfully to accept of the time of his gracious and fatherly visitation Vers 4. Teacheth vs that our ignorance or wickednesses should bee no cause of estranging our selues from God but rather spurres to prouoke vs to drawe nigh vnto him for the amendement thereof Verse 5. Teacheth vs reuerently and louingly to imbrace Gods graces offered Vers 6. Teacheth vs that Christian righteousnes consisteth of these two partes in hating the euill and doing the good things Vers 7. Setteth out rather the nature of the wicked who cannot away with the word of reproofe than discourage vs any whit at all from performing of that great duetie of charitie and loue Verse 8. Teacheth vs that godly admonition bringeth not foorth the like fruites and effects in all Verse 9. Teacheth vs that the godlie can alwaies well away to be reproued and admonished Vers 10. Teacheth vs the right and reuerent feare of Gods Maiestie and also the true feeling of the societie and fellowship of the brethren Verse 11. Teacheth vs that whosoeuer vnfeignedly imbraceth Gods heauenly wisedome shall haue abundance of graces bestowed vpon him Verse 12. Sheweth that scorners and scoffers shal not escape vnpunished Verse 13. Sheweth that these are two properties of a harlot brauling and ignorance Verse 14. Teacheth vs that this is another note of a light person gadding and fisking abroad Vers 15. Teacheth vs that harlots are for the most part impudent and shamelesse Verse 16. Teacheth vs not to beleeue all words for harlots many times will labour to allure with the same words that holie wisedome doth and all to make her perswasions more plausible Verse 17. Teacheth that adulterie is a notorious kind of the euerie or robbing Verse 18. Teacheth that how pleasant soeuer the delights of sinne be for a while yet their end is sharpe and miserable CHAP. 10. Co. HEtherto the holie Ghost was occupied speciallie in the commendation of holie wisedome which chiefly respecteth our dueties towards God now hauing dispatched and finished that poynt he proceedeth in this and the other Chapters following to speake both of the generall and particular dueties that in God and for God we owe one of vs to another and this he doth not in any curious methode or order no more than they doo which take vppon them in few wordes to deliuer rules of life such as amongst the heathen were sundrie as Cato Isocrates and others And yet wee will indeuour and assay to make as apt both connexions and diuisions of the Chapters as it shall please God to giue vs grace Di. TRue it is that sundrie and seuerall instructions of doctrine are contained in this Chapter as also in the Chapters following and therefore can hardlie admit any apt diuision notwithstanding I suppose it may well be diuided into three parts In the first the holie Ghost speaketh of wise and Di. 1 foolish children of goods wickedly gotten of Gods prouidence towards the good and his iustice against the bad of idlenes and sloth of Gods fauour and iustice towards the godly and vngodly of the waies of the wicked and the godlie of hypocrites and of good men and this reacheth from verse 1. to the end of the 11. In the second he intreateth of hatred and loue Di. 2 of wise men and fooles of riches and pouertie of obedience hypocrisie babling the godly mans words and the wicked mans heart from verse 12. to the end of the 21. In the third he intreateth of Gods fauour of fooles Di. 3 and their feare and destruction of slothfull persons of the good and the bad and of their vnlikely fruites and rewardes and this reacheth from verse 22. vnto the end of the Chapter Se. THis Chapter hath as it were a title thus The Parables of Salomon see the same wordes expounded before Chapter 1.1 Vers 1. A wise sonne i. a good and godlie child whether it be sonne or daughter maketh a glad father i. causeth the father much to reioyce vnderstanding by father both the parents and kinsfolkes because he is chiefe see Chapter 15.20 but a foolish sonne i. a wicked and a lewd childe is an heauines vz. of heart and great griefe to his mother i. to his parents c. as before one being put for manie Vers 2. The treasures of wickednes i. such treasures as wicked men get by wicked meanes how much soeuer it be and thinke will stand them in stead see for this phrase Luke 16.9 profite nothing vz. at all that is can not stand him in stead against the euils which are readie to fal vpon him and death that hangeth presently ouer his head see Psalme 49.6 7 c. but righteousnes i. vpright and faithfull dealing yea though a man haue no treasure at all deliuereth from death i. ouercommeth all euilles and dangers whatsoeuer and causeth that euen death it selfe is not hurtfull to the righteous Vers 3. The Lord vz. who is faithfull and iust in all his promises will not famish vz. through any want or neede the soule of the righteous i. the good mans life see Psalme 34.10 Also Psalme 37.25 He meaneth that howsoeuer they be afflicted on euery side yet shall they not bee distressed or destituted for euer see 2. Cor. 4.8 but he casteth away or scattereth vz. as a thing of no account the substance of the wicked i. all that he hath and possesseth and this he doth
either by taking it vtterly from him or denying him the vse of it though he haue it in possession or by taking his blessing of strength and profite from him and it Vers 4. A slothfull hand i. the hand that is giuen to idlenes and sloth and will not labour vnderstanding by one part all the rest that must concurre in that action of worke maketh poore vz. him that hath it or is the owner of it The word that is turned here slothfull signifieth also deceitfull q.d. he that is sluggish in doing of his duetie and thinketh by craft to attaine other mens goods shall surely come to beggerie but the hand i. the labour performed with the hand and other parts and members of the bodie of the diligent i. of such as diligently go about their owne businesses and abstaine from coueting or craftie scraping together of other mens goods maketh rich i. maketh men rich and that through Gods especiall blessing for otherwise it is impossible to obtaine them as Psalme 127.2 Vers 5. He that gathereth vz. things méete and necessarie for his maintenance in sommer i. while time serueth and he hath a good season See what is said before concerning the Pismire Chapt. 6.8 is the sonne of wisedome i. is a wise and good child as he proueth by effect while in his vnderstanding and knowledge he taketh heed before hand to keepe him and his from shamefull beggerie but he that sleepeth i. he that is sluggish and slow and doth no more than if he slept soundlie see Chapt. 6.10 in haruest i. when he hath fit and conuenient time to doo things well in Chapt. 6.8 is the sonne of confusion i. is such a one as by his follie bringeth shame of face vpon himselfe and all those that appertaine vnto him Vers 6. Blessings i. plentifulnes and abundance of all manner of blessings which he noteth by speaking in the plurall number are vpon the head of the righteous i. are plentifully powred vpon the righteous man himself putting a part for the whole as Chap. 11.26 And yet because euery good gift commeth from aboue Iames 1.17 he doth chiefly speake of the head because it lighteth first vpon it and so from it descendeth to the rest of the members see Psalme 113.2 but iniquitie i. the sinne which the wicked committed against God and men after that it is knowne shall couer the mouthes of the wicked i. shall so stoppe and shut vp their mouthes that they shall not only haue nothing to say but shall bee choked as it were with their owne violence as if a mans breath were stopped Vers 7. The memoriall i. the remembrance or thinking vpon of the iust vz. whether he be aliue or dead shall be blessed i. shall bee esteemed as a sweete and pleasant thing yea worthie great praise but the name of the wicked i. all his glorie and whatsoeuer seemeth excellent in him shall rot vz. as a corrupt and vile thing meaning further that euer before God and man it shall bee hated and lothed euen as things that stinke through rottennes and corruption Vers 8. The wise in heart i. he that is truely and indeede wise for many outwardly make a shewe of wisedome and haue it not within will receiue vz. reuerently willingly carrying with him also a purpose to obey the same commandements vz. either from God and his word or els from good men according to the same but the foolish in talke i. he whose disorderous heart moueth his lippes to murmur against good counsell shall be beaten vz. for his rash hastie and murmuring speaches Vers 9. He that walketh i. leadeth the course of his life vprightly vz. towards God and man hauing a care that he stray not walketh boldly vz. because he is assured of Gods good will towards him walking faithfully in his calling but he that peruerteth his waies vz. from the rules of righteousnes and truth which God hath set him shall be knowne vz. at the last how close or secret soeuer it bee for a time Vers 10. He that wincketh with the eye i. he that secretly deuiseth or worketh mischiefe he putteth the signe for the thing it selfe see Chapt. 6.13 worketh sorrowe vz. both to others and himselfe also in the ende and he that is foolish in talke i. such a one as neuer feareth to vtter his wickednes shall be beaten see verse 8. of this Chap. He compareth the euill which is done dissemblingly and as it were with the wincking of the eye with that which is done openly with the manifest rayling of the tongue Vers 11. The mouth of a righteous man i. the words which he vttereth and speaketh is a welspring of life i. bring with them all manner of plentie and continuance of good things but iniquitie couereth the mouth of the wicked see verse 6. of this very chapter Vers 12. Hatred vz. once conceiued and setled in the minde stirreth vp vz. very forciblie and quicklie contentions vz. both in word and deede amongst men and that many times for small causes or none at all vnderstanding also by contentions both backbitings and quarrellous vpbraidings one of another with the offences and sinnes which they haue committed which is very farre off from the duetie of humanitie or charitie but loue vz. if it bee vnfeigned of one of vs towards another couereth vz. from other mens sight hearing and knowledge all trespasses vz. committed one of vs against another This taketh not away brotherly admonition or the Church discipline but speaketh of priuate iniuries and offences against our selues which holie loue doth keepe close if in a good faith and holie conscience they may be kept close dissembling them as it were or els doth in tender pittie and compassion labour the amendement of them Leuit. 19.17 Vers 13. In the lippes of him that hath vnderstanding i. in the speach and wordes of a wise man he putteth one instrument wherewith words bee vttered for the words themselues wisedome is found i. a man shall easilie espie and perceiue great wisedome and a rod i. punishment and correction euen as it were with a rod shall be vz. sent from God yea and many times from men also for the backe of him i. vpon his backe that is destitute of wisedome vz. and yet notwithstanding wil speake hand ouerhead whatsoeuer commeth into his mouth Vers 14. Wise men i. they that are indeede truely wise lay vp knowledge vz. of good things meaning by laying of it vp hiding it as it were within themselues as chap. 2.1 and Chapt. 7.1 Yet so that when neede shall require and occasion bee offered they may bring it forth and vse it see Math. 12.35 Also Math 13.52 but the mouth of a foole i. the wordes which a foole or wicked person vttereth with his mouth is a present destruction i. bring with them euen destruction not only to the partie vttering but many times to some person hearing q.d. the wicked mans follie and want of knowledge is so great that
to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. FAlse balances vz. vsed in buying and selling he putteth the balance for all thereto appertaining are an abhomination vnto the Lord i. are such things as the Lord abhorreth and condemneth by the Lawe see Leuit. 19.35 36. Deuter. 25.13 14 15 16. And vnder this he condemneth all fraudulent dealing in buying and selling whatsoeuer but a perfect weight i. an vpright and iust weight In the Hebrue text it is stone because they were wont to weigh with stones pleaseth him vz. greatly or much Vers 2. When pride commeth vz. vppon any man i. when any man beginneth to waxe proude against or aboue others then commeth vz. vnto him shame vz. amongst and before men He meaneth that contempt is the companion of pride see Prouerb 16.18 but with the lowlie vz. in heart as well as in outward shewe is wisedome i. true wisedome which lowlines and wisedome ioyned together doo truely exalt a man see Prouerb 15.33 Also 18.12 Vers 3. The vprightnes of the iust i. their vpright and iust dealings towards God and men shall guide them vz. euen whether they would come or els it shall keepe them safe and sound for euer and leade them thorowe out the whole course of their life till they come to the hauen of safetie here and of heauen in the life to come as may appeare by the verses following but the frowardnes of the transgressors i. of such as trāsgresse Gods law meaning by peruersnes or frowardnes not onely that which is in themselues but also that wherewith they doo either on the one side oppresse others or on the other side peruert or make them like naught vnto themselues shall destroy i. shall be a forcible meane to pull vpon them from God a iust destruction Vers 4. Riches vz. whether they bee gotten iustly or vniustly that is not the matter auaile not vz. any whit at all in the day of wrath i. at any time when God sheweth himselfe angrie q.d. such as trust when God laieth any either publike or priuate calamitie vpon them to bée deliuered through their riches they are much deceiued see Ezech. 7.16 Zepha 1.18 but righteousnes deliuereth from death i. the righteous are deliuered either from bodilie punishments in this life or els altogether from eternall death see this expounded before Chapt. 10.2 Vers 5. The righteousnes i. the good conscience and faithfull dealing of the vpright vz. in heart as well as in word for both must concurre shall direct his way i. keepeth him vpright in this life and ordereth the whole course of the same so that he hath good successe in all things and falleth not because he laboureth continually to followe Gods will but the wicked shall fall vz. certainlie and assuredly in his owne wickednes i. either as he is walking in his owne wicked and crooked waies or els in that wickednes that he hath deuised against others he shall be snared but I rather like of the first sense Ver. 6. The righteousnes of the iust see before verse 5. of this Chapter shall deliuer them vz. from eternall death and all hurtfull dangers in this life as verse 4. of this Chapt. but the transgressors vz. of Gods lawe shall be taken vz. certainly and sodainly in their owne wickednes i. in that which they had deuised against others and indéede laied vpon them see Psalme 7.15 or els expound it as verse 5. of this Chapter Vers 7. When a wicked man dieth vz. here amongst men his hope i. both the hope he himself had to oppresse others and the hope that other men had in him perisheth vz. vtterly and commeth to nothing and the hope of the vniust shall perish q.d. be assured of this that his hope shall take no effect and he repeateth the thing for the more certaintie of it I knowe other men reade it and expound it otherwise but me thinketh this is plaine Vers 8. The righteous escapeth vz. thorowe the goodnes and mercie of God out of trouble i. out of sundrie and manifold troubles see Psalme 34.19 and the wicked shall come in his stead vz. into affliction and troubles q.d. we doo oftentimes see it fall out that the wicked man commeth into the place of the righteous man being deliuered from trouble euen as it were a redemption for him Vers 9. An hypocrite i. he that thinketh one thing with his heart and speaketh another thing with his mouth with his mouth i. with his false counterfeit words mouth put for words vttered with the mouth as sundrie times before hurteth his neighbour vz. either while he bringeth men to the state of dissimulation that he himselfe is in or els while he seemeth friendly in words yet in heart wishing him euill he laboureth to destroy him and his substance but the righteous shall be deliuered vz. through Gods grace and goodnes from such hypocrites and dissemblers by knowledge vz. of their falsehood and hypocrisie and by a wise foresight shall deliuer himselfe and others from their corruption Vers 10. In the prosperitie of the righteous i. when good men prosper florish and are exalted the citie i. the people of the citie if they be godlie wise and indued with vnderstanding and this must not only bée referred to cities but to kingdomes he putting a part of a kingdome for the whole reioyceth vz. excéedingly and as it were with singing and shouting for so much I suppose the Hebrue word and text will yéeld and when the wicked perish vz. from amongst men meaning when they dye there is ioy vz. yea great ioy amongst the people of the kingdome or citie they reioyce in the one because of the good they receiue from them and reioyce at the departure of the other because of the euilles they indured vnder them Ver. 11. By the blessing of the righteous i. by the good deedes and good words of godlie men which are called blessings because that by them God doth after a sort powre blessings vpon the people the citie is exalted vz. very much that is it hath a great name and florisheth mightelie but it is subuerted i. quite and cleane destroyed by the mouth of the wicked i. by wicked wordes and counsels that the vngodlie vtter and giue see verse 9. of this Chapter Vers 12. He that despiseth vz. either in countenance worde or deede his neighbour i. any man that is any manner of way ioyned vnto him is destitute of wisedome i. bewraieth himselfe to bee a very foolish man but a man of vnderstanding i. he that is truely wise indeede will keepe silence i. will temper himselfe and abstaine from shewing contempt any manner of way against another Vers 13. He that goeth about as a slanderer vz. of other men It seemeth to bee a metaphore taken from pedlers who mingle sundrie sortes of ware together and go from place to place to vtter those things which they haue receiued of others so slanderers tell that to one which they haue heard of
another and goe hether and thether to gather vp tales to tell to other men and yet many times tell them otherwise than they heard them discouereth a secret which is a wicked thing specially if it bée committed to a man this gadding from place to place with tales is forbidden by God Leuit. 19.16 but he that is of a faithfull heart vz. towards God and his brethren conceileth i. keepeth close a matter vz. committed vnto him meaning it of such matters as ought to be kept close Vers 14 Where no counsell is i. In what place soeuer there is not holie and right counsell for otherwise there is no state so corrupt but hath a counsell wherby we see that a wicked counsell is as no counsell before God the people fall vz. by sundrie meanes into sundrie mischiefes that cannot be auoyded but where many counsellers are i. where there is store of graue wise and holie men to giue good counsell and their counsell bee accepted and regarded there is health vz. to the people and subiects meaning by health all outward blessings as prosperitie peace abroad quietnes at home and a great number of such like The Rabbins referre this to warre but I take it to be such a sentence as verse 11. of this Chapter is and to be general stretching it selfe to the right gouernment of Magistrates and their wholesome counsels Vers 15. He shall be sore vexed vz. amongst men and euen in himselfe that is suretie vz. to another man for a stranger i. for one whom he knoweth not and he that hateth suretiship vz. vnlesse he haue good cause to enter into the same is sure vz. from danger griefe and vexation How this must be vnderstood see Chapt. 6. vers 1 c. Vers 16. A gracious woman i. such a one as is indued with a right reuerence of God and decked with that hidden man of the heart which consisteth in a méeke and quiet spirite which spirite also is acceptable before God obtaineth fauour amongst men 1. Pet. 3.4 atteineth honor vz. amongst men by her good and vertuous demeanes and so consequently praise and commendation as Pro. 31.30 and and I suppose this would rather be turned as the strong men in Hebrue it is violent meaning such as being terrible and fearefull to others get riches by all manner of meanes whether lawfull or vnlawfull it skilleth not atteine riches vz. amongst men Vers 17. He that is mercifull vz. towards others specially when they are distressed and néedie rewardeth his owne soule i. doth good vnto himselfe also as well as vnto others for so it pleaseth God to reward the good workes of his seruants but he vz. whosoeuer he be that troubleth vz. vniustly and without cause by what means so euer it be either in word or déed his owne flesh i. his neighbour or other men as Isaiah 58.7 is cruell vz. not only to them but euen against himselfe also Some reade it thus but the cruel man i. he that is hard hearted and cruelly bent against others troubleth his owne flesh i. hurteth himselfe while he casteth from him all lawes of nature and curtesie Indéede I confesse that the Antithesis or opposition of this verse more plainlie appeareth so and yet I see no reason why the other sense may not as well stand Vers 18. The wicked worketh a deceitfull worke vz. both to himselfe and against others to himselfe because he is deceiued of that which he thought to obtaine as a reward many times getting a cleane contrarie thing as miserie for prosperitie and against the good because he seeketh by deceitfull meanes to destroy them but he that soweth righteousnes i. is plentifull in vpright and well doing see Galath 6.7 8 c. shall receiue vz. from the Lord yea and many times from men also a sure reward i. a reward that shall not deceiue him neither whereof he shall be deceiued Vers 19. As righteousnes leadeth to life vz. both here and in the world to come vnderstanding by righteousnes the sound fruites of a holy conuersation both towards God and men so he that followeth euill i. fostereth and feedeth the same within him and seeketh the performance therof seeketh his own death vz. both of bodie and soule without vnfeigned repentance and amendment of life Vers 20. They that are of a froward heart vz. either against God or men meaning such as are neuer pleased with any thing are abomination to the Lord i. are such as the Lord abhorreth and cannot abide see verse 1. of this Chapter but they that are vpright in their way i. haue care of a holie and iust conuersation towards God and man see Psalme 119.1 are his delite i. are such as he much delighteth in Vers 21. Though hand ioyne in hand i. though the wicked indeuour by all the strengthes subtilties and aydes that they haue or can procure the wicked shall not be vnpunished q.d. for all that they cannot escape Gods punishments see Chapter 16.5 but the seede of the righteous i. euen his posteritie shall escape vz. iudgements and punishments sent from God though sometimes it pleaseth him to correct them to their amendement q.d. not only the godlie but their posteritie shall be deliuered whereas the vngodlie though he get many to take his part shall not escape when as the godlie shall deliuer both himselfe and others Vers 22. As a iewell of gold vz. is an vnseemely thing in a swines snout vz. because the swine will defile it with dirt and myre so is a faire woman i. so is it vnseemely for one to be indued with beautie which indeede is a good gift from God which lacketh discretion vz. to gouerne her selfe modestlie soberlie and in the feare of God q.d. beautie doth as little become a mad or foolish woman as a precious iewell doth become a sowe Vers 23. The desire of the righteous is only good i. they desire nothing but that which is good for that word only is an exclusiue particle shutting out euill things Not meaning that they neuer wish euill but rather that for the most part they desire good but the hope of the wicked i. the wicked may hope or looke for nothing els but indignation i. vengeance from God or els such thinges as shall vexe and grieue them and make them angrie Vers 24. There is vz. a man putting it also for a certaine number of men that scattereth i. liberally bestoweth the goods and possessions which God hath blessed him with all see Psalme 112.9 and is more increased vz. in riches and abundance through the speciall blessing of God and the right vse of these things but he that spareth more vz. either from himselfe or others which is the common fault of couetous persons and niggards then is right i. than he may and ought to doo surely commeth to pouertie vz. notwithstanding all his pinching and sparing q.d. so farre off is it that the niggardly man shall increase and waxe rich as the liberall doth that
meaning by this speeche that hee is mercifull if to beastes much more to men q.d. he is so gentle and curteous that he neglecteth not his owne cattell but giueth them their meate attendance and all other things necessary in due time how much more then doth he care for his houshold and needy persons but the mercies of the wicked vz. if hee haue any at all which also may be doubted of are cruell i. tend euen to crueltie and haue crueltie mingled with them Some reade it thus but the mercies of the wicked are the mercies of a cruell man i. they haue no more mercies then a cruell and outragious person hath Vers 11. He that tilleth his land i. is faithfull and paynefull in his calling for hee putteth one sorte vz. husbandrie for all shall be satisfied with bread i. shall not onely haue sufficient maintenance but fulnes of it hee vseth the worde bread for meate drinke cloth and all things necessarie for the maintenance of mans life but he that followeth vz. as an example in his dealings and behauior and trade of life the idle i. idle headed fellowes and such as giuing themselues to vanitie woulde not followe any honest trade or occupation The same word is turned Iudges 9.4 vaine One referreth it rather to the things than to the persons and indeed I suppose the Antithesis or comparison would better stand so is destitute of vnderstanding i. of right vnderstanding how wise so euer he seeme notwithstanding in his owne eyes Vers 12. The wicked desireth vz. very greatly and earnestlie the net of euills i. all manner of meanes whereby he may cast others into many euills and mischiefes and so hurt and grieue them Some turne it thus the net of euill vz. men q.d. he wisheth to vse the same deceites to oppresse good and innocent people with all that the wicked vse Some turne it thus the wicked desireth the ayde of euills i. ayde and defence against them q.d. he hath an earnest desire to be established and defended from all euills but his desire is in vaine as vers 3. of this chap. and this I rather like of but the roote of the righteous see before vers 3. of this chap. giueth fruite I would rather read giueth it vz. defence against euill and mischiefe Vers 13. The euill man is snared vz. fast and caught very sure by the wickednes of his lippes i. by his wicked wordes vttered with his lippes q.d. the naughty man by his owne lewde words bringeth all manner of greefe and destruction vpon himselfe but the iust shall come out of aduersitie vz. by the wisedome of his words and speech hee shall escape great affliction and manifolde dangers meaning that eyther by the wise weighing of his words he taketh heed of distresse or if he fall into any trouble doth thereby deliuer himselfe from the same Vers 14. A man i. a good and wise man shall be satiate with good things i. shall obteyne plenty and abundance of good things by the fruite of his mouth i. by the good wise and holy words which he vttereth with his mouth as thankes giuing is called the fruite of the lippes Heb. 13.15 q.d. euery good man shall receaue moste large and excellent fruite of his speech when he shall speake learned right and holy things and the recompence of a mans hands shall God giue vnto him i. God will recompence him meaning euerie man according to the works done in this flesh and so in this parte of the verse he passeth from wordes to deedes Vers 15. The way of a foole i. the trade of life and conuersation which hee affecteth yea whatsoeuer thing he liketh vnderstanding by foole a peruerse wicked man is right in his owne eyes i. seemeth so to be in his owne iudgement how crooked froward soeuer it bee before God and good men but he that heareth counsell i. good and holy counsell meaning also by hearing of it practising and obeying of it is wise vz. in deed q.d. whatsoeuer a foole dooth he dooth it without aduise or counsell of other men why so Because he is caried away with an ouerweeuing of his owne deuises whereas the wise man vseth other mens counsels and trusteth not to himself Vers 16. A foole in a day i. very quicklie and soone yea euen in that day and at that present wherein he shall be prouoked to wrath shall be knowne to be a foole because he cannot suppresse his raging wrath shal be knowne by his anger vz. against others q.d. he cannot put off or defer his wrath but by and by manifesteth it and so withall bewrayeth his folly but he that couereth shame vz. offered vnto him by some iniury or outrage he meaneth not here to allow of hypocrisie and dissimulation but that whosoeuer hee is which can paciently put vp wronges offered or done him and stirreth vp no brawles or contentions but rather will suffer than reuenge or declare his rage and furie vnto men which thinge also after a sort might purchase shame to himselfe hee I say that thus can doo is wise vz. indeede or truely wise Verse 17. Hee that speaketh vz. from his heart and that plainly and openly trueth i. true things will shewe righteousnes i. will not bee either afraide or ashamed to declare too and before others his vpright dealing but a false witnes vseth deceit i. all manner of deceit both in heart and word that he may the more cunningly couer his craft Vers 18. There is vz. a man meaning thereby great numbers in the world see Chapt. 11.24 Also Chapt. 13.7 that speaketh words like the pricking of a sword I would rather turne it like the persings or thrustings in or through with a sword that is that speaketh such sharpe bitter and pernicious words which pearce a man as much as greeuous thrusts with a swords poynt whether it be by false witnes bearing or otherwise by the euil speach and deadly poison of the tongue but the tongue i. the words and speaches because they are vttered by the tongue of wise men i. of men which are truely wise indeede is health i. healthfull and profitable both to themselues and others Vers 19. The lippe of trueth i. not only true speaches but specially and chiefly the persons vttering them shall be stable for euer i. shall not only last and continue but be alwaies like vnto themselues not varying in tales or speaches but a lying tongue i. lyes and lyers varieth incontinently i. are not onely variable in the matters they deale withall but vanish away quicklie because they are of no longer continuance but a moment Vers 20. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine euill vz. against others meaning that they performe their mischiefes against others by craft and deceit but I rather allowe his reading who turneth it thus deceit falleth into the heart of such as imagine euill i. the wicked are many times destroyed by their owne subtiltie and craft the consideration whereof bringeth vnto
them most gréeuous sadnes but to the counsellers of peace i. to such as shall perswade and counsell men to good things shall be ioy vz. both of heart and bodie and so the Antithesis agreeth very aptly Vers 21. There shall none iniquitie i. no gréeuous punishment for sinne or iniquitie committed for he doth not mind to exempt good men from sinning in this life come vz. from the Lord to the iust i. to the good and holie man q.d. whatsoeuer iudgements fall vpon him for sinne he shall not liue long in the same as though he were an abiect sée vers 13. of this Chap. but the wicked are full of euill vz. both of transgression and of punishment for it committed against God Vers 22. The lying lippes i. both lyes and lyers are abomination to the Lord i. the Lord cannot abide them see Chapter 6.17 Also Chapter 11.1 but they that deale truely vz. both in word and déede are his delight i. are such as he taketh delight and pleasure in see Chapt. 11.20 Vers 23. A wise man conceileth knowledge i. the knowledge that he hath not that he kéepeth it close altogether but hauing it in him as it were in a treasure house doth vtter it in fit time and place and as may bring greatest grace to the hearers but the heart of the fooles publisheth foolishnes i. as they haue conceiued foolishnes in their hearts so they spare not shameleslie as it wâ—re to vtter it see Eccles 10.3 Vers 24. The hand of the diligent i. such as be laborious and painefull in their callings he putteth a part for the whole shall beare rule vz. ouer others Chapter 10. verse 4. He saith maketh rich and here he vseth another word because that through riches they obtaine power and so get rule ouer others but the idle shall be vnder tribute vz. of others meaning hereby that they shall be in slauerie and very poore estate Vers 25. Heauines vz. of heart specially if it be once déepely rooted and setled in the same in the heart of man vz. of what calling or state soeuer he bee doth bring it downe i. doth through sorrowe depresse and kéepe it vnder meaning the heart for we know that sadnes doth no whit at all profite men but rather cast them many times into deadlie and gréeuous diseases but a good word i. euen one word of comfort spoken chearefully reioyceth it i. many times maketh it glad againe the plaine proofe of this is euery mans owne particular experience Vers 26. The righteous is more excellent vz. by many degrées and in euery respect than his neighbour vz. who careth not for righteousnes and goodnes and this he speaketh because the world and common sort of people think the iust men to be abiects but the way of the wicked i. the order of life and conuersation wherein they walke will deceiue them vz. at the last howsoeuer they florish in the pleasures of sinne which last but a while as the Apostle saith to the Hebrewes Vers 27. The deceitfull man i. he that giueth himselfe to deceit rosteth not i. hath neither pleasure nor profite of that that he tooke in hunting i. of that which he atchieued either by intollerable paines taking as hunters doo or els by stealth and indirect meanes such as hunters vse many times the reason is because that betweene his mouth and the morsell he hath many discommodities and lets so that he cannot inioye that which he hath gotten but the riches of the diligent man i. of him that trauaileth faithfully and painfully are precious i. excellent and very good One readeth it thus but the diligent person enioyeth the precious substance of a man i. is made owner and possessor of precious and excellent things belonging many times to a wicked person Vers 28. Life vz. both true life in this world and eternall life in the world to come is in the way of righteousnes i. is to be found and obtained by a righteous and holie conuersation and in that pathway vz. of a good and holie life there is no death vz. which is eternall though the bodilie death apprehend the good as well as the bad as appeareth by many examples Do. Verse 1. Teacheth vs that he that harkeneth to good counsell and profiteth by the Lords corrections is in a blessed estate as on the other side he must needes be miserable that thriueth not by the one or the other Vers 2. Teacheth vs that God loueth the good and hateth the euill also that euill thoughts and imaginations are sinne before God Verse 3. Teacheth vs that wickednes hath no certaintie or assurance but that godlines shall continue and abide for euer and euer Verse 4. Teacheth vs what a blessing it is to haue a good wife and what a curse it is to haue an ill wife Verse 5. Sheweth what great difference there is betweene the thoughts of the wicked and the deuises of the godlie Vers 6. Sheweth that the very words of the wicked sauour of crueltie and the speaches of the godlie tend to mercie Vers 7. Setteth out Gods iudgements against the wicked and his mercie towards the good Verse 8. Teacheth vs that wisedome is praise worthie and follie and frowardnes shall be despised Verse 9. Teacheth vs that the poore man in his pouertie is better than the vainglorious boaster that hath nothing Verse 10. Teacheth vs that we should haue care for the preseruation of those things which God giueth vs much more for reasonable creatures it teacheth vs also that the wicked haue no bowelles of compassion at all Verse 11. Teacheth vs to followe the calling wherein God hath placed vs with all diligence and to auoide idlenes Verse 12. Teacheth vs that no aide that the wicked hath or can desire will helpe them against Gods iudgements Verse 13. Teacheth vs that euill words are hurtfull to the partie vsing them and good words profitable to the partie vsing them and to others also Verse 14. Teacheth vs that God rendereth vnto euery one according to his words and deedes Vers 15. Teacheth vs not to bee wise in our owne eyes also to hearken to the graue counsell of others Vers 16. Teacheth vs that wrath and rage of men bewraieth their follie and pacient bearing of reuenge argueth great godlines Verse 17. Teacheth vs to speake truth and to auoide false witnes bearing Verse 18. Teacheth vs to abstaine from sharpe and bitter words and to giue our selues to charitable and profitable speaches Verse 19. Teacheth vs that as godlie men are constant in their speaches so the wicked and such as giue themselues to lying varie alwaies in their talke Verse 20. Teacheth vs to perswade and counsell men to good things Verse 21. Teacheth vs that in the middest of all punishments vpon the wicked God will either fatherly correct or els altogether deliuer his children Vers 22. Teacheth vs to abhorre lying to speake the truth from the bottome of our harts Vers 23. Teacheth vs to take heed that we
do not bewray the follie of our hearts by much babling also that wee direct our speach in such sort to such persons and at such time as may bring most grace to the hearers Verse 24. Teacheth to vse diligence in our callings to auoide idlenes Vers 25. Teacheth vs to speake good comfortable words to the heauie hearted sorrowfull Verse 26. Teacheth vs that the godlie are better than the wicked of the world account of them also that sinne is deceitfull Verse 27. Teacheth vs that the wicked thorow Gods iust iudgement vppon them haue not the vse of those things which they enioy and possesse Verse 28. Teacheth vs to followe the way of godlines because it doth not only deliuer vs from eternall death but bring vs to euerlasting life CHAP. 13. Co. IN the 28. verse of the last Chapter he earnestly commended a holie conuersation And in the first verse of this Chapter he sheweth by what meanes this may be attained vz. by diligence both in hearing and obeying of all holie instructions Di. THe Chapter may bee diuided into three parts the first reacheth from Di. 1 verse 1. to the end of the 8. wherein he teacheth the right vse of the eares and mouth commendeth diligence and dispraiseth idlenes and speaketh against lying slaundering hypocrisie other manner of wickednesses In Di. 2 the second he speaketh against pride contention vaine riches contempt of the word and follie commending on the other side the righteous the wise the diligent the obedient person and such as vnfeignedly feare God Di. 3 from verse 9. to the end of the 16. In the third part he dealeth against vnfaithfull messengers contempt of instruction wicked companie c. and commendeth faithfulnes obedience choyce of companie Gods fauour towards his children and the good which commeth by moderate correction from verse 17. to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. A Wise sonne i. childe whether it bee sonne or daughter will obey vz. in deed and truth the instruction of his father i. which his father shall giue him vnderstanding by the name father parents as by the name sonne before child but a scorner i. such a one as doth despise the doctrines of wisedome will heare no rebuke vz. from other men for his amendement meaning by hearing regarding for this word scorner see Chapt. 9. 7 8 12. Vers 2. A man i. a good and wise man shall eate good things i. shall finde and enioy them by the fruite of his mouth i. by his good and wise words see Chapt. 12.14 but the soule of the trespassers i. the trespassers themselues both in bodie and soule and yet he maketh mention of the soule because it is the principall part shall suffer violence vz. from God and manie times from men as Genes 6.11 Vers 3. He that keepeth his mouth vz. from idle or euill speach meaning hereby such a one as hath a care not in words to passe the bounds of his calling or godlines keepeth his life vz. in peace quietnes and prosperitie but he that openeth his lippes vz. to lewd and wicked speaches in the word opening is a metaphore taken from harlots as appeareth Ezech. 16.25 destruction shall be to him i. he shall bée destroyed by his lewd words and speaches Vers 4. The sluggard lusteth i. he hath a desire or wishing onely and nothing els but his soule i. he himselfe hath nought vz. besides his bare wishes q.d. the slothfull desire many things and feede themselues with bare wishes but in the meane while because they labour not they obtaine nothing of the things which they desire but the soule of the diligent i. the diligent and laborious person himself shall haue plentie vz. of all good things yea more many times than they wish or desire see Chapt. 11.25 Vers 5. A righteous man hateth vz. vnfeignedlie and euen as it were a filthie and stinking thing lying words i. lyes and all things thereto appertaining but the wicked causeth slander and shame vz. to himselfe and others by his lying speaches meaning also that he doth so much loue and imbrace falshood that he will be contented to be counted a filthie person and hated of all good men rather than depart from it Vers 6. Righteousnes i. faithfull and holie dealing preserueth vz. before God and euen in this life the vpright of life i. such as leade an vpright and blessed life but wickednes vz. against God and men ouerthroweth vz. through Gods iust iudgement the sinner i. the notorious euill men see Chapt. 1.10 Vers 7. There is vz. a man that is sundrie men see Chap. 12.18 that maketh himselfe rich vz. by his boasting words and so would be accounted by the pompe he beareth amongst men and hath nothing q.d. and yet for all that he is worth little or nothing and vz. there is another man or another sort of people that maketh himselfe poore i. would seeme so to be before men hauing vz. notwithstanding that great riches i. great abundance of riches Most interpreters agree that the first part of the sentence is spoken against vaineglorious boasters amongst whom little or nothing is to be had and the latter to bee vnderstood of such as haue contented mindes the former I like well but the latter I like not because the comparison is not so fit and therefore I would haue it to bee vnderstood as before vz. of feigning pouertie when they haue great abundance Vers 8. A man i. euery man that hath wit and vnderstanding will giue vz. francklie and freelie his riches i. all the riches that he hath for the ransome of his life i. for the redemption of it or to redeeme it if he bee in danger to lose it see Psalme 48.7 8. but the poore vz. man cannot heare vz. as to redresse it the reproch vz. vttered against him His meaning I thinke commeth to this much in effect that riches and pouertie haue both their commodities and their discommodities for as to rich men their riches are profitable for the maintenance and pompe of this life and pouertie is discommodious to the poore so riches are sundrie times discommodious to the rich because they procure many dangers to the owners thereof and yet pouertie is commodious at the least in this respect because mens hearts are free from the feare of enuious persons who would insnare them and they haue not so readie an occasion to reuenge themselues as otherwise Vers 9. The light of the righteous i. the great blessings and good things which in great plentie shall be powred forth vpon them It is vsuall in the Scripture by light to vnderstand all good and prosperous things and I take it to be a metaphoricall speach borrowed from the light of the Sunne which first rising and afterwards increasing in brightnes séemeth it selfe to reioyce whilest lightening all things and euen the whole face of the earth it maketh them glad reioyceth i. maketh glad both themselues and other that behold it q.d. the
fauour and goodnes of God against a large and faire house in outward shewe he setteth a weake and lowe tabernacle Vers 12 There is a way i. there is an order and course of life which seemeth right to a man vz. in his owne iudgement but the issues vz. or ends thereof i. of that way are the waies of death i. leade the high and readie way to death and destruction because we are easilie deceiued with the shew of right he counselleth vs not to stand to our owne imaginations but to trie both our manners and opinions by the rule of Gods word Vers 13. Euen in laughing i. while men laugh the heart is sorowfull i. their hearts are possessed with great sorowe though many times they would couer the same and shake it off with laughter and the end of that mirth vz. which is made so from the téeth outward is heauines i. great and much sorowe specially of heart q.d. It falleth out many times that while a man laugheth and laboureth either to ease or shake off the griefe of his heart that he returneth notwithstanding to sorowe and heauines Vers 14. The heart i. the man himselfe and yet he speaketh of the heart because there is the fountaine and beginning of euill that declineth i. turneth aside either to the right hand or to the left from the lawe and word of God shall be saciate with his owne waies i. shall walke so long in the wickednes that his owne heart hath deuised that he shall bee filled as it were with wickednes and at the length be ouertaken with Gods iudgements for the same see Chapter 1.31 but a good man shall depart vz. quicklie and with as much speed as he may for feare of afterclappes from him vz. that starteth a side from the obedience of Gods commandements Vers 15. The foolish will beleeue vz. very easilie and without any great perswasion euery thing vz. which is tolde them but the prudent will consider vz. déeplie and earnestlie his steppes i. the waies wherein he shall walke and the things which he shall doo q.d. he will doo nothing rashlie but diligentlie will examine and weigh whether he ought to beleeue or doo it see before vers 8. of this Chapter Vers 16. A wise man i. a godlie wise man feareth vz. the euill that is for to come meaning corporall punishments in this life and eternall in the life to come and departeth from euill i. sinne and transgression which is a meane to drawe both temporall and eternall punishments vpon vs but a foole i. a wicked man rageth vz. very sore both against God and men and is careles vz. of that which is to come q.d. he boldly runneth headlong into rage and in his furie desperatly committeth all manner of euils whatsoeuer for he feareth not Gods iudgement or any punishments to come and therefore casteth himselfe headlong into the same Vers 17. He that is hastie to anger i. he that hath no stay of himselfe but suffereth his anger against others speedelie to breake out committeth follie i. not onely bewraieth the foolishnes of his heart but is making post hast to great and greeuous sinnes and a busie bodie vz. such a one as is a continuall medler in other mens causes and affaires is hated i. purchaseth hatred to himselfe both from God and man The word which is here turned busie bodie is in Hebrue the man of imaginations which phrase sundrie men take diuersly some in euill parte as though he should meane such a one as is not hasty to wrath but thinketh long vpon the mischief he will doo and so he should compare two contrarie vices the one is headlongnesse to anger the other is malice long meditated and thought vpon Other some take it in the good parte meaning by a man of thoughtes a man circumspect and wary in his words and deedes and then it is read thus He that is hastie to anger committeth follie yea he is hateful to a circumspect or wise man and this I take to be the best the holie Ghost minding to note the discommodities that hastines to wrath bringeth with it Vers 18. The foolish doo inherit follie he meaneth not onely that folly is borne with them and is as it were their inheritance but also that in processe of time they doo receaue the fruite of their follie also but the prudent are crowned with knowledge hee meaneth that knowledge which they haue to performe good things by is as it were a crowne vpon their heads and that they shall in the end receaue also a moste glorious fruite of the same Vers 19. The wicked shall bowe vz. in token of reuerence and submission before the good i. such as God maketh good and the wicked vz. shall stand waiting thorow néede of one thing or other at the gates of the righteous i. before their doores Thus it pleaseth the Lorde to make things some times fall out in this life for the comfort of the godly and the example of the wicked Vers 20. The poore i. he that commeth by any meanes into pouertie is hated i. lothed and despised euen of his owne neighbour i. euen of him that in all reason and duety should moste tender and pittie his case but the frends of the rich are many i. such as haue riches and store haue aboundance of frends for the world will loue his owne Vers 21. The sinner i. the notorious wicked man as sundrie times before despiseth his neighbour vz. because hée is poore but he that hath mercie vpon the poore i. pittieth them and prouideth for them Psalm 41.1 is blessed vz. of God or els by blessed he meaneth is praysed and commended amongst men Some reade it thus This sinner vz. which hateth the poore man and estéemeth the rich shall be despised of his neighbour vz. for that his sinne q.d. God will bring this iudgement vpon him that hee which despiseth others shall of others bee despised himselfe but O blessed is he q.d. certainely of what state or condition so euer he bée hée is blessed that sheweth fauor vz. either in countenance word or déede to the poore i. to them that are in néede Vers 22. Doo not they erre vz. from the right way which God hath prescribed vnto them that imagine euill vz. against others This demaunding noteth a more certaine and assured affirming of the matter q.d. without doubt they goe astray and therefore must of necessitie miserably perish but to them that thinke vz. earnestly and déepely on good things vz. towards God and man to doo the same shall bee mercie and trueth vz. from the Lord bestowed vpon them yea and men also shall deale mercifully and truely with them q.d. God will faithfully performe his promises in the accomplishment whereof is manifested both his mercie and truth and he will moue men also in truth and mercie to deale with them Vers 23. In all labor vz. which a man taketh vpon him in his ordinary calling vnderstanding by labor diligent
parte by reason of some supplie of words farre better in my iudgement thus but the foolishnes which is in the foolish i. their owne follie and want of wit offereth it selfe to be knowne i. it cannot long bee dissembled for they will presently manifest and bewray the same see Chap. 12.23 Chap. 13.16 and also vers 29. of this Chap. Vers 34. Justice i. the execution of iustice vprightly without any fauor feare or hatred exalteth a nation i. maketh it famous not onely for the time present but also establisheth the same in lastingnes for the time to come see Chap. 16.12 but sinne vz. either against GOD or man is a shame to the people i. is an effectuall instrument to bring the people to shame and confusion Vers 35. The pleasure of a king is i. euery good and wise king taketh great pleasure and delight in a wise seruant i. a héedie circumspect and diligent officer but his wrath i. the Kings great displeasure shall be towards him i. shall iustly fall vppon him that is lewd vz. in his dealing and behauiour by which he worketh shame and discredite to his Prince and indéede so much doth the Hebrew text yéeld Do. Vers 1. Teacheth vs what great difference there is betweene a godlie wise woman and a foolish wicked woman Vers 2. Teacheth vs to haue care and conscience of a holie life before men also that wee cannot offer greater contempt against God than to followe a lewd and prophane life Vers 3. Teacheth vs the discommoditie of rash and foolish speaches also what benefite commeth by wise wordes Vers 4. Containeth a singular commendation of husbandrie and painfull labour in seuerall callings Vers 5. Setteth out the great difference betweene a lying and a false witnes Vers 6. Teacheth vs that Gods holie wisedome cannot dwell in a scorning or scoffing spirit also that Gods word and will through the light that he giueth vs is easie though the Papistes by accusing it of hardnes would feare men from it Vers 7. Teacheth vs to shunne the companie of the wicked and vngodlie after we haue had triall of them Vers 8. Sheweth that holie wisedome teacheth men which imbrace her to direct their whole conuersation Verse 9. Teacheth vs in what little account vngodlie men haue sinne and wickednes Vers 10. Teacheth vs not to giue ourselues too much to mirth or ioye but to keepe a good measure and proportion therein Vers 11. Setteth out the vnlikely reward of the good and the bad Vers 12. Teacheth vs not to followe whatsoeuer seemeth good in our owne eyes but alwaies and in all things to aske counsell of the Lord in his word it is also a strong place to ouerthrowe good intents Vers 13. Teacheth vs to auoide hypocrisie both in our mirth and sadnes and to bee that indeede which wee would seeme to bee Vers 14. Teacheth vs that the sinne and disobedience of the wicked shall neuer escape vnpunished Vers 15. Teacheth vs first not to bee too light to beleeue euery report that is brought vs secondlie deeplie and duelie to consider all our thoughts wordes and deedes Vers 16. Teacheth vs that a reuerent feare of Gods Maiestie in good mens hearts is a notable meane to make them to auoide sinne also it doth liuely paint out the nature of the desperate transgressors Vers 17. Teacheth vs to withstand the vnbridlednes of our owne affections and to beware of being ouer busie in other mens affaires Vers 18. Teacheth vs that knowledge is a meane of great credit and estimation euen before men Vers 19. Teacheth vs that God many times in this life for the manifestation of his mercie and iustice exalteth his owne children and casteth down the wicked Vers 20. Doth liuely paint out the nature of the world which doth easilie despise poore men though neuer so good and readilie imbrace wealthie men though neuer so bad Vers 21. Teacheth vs not to despise any but euen for our owne good to shewe pitie and compassion to all Vers 22. Teacheth vs that euill thoughts are sinne before God also that the Lord will be mercifull towards his owne Vers 23. Teacheth vs faithfully and painfully to labour in our callings and to take heede that wee labour not with the lippes only and giue the other parts of our bodies to idlenes Vers 24. Teacheth vs that euery thing to the godlie is a credite and glorie whereas all things to the wicked tend to their shame Vers 25. Teacheth vs in matters of controuersie to speake the trueth and to abhorre all lyes Vers 26. Sheweth vs what a sure staffe to stay vppon they haue that doo rightly feare the Lord. Vers 27. Teacheth vs what commodities come by the reuerent feare of GOD planted in our hearts Vers 28. Teacheth Kings as to vse all holie meanes whereby to increase their people so to take heede that they trust not in them at any hand Vers 29. Teacheth vs to be slowe to wrath and to beware of hastines of heart or word Vers 30. Teacheth vs louingly to doo whatsoeuer wee doo and to flye from enuie and hatred Vers 31. Teacheth vs that oppression of the poore is a greeuous offence against God Vers 32. Propoundeth the miserable end of the wicked and the ioyfull end of the godlie Vers 33. Sheweth that the heart is indeede the seate of wisedome Vers 34. Sheweth what good commeth by iustice and what hurt by iniustice and that not only to the parties executing the same but also to their people and subiects Vers 35. Teacheth vs that wisedome is a meane to make men delight in vs. CHAP. 15. Co. IN the last verse of the other Chapter he shewed that frowardnes and ill demeanour was a meane to prouoke wrath against vs and now in the first verse of this Chapter he sheweth vs how wee may quench it if it bee once kindled and so proceedeth in instructing men to haue an eye to their speaches and words Di. Di. 1 THe Chapter may be diuided into three parts In the first he giueth instructions concerning mens words and speaches concerning the sight and knowledge of God and concerning the wise and the foolish the good and the bad c. and this reacheth from verse 1. to the end of the 11. In the Di. 2 second he intreateth of scorners of ioye and sorowe of the heart of the wise and foolish of quietnes and contentednes with the portion which God giueth vs of anger slothfulnes follie and good counsell and this reacheth Di. 3 from verse 12. to the end of the 22. In the third he speaketh of good words of the way of life of proude persons and of the widowe of wicked mens thoughts of gaine and gifts of babling of Gods fauour vpon the good and his punishment vpon the wicked of receiuing and refusing good counsell and of the feare of the Lord from verse 23. to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. A Soft answer i. gentle quiet and méeke words putteth away wrath vz. of another
things they thinke vpon are an abomination to the Lord i. are such things as he cannot abide but the pure vz. in heart and conuersation haue pleasant words i. speake such things as are good and acceptable before God and profitable to the hearers Vers 27. He vz. of what calling or condition soeuer he be specially if he be a Magistrate that is greedie of gaine i. that gapeth after it and careth not by what meanes he come by it so he haue it see Chapt. 1.19 troubleth his owne house i. whereas he thought to get peace thereby and to inlarge his substance purchaseth trouble and many times the decrease of his familie see Chapt. 11.29 but he that hateth gifts vz. offered him to peruert iustice or to performe ill causes see precise commandements against giftes taking Exod. 23.8 Deut. 16.19 shall liue vz. well and plentifully in this life notwithstanding his refusall of the same but specially in eternall life Ver. 28. The heart of the righteous studieth to answere vz. not only when hée is demanded but also to speake for so doth the Scripture vse that word of answering see Math. 11.25 He meaneth that the good man speaketh nothing but that which he hath long meditated of before least his tongue should runne before his wit and therefore he commonly speaketh right and good things but the wicked mans mouth babbleth i. rashly and hastely powreth out euill things vz. against other and such as in the end turne to his owne hurt and destruction see verse 2. of this Chapter Vers 29. The Lord is farre of from the wicked i. from helping them or hearing their voyce for otherwise God is in euery place and nigh to all things he meaneth that God will not heare them no more than men heare them that are very farre of calling vnto them but he heareth i. graciouslie granteth the praier of the righteous i. the things that the righteous praied for see ver 8. of this chap. Also Psalme 145.18 Vers 30. The light of the eyes i. for a man to see with the eyes and to haue the vse of them reioyceth the heart vz. of a man that is maketh man and his heart glad and a good name i. good fame and report amongst men maketh the bones fat i. euen reioyceth and strengtheneth all the inward parts so haue you the word bones vsed before chapt 12.4 Also chapt 14.30 Some reade it as though it were a similitude thus as the light of the eyes reioyceth the heart so a good name maketh the bones fat i. as the eye by the beholding of good things maketh the whole man merrie so doth the eare by hearing good wholesome things of which he speaketh in the next verse following Vers 31. The eare that hearkeneth vz. diligently and attentiuely to the correction of life i. to such correction reproofe and admonition as leadeth to life shall lodge among the wise i. shall not onely dwell with them and be accounted as they are but shall haue the selfe same blessing from God that they haue both in this life and in the life to come And this he speaketh not of an outward hearing onely but of such as yéeld sincere obedience to the things heard Vers 32. He that refuseth vz. by withdrawing himselfe from it instruction vz. of good things being tendered and offered vnto him despiseth his owne soule i. maketh little account of his life specially in respect of the life to come but he that obeyeth correction getteth vnderstanding vz. how in this life to behaue himselfe towards God and man so as he may after the daies of this wearisome pilgrimage are finished come to eternall life Ver. 33. The feare of the Lord vz. rightly planted in mens hearts is the instruction of wisedome i. is such an instruction or doctrine as bringeth men to holie wisedome One in my mind readeth it better thus The instruction of wisedome goeth before the feare of the Lord i. before a man can obtaine wisedome and bee led with the reuerence of God and his feare which is the beginning of wisedome Chapt. 1.7 Also Chapt. 9.10 He must of necessitie be taught and learne the precepts of wisedome and before honor vz. from God goeth humilitie i. true and vnfeigned humbling of his children q.d. there is the same order of the fruits which come from the instruction and feare of God as is of the things themselues for to learning there is ioyned casting downe of men and humilitie and to the reuerence and feare of God there is ioyned excellent honor which God bestoweth vpon them that feare him Do. Vers 1. Teacheth vs to auoide bitter wordes and to vse soft and gentle speaches Vers 2. Sheweth what great difference there is between the words of the wise and the words of the foolish Vers 3. Teacheth vs that GOD knoweth and seeth all things euery where Vers 4. Teacheth vs what profites and disprofites arise of a good and of an euill tongue Vers 5. Teacheth vs reuerently to regard good counsell Vers 6. Teacheth vs that the good haue plentie of blessings and enioy them with quietnes whereas the wicked haue great trouble and vexation with the same Vers 7. Teacheth vs to vse knowledge in our callings to the benefite and good of others Vers 8. Teacheth vs that nothing proceeding from a wicked person can please the Lord also that God in Christ regardeth the praiers of his seruants Vers 9. Setteth out the great loue of God towards his seruants and his disliking of the wicked Vers 10. Teacheth vs that malicious wicked persons will seldome or neuer regarde good counsell also what danger there is in contemning the words of godly admonition Vers 11. Teacheth vs that GOD knoweth all things yea euen the very depths of mens hearts Vers 12. Teacheth vs that wicked men shunne the companie and speach of good men Vers 13. Declareth the profits and disprofits of a glad and sorrowfull heart Vers 14. Teacheth vs that we must carefully and continually seeke for wisdome Vers 15. Setteth out the commodities of a good conscience and contented minde Vers 16. Teacheth vs that mans blessing consisteth not speciallie in the multitude of his riches Vers 17. Commendeth vnfeined loue and dispraiseth hatred Vers 18. Teacheth vs to bridle wrath and to beate downe contentions amongst men what we may Vers 19. Teacheth vs to auoide slothfulnes and idlenes Vers 20. Sheweth what benefit or blessing it is to haue good children and on the other side what a punishment it is to haue wicked children Vers 21. Teacheth vs that the wicked reioyce in sinne and that there is no godlie conuersation indeede without the light of Gods holy word Ver. 22. Teacheth vs to pursue good thoughts by good counsell and to labor to bring them to good effect Vers 23. Teacheth vs that we may reioyce in Gods gifts bestowed vpon vs also that in our speaches we should haue regarde of time place persons c. Vers 24. Teacheth vs to studie and seeke
Gods commandements vnderstanding by way the whole orders and affaires of his life Vers 18. Pride vz. both of minde and bodie goeth before destruction vz. of the partie that is possessed with it he meaneth that ruine and shame is the inseperable companion of pride and an high minde before the fall vz. of the partie that hath it q.d. Such as exalt themselues are very nigh to ruine and destruction see chapt 11.2 Vers 19. Better vz. by many degrées it is vz. in the eyes and iudgement of all that be soundly taught of God to be of an humble mind i. to haue true humilitie indeede both inward and outward with the lowlie i. as they are and to enioye their companie than to diuide the spoyles i. than to get great riches and so by that meanes to come to honor with the proud vz. as they doo and to be in their companie Vers 20. He that is wise in his busines i. he that wisely and faithfully can dispatch the things he hath to doo shall finde good i. shall through Gods blessing increase in riches and substance by that meanes and he that trusteth in the Lord vz. vnfeignedly and with all his heart wayting for blessings from him he is blessed vz. indéede q.d. he may be as sure of blessing as though he had it see Psal 125. This verse is read otherwise of some but me thinketh this sense is plaine enough and this reading good Vers 21. The wise in heart i. he that is truely wise indéede and he maketh mention of the heart because it is the seate of all affections shall be called prudent vz. of other men and so esteemed and taken of them not onely because they say so but also because he is so and the sweetnes of the lippes i. the sweete words of doctrine and comfort that he shall speake to others shall increase doctrine vz. both in himselfe because speach is a meane to increase iudgement and in those that heare him Vers 22. Vnderstanding vz. of Gods will reuealed in his word is a wel-spring of life i. yéeldeth life plentifully see Prouer. 10.11 Also chap. 13.14 vnto them that haue it i. vnto them vpon whom it pleaseth God to bestowe it and vnto others also by their meanes and the instruction of fooles vz. which they giue and bestowe vppon others is follie i. not onely without sense and wit but also very wickednes and sinne it selfe the reward whereof is death Roman 6.23 Vers 23. The heart of the wise vz. man he speaketh of the heart because it is the fountaine wel-spring of all déedes and words guideth his mouth vz. to speake wisely i. aptly well and with aduise or iudgement q.d. The wise mans heart so directeth his mouth and teacheth his tongue that he speaketh nothing rashly or vnaduisedly and addeth doctrine i. continually ministreth newe occasion of good speach and good counsell to his lippes i. to himself a part for the whole and yet he speaketh of the lippes because they are instruments of speach vnto others Ver. 24. Faire words i. gentle soft and swéet speaches he calleth them Chap. 15.26 pleasant words are as an honie combe i. sweete and profitable vz. to the partie to whom they are spoken sweetnes to the soule i. they bring swéetnes to the inward part and health to the bones by health he meaneth all outward blessings and by bones the whole bodie a part for the whole see chap. 12.4 Also 14.30 He meaneth that God and godlie speaches are pleasant profitable and necessarie both to soule and bodie that is to the whole man as honie is sweet to the tast and profitable to mitigate the griefes of sundrie members Vers 25. This whole verse is the same in words and sense with verse 12. of the 14. Chapter He meaneth that no man must either in manners or opinions follow that which seemeth good to himselfe but Gods word must in all things be the onely rule vnto vs. Vers 26. The person that trauaileth vz. in his ordinary and lawfull vocation trauaileth for him selfe vnder this word himselfe he comprehendeth both his owne person and those that depend vpon him see 1. Tim. 5.8 for his mouth craueth it of him i. after a sort doth demand it for if meate bee not by the mouth conueyed into the stomacke the bodie will perish And that word crauing doth not onely import the earnestnes of it but the manner also euen as though it were with bowing and humbling it selfe it did beseech him Some reade it otherwise and giue another sense but I freely confesse that for mine owne part I see no reason of it Vers 27. A wicked man i. a vniust violent and peruerse fellowe diggeth vp i. not onely deuiseth but also seeketh by all meanes to performe euill both against others and himselfe also in the end and in his lippes i. in the words which he vttereth with his lippes is like burning fire i. there is somewhat in them that will consume both himselfe and others as fire doth wood and stubble He meaneth that though the thoughts of the wicked be hurtfull yet they hurt not so much as when they burst forth into words and déedes for then they hurt as much as burning and flaming fire doth whereas while it is kept vnder the ashes it lyeth as it were hidden Vers 28. A froward person or as it is in the Hebrue text a man of frowardnesses i. such a one as giuen altogether to frowardnes soweth strife vz. betwéene man and man meaning that he is a batemaker and a tale teller i. he that heareth and whistereth to the hurt of another man maketh diuision i. doth what he can to set strife among Princes i. amongst great and excellent personages I would rather turne this latter part thus diuideth vz. from his friend the prince vz. of friendship meaning thereby a chiefe friend and so haue you the word vsed Chapt. 17.9 Also Psal 15.13 though there it be turned guide and Micah 7.5 where the same word is turned a friend Vers 29. A wicked man i. a violent and iniurious person or as it is in Hebrue a man of violence that is one that is altogether giuen to doo iniurie to another deceiueth vz. one while by fraude another while by force his neighbour i. him whom he should doo all manner of good too and leadeth him i. some other of his neighbours and that by his flattering intising words for so much I thinke the Hebrue word importeth see Chapt. 1.10 into the way that is not good i. into a disorderous course and euill trade of his life so haue wee had the word way sundrie times vsed Vers 30. He i. the wicked man shutteth his eyes vz. that he may the better thinke vppon the mischiefe he will doo because that when the eyes are open the inward senses are drawne hether and thether to deuise i. that he may the more earnestly thinke vpon wickednes vz. against others meaning by wickednes mischiefe see Chapter 10.10 he
moueth his lippes i. he doth but as it were begin to speake and bringeth euill to passe i. he presently performeth mischiefe against other men Vers 31. Age i. old age he vseth a word which signifieth gray heares putting the signe of old age for old age it self is a crowne of glorie i. is a glorious crowne meaning that it bringeth euen as great glorie to a godlie old man as a crowne to a King concerning this word crowne see before Chapt. 4.9 Also Chapt. 14.24 and in other places when it is found vz. to be passed ouer and spent in the way of righteousnes i. in a holie and righteous life meaning it of such old age as spendeth the time of life godly iustly and not of al old age without exception Vers 32. He that is slowe vnto anger i. seldome or not at all bursteth into it howsoeuer he be prouoked thereto see chap. 14.29 chap. 15.28 is better vz. by many degrees than the mightie man vz. in bodilie strength and power by how much the power of the soule is better than the strength of the bodie the soule it selfe being better than the bodie and he that ruleth his owne minde i. that subdueth and keepeth vnder the raging affections thereof is better vz. by much than he that winneth i. conquereth or getteth a citie vz. either by power or policie The reason of this speach is because that the warre that a man hath with himself and with his own mind and which is made against wrath and other affections of it is more grieuous and hard than that which is attempted against others and therefore he is better that conquereth himselfe than he that conquereth others Besides he that ouercommeth himselfe doth it to this end to profite himselfe and to hurt none yea to doo good vnto others thereby whereas a mightie man that ouercommeth others and subdueth cities can hardly performe it without bloudshed and great danger of other men Vers 33. The lot vz. for the triall of any thing in controuersie This was much in vse amongst the people of God in diuiding lands Numb 26.55 and in other causes as Leuit. 16.8 Acts 1.26 and in other places is cast into the lappe i. into some secret and close place putting one for many others as into hattes pots caps boxes c. but the whole disposition thereof i. the ordering guiding and gouernment of it is of the Lord vz. onely q.d. nothing seemeth more subiect to fortune in mens iudgement than lots and yet that falleth not out by fortune or chance for there is no such thing but God by his infinite prouidence and wisedome doth both generally and particularly guide and gouerne the same according to his good pleasure Do. Vers 1. Teacheth that both the thoughts of mans heart and the words of mans mouth are gouerned of the Lord. Vers 2. Teacheth vs that neither we our selues nor the things that wee doo are such as wee esteeme of them but are so to be taken as God alloweth of them Vers 3. Teacheth vs in all our thoughts words and works to depend vpon the Lord for his special blessing Ver. 4. Teacheth vs that Gods glorie appeareth in al things yea euen in the destruction of the wicked and vngodlie Vers 5. Teacheth vs to auoide pride of heart secondly that there is no wisedome nor power against the Lord. Vers 6. Sheweth vs that there is no other cause of the forgiuenes of sinne than Gods own mercie truth also that there is no better bridle to stay men from wickednes than to haue a reuerēt feare of Gods maiestie setled in our harts Ver. 7. Teacheth vs that a holy conuersation cōmendeth vs both to God men also that God hath mēs harts in his hands to turne them as pleaseth him Vers 8. Teacheth men to get that which they haue how little or much soeuer it bee by good and iust dealing Vers 9. Teacheth vs that in all both our imaginations and actions wee are gouerned by God because that in him we liue moue and haue our beeing Vers 10. Teacheth Magistrates and rulers to pronounce iust and true sentences Vers 11. Teacheth vs to vse vprightnes in all our dealings and that they which vse false weightes measures c. sinne not onely against men but against the Lord also Vers 12. Teacheth kings euen for example sake to absteine from all manner of euill speciallie from iniustice and wrong dooing Vers 13. Teacheth kings to abhorre flatterers and flattery and to delight in such as will speake the trueth fully and boldlie Vers 14. Teacheth wise men in time to labor to quiet the iust rage of a Prince least otherwise there fall out great mischiefes Vers 15. Teacheth vs to purchase and delight in the fauor of Princes and Potentates alwaies prouided that wee doo it by lawfull and holy meanes Vers 16. Teacheth vs to preferre heauenlie wisdome before all earthlie things whatsoeuer Vers 17. Teacheth vs first that none can be counted good but such as haue an vnfeined care to shunne thinges that bee naught secondlie that a holie life is very profitable both for soule and bodie Vers 18. Teacheth vs to auoide pride least continuing in it we be ouerthrowne Vers 19. Teacheth vs to imbrace true humilitie and lowlines of minde Vers 20. Teacheth vs to bee carefull in the dooing of our affayres also continually to trust in the Lord and the trueth of his promises Vers 21. Teacheth vs to giue a iust commendation to the giftes and graces of God in any also to vse profitable comfortable and good speaches to others Vers 22. Teacheth vs to haue a care to obteine spirituall vnderstanding and knowledge Vers 23. To beware of rash speach and to thinke well of our words before we vtter them Vers 24. Teacheth vs to vse gentle softe and good speaches Vers 25. Teacheth vs not to hang vpon our owne iudgements but vpon the rule of Gods word onely Vers 26. Commendeth vnto vs painefull trauaile in our seuerall callings Vers 27. Teacheth vs to auoide both imagining and doing euill against any Vers 28. Teacheth vs to take heede that we bee not authors of strife or tale carriers Vers 29. Teacheth vs to beware of offering any man any iniurie or intising any man to those things that are euill Vers 30. Teacheth that we must neither by word nor countenance practise or performe euill against others Vers 31. Teacheth vs that godly old age is greatlie to be reuerenced and esteemed Vers 32. Teacheth vs to imploy all our forces to the subduing of the rage of our owne affections Vers 33. Teacheth vs that nothing falleth out by fortune or chance but is whollie and altogether directed by the infinite and eternall prouidence of almightie God CHAP. 17. Co. THis Chapter dependeth vpon the former thus he had shewed before that all thinges were guided according to the determinate counsell and purpose of God which ought to teache vs contentednes with whatsoeuer it shall please God either of
our owne or of other mens to bestowe vpon vs which J take to bee the meaning of the first verse Di. Di. 1 THe Chapter may be diuided into three partes In the first he intreateth of contentednes of minde of a good seruant of the assured knowledge which God hath of wicked and lying persons of scorners at other mens miseries of Children and posteritie of a proude foole and a lying Prince of rewards and of loue and contention from vers 1. to the end of the 9. In Di. 2 the second he speaketh of reproof of seditious persons of the rage of fooles of wrath not preuented in time of recompensing euill for good of the rich man that is a foole of frends and brethren and of suertiship from vers 10. Di. 3 to the end of the 18. In the third hee dealeth with proude and contentious persons with froward and euill tongued people foolish parents and ill children also hee speaketh of the sorrowe and ioyfulnes of the heart of bribes and giftes of the wise man and foole of euill children of vpright iudgement of fewe words from vers 19. to the end of the chapter Se. Vers 1. BEtter vz. by much is a drie morsell vz. of bread meaning a morsell of drie bread without drinke or any other thing with it if peace bee with it i. if men haue it in peace and quietnes and with vnfeined good wil one of them towards another than an house full i. very great store and plentie of sacrifices i. meat left of freewill offerings which are called sacrifices because they are parte of that which was sacrificed see Chap. 7.14 with strife vz. one of them against another such a like sentence we had before Chap. 15.17 Vers 2. A discreete seruant i. a faithfull painefull and wise seruant hee calleth such a one Chap. 10.5 the sonne of wisdome and Chap. 14.35 a wise seruant shall haue rule ouer a leude sonne i. shall bee preferred before him yea so that many times he shall rule and gouerne him this fellowe is called the sonne of confusion Chap. 10.5 and he shall diuide the heritage vz. thorowe Gods ordinance and the fathers appoyntment as it were by will among the brethren It was a common matter to haue goods possessions and lands deuided to the sons or daughters amongst the people of the Iewes see Nombers 36.2 also Luke 12.13 his meaning is that wisdome exalteth the basest and follie casteth downe them that are very high Vers 3. As is the fining pot for siluer and the fornace for gold i. as the fining pot and the fornace serue to trie good siluer and gold from drosse and corruption so the Lord tryeth vz. by many meanes and waies the hearts vz. of men meaning thereby also all the thoughts affections and imaginations thereof yea the whole man himself both inward and outward q.d. as men by their arte trie all things which is well done so God is he alone that searcheth the hearts and raines see Ierem. 17.9 10. Vers 4. The wicked i. he that selleth himselfe ouer to worke wickednes giueth heede vz. verie attentiuelie and diligentlie to false lippes i. to false words vttered with the lippes against other men or to false accusing persons a parte for the whole and a lyer i. he that is a lyer himselfe hearkeneth vz. heedilie to the naughtie tongue vz. of an other man who is like to himselfe meaning thâ—t one wicked man will regard and estéeme another euen in those things which be euill and wicked and whereof in deed they ought to be ashamed Vers 5. He that mocketh vz. either by word or deed the poore i. hee that is any manner of way afflicted and cast downe reprocheth him that made him i. God q.d. hee doth after a sorte scorne and scoffe at God see a like sentence Chap. 14.31 and he that reioyceth at destruction i. at the hurte or hinderance of another man or at any euill whatsoeuer that falleth vpon him shall not bee vnpunished i. shall bee certainelie punished and by no meanes escape it see Chap. 11.21 and Chap. 16.5 Vers 6. Childrens children i. properlie Neuewes but the holy Ghost meaneth hereby a long race and posteritie as Psalme 128.6 are the crowne i. are the glorie renowme and decking see Chap. 12.4 also Chap. 16.31 of the elders i. of their graundfathers great graundfathers c. This hee speaketh of good holy and obedient children all the glorie of the children i. a singular meane whereby the children come to glorie and renowme are their fathers i. their wise and godly Parents Ver. 7. High talke i. talke of high and great matters as of vertue wisdome c. becommeth not a foole i. is not séemelie in his mouth because howsoeuer hee can babble of the things yet he hath them not in effect much lesse lying talke a Prince q.d. much lesse dooth it beseeme a great personage to bee ouertaken with lying or any other euill either in word or deede One readeth it otherwise and giueth another sense of it but I like this as well if not better Vers 8. A rewarde vz. giuen to a mightie man or Magistrate is as a stone pleasant i. is like a precious and pleasant stone meaning that it is of great regarde and estimation in the eyes i. in the iudgement and opinion of them that haue it vz. giuen them by others it prospereth i. taketh good successe whether soeuer it turneth i. to what end soeuer it be applied his purposes is to describe the great corruption of bribes and giftes q.d. a corrupt reward is with couetous Iudges verie forcible to peruert iust iudgement and therefore whosoeuer giueth it the Magistrate receauing it great likelyhoode there is that his cause whether it be good or badde shall be preferred Vers 9. He that couereth vz. by all lawfull meanes and what he may or as much as in him lyeth a transgression vz. committed against another man seeketh loue i. indeuoreth thereby to mainteyne and vphold loue betweene them He meaneth that he that keepeth close offences committed by one against another and blaseth them not abroad to any is a verie good preseruer and increaser of true frendship see Prouerb 10.12 also Chap. 16.28 but he that repeateth a matter vz. done long before against another meaning by repeating of it reporting of it in speach seperateth the Prince see this expounded Chap. 16.28 meaning hereby the chiefe frends and the alienating and turning of their minds and affections one of them from another Vers 10. A reproofe vz. alone vttered in bare words but yet wisely and charitably expressed entereth more into him i. taketh deepe roote and bringeth forth more profit in him that hath vnderstanding i. that is truely wise indeed than an hundred stripes into a foole i. than great correction bestowed vpon a foole and wicked person q.d. a wise man will be more built vp in goodnes by a bare word then a foole by thousands of words or blowes Vers 11. A seditious person i.
ioyfull heart i. a heart that is truely touched with ioye for he doth not speake of a dissembled or counterfeited ioye causeth good health vz. to the whole man vnderstanding also by the word health all good things but a sorowfull mind i. the mind which is wounded and oppressed with sorowe drieth the bones i. corrupteth and consumeth the whole man yea his most inward parts see Chapt. 14.13 Vers 23. A wicked man i. a man giuen to wickednes and this may bee vnderstood either of the man giuing the bride or of the Iudge receiuing it taketh a gift vz. either which he had prepared to giue the Iudge or the Iudge knew he had brought out of the bosome i. closely and priuily as men are wont to doo things which they take out of their bosomes to wrest i. to peruert and turne vpside downe q.d. the one giueth it and the other receiueth it to that end the waies of iudgement i. iust and vpright matters in which as in broad and high waies the Iudge should walke without all partialitie Vers 24. Wisedome is in the face of him that hath vnderstanding i. the very staied and pleasant countenance of a wise man is sufficient to set out the wisedome that is in him but the eyes of a foole are in the corners of the world i. wander hâ—ther and thether which is sufficient enough to bewray the vnstaiednes of his mind and the follie of his heart He meaneth that euen by the countenance men may many times iudge of wisedome and follie Vers 25. A foolish sonne i. a wicked lewd and disobedient child whether he be sonne or daughter is a griefe vz. of heart that is a great griefe vnto his father vz. that begot him if he liue to see behold or heare of his wickednes and a heauines vz. of heart also to her that bare him i. to his or her mother see Chapter 10.1 For no greater griefe can come to parents in this life than to know or heare of the ill demeanour of their children Vers 26. Surely it is not good i. it is a very hurtful and euill thing to condemne the iust vz. any manner of way see verse 15. of this Chapter and this appertaineth to Magistrates putting them in mind of their dueties to execute iustice to minister right nor vz. is it good but euill and hurtfull that the princes i. the Magistrates and rulers should smite i. any manner of way punish such i. iust persons for equitie i. for their vpright and good dealing withall he putteth Princes in minde to beware of tyrannie Vers 27. He that hath knowledge i. he that is indéede wise and indued with sound knowledge spareth his words i. oftentimes refraineth his speaches he doth not rashly powre out by his words the thoughts of his heart no though they bee good things but obserueth time place c. see Chapt. 15.23 28. Also Chapt. 29.11 and a man of vnderstanding i. one indued with right vnderstanding and knowledge is of an excellent spirit Some reade is precious in spirit i. is of a rare spirit for the excellencie of it as the word of God is sayd to be precious 1. Sam. 3.1 Others reade cold in spirit meaning that hee is moderate and well staied and easilie bursteth not foorth into anger but doth diligently take héed of the heate of his heart the senses doo not much differ Vers 28. Euen a foole q.d. so great is the commendation of silence that if vnwise people hold their tongues they may be déemed and taken for wise many times when he holdeth his peace i. speaketh not to the bewraying of his follie is counted wise vz. many times because wise men iudge not but by words and déedes and he that stoppeth his lippes vz. from speaking prudent i. is counted or may be counted prudent and wise Do. Vers 1. Teacheth vs how good a thing peace is and how hurtfull strife and contention is Vers 2. Teacheth seruants to striue to diligence faithfulnes and wisedome in all their masters affaires Vers 3. Teacheth vs that God knoweth all thinges either within man or without him and many times trieth him by many meanes to make him pure vnto himselfe Vers 4. Teacheth vs not to lend our eares to false accusations or lying tales Vers 5. Teacheth that we ought not to reioyce at any mans pouertie affliction or hurt whatsoeuer Vers 6. Teacheth vs that to haue posteritie is a good blessing from the Lord and that it is a great grace to haue good fathers Vers 7. Teacheth vs that wicked men should not talke of good things nor great personages giue themselues to lying and iniurie Vers 8. Setteth out what great hurt commeth by giuing and taking of rewards or bribes Vers 9. Teacheth vs to couer such matters as may breake and hinder growth in loue Vers 10. Teacheth vs that reproofes are profitable to Gods children and that nothing will amend the wicked and vngodlie Vers 11. Setteth out the nature of sedicious people and the iudgement that they shal receiue from God and men Vers 12. Setteth out the great rage and madnes of the wicked and vngodlie Vers 13. Teacheth vs not to recompence euill with euill as worldly men doo much lesse to requite good with euill but to doo good for good and to ouercome euill with well doing Vers 14. Teacheth vs to withstand the beginnings as of all euill generally so particularly of strife and contention Vers 15. Teacheth vs to beware what we vtter either with or against men Vers 16. Teacheth vs that neither wealth nor any outward things can attaine heauenly wisedome Vers 17. Teacheth vs that amongst Gods children there should be at all times a stedfast bond of loue speciallie in the daies of aduersitie Vers 18. Teacheth men to beware of suretiship Vers 19. Teacheth vs to beware of contention with others and also of pride or lifting vp our selues aboue others Vers 20. Teacheth vs to flie from frowardnes of heart and naughtines of speach Vers 21. Teacheth vs that lewd and ill children are great griefe vnto their parents Vers 22. Setteth out what commodities ioye of heart bringeth with it and also the discommodities of a sorowfull heart Vers 23. Declareth what great mischiefe bribes and rewards giuen and taken doo worke Vers 24. Teacheth vs that mens countenances many times bewray either their wisedom or their follie Vers 25. Teacheth vs that euill children are matters of great griefe to their parents Vers 26. Teacheth Magistrates iustlie to execute iustice and to punish no man for well doing Vers 27. Teacheth vs to auoide multitude of words and babbling for where there are many words there is much sinne Vers 28. Teacheth vs that there seldome or neuer commeth any hurt by silence but rather credite sundrie times CHAP. 18. Co. IN the latter end of the other Chapter he spake of a prudent or wise man now in the beginning of this he sheweth that such a man will spare no cost nor labour to the end
as it were the principall Chap. 14.4 he vnderstandeth all the rest because of winter i. because of the cold of winter meaning that euery little blast is as a meane strong enough to make him idle therefore i. for his idlenes sake shall he begge vz. of others in sommer i. in haruest time but haue nothing vz. giuen him he meaneth that the slothfull person shall fall to extreame pouertie and though he begge to get his liuing yet the bowels of compassion shall be shut vp against him Vers 5. The counsell in the heart of man i. the deuices purposes that a man thinketh vpon and tosseth too and fro in his vnderstanding is like deepe waters i. can either verie hardly or not at all be attained vnto q.d. mans thoughts are so déepe that no man knoweth them but the spirit of man which is in him 1. Cor. 2.11 but a man that hath vnderstanding i. he that is lightned from God by his word and spirit will drawe it out vz. by one meane or other as by demanding questions by obseruing diligently his gestures and behauiours c. Vers 6. Many men vz. that are in the world will boast vz. vaine-gloriouslie meaning that hee will to his owne glorie tell and set abroad euery one vz. of them of his owne goodnes i. either of the good things that be in him himselfe or of the kindnes and benefites that he hath performed towards others I incline to this latter but who vz. for all this boasting of theirs can finde vz. amongst them all a faithfull man i. such a one as either will performe the things he braggeth of or els do it without boasting And his propounding of it in the way of a question doth note how rare such men are to be found Vers 7. He that walketh i. leadeth a good and a holie life in his integritie i. in the soundnes and vprightnes that the Lord hath giuen him which is called his not because he hath it of himselfe but it is by God bestowed vpon him is iust vz. before God men before God because he is so accepted and before men because his conuersation is such as they cannot iustly reprooue it and blessed vz. from the Lord shall his children i. his posteritie be after him He meaneth that it shall not onely goe well with him himselfe whilest he liueth but with his posteritie also which is a common thing in Scripture to promise blessings to the iust and to their seede Exod. 20.6 Vers 8. A King vnder the chiefe he meaneth not him only but all inferiour Magistrates that sitteth vz. carefully and continuallie in the throne of iudgement i. in that place from whence iustice iudgement is pronounced meaning also hereby the execution of iustice and right chaseth away vz. quicklie and easilie all euill i. all manner of vice and corruption whatsoeuer with his eyes i. while he himselfe looketh into causes taketh knowledge thereof and giueth sentence according to right Vers 9. Who vz. amongst all men can say vz. iustly and truely I haue made mine heart cleane vz. from vnholie and vnhonest affections he beginneth with the heart because it is the fountaine from whence corruption floweth meaning by this interrogation that no man neither hath in himselfe power so to doo neither can rightly so say J am cleane from sinne vz. committed either in thought word or deed against God and men see 1. King 8.46 Ver. 10. Diuers weights vz. to buy and sell by as to buy by the more heauie and to sell by the more light and diuers measures vz. as one great and another little both these yea and all such kind of craftie and couetous dealing for vnder these two he comprehendeth all of the same sort see before Chap. 11. 1. Also Chap. 16.11 where you shall finde a reason why the Lord hateth them because he hath made them to be iust and vpright Vers 11. A child also It would bee better turned thus euen a child for otherwise that word also maketh it darke as though it were referred to somewhat before going is knowne vz. of men by his doings i. by the things he doth commit whether his worke i. the things that he doth one part for many bee pure and right vz. before God and man q.d. yong children doo by the manners and feates of their childhood many times bewray what course they will take afterwards in the rest of their life to come Ver. 12. The Lord vz. himselfe hath made vz. by his secret and almightie power both these vz. excellent parts and members of our bodies euen the eare to heare vz. his holie word and lawe and the eye to see vz. his great and wonderfull works q.d. it behoueth vs therefore rightly and well to vse them Ver. 13. Loue not sleepe vz. ouer much q.d. giue not thy selfe to ouer much sleepe His meaning is to turne men from slothfulnes which commonly causeth men to fall a sléepe Chap. 19. verse 15. Also Chap. 6.9.10 least thou come vnto pouertie vz. thereby A reason why he would not haue men to be idle because idlenes begetteth and bringeth foorth beggerie open thine eyes vz. to labour q.d. bée watchfull and diligently and carefully applie thy busines and thou shalt bee satisfied with bread vnder this phrase he meaneth that it shall go well with him and he shall haue plentie and abundance of all things necessarie for the maintenance of his life see Chap. 12.11 Ver. 14. It is naught it is naught i. it is starke naught or worth very little or nothing for so much doth the doubling of the word import as I take it saith the buyer vz. of any ware or marchandise but when he is gone a part vz. from him of whom he bought it he boasteth vz. of his good peniworths and what a good thing he hath bought q.d. the buyer that he may get his ware good cheape defileth his tongue with lying saying this and that in the dispraise thereof but when he hath bought it he commendeth it greatly committing as it were an offence on both sides Vers 15. There is gold i. great store of gold and it is much desired of men and vz. besides that there is a multitude i. an infinite number of precious stones vz. in the world but the lippes of knowledge i. a godlie wise man who hath sound and holie knowledge in his heart and can vtter it with his mouth yea that very knowledge it selfe are vz. indeede a precious iewell i. more precious than the things before named and therfore more to bee accounted of Vers 16. Take his garment vz. as a pleadge or pawne for the assurance of the monie that is suretie vz. rashly and without good aduice for a stranger vz. either to thee or to himselfe see Chap. 11. 15. and a pledge of him vz. that is become suretie vnto thee for a stranger Expound this as before q.d. feare not to demand a pawne or pledge of him that will easilie thrust himselfe into
other mens businesses and rashly for another giue his word for if he be rash and vnaduised in his owne matters he will not be wise in thine Neither is this against Gods commandement Exod. 22.26 for there he speaketh of the poore brother who for the néede of their household were constrained to lay pawnes or gages but here of rash and lauish sureties see Chap. 22.20 Also Chap. 27.13 Ver. 17. The bread of deceit i. all manner of maintenance craftely compassed gotten is sweet i. so seemeth to be at the first to a man i. to a worldly minded man but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with grauell i. monie and goods so gotten shall bee full of hurt and destruction to him see Chap. 9.17.18 Vers 18. Establish the thoughts vz. of thy heart and head by counsell i. by holie counsell and good aduice q.d. that thing is sure and stedfast which is not attempted rashly but with good aduice and by counsell i. by good and deliberate counsell make warre vz. against thine enemies vnderstanding by this one particular the attempting of all the like q.d. doo nothing at all but deuise of it well before Vers 19. He that goeth about vz. from place to place and from house to house as a slanderer vz. of other men discouereth vz. at some one time or other either for fauour feare or flatterie secrets vz. committed vnto him to keepe see before Chap. 11.13 therfore meddle not vz. at any hand that is to say haue nothing to doo much lesse communicate any close matter to such a one as followeth with him that flattereth with his lippes i. a flatterer and a fawner vpon other men Ver. 20. He vz. whosoeuer he be that curseth i. notoriously disobeyeth and with reuiling and cursing speaches speaketh vnto his father and his mother i. his parents his light shall be put out in obscure darknes i. his name and memorie shall be vtterly taken away yea he shall be depriued of all prosperitie and blessing and shall be accursed both in this life in the life to come see Exod. 21.17 Leuit. 20.9 Deut. 21.18 c. Vers 21. An heritage i. any thing whatsoeuer as goods lands and such like is vz. many times hastelie gotten yea and that by indirect and vnlawfull meanes at the beginning i. at the first atchieuing and getting therof but the end thereof i. of that heritage or possession so hastelie and vnlawfully gotten shall not be blessed vz. from the Lord the reason is because goods hastelie gotten are commonly gotten by iniurie and deceit Vers 22. Say not thou vz. either in thy heart or with thy words I will recompense euill vz. done against me q.d. abstaine from all reuenge and requiting of iniurie either in word or deede yea abstaine from the very affection of reuenging but waite vz. with patience vpon the Lord vz. to whom vengeance doth belong Deut. 32.35 Psalm 94.1 and for the execution of his iudgements and he vz. alone shal saue thee i. kéepe thée safe sound from the rage of all thine enemies al hurts whatsoeuer Vers 23. Diuers weights see verse 10. of this chap. are an abomination vnto the Lord see chap. 11.1 and deceitfull balances i. weights balances by which with which deceit is practised for otherwise balances are hardly deceitfull of themselues are not good i. are much hurtfull euill see Chap. 17.26 Also Chap. 18.5 Vers 24. The steppes of man i. all the actions and affayres of man specially concerning good things are ruled vz. euen euery one of them wholly and altogether by the Lord i. by God himselfe and by his almightie power and prouidence how can a man then vz. as he is a man vnderstand vz. rightly to dispose and knowe the effect and issue of his owne way i. his thoughts words and purposes see Psalm 37.23 Prouerb 16.9 Ierem. 10.23 Vers 25. It is a destruction i. it bringeth destruction with it to the party committing the offence afterwards expressed for a man vz. of what state or calling so euer he be to deuoure that which is sanctified vz. to the Lord and to holy vses as it were in sacrifices to eate the Lords parte q.d. he purchaseth death vnto himselfe whosoeuer hee be who either taketh away from God any thing that is offered vnto him or holdeth back that which is due vnto him and after the vowes i. the things vowed to the Lord and offered to him to take them away from him and the vses he hath appoynted them too to inquire vz. whether they may doo so yea or no q.d. when sinne is committed it is to late to inquire of it Vers 26. A wise King i. a good and a godly Magistrate scattereth vz. by his vpright and good gouernment the wicked vz. people of his land and countrie we had a like sentence before in this Chapter vers 8. sauing that that is spoken of euill things especially and this of wicked persons and causeth the wheele to turne ouer them i. sharpely and seuerely punisheth them putting one kinde thereof for all He meaneth that good princes cannot away with wicked persons Psalm 101.7 8. but rooteth them out as a good husband man doth the chaffe from the Wheate vnder the word wheele he alludeth to the manner of threshing vsed among the Iewes whereof see Isaiah 28.27.28 Vers 27. I would restore this whole verse out of a worthie interpreter thus Mans soule vz. wherein is placed the gift of reason and vnderstanding is as it were the Lords light i. is such an excellent parte as into which God hath powred great light and wherein also his glorie doth wonderfully appeare which vz. soule and vnderstanding of man searcheth vz. out and thorowly all the bowells of the bellie i. all the most secret and inward things q.d. GOD hath put into mans soule a light by which he searcheth out the most deepe and secret things I take it to bee the same in meaning though not in words with vers 6. of this Chapter Vers 28. Mercy i. pittie and compassion towards such as are oppressed and trueth i. ministring of iustice truely and vprightly preserue vz. from all violence and danger the King i. both his person and state vnderstanding also there by the name of King all Magistrates both superior and inferior see Psalm 101.1 for his throne i. he and his kingdome a parte of princelike pompe put for the whole shall bee established vz. assuredly to continue and abide for euer with mercie i. with practising pitie and compassion as before in this verse Vers 29. The beautie of yong men i. that which maketh yong men beautifull and glorious amongst others is their strength i. the strength agilitie and good giftes of the bodie that God hath indued them withall speciallie if they vse them to the good of the countrie and common wealth wherein they liue and the glorie of the aged i. that which bringeth glorie and credit to the olde folkes is the gray head i.
experience wisdome counsell and other giftes which in length and processe of time they haue atteyned too see Chap. 16.31 Vers 30. The blewnesse of the wound vz. which ariseth by sharpe and seuere punishments putting the thing following punishment for hard and sharp punishment it selfe serueth to purge the euill vz. that resteth and remaineth in wicked persons and the stripes within the bowells of the bellie vz. serue to the same end meaning by stripes within the bowels of the bellie sharp and cutting corrections which pearse as it were euen to the entrailes he meaneth that wicked people cannot be reformed but by sharpe and vehement corrections no more than dangerous diseases can be cured without byting and pearsing medicines Do. Verse 1. Teacheth vs to beware of dronkennes and whatsoeuer may drawe vs on thereto Vers 2. Teacheth vs to take heed how we prouoke any Magistrate against vs speciallie the chiefest Vers 3. Teacheth vs to beware of contention and to take heed that wee bee not busie bodies in other mens matters Vers 4. Teacheth vs to auoide idlenes for feare of pouertie that will insue thereof Vers 5. Teacheth vs that mans heart is a froward and vnsearchable euill also that the wise notwithstanding the depth thereof can perceiue many things therein Vers 6. Teacheth vs to shunne vaineglorious boasting also that the number of trustie men is small Vers 7. Commendeth vnto vs vpright walking and conuersation Vers 8. Setteth out the great profit that commeth by good Magistrates Vers 9. Teacheth vs that none is free from sinne Vers 10. Teacheth faithfull dealing in all trades Vers 11. Teacheth vs that wordes and deeds doo many times bewray great corruption of the heart Vers 12. Teacheth vs rightly to vse the eare the eye and all the partes and members of our bodies Vers 13. Teacheth vs to auoide idlenes and whatsoeuer may prouoke thereto and diligentlie to imploy our selues in our callings Vers 14. Teacheth vs both in buying and selling to auoide all craft and subtiltie Vers 15. Teacheth vs that the knowledge of God and his trueth is better woorth than all precious things whatsoeuer Ver. 16. Teacheth men to deale sharpelie with such as rashelie take vpon them suertiship Vers 17. Teacheth vs that deceipt and craft cannot long prosper Vers 18. Teacheth vs to doo or thinke nothing rashlie but with verie good aduise Vers 19. Teacheth vs to shunne first slandering of others secondlie disclosing of other mens sinnes and thirdlie flatterie Vers 20. Teacheth vs that disobedient children shall not prosper Vers 21. Teacheth vs that goods quicklie gotten are not onely suspicious amongst men but also accursed before GOD. Verse 22. Teacheth vs not to render euill for euill vnto any it teacheth vs also in patience to waite for the Lords worke either towards our selues or others Vers 23. Teacheth vs to deale vprightlie and faithfullie in our weightes and measures Vers 24. Teacheth vs that men can neither thinke nor doo any thing without the Lord. Vers 25. Teacheth vs at no hand to meddle with any thing that appertaineth to the Lord. Vers 26. Teacheth princes and Magistrates their dutie to wit that they sharpely punish wicked men Vers 27. Describeth the excellencie of that immortall parte of man his soule Vers 28. Setteth out the dueties of Magistrates and iudges Vers 29. Teacheth vs to referre all that wee haue to the glorie of God and the good of the Common wealth wherein we liue Vers 30. Teacheth that the Magistrate should vse sharpe and seuere punishment against such as will not otherwise be reformed CHAP. 21. Co. IN the other Chapter and the last verse thereof hee spake of correction that magistrates should execute against the obstinate wicked and now in the first verse of this Chapter hee sheweth that they cannot doo neither that nor any thing els but by speciall motion and grace from God who both in them and others worketh all in all Di. I Would diuide this Chapter into fowre partes The first reacheth from Di. 1 vers 1. to the end of the eight wherein hee intreateth of the prouidence and knowledge of God of vprightnes towards men of pride of diligence and speaketh against rashnes deceite theeuerie c. The second reacheth from vers 9. to the 16. Wherein he speaketh of a contentious woman of the crueltie of the wicked of chastisement of Gods iudgemēt against the wicked of hard hartednes against the poore of giftes and of the punishment of the wicked and the blessing of the good The third reacheth from vers 17. to the end of 24. Wherein he dealeth against excesse in pleasure wine c. and the contentious woman and commendeth the wise and the righteous person speaking also of the bridling of the tongue and against pride and wrath The fourth reacheth from ver 25. to the end of the chapter wherein he speaketh against the slothfull and couetous person and the offering of wicked men also against false witnes bearing hard hartednes in sinne and trust in any thing saue in the Lord onely Se. Vers 1. THe Kings heart vz. and the disposition thereof is in the hand of the Lorde i. in his power to bee ruled as he will as the riuers of waters vz. are in mens powers to bee drawne hether and thether through their labor as they shall thinke meete hee i. God turneth it i. the Kings heart and affection whether soeuer it pleaseth him q.d. as gardners and others for the watring of their gardens and grounds or for trade of marchandise bring riuers of water sometimes to one place sometimes to another so dooth the Lord guide Kings hearts not but that he gouerneth other men also but because this seemeth a more hard matter to dispose of Kings and their affayres Vers 2. Euerie way of a man i. euery matter that a man attempteth either in thought worde or deed is right i. seemeth so to be in his owne eyes i. in his owne iudgement he putteth one yea the surest of his senses such as the eye or sight is for iudgement and vnderstanding but the Lord pondereth vz. vprightlie and iustly the hearts vz. of men that is not onely their outward actions but their affections also see chap. 16.2 Vers 3. To doo iustice and iudgement i. for one man to deale vprightly and iustlie with another see Micah 6.8 is more acceptable i. is better liked of and that by many degrees to the Lord vz. who alone knoweth what is right and good than sacrifice i. than any or many sacrifices yea though GOD himselfe haue prescribed them without iustice and iudgement hee meaneth that God preferreth obedience yea and that to the morrall lawe before sacrifice see 1. Samuel 15.22 Isaiah 1.10 11 c. Hosea 6.6 Micah 6.6 7 c. Vers 4. A hautie looke i. euen the very shewe of pride manifested in the countenance or eyes see Chap. 6.17 and a proude heart i. a heart giuen to pride which is the light of the wicked i. which the wicked
taketh to be his glorie estimation and credit is sinne vz. against God and is so reputed and esteemed also before men Vers 5. The thoughts of the diligent vz. person meaning such a one as doth diligentlie and faithfullie followe his calling dooing all things wisely in time place c. doo surelie bring abundance vz. of profit and good things with them see Chap. 10.4 also Chap. 13.4 but who soeuer is hastie i. rash in his purposes and deedes commeth surelie to pouertie i. cannot chuse but bee a poore man at the last for that is one of the punishments which God hath laide vpon hastines or rashnes Vers 6. The gathering of treasures by a deceitfull tongue i. goods and treasures gotten thorow lying and deceite is vanitie i. like to a vaine thing or a thing of no weight or importance as chaffe dust c. tossed too and fro vz. by the wind of them that seeke death he meaneth that it is the vaine delight of fond and foolish men to seeke to get riches vnlawfullie which is a matter of no more importance than dust or els he setteth out a double discommoditie of riches wickedlie gotten to wit that they perish quickely and bring with them destruction see Chap. 10.2 also Chap. 13.11 One readeth it thus Treasures gathered together with the tongue of falshood i. riches and goods gotten by any false meanes whatsoeuer are tossed too and fro like vanitie i. they are not durable or last not long with the parties or their posteritie so gathering them they that seeke them i. those riches or to be rich by such meanes seeke death i. destruction vnto themselues q.d. euill gotten goods are many times ill consumed and destroy them that haue them as appeareth in the next verse Vers 7. The robberie of the wicked i. that the euerie which the wicked commit against other and the goods gotten thereby shall vz. certainly and assuredly destroye them i. the wicked themselues for they haue refused i. they haue stubbornly and wilfully denied to execute iudgement i. to deale iustly and vprightly if we referre it to the common sort but if we referre it to iudges and rulers then it importeth in iudgement to yéeld to euery man his right Vers 8. The way of some i. the life and conuersation of many is peruerted vz. from all equitie and right and strange vz. from the order that God himselfe hath prescribed in his word and his children allowe and like of but of the pure man i. of him that dealeth vprightly and with a single heart his worke i. the thinges that he doth is right i. iust plaine and good Vers 9. It is better i. it shall be more ease and quiet for a man to dwell vz. euen alone and without companie in a corner of the house toppe i. in a most inconuenient place yea though it doo not onely want necessarie roome but also bee subiect to the heate of sommer the coldnes of winter the force of the winde the beating of the raine c. than with a contentious woman i. with a woman giuen to brauling and chiding in a wide house i. in a very large pleasant and profitable roome to dwell in see Chap. 25.24 And concerning a contentious woman see Chap. 19.13 Also Chap. 27.15 Vers 10. The soule i. the very heart and affection of the wicked vz. man wisheth vz. continually euill i. hurt and mischiefe to all but himselfe he is so kindled with enuie and his neighbour i. he that dwelleth by him meaning also thereby any other for he that doth not good to those that bee about him is hardly drawne to profite others hath no fauour in his eyes i. findeth no friendship at his hands yea he is so farre of from dooing him good that he will not yéeld him a good countenance He declareth the great readines that is in the wicked to hurt others who is so farre off from benefiting others that he will not pleasure his friends and companions Vers 11. When the scorner is punished vz. by the Magistrate and men in authoritie the foolish is wise i. becommeth wise or learneth wisedome thereby to auoide wickednes By scorner he vnderstandeth him that is as it were desperatly set vpon all wickednes and by foolish such a simple one as is of ignorance deceiued see Chap. 19.25 and when one instructeth vz. rightly and soundly the wise i. he whose heart is inclined to wisdom he will receiue knowledge vz. by that instruction and exhortation Ver. 12. The righteous teacheth vz. both by word and example and all to drawe on to goodnes the house of the wicked i. the vngodlie man and all that belong vnto him but vz. for all that God vz. himselfe in his iustice and iudgement ouerthroweth the wicked vz. because they will by no meanes be bettered but despise admonition reproofe c. for their euill i. for their sinne committed against him and men I knowe there are other reading and senses of this verse but me thinketh this is plaine Vers 13. He vz. whosoeuer he bee that stoppeth his eare vz. that he may not heare meaning hereby also he that vseth any meane to turne away himselfe and his compassion from the poore at the crying of the poore i. when the poore and néedie crieth vnto him for reliefe and succour he shall also crie i. earnestly call vpon or intreate either God or man or both and not be heard i. be neuer a whit the better for it for it is a iust thing with God yea and with good men also many times so to punish vnmercifulnes Vers 14. A gift vz. both giuen and receiued also to any either high or lowe offended with thee in secret i. closely and secretly giuen pacifieth anger vz. conceiued against a man and a gift in the bosome i. caried in the bosome and so giuen to another man great wrath i. pacifieth and stilleth mightie and raging wrath see Prouer. 17.8 Also Chapt. 18.16 Vers 15. It is ioye to the iust i. the iust man taketh great delight and pleasure to doo iudgement i. to deale vprightly and iustly with euery man see verse 3. of this Chap. but destruction shall bee to the workers of iniquitie i. all vniust and vngodly persons shall be destroyed for workers of iniquitie see Psalm 5.5 Also Psalm 6.8 Vers 16. A man vz. whosoeuer he be that wandereth vz. either of ignorance or malice or both if he continue in the same out of the way of wisedome i. out of the course that Gods wisedome reuealed in his word prescribeth shall remaine vz. for euer in the congregation of the dead i. amongst that great number of people that either are dead alreadie both in bodie and soule or els through their wickednes make haste vnto the same Vers 17. He that loueth pastime i. to satisfie his delight and pleasure in all thinges shall bee a poore man vz. though he were neuer so rich before and he that loueth wine and oyle i. he that giueth himselfe to
countenance Vers 5. Teacheth vs aduisedly and diligently to performe the things we are to do and to beware of hastines and rashnes Vers 6. Teacheth vs that euill gotten goods shall not long prosper Vers 7. Teacheth vs that the wicked shall not carrie their robberie away vnpunished Vers 8. Teacheth vs to flie from euill and to doo good and that the one is a note of goodnes and the other of euill Vers 9. Teacheth vs what a hurtfull thing a disquiet life is betweene a man and his wife Vers 10. Sheweth the nature of the wicked who are giuen to wish and doo euill against other men Verse 11. Teacheth vs that punishments laied vppon some profite other some to goodnes Ver. 12. Teacheth vs to haue a care to instruct one another yea euen the very vngodly it setteth out also the iudgement of God against the wicked and their vngodlie rase Vers 13. Giueth vs to vnderstand what a great sinne hard hartednes the want of compassion is Vers 14. Declareth what power and force gifts secretlie giuen haue Vers 15. Teacheth vs what ioye and consolation the godly should take in wel dooing also what iudgement the wicked must looke for Vers 16. Teacheth vs what danger it is to straye from the word of God Vers 17. Teacheth vs to beware that we haue not our hearts caried away euen in the vse of lawfull things Vers 18. Setteth out Gods fauor towards the good his punishmēt of the wicked Ver 19. Teacheth the discommoditie of a brawling and chiding wife Ver. 20. Teacheth vs that godlines is crowned with abundance and wickednes with want Vers 21. Teacheth that good dooing shall neuer be left vnrewarded Vers 22. Teacheth vs that godlie wisdome is better than strength Vers 23. Teacheth vs to bridle our tongue and speach Vers 24. Teacheth vs to beware both of pride and anger Vers 25. Teacheth vs to beware of idlenes Vers 26. Teacheth vs to shunne couetousnes and to imbrace true liberalitie Vers 27. Teacheth vs that nothing that the wicked doo is acceptable before God Vers 28. Teacheth vs to auoid false witnesse bearing and to speake nothing but that whereof we haue the certeine knowledge Vers 29. Teacheth vs to beware of hard hartednes and impudencie in sinne and to order all our actions according to trueth Verse 30. Teacheth vs that nothing within man or without man can hinder Gods purposes Vers 31. Teacheth vs that howsoeuer meanes be vsed yet there can be no deliuerance but by the Lords grace and working CHAP. 22. Co. IN the end of the other Chapter he intreateth of matters concerning God to wit of his power and goodnes sauing men from danger and distresses and now he passeth from them in the beginning of this Chapter and dealeth with some things which directlie concerne men as a good name fauor wise dealing c. Di. I Would diuide this Chapter into three partes In the first hee speaketh of Di. 1 good reporte and fauor of the rich and poore of the wise and foolish of humilitie and the feare of God of a froward and circumspect person of childrens bringing vp of the borower and the lender of the wicked and the liberall man and of the scorner and contentious person from vers 1. to the end of the 10. In the second he entreateth of purenes of heart of Gods sauor Di. 2 and iustice of the idle man of a whore of foolishnes and correction of oppression of the poore of obedience to the word and the fruites that shall come thereby from vers 11. to the end of the 21. In the third he speaketh against Di. 3 oppression of the poore acquaintance with angriemen rash and vnaduised suertiship remoouing of auncient bounds and exhorteth to diligence from vers 22. to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. A Good name vz. amongst men meaning hereby a good reporte is to bee chosen vz. by such as loue and feare the Lord and the fellowship of his saints aboue great riches i. more than any riches a man can attaine too in this life see Ecclesiast 7.3 and a louing fauor vz. from good men obteyned also by good dealing and hee speaketh here of the fauor and good will of men because it is a common companion of good reporte and is no more sundred from it then the shaddowe from the bodie is vz. more worth or more to be desired or as hee saide before to be chosen aboue siluer and aboue golde i. aboue all the rich and precious treasures of this world whatsoeuer see for this phrase Psalm 19.10 Vers 2. The rich vz. men of the world and the poore vz. people also meete togeather vz. many and sundrie times euen as it were waifaring men the Lord thereby sensiblie preaching as it were vnto them that riches and pouertie are not natural but laied vpon them according to his good pleasure the Lord vz. alone is the maker of them all i. hee maketh one rich and another poore see Chapter 14.31 also Chap. 17.5 for making of the poore And in this God hath shewed his singular prouidence and wisdome for if all were rich no man would labor and if all were poore they could not ayde and succor one another see Chap. 29.13 Vers 3. A prudent man i. he that hath learned holy and heauenlie wisdome seeth vz. by the eye of faith the plague vz. comming vnderstanding by plague any euill or danger whatsoeuer and hideth himselfe i. laboreth by all lawfull meanes to escape the same or els committeth himselfe to the prouidence of God vntill those dangers bee ouerpast as Dauid saith in one of his Psalmes but the foolish i. the wicked and vngodlie goe on still vz. in their iniquitie and transgression and are euen rashlie and impudentlie caried whether so euer their minde leadeth them and are punished vz. from God and that iustly by reason of their sinnes committed against God and their brethren Vers 4. The reward vz. both from God and men of humilitie i. that true humblenes of minde hath and the feare of God i. the rewarde which the feare of God bringeth with it is vz. certainely and assuredly riches and glorie and life i. all good things both in this life and in the life to come Vers 5. Thornes and snares i. most greeuous calamities and punishments are vz. to be found in the way of the froward i. in those waies and courses which he taketh q.d. for his wicked and froward behauiour such and such calamities hang ouer his head and so it is set as it were against the other verse but he that regardeth his soule i. hath care and consideration of his owne saluation a parte put for the whole will departe vz. with all possible and conuenient speede farre from them i. either from the men themselues or from such miseries as hang ouer their heads or from such misdemeanors as haue pulled such iudgements vpon them Vers 6. Teach a childe i. euerie childe for the commandement is generall in
together with thy knowledge inwardly thou ioyne the expressing of them by wordes outwardly Vers 19. That thy confidence i. thy hope and trust may bee vz. firmely and stedfastly fixed in the Lord i. vpon him and the trueth of his word and promises I haue shewed thee vz. openlie and plainlie euen the will and word of God this day i. all this while as Psalme 95.7 And so he sheweth what is the ende of Gods word vz. to strengthen our faith in God thou therefore take heede vz. to the things that I speake q.d. It standeth thee in hand so to doo for what art thou without hope and trust in God which thou canst neuer attaine without his word Vers 20. Haue I not written vnto thee vz. excellent and notable things vnderstanding also by writing all the meanes of publishing the same three times i. sundrie and many times as 2. Corinth 12.18 in counsels and knowledge i. such things as consist in knowledge and counsels q d. I haue for to that ende serueth the demand Vers 21. That I might shewe thee vz. plainlie and manifestly the assurance of the words of the trueth i. the great certaintie that these words containe to answer i. that thou also maiest thereby bee instructed to answer the words of trueth i. true and sound words to them that send to thee vz. to the ende they may knowe the same and be instructed by thee therein And this is another commendation of his doctrine taken from the excellencie and profite thereof Vers 22. Robbe not vz. by any meanes the poore vz. man or person because he is poore and therefore not able to put backe iniurie offered neither oppresse vz. any manner of way the afflicted i. he that is alreadie in miserie in iudgement i. vnder the pretence and shewe of iustice and iudgement In Hebrue it is in the gate putting the place where iudgement was executed for iudgement and iustice it selfe He toucheth two faultes the one oppression of the poore because great men may the more easilie doo it and the other is spoyling of them vnder pretence of iustice and equitie And marke here that the sentences following from this place euen to the fiue and twentie Chapter bée for the most part comprised in two or three verses together one hanging vpon another and are as it were the causes effects or euents of the same Vers 23. For the Lord vz. himselfe if men should neglect it will defend their cause i. the right of the poore see Chapter 23.11 and spoyle the soule i. take away from them sometimes by one meanes sometimes by another of those that spoyle them i. of all such as take any thing by any wicked way from them And this is a reason why they should surcease from wickednes Vers 24. Make no friendship i. seeke not to bee acquainted or familiar with an angrie man i. with one that cannot rule and subdue his outragious and angrie affections neither goe vz. in the way as though thou wert familiarlie acquainted with the furious man i. with him that is whollie giuen to heate and furie see Prouerb 15.18 Vers 25. Least thou learne vz. by kéeping companie with him his waies i. to bee like vnto him in his furie rage and vnbridled affections and receiue vz. either from God or men yet so that thou hast by thy misdemenour pulled it vpon thy head destruction to thy soule i. to thy selfe a part put for the whole and here is contained a double reason why men should auoide furious persons companie Vers 26. Be not thou of them i. be not thou like them or take héed that thou bée not reckoned in the number of them that touch the hand vz. of another man meaning thereby striking of hands or making of a bargaine nor among them i. of that sort and number that are suretie vz. to other men for debts vz. of other men q.d. shunne suretiship least thou hazard thine owne goods and at lengeth bée brought to necessitie for that I take to bée the meaning of the next verse see Chapter 6.1 c. Also Chapter 11.15 Vers 27. If thou hast nothing to pay i. if thou bée not able to performe that which thou hast promised why causest thou vz. through thy negligence and rashnes that he vz. to whom thou hast giuen thy hand and word should take thy bed vz. wherevpon thou lyest from vnder thee vz. as thou lyest vpon it a reason against rash suretiship q d. Why doest thou through thine owne follie commit that if thou be not able to pay that which thou art become suretie for thy bed if thou hast nothing els to giue should with thy great losse and shame bée taken from thée and so thou haue nothing to lye on see Chapter 20.16 Vers 28. Thou shalt not remooue vz. either by force or fraude openly or secretly in the day or in the night the ancient bounds vz. of landes or grounds labouring thereby to inlarge thine owne and to pull from other which thy fathers i. thy ancestors many yéeres before thee haue made i. haue set q.d. If they had no right how canst thou pretend any see Deuteronomie 19.14 Vers 29. Thou seest q.d. thine owne experience and knowledge teacheth thee that a diligent man in his busines i. he that faithfully and painfully occupieth himselfe in his vocation and in the things he hath to doo standeth before Kings i. is much in great personages presence and they vse them much in the accomplishment of their affaires and standeth not before the base sorte i. is not much conuersant with the common people nor much regarded of them the reason is because he is more highly called and preferred for otherwise all would bée glad of him all is as much q.d. seeing diligence aduanceth men imbrace and practise the same Do. Vers 1. Teacheth vs to esteeme and make much of good report amongst good men and their fauour Verse 2. Teacheth vs that riches and pouertie and all come from the Lord. Verse 3. Teacheth vs in a holie wisedome not onely to foresee but also to preuent what wee may dangers hanging ouer our head Verse 4. Teacheth vs to striue to attaine true humblenes of minde and a right and reuerent feare of Gods Maiestie in our hearts Verse 5. Teacheth vs to auoide both the waies and companies of froward and peruerse men Verse 6. Teacheth parents in time to traine vp their children in the nurture and information of the Lord. Verse 7. Sheweth how that man in the corruption of his heart abuseth many times those things to the maintenance of his pride and tyrannie that God hath giuen him for the good of others Verse 8. Teacheth vs that the vngodlie shall reape a iust reward of that wickednes which they sowe Vers 9. Teacheth vs vnfeignedly to imbrace liberalitie Verse 10. Teacheth vs to auoide the scorners companie shewing vs what good shall insue thereof Vers 11. Teacheth vs to imbrace vprightnes and soundnes of heart Vers 12. Teacheth vs that
God is gracious to his children but a sharpe punisher of the words and works of the wicked Vers 13. Teacheth vs to auoide sloth and idlenes Verse 14. Teacheth vs to auoide whores and whoredome Verse 15. Teacheth vs that moderate and ordinarie correction is a good meane to reforme things amisse in children Verse 16. Teacheth vs to flie from oppression and briberie Verse 17. Teacheth vs to hearken to good counsell Verse 18. Setteth out the sweetnes and pleasure of the word of God Verse 19. Teacheth vs that the word is published to begin and to confirme faith in vs. Verse 20. Teacheth vs that a good lesson may be often times deliuered vnto vs. Verse 21. Setteth out both the certaintie of Gods word and also what effect it worketh in them that imbrace it to wit it maketh them able to answer al things demanded of them Verse 22. Teacheth vs to beware of oppression whether it bee committed by force the partie being not able to resist or by fraud and namely vnder the pretence of iustice Verse 23. Setteth out Gods fauour towards the afflicted his iudgements against them that afflict Vers 24. Teacheth vs to auoide anger and wrath and all the meanes whereby we may be prouoked thereto Vers 25. Teacheth vs how hurtfull and dangerous a thing it is to keepe companie with the vngodlie Vers 26. Teacheth vs to beware of rash and hastie suretiship Vers 27. Teacheth vs to take heede that by our owne vnaduisednes wee bee not the authors of our common woe and miserie Verse 28. Teacheth vs not to incroch vpon any but to bee content with the portion which the Lord hath giuen vs from our ancestors Verse 29. Teacheth vs to bee diligent painfull and faithfull in all our actions and affaires CHAP. 23. Co. THe holie Ghost declared in the last verse of the 22. Chapter that diligence aduanceth men to the presence and speach of great personages and now in the beginning of this Chapter he sheweth how they should behaue themselues when they come before them speciallie when they sit to eate with them Di. Di. 1 THis Chapter may be diuided into three parts The first reacheth from verse 1. to the end of the 11. wherein he teacheth men to bridle their appetite he sheweth the vncertaintie of riches he speaketh against the nigardlie and couetous person also against contemners of exhortation and extortioners Di. 2 and oppressors of the poore and needie The second reacheth from verse 12. to the end of the 25. wherein is contained an exhortation to imbrace wisedome to correct children he speaketh of the ioye that parents haue by good children he teacheth men to feare the Lord continuallie to auoide euill companie to obey parents to get the knowledge of trueth Di. 3 wisedome c. The third reacheth from verse 26. to the end of the Chapter wherein he speaketh against whores and whoredome and against dronkards and dronkennes setting out most largely and plentifully the sower fruites that come thereof Se. Vers 1. WHen thou sittest vz. at the table to eate vz. meate with a ruler i. with a great personage or gouernor of the people consider diligently i. carefully thinke vpon and weigh what is before thee i. what things are set before thee least through varietie of dishes thou knowing not where to begin thou bewraie want of good manners or els ouer charge thy stomacke Vers 2. And put the knife vz. that thou hast in thy hand or is vpon the table for thee to vse to thy throte He meaneth by this manner of speach that men should vse all meanes they could to bridle their greedie desire and eating of dainties if thou be a man giuen to the appetite vz. of such daintie and sweete things Vers 3. Be not desirous of his daintie meates i. of the fine sweet pleasant cates of a King or great person The Hebrue word importeth such things as sauour wel to the tast are swéet pleasant for it is a deceitful meate i. it wil easily draw men on by dainties to gluttonie or it may be called deceitful because it will not last long or els because the mightie suppose thereby to work some craft deceit against the other In these thrée verses I thinke he specially shooteth at these two poynts the one is to teach vs to vse iudgement wisedome to bridle our affections when we are to deale with great personages in any thing which he expresseth by one particular that is sitting at the table with them The other is to take héed that we be not not ouertaken with daintie and sweete delicates thereby bewraying that there is not that wisdome in vs that hath been supposed or reported Vers 4. Trauaile not too much to be rich q.d. thinke not by great and tedious trauaile thou shalt be rich whether God will yea or no for riches are Gods gift Psalm 127.2 neither is this contrary to many sentences already rehearsed wherein men are exhorted to bee laborious and diligent but hee forbiddeth first immoderate toyling care wherevnto our sauior seemeth to allude Matt. 6.25 and secondly a desire to waxe sodainly rich which is also condemned by Gods word but cease vz. vtterly and as much as in thee lyeth from thy wisdome i. from that same worldly wisdome of thine owne which indeed may rather be called distrust in God or couetousnes as when a man is violently caried away with a desire to be rich than wisdome Vers 5. Wilt thou cast thine eyes i. wilt thou set thine heart and affections vpon it i. vpon riches which is nothing i. which is as it were nothing or a matter of no great importance and this is one reason why men should not so greedilie gape after riches because when they haue atteyned them they haue gotten as much as a thing of nothing And another reason he addeth in the second parte of this verse taken from the vncertainty for riches taketh hir to hir winges i. flieth swiftly and fastly away as an Eagle vz. doth and flieth into the heauen i. goeth so farre as it is an impossible and hard matter to attaine the same q.d. set not thy affections vpon riches for they sodainely vanish away and when thou hast gotten them there is an hundred waies to forgoe them as fire water euill detters c. and that in a moment Vers 6. Eate thou not the bread i. any manner of sustenance as bread meate drinke c. but because bread is the principall he nameth it of him that hath an euill eye i. of the couetous hard harted and nigardly minded man sée the contrary of this Chap. 22.9 neither desire his daintie meates q.d. be so farre off from eating them that thou haue no affection or appetite that way see vers 3. of this Chap. Vers 7. For as though he thought it in his heart vz. when indeed he doth it not so will hee say vnto thee vz. when thou eatest of such things as he hath prepared eate and
vs on to eating Verse 17. Teacheth vs to beware that we doo not by ouermuch resorting to our friends make them wearie of vs. Verse 18. Teacheth vs to flie false witnes bearing Verse 19. Teacheth vs to take heede that we trust not vntrustie persons Verse 20. Teacheth vs that honest and good mirth is a meane to put away heauines of heart Verse 21. Teacheth vs not onely to loue but also to doo good vnto our enemies Verse 22. Teacheth vs that God will leaue nothing vnrecompensed that we doo in his feare Verse 23. Teacheth vs to declare our disliking of slanderers both by word deede and countenance Vers 24. Setteth out the discommoditie that doth arise by brauling and contentious women Verse 25. Sheweth vs that good newes are delectable to the partie whom they concerne Verse 26. Sheweth that the godlie in the hands of the wicked are in a poore case Verse 27. Teacheth men not to seeke their owne glorie Verse 28. Teacheth men to bridle their appetites for feare of after-clappes and mischiefes that may otherwise insue CHAP. 26. Co. IN the latter end of the other Chapter he shewed that men should not seeke for honor and glorie and now in the beginning of this Chapter he sheweth to whom it doth not belong and by the contrarie to whom it doth appertaine Di. I Would diuide this Chapter into two parts onely In the first he dealeth Di. 1 chiefly and principally against such as are destitute of the heauenlie wisedome whom he calleth fooles not so much because they wanted wit as Di. 2 because they were destitute of the heauenly light and this reacheth from verse 1. to the ende of the 12. In the second he dealeth more particular against idle and slothfull persons against busie bodies against deceitfull persons against talebearers and contentions people and against such persons as will craftilie colour the hatred of their heart with glorious and glosing speaches from verse 13. to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. AS the snowe in the sommer and as the raine in the haruest are not meete i. as snowe and raine doo not agrée to those seasons therefore it is counted as a miracle to haue raine in wheate haruest 1. Sam. 12.17 And Ieremie writeth that while hée was in Iudea hée neuer sawe raine there in Iune and Iulie yea he affirmeth it to bee an impossible thing that any should fall there then so is honor vnseemely for a foole i. titles and places of honor appertaine not to him either because he knoweth not how to vse them or els abuseth them to the oppression of others and his owne hurt Vers 2. As the sparowe by flying vz. from place to place escapeth danger and the swallowe by flying escape vz. from hurt or snares so the curse that is causeles i. the curse that one man doth without cause or reason with to fall vpon another shall not come vz. vpon him whom he did without cause curse but shall passe away into the ayre as those birds doo Vers 3. Vnto the horse belongeth a whippe vz. to make him goe apace and couragiouslie to the asse a bridle vz. to rule and direct him in the way He speaketh this according to the custome of that countrie who did vse horses in warre as Psalm 20.7 Psalm 76.6 Prouerb 21.31 and asses to trauaile withall Genes 22.3 and a rodde to the fooles backe i. chastisements correction appertaineth to fooles see Prouerb 10.13 Also Chapter 17.10 Vers 4. Answer not a foole according to his foolishnes i. in talke and speach betweene thee and him deale not with him with bitter and cursed words as he doth with thee least thou also be like him vz. in that behalfe following his foolish veine q.d. vse wisedome in thy talke with fooles and marke diligently what when where and how thou speakest Vers 5. Answer a foole according to his foolishnes i. in speaches betwéene you deale with him according to the naughtines he doth bewray or commit least vz. thou not reprouing him he be wise in his owne conceit i. he take an occasion thereby to thinke better of himselfe than there is any cause why And so these contrarie sentences are reconciled not in respect of being silent in the first and speaking in the last as some haue thought but by answering in both hauing notwithstanding alwaies regard to the circumstances of time place persons manner of doing c. Vers 6. He vz. whosoeuer he be that sendeth a message vz. into any place or to any person by the hand of a foole i. by a foole himselfe or vnwise man a part that is the hand wherein consisteth power put for the whole q.d. he that committeth any thing either message or matter to a foolish fellowe to doo is vz. as vnwise in that behalfe as he that cutteth off the feete vz. of the messenger whom he sendeth meaning that he doth depriue himselfe of the meanes whereby his purposes should be performed for as one that lacketh his legges is not fit to goe on arrands so a foole is as vnfit to bee imployed about any thing because he wanteth wisedome diligence c. and drinketh iniquitie i. taketh that vnto him that will hurt him meaning the conceit and good opinion that he hath of a foole which is also iniquitie for he that iustifieth the wicked and condemneth the righteous sinneth both alike against the Lord. One giueth another sense and readeth it otherwise thus As though a man did cut off a messengers feete so shall he drinke vp the punishment of violence that sendeth messages by a foole i. he doth as much iniurie to himselfe that sendeth a foole to be his messenger as he that cutteth off his owne messengers feete for neither can the foole performe things enioyned him neither he that hath his feete or legges cut off dispatch his iornie or message Vers 7. As they vz. lose their labour and doo an vnseemelie thing that lift vp the legges of the lame vz. thinking thereby to make a lame man goe of himselfe without the ayde helpe of another so vz. vnprofitable and vnseemelie is a parable i. a wise sentence in a fooles mouth i. vttered by a foolish and wicked man Some reade it otherwise giue it another sense but me thinketh this is plaine enough Vers 8. As the closing vp of a precious stone in an heape of stones i. amongst other common and contemptible stones q.d. it is a very vnseemely and fond thing for a man to place a precious iewell euen amongst stones of the stréet both because it shall be troden vpon and that is not the place for it so is he vz. fond and vnwise that is to say he is so to be accounted that giueth glorie to a foole he meaneth it of more glorie than belongeth vnto him Vers 9. As a thorne standing vp in the hand of a dronkard vz. is many times hurtfull both to himselfe and others so is a parable in the mouth of fooles see
than secret loue Verse 6. Teacheth vs not to condemne our friends reprehensions nor to regard of our foes flatteries Verse 7. Teacheth vs to beware that we be not ouertaken with excesse and that hunger is the best sawce Verse 8. Teacheth vs to stand in the callings wherein God hath set vs. Verse 9. Teacheth vs what an excellent thing holie friendship and sound aduise is Verse 10. Teacheth vs not to forsake old friends for newe Verse 11. Teacheth children to striue to all goodnes Vers 12. Teacheth vs to labour to preuent Gods iudgement and to take heede of continuance and growth in sinne Verse 13. Teacheth vs to beware of rash and hastie suretiship Verse 14. Teacheth vs to beware of flattering or fanning vppon any speciallie without good cause Verse 15. Declareth what a continuall consumer a contentious woman is Verse 16. Teacheth vs that the rage of women will hardlie if at all bee kept vnder Verse 17. Teacheth vs that presence and conference of friends is a great meane to increase loue Verse 18. Teacheth vs that as the diligent reape profite by increase of their fruites so doth the painfull seruant promotion by obedience and diligence to his master Verse 19. Teacheth vs that a man many times either by his owne experience or other mens behauiours may enter deeplie into other men Verse 20. Teacheth vs that the sight and concupiscence of a man is vnsatiable Verse 21. Teacheth vs that men are to be esteemed according to the good things that God hath bestowed vpon them Vers 22. Teacheth vs that some men are so hardned in their sinne that there is no hope of their amendement Verse 23. Teacheth men to haue a prouident eye to the things wherewith God hath blessed them Verse 24. Teacheth vs the instabilitie and vncertaintie of riches Verse 25 26. Shewe that God giueth all his creatures for mans vse and great good Verse 27. Teacheth vs the moderate and sober vse thereof CHAP. 28. Co. THe holy Ghost in the beginning of this Chapter passeth from oeconomicall and houshold affaires which hee had dealt in in the latter ende of the other Chapter to more generall poynts as to the euill conscience of the wicked and the bold perswasion of the righteous and to speake of euill and good Magistrates c. Di. THis Chapter may be diuided into fowre partes In the first he speaketh Di. 1 of a good and euill conscience of godly and wicked magistrates of oppressors of godly and vngodly persons and of their seueral qualities of the godlie poore man and the wicked rich from vers 1. to the end of the 7. In the second he speaketh against vsurers contemners of Gods worde deuisers Di. 2 of wicked practises vngodly rich men also against keeping close of sinnes and against hardning of mens hearts in their iniquitie from vers 8. to the end of the 14. In the third he dealeth with wicked magistrates violent and froward people idle and slothfull men couetous and partiall persons Di. 3 and sheweth by the contrarie what good fruites come of vpright walking painefulnes faithfulnes c. from vers 15. to the end of the 21. In the fourth he intreateth of making haste to be rich of rebukes or reproofes of Di. 4 leud children of pride and hautines of heart of liberalitie towards the poore and of the exaltation and perishing of the wicked from vers 22. to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. THe wicked i. euerie one of the wicked for hee vseth a nominatiue case singular with a verbe plurall as though hee would declare that one of the wicked flying the rest followe after flee i. indeuor to escape by all the meanes that they can when none pursueth vz. them except it be the testimonie of their owne conscience sée Psalm 53.5 And this seemeth to be taken from the great threatning which is pronounced in Gods lawe against the wicked Leuit. 26.36 but the righteous are bold vz. not with any trust in themselues but by the faith they haue in God and that in all their afflictions how great or how little so euer they be as a Lyon i. fearing nothing for as a Lyon feareth no other beasts so shal not they dread any tempests whatsoeuer Vers 2. For the transgression of the land i. for the sinnes that the people inhabiting the land doo commit there are many princes i. rulers and gouernors of it not at one time as some haue thought though that be a great confusion but by often changing euery one of them raigning but a small season but by a man of vnderstanding and knowledge i. by wise men and magistrates specially such as feare God he putteth one for many a realme likewise indureth long i. a kingdome on the contrarie side is preserued a great while see Hosea 13.11 The holy ghost meaneth that whereas in any common wealth or kingdome either the princes or the people or both departe from their duetie there are often changes but where either both states or any one of them yea some wise man amongst them dooth by his authoritie guide and gouerne the whole or some parte of them in vprightnes there the state is durable and florishing see 2. Samuel 20.16 c. Vers 3. A poore man i. a man of a meane estate if he oppresse vz. either by fraude or by force by bargayning or otherwise the poore vz such as he himselfe is whose cause he should tender and pittie because in them hee is put in minde of his owne estate is like a raging rayne i. is like great riuers and floods which arise by abundance of rayne or els like a great storme and tempest of rayne that leaueth vz. remayning vpon the land or behind it no foode vz. for cattel or men to liue vpon whereupon must followe of necessitie great famine Vers 4. They that forsake the lawe vz. of God and will not haue it to be the rule of their life prayse vz. very highly the wicked vz. man or men euen such as are like themselues but they that seeke the Lord vz. earnestly and with an vnfeined heart striue to performe it set themselues vz. both in word and déed against them i. against such notorious wicked persons Vers 5. Wicked men i. giuen to wickednes vnderstand not iudgement i. knowe not or regarde not to performe their dueties to God and man but they that seeke the Lord vz. earnestly and with an vnfeigned heart vnderstand all things i. knowe and indeuor to performe the dueties which they owe both to God and man see 1. Corinth 2.15 Vers 6. Better vz. by many degrees is the poore vz. man that walketh i. leadeth a life and conuersation in his vprightnes i. vprightly and it is called his vprightnes not because he hath it of himselfe but because the Lord hath giuen it him than he vz. whosoeuer hee bee that peruerteth his waies vz. from the light and trueth of the word of God which is the onely way of righteousnes though he be
rich i. though he be neuer so rich or of neuer so great credit And wheÌ„ he saith it is better wee must not vnderstand him as though the other were good for it is alwaies a vile thing to goe astray from the holy commandement but hee speaketh here according to the common custome of men see Prouerb 19.1 Vers 7. He that keepeth i. indeuoreth to keepe and that vnfeynedly and with a good heart the lawe vz. of GOD and the good instructions that his father shall giue him out of the same is a child of vnderstanding i. is and sheweth himself to be a wise and obedient child but hee that feedeth the gluttons vz. with his meate and so is familiarly acquainted and keepeth companie with them vnder glottons he meaneth al other vngodly ones whatsoeuer and yet he maketh speciall mention of them because hée vsed the word feeding shameth his father i. doth what in him lieth to bring his parents to shame and contempt for the leudnes of the sonne is many times ascribed to the parents and as hath been sundrie times before there is no greater griefe to them in this life than the leudnes and wickednes of their children see Chap. 10.1 Vers 8. He that increaseth his riches by vsurie and interest i. by any vnlawfull meane for vnder these two he comprehendeth all of what sorte soeuer they bee gathereth them vz. though happilie he himselfe think not so for him that will be mercifull to the poore i. not onely kinde minded but liberall handed also towards them q.d. the Lord dooth appoint that the riches the vsurer hath wickedly gotten shall be taken either from him or his posteritie and come into a good mans hand who will giue the poore that which was before taken from them vniustly sée Chap. 13.22 Vers 9. He vz. how great or how little soeuer hee bée that turneth away his eare from hearing the lawe vz. of GOD read or taught vnto him by turning away his eare he meaneth all maner of contemning and despising of it and by hearing hee meaneth all the exercises of the word as hearing reading meditating c. q.d. he that any manner of way contemneth either all or any of the exercises of Gods word his praier shall be abhominable vz. before the Lord. q.d. the Lord will loth and abhorre the prayer he maketh and not heare him see Chap. 21.13 where the same is spoken of contempt of the poore Vers 10. He that causeth i. indeuoreth to cause or els by perswasion at the length preuaileth the righteous to goe astray vz. from the way that God hath prescribed in his word by an euill way i. by causing him to turne into an euill way which God hath condemned shall fall into his owne pit i. shall not only loose the labor and time that hee spendeth in intisement and prouocation but shall thorowe Gods iust iudgement fall into the danger that he supposed the other should fall into sée Chap. 26.27 and the vpright vz. in heart whoâ—â— God shall haue stayed from falling shall inherit good things i. shall be blessed with great and continuall blessings contrarie to the imagination of the wicked who thought to bring him into all miserie and danger Vers 11. The rich man is wise in his owne conceate i. he deemeth so of himselfe because hee seeth all things to fall out prosperously vnto him but the poore vz. man that hath vnderstanding vz. of Gods will reuealed in his word can trie him i. by the light that God hath giuen him can diligently consider and weigh his whole life and actions and that not by outward shewe onely as the rich man doth but by the rule and word of God q.d. The rich man looketh not vpon himselfe but vpon his substance and by that iudgeth of himselfe but the wise man though he be a poore man iudgeth by another rule both himselfe and the rich man Vers 12. When the righteous men reioyce i. when good men are exalted to dignitie and honor he putteth that which followeth glorie to wit gladnes for glorie it selfe there is great glorie i. there is all kinde of honor and goodnes but when the wicked come vp vz. to authoritie and credit in the common wealth the man i. euerie man is tryed vz. what is in him and what he hath q.d. when good men rule all are in good case and the common wealth florisheth but when the wicked are aloft no man doth safely possesse the things hee hath but either by fraude or by force euen the seacretest things hee hath are searched out and looked into that they may bee a pray to the vngodly see Chap. 11.10 11. also verse the last of this Chap. and Chap. 29.2 Vers 13. He that hideth his sinnes vz. which hee hath committed meaning by hiding cloaking or couering of them from God which he cannot doo or concealing them from men or lessening them when they are made manifest shall not prosper vz. long either before GOD or men but he that confesseth them vz. vnfeynedly and fully either before God if they be secret or before men if they be open and forsaketh them i. loatheth and abhorreth them carrying with him a purpose neuer to fall into the like shall haue mercie i. shall obtaine grace and fauour before God and man sée 1. Iohn 1.9 also Psalme 32.5 Vers 14. Blessed vz. euen before God howsoeuer hee séeme miserable in his owne eyes or othermens iudgements is the man vz. of what state or condition soeuer he be that feareth alway vz. to offend God and breake his lawe neither is this continuall feare against stedfast trust in GOD but is put downe as a fruite of faith and repentance see 2. Corinth 7.11 but he vz. whosoeuer he bee that hardneth his heart vz. against God and his lawe so that he either regardeth not or feareth not to breake Gods precepts shall fall into euill i. it cannot be auoided but that he must runne into sundrie sortes of sinnes and at the end into Gods most fearefull iudgements Vers 15. As a roaring Lyon vz. is fearefull and terrible to the rest of the beastes of the Forrest Amos. 34. and an hungrie Beare vz. that runneth vp and downe for to seeke a pray will neuer bee in quiet till it bée obteyned so is a wicked ruler i. cruel and deuouring ouer the poore people vz. that cannot resist him no more than the lambe the Lyon or the Ridde the Beare hee meaneth that a tyrant spoyling and praying vpon the weake and poore people dooth in his rage and crueltie exceede all brute beastes Vers 16. A prince destitute of vnderstanding i. voyde of the knowledge of Gods wil reuealed in his worde is also vz. as well as the tirannous ruler a great oppressor vz. of the poore he sheweth that the lacke of the knowledge of the trueth of Gods word is the mother and nurse of all naughtines in magistrates but he that hateth vz. vnfeynedly from his heart couetousnesse i. the desire of hauing
decay or dye the righteous increase vz. both in number and in courage because those that for feare kept themselues close before doo then boldly bewray themselues see verse 12. of this Chapter Do. Vers 1. Teacheth what great difference there is betweene the testimonie of a good conscience and an euill conscience Verse 2. Teacheth vs that the sinnes of the people pull vpon them all alterations of state also what a good blessing it is to haue a good Magistrate Verse 3. Teacheth vs that there is no oppression to the oppression that one poore man exerciseth towards another Verse 4. Teacheth vs to be so farre off from commending the vngodlie that wee must rather by all meanes lawfull oppose and set our selues against them Verse 5. Sheweth that God reuealeth his will and all good things to them that seeke him vnfeignedly Vers 6. Teacheth vs that no good man should be despised for his pouertie nor no wicked man esteemed for his riches Verse 7. Teacheth vs to haue care and conscience to walke in the obedience of Gods lawe also to beware of keeping companie with gluttons and dronkards and to take heede that we bring not our parents name into discredite and obloquie Verse 8. Teacheth vs to auoide vsurie and interest also that man purposeth one thing but that God doth according to his pleasure dispose it another way Verse 9. Teacheth vs to beware that we offer no contempt to the word nor any exercises therof also that the praiers of such as despise Gods word are abominable in his sight Verse 10. Teacheth vs what punishments shall fall vppon the intisers and prouokers of other men to mischiefe and also what graces GOD will powre vpon his owne seruants Vers 11. Teacheth vs that a poore man which is wise is better than a rich man that is foolish Verse 12. Teacheth vs that it is a great blessing to haue good gouernours and that it is a great testimonie of Gods wrath when the Magistrates are euill Verse 13. Teacheth vs humblie and vnfeignedlie to confesse our sinnes and not at any hand to couer them Verse 14. Teacheth vs alway to stand in awe of Gods iustice and iudgement and of offending his Maiestie and to take continuall heede that wee haue not our hearts hardened through the deceitfulnes of sinne Vers 15. Setteth out the crueltie and rapine of wicked Magistrates Verse 16. Doth the same declaring further that it is a goodly vertue for al but especially for magistrates to hate couetousnes Verse 17. Teacheth vs that God will neuer suffer man murtherers to be vnpunished Verse 18. Teacheth vs holie conuersation and that we should decline from euery crooked path Verse 19. Teacheth vs to be diligent in our callings and to auoide idlenes Vers 20. Teacheth vs faithfulnes and vprightnes in all our dealings and to beware of desire to be sodainlie rich Verse 21. Teacheth Iudges and Magistrates not to respect any mans person in iudgement Verse 22. Doth liuely paint out the mind and condition of miserable and niggardly men shewing also that none can bee rich without Gods especiall blessing Verse 23. Teacheth vs as on the one side plainlie and charitablie to reproue so on the otherside to beware of flatterie and dissimulation Verse 24. Teacheth vs first to beware of vnnaturalnes towards our parents secondlie to take heed that we doo not iustifie our sinnes and thirdly it declareth how grieuous disobedience and vnnaturalnes towards parents is Verse 25. Teacheth vs to trust in nothing neither within vs nor without vs but in the Lord onelie Verse 26. Teacheth vs that obedience to godly wisemen shall be a meane to deliuer men from many dangers Vers 27. Teacheth vs to be liberal towards the poore and to beware of hard heartednes towardes them Verse 28. Sheweth in what a miserable case good men are when euill Magistrates are set vp and in what good case they are when it pleaseth the Lord to remoue them and to take them away CHAP. 29. Co. IN the 23. and 28. verses of the former Chapter he had spoken of rebukes and of wicked Magistrates and now as it were resuming those matters againe he sheweth in the beginning of this Chapter and namely vers 1 2. what an euill thing it is to harden a mans heart against rebukes and to haue an euill Magistrate and ruler and so from these proceedeth on to other matters in the Chapter Di. Di. 1 THis Chapter may bee diuided into three parts The first reacheth from verse 1. to the end of the 9. wherein he speaketh of such as contemne admonitions of wicked Magistrates of whorehunters of bribers of flatterers of the wicked and the godlie of scorners and such as can endure no reproofe Di. 2 howsoeuer vttered The second reacheth from verse 10. to the end of the 18. wherein he speaketh of cruell men of fooles of credulous Magistrates of the poore and vsurer of a good King of correction of children of the wicked and the godlie and of the want of the word how hurtfull it Di. 3 is The third reacheth from verse 19. to the end of the Chapter wherein he dealeth against euill seruants against hastie men against angrie persons against proude men against theeues and theft and sheweth what it is to trust in the Lord and not in men declaring that the godlie cannot abide the vngodlie nor the vngodlie the godlie Se. Vers 1. A Man i. any man of what calling so euer he be that hardneth his necke i. that willingly submitteth not himself it is a metaphore taken frō oxen or other beasts that refuse the yoke which should bée put vpon their necke and will not bowe their necke vnto it when he is rebuked vz. iustly of others for his transgressions and the hebrue phrase as I take it importeth some what more for hee is called a man of rebukes that is such a one as hath been sundrie and seuerall times reprooued of others for his naughtines shall sodainely be destroyed vz. euen then when he thinketh least of it and cannot bee cured vz. by any meanes of the afflictions that God shall lay vpon him for the contempt of corrections and admonitions which God himself and his children gaue him he meaneth that he shal be destroyed and that there shall be no remedie nor hope of restoring Vers 2. When the righteous are in authoritie vz. ouer others the people reioyce i. they haue good cause giuen them to bee merrie and glad but when the wicked beareth rule the people sigh vz. euen for griefe and sorrow of heart or at the least they haue a good cause so to doo see Chap. 11.10 also Chap. 28.12 28. Vers 3. A man that loueth vz. vnfeynedly wisdome i. heauenly wisdome reioyceth his father i. maketh his parents glad thereby see Chap. 10.1 also Chap. 15.20 but hee that feedeth harlots vz. with the goods and substance hee hath meaning hereby not onely keeping companie with them but mainteyning them also wasteth his substance i. consumeth all that
it cannot be auoyded but that they must come to ruine both of body and soule but he that keepeth i. striueth vnfeinedly to keepe the lawe vz. of God is blessed vz. from the Lord meaning also that he shall bee blessed for the Scripture vseth to speake of things to come as if they were present or done already by reason of the certaintie of them Vers 19. A seruant i. a stubborne and rebellious seruant will not bee chastised i. corrected and amended with words vz. onely but men must now and then vse stroakes as the faultes shall deserue though he vnderstand i. though he knowe what you meane by your words yet he will not answere vz. according to that you speak and propound vnto him this is a reason why stripes must be ioyned with words q.d. bare reproofe of words mendeth not a seruant which is deafe to good exhortation or reproofe Vers 20. Seest thou a man hastie in his matters i. one that is headlongly caried without aduise to take in hand euery thing there is more hope of a foole vz. that thou shalt reclaime him than of him vz. that is so hastie in dooing his things see Chap. 26.12 Vers 21. He that delicately bringeth vp his seruant vz. both in meate drinke apparell c. from youth i. from his first beginning euen a long season after at length he wil be euen as his sonne i. hee wil at the length through that delicacie take state vpon him and bee as it were a sonne and a Lord to the rest One readeth it thus at length he shall be voide of children i. that delicate seruant shal goe about either to displace his masters children or to slay them as Ieroboam and other of the kings of Israell did Vers 22. An angrie man i. a man giuen to anger stirreth vp strife vz. both to himself and others by the meanes of his strife see Prouerb 15.18 and a furious man i. he that giueth his furie and rage the raines aboundeth in transgression i. is not onely prone to many euills but committeth sundrie sinnes Vers 23. The pride of a man vz. either in his heart or expressed by worde deede countenance gesture apparrell or such like shall bring him low i. shall be a meane to debase him see Chapter 15.33 Chap. 18.12 but the humble in spirit i. such as are of a lowly mind shall inioy glorie vz. both before God and man see Iob. 22.29 also Luke 14.11 Vers 24. He that is partner with a theefe vz. any manner of way either by counsell or consent or in the act of the euery or in receauing of stolne goods hateth his own soule i. dooth after a sorte lay violent hands vppon himselfe and his owne life for not onely they that doo euill but such as fauor them that doo it are guiltie Rom. 1.31 he heareth cursing vz. either against God or man and declareth it not vz. abroad and therefore consenteth to sinne see Leuit. 5.1 This latter parte may be taken as a reason of the former Vers 25. The feare of man i. that feare that a man hath in himselfe as while hee dooth not whollie commit himselfe to God and depend of him being perswaded of his good will towards him bringeth a snare i. great danger to him that is seased therewith for snare see vers 8. of this Chap. but he that trusteth vz. continually and assuredly in the Lord vz. onely shall bee exalted vz. into such an high place as he shall not neede to feare Vers 26. Many vz. men doo seeke vz by all meanes possible the face of the ruler i. his fauor and to obtaine his good will and that they may obtaine right at his hands they doo humbly intreate him see chap. 19.6 but euerie mans iudgement i. the iudgement of euerie mans cause commeth from the Lord vz. who vseth man as his instrument to pronounce the same q d. men may well goe to Magistrates and Iudges but yet they should first goe to GOD in whose hand the kings heart is Chap. 21.1 Vers 27. A wicked man is an abhomination to the iust i. a good man loatheth and cannot abide a wicked man not because he is a man but because he is wicked and he that is vpright in his way i. leadeth an vpright godly and holy life is abhomination to the wicked i. the wicked and vngodly cannot abide such a man see vers 10. of this Chap. Do. Vers 1. Teacheth vs readily and willingly to yeeld to good counsell for feare of destruction Vers 2. Teacheth vs what a great blessing it is to haue good magistrates and what a miserie it is to haue wicked ones Vers 3. Teacheth vs that whoredome bringeth with it beggerie and pouertie Vers 4. Teacheth vs that iustice is the proppe of kingdomes and briberie the ruine thereof Vers 5. Teacheth vs to auoide flatterie and sheweth the danger thereof to him that is flattered Vers 6. Teacheth vs that a wicked mans sinnes are cords strong inough to tye him so that hee shall not stirre Vers 7. Teacheth vs to looke into and to defende the iust cause of the poore Vers 8. Setteth out the discommodities of scorning and the commodities which insue of holy wisdome Vers 9. Teacheth vs that there is no way to reclaime a man that is frosen in the dregges of his owne sinne Verse 10. Teacheth vs that the vngodlie cannot abide the good but the godlie for all that yea the rather for that should make much of foster and defend one another Verse 11. Doth teach vs not onely not to blabbe out our owne secretes but to reserue the vttering of them to a most conuenient time and place Vers 12. Teacheth vs that wicked men and Magistrates haue many times wicked seruants and officers Verse 13. Teacheth vs that al the being that al men either good or bad haue they haue it from the Lord. Verse 14. Teacheth vs that execution of iustice is a notable meane to make a kingdome sure Verse 15. Sheweth what difference there is betweene a reasonable correction and letting children and seruants runne as they list Verse 16. Sheweth that the vngodlie may florish for a time but they shall come downe at the last Verse 17. Teacheth parents moderatly to correct their sonnes and seruants Verse 18. Declareth in what a miserable case those people are that haue not the word preached amongst them Verse 19. Teacheth men to correct froward seruants not with words onely but with stripes also Verse 20. Sheweth that it is easier to reclaime a foole than a man giuen ouer to hastines and vnaduisednes in his affaires Verse 21. Teacheth vs to beware that wee bring not vp our seruants ouer daintilie Vers 22. Teacheth vs to auoide anger and furie Verse 23. Teacheth vs to shunne pride and to imbrace humilitie Verse 24. Teacheth vs to beware of all consenting to any manner of euill whatsoeuer it be Verse 25. Teacheth vs that such as trust stedfastly in the Lord shall neuer bee confounded Verse 26. Teacheth
sentence and iudgement of al the children of affliction i. of al those that are greatly afflicted meaning least being ouercome with drinke he should pronounce a wrong sentence against them And he maketh speciall mention of these rather than of the rich because they are more subiect to iniurie and oppression and for the most part are vsually neglected and contemned Vers 6. Giue ye strong drinke vnto him q.d. I will shewe you to whom abundance of wine and strong drinke appertaineth that is readie to perish vz. through the manifold afflictions both inward and outward that lye vpon him Some interprete it to such as are condemned to death and readie to be executed for their faults but I rather vnderstand it of those that are afflicted either inwardly or outwardly by reason of some great calamitie and wine i. giue wine vnto them i. vnto such a sodaine change of the number he sayd before him now he saith them that haue griefe of heart i. are sad and heauie at their heart which also they testifie by heauines of countenance Vers 7. Let him drinke vz. either of wine or strong drinke that he may forget vz. thereby his pouertie i. the pouertie and want that lieth vpon him and vnder one kind he comprehendeth all his calamities or euills and this sheweth that it cannot well be referred to thē that by law are appoynted to dye but to such as are otherwise afflicted and remember his miserie i. the miserie that he is in no more vz. for a long while for wine or strong drinke dispatcheth mens cares and casteth all carefull burthens for the time out of their mindes Vers 8. Open thy mouth i. speake boldly and plainly for the dumme i. for such as cannot defend themselues either for feare of their mightie aduersaries or els dare not doo it or haue no skill to lay open their owne causes q.d. defend them boldly and that in publike iudgement which are not able or meete to defend and declare their owne cause and right whether they bee dumme deafe blinde or any other manner of way distressed for vnder one he comprehendeth all yea the rather for their wants should the Magistrate succor them in the cause q. d yea open thy mouth in the iust cause and defence of all the children of destruction i. of all such as are in great miserie and in the present danger of their liues as it were see Psalm 79.11 Verse 9. Open thy mouth this is expounded before ver 8. and yet he repeateth it not againe without cause thereby declaring how hardly men are brought to the performance of their dueties iudge righteouslie vz. to euerie man not respecting the person of any and iudge vz. vprightly and soundly the afflicted and the poore i. such as are in miserie and want many things or rather haue nothing of their owne for somuch one of the hebrue words here signifieth Vers 10. Who shall finde vz. by any thing that he himselfe can doo a vertuous woman i. a good and holy woman indued with blessed vertues he speaketh thus in the way of a question not onely because good women are hard to be founde for the scarsitie of them as Eccles 7.30 but also because such women are Gods rare and singular giftes see Chap. 18.22 also chap. 19.14 for her price is farre aboue the pearles q.d. she is not onely as rare as most precious stones but being once obtayned a man cannot set too great a price or value of hir And I take this parte of the Chapter to depend vpon the former thus that Salomon after he had recited his mothers rules and doctrines deliuered vnto him doth by occasion thereof annexe therto the praise of a godly and painfull matrone beginning euery verse with the seuerall letters of the Alphabet as Psalm 119. dooth also Psalm 145. and some of the Chapters of Ieremiahs lamentations Vers 11. The heart of hir husband trusteth in her vz. not onely for hir chastitie but also doth vnfeynedly commit the gouernement and disposing of the things that are within doore vnto hir and he shall haue no neede of spoyle vz. because by the labour and good gouernement of his wife hee shall waxe rich One readeth and spoyles want not i. his familie dooth abound in all good things euen as souldiers doo when they haue sacked a citie or ouercome their enemies but I allowe rather the former Vers 12. She will doo him good and not euill i. she will deserue well of him and neuer bee greeuous vnto him but alwaies shewe hir selfe pleasant and courteous and prouoke him to loue hir vnfeynedly by reason of the good dueties shee will performe towards him all the dayes of hir life i. continuallie so long as they shall liue to gether see Chapter 12.4 Verse 13. Shee seeketh vz. diligently and carefullie wooll and flaxe i. euerie manner of thing whereon shee may keepe hir houshold in worke for vnder these two hee comprehendeth all and laboreth cheerefullie with her hands i. she hir selfe layeth hir hands to worke as well as others and she taketh great delight and pleasure therein to the end that by hir example she may drawe them on Vers 14. Shee is like the shippes of Merchants he sheweth wherein in the next parte of this verse she bringeth hir foode from a farre q.d. as Merchants shippes fetch thinges necessary from farre countreyes and goe and come with all conunieent spéede losing as little time as possiblie they may so shee prouideth for hir familie yea euen from farre places many times all things meete for hir familie as meate drinke cloth c and spending as little time in the dooing of it as may be Vers 15. And she riseth vz. from hir sleepe and out of hir bed whiles it is yet night i. very early in the morning and that long before day speciallie in the winter season and giueth the portion vz. of meate and drinke allowed them for the day see Psalm 111.5 see also Luke 12.42 to hir houshold i. to euery one of hir houshold both old and yong and the ordinarie vz. of work and labor to hir maydes i. to hir seruants that she hath in house with hir q.d. shee both prouideth meate and worke for them because meate without worke breedeth idlenes and worke without meate cannot be performed Vers 16. She considereth vz. deepely and carefullie a field vz. either offered to be solde q.d. she maketh no bargaine rashly but as she looketh whether she be able to pray so she considereth whether the thing be worth hir money not deceauing any in buying or buying any thing lesse than the value and getteth it vz. for the price agreed vpon and with the fruite of hir hands i. with the labor thereof for labor is the fruite of the hands as praise and thankes-giuing is the fruite of the lippes Hebrew 13.15 she planteth a vineyeard vz. in the ground or fielde that she hath bought meaning by this that she imployeth it to the best commoditie according