A prudent man is cautious : hears, examines, and weighs before he speaks, and chutes not to be engaged in any thing, till he has a thorough knowledge of the subject : but a fool, calls and thoughtless, layeth open his folly, exposing himself to the ridicule of every company. Before Christ 1000. The faithful, or deceitful man, reaffeth not that which he took in husting; if he goes to the field, he does not labour enough to get his game: or if he hath caught it, he is scarce at the pains to dress it; or figuratively, it may refer to the wealth of the faithful and deceitful, which drops through their fingers, and of which they have no enjoyment: but the influence of a diligent man is precious; he is little or much, he hath God's blessing therewith, enjoys it with comfort and thankfulness, and it is withal abiding. 28. In the way of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death. In the way of righteousness, which is faith in Christ and his righteousness, producing holy walking before God, is life; the true life of our souls, communion with God, a sense of his favour here, and life eternal hereafter: and in the path may thereof there is no death; they who are pulled from death unto life, shall never know a second death; glory, honour, and immortality will be their everlasting portion. C H A P. XIII. 1. A Wise son beareth his father's instruction: but a former beareth not rebuke. 1. Every wise woman ' buildeth her house : but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. The prosperity and comfort of every man's family depends on the choice of the woman he ties at the head of it : a wise woman, by her prudence, œconomy, and diligent inspection into her affairs, makes a little go far, lives in credit, and lays up for her children : but a foolish woman, extravagant, careless, pleasure loving, ever abroad ; visiting, gaming, at public places, hath neither time, inclination, or understanding to look into her family affairs ; and as the consequence, waft and want necessarily entire, her husband's credit, perhaps his heart, is broken under the remediless evil, and his family ruined. 2. He that walketh in his uprightness, feareth the LORD : but he that is perverse in his ways, despiseth him. Joh. xii. 4. It is a sure way of judging to mark men's ways, for by their fruits ye shall know them. It is evident, where the conduct is under the guidance of the divine word, there God's authority is revered, and his fear implanted in the heart ; and in evident, that where the way is perverse before God, and his indulged in opposition to his commands and threatenings, there all respect for his government is call off, and atheism practical, if not avowed, the temper. 3. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride : but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. A proud, imperious, arrogant tongue is the evidence of a proud heart ; and this rod, with which they lie often fools; others, will shortly break their own heads ; provoked by their insistence, some will be found who will take delight to chastise and mortify them ; at least in the end, the rod of pride will be broken : but the lips of the wise shall preserve them from giving provocation to others, or being hurt by their perverse. 4. Where no oxen are, the crib is clean : but much increase is by the strength of the ox. They who would have plenty, must be content with the dirt which labour makes : a clean crib may be nicer, but the ox with all his litter, is far more eligible. In a spiritual sense, the want of ministers in the gospel, necessarily brings a famine of the word, and souls perish for lack of knowledge : but where they labour in the word and doctrine, there souls are fed and nourished up in the truth, and increase with the increase of God. 5. A faithful witness will not lie : but a false witness will utter lies. A faithful man will neither in common discourse, or a court of justice, bear witness to an untruth : he makes conscience of every word ; whilst the false and faithless, destitute of the fear of God, stick at nothing to carry their point, and without hesitation or shame, lie on. 6. A former seeketh willsem, but fendeth it not : but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. The should, nothing being so opposite therein, as that proud wisdom that exalteth itself against God. But where there is an understanding enlightened by the divine grace, and guided by the divine word, as a lamp to the feet, there knowledge is only, the mysteries unintelligible to the reason of the proud are open and obvious; and the doctrines which this world's wife men deem absurd and irrational, appear the wisdom of God, perfectly confident, and admirably disposed to exalt his glory, to engage our dependence, and secure our obedience. 7. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceiveth not in him the lips of knowledge. It is wise to get out of their company, from whom we can learn no good; we may by business, and the duties of our station, indeed be sometimes called to be with those, whose discourse is disagreeable: but when it becomes indecent, profane, or blasphemous, we should testify our abhorrence, by an immediate and abrupt departure. 8. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. Our wisdom must appear by the management of our affairs; either in the way of our calling, shewing ourselves matters of our business; or in the way of our duty, by understanding the right path, and pursuing it: but the folly of fools is deceit, they conceit they are wise and knowing; and wrong as all their ways are, deceive themselves to their ruin. 9. Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. Insincable of the evil, malignity, and danger of it, fools make a mock at sin, hardening themselves in iniquity, pleased with others wickedness, sporting at the mischief occasioned by it, and turning off all the rebukes of the wife with a job, or a laugh; but among the righteous there is favour, they dare not make light of sin, but seek God's favour, and find it; and indeed of making a job at mischief, desire to shew all kindness and regard, both to men's bodies and souls. 10. The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. There is a bitterness none know but they who feel it: in worldly troubles, there are aggravations unknown to any but the sufferer; and in the distresses of a troubled conscience, an anguish which is heavier than our groaning. On the other hand, when God lifts up the light of his countenance, and heals the broken hearted with his consolations, no joys are to compare with it: they are such, as a stranger to divine light and love hath never tailed; they are unfeasible, and full of glory. 11. The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. From as the wicked thinks he builds, both for time and eternity, his foundation is on the sand, and ruin will ensue. His earthly greatness shall be brought low, and his hopes of heaven quickly be exchanged for despair in hell: but the tabernacle of the upright, though it appeared weak and despicable, shall flourish, established here under the divine blessing, and growing into an houle eternal in the heavens. 12. There is a way which sermeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death. Such is the way of the worldling, who heapeth up riches; the way of the lovers of pleasure, who live in a round of indulgence; and especially of the self-righteous and rigid observers of outward forms, who affect great zeal for the rituals of religion, but are strangers to the power of it: but all these paths tend alike to perdition, and the more sanguine their hopes of happiness, the more terrible will be their disappointment in eternal misery. 13. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. The countenance that smiles, often covers a heart that within with vexation, envy, and anguish. All are not happy that appear so; and particularly they who affect to laugh off their convictions, and are ashamed to acknowledge what they feel, will pay dear for their resistance against the Holy Ghost, either in bitter penitential tears, or what is worse, the weepings and wailings of eternal despair. 14. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. Backsliding arises from an evil heart of unbelief; and though it affurs not in apostasy, will be the cause of bitterness anguish, when the sense of hate unfaithfulness shall fill the soul with sharper remorse than was even felt in the first pangs of the awakened conscience. Whilst a good man, who finds false, not moved away from the hope of the gospel, shall be satisfied from himself, comforted in conscious simplicity, and in the expectation of his eternal happiness, the foretakes of which he feels begun. 15. The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. The credulous are easily imposed upon, but in this lying world, suspicion is needful. It is prudent to try before we trust, and not be hastily in crediting men's professions, or reports. We must look well to our way, if we would not err from the truth, for deceivers abound. 16. A wise man feareth, and departereth from evil; but the fool rageth and is confident. A wise man feareth to offend God, and departereth from evil, is upon his guard against temptation, and keeps at a distance from the appearance of evil; it is dangerous coming too near the fire: but the fool rages against rebukes, and confident of his safety, presumptuously persists in his rebellion, and rushes on his ruin. 17. He that is soon angry deaieth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. 2. 17. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief : but a faithful ambassador is health. Unfaithfulness in discharging his truth, or delivering his message, will bring the wicked servant to shame and punishment; and above all others, an unfaithful messenger of God's word, will fall into the deepest condemnation : but a faithful ambassador is health, profitable to those who employ him, useful to others, and a credit to his character; and this is eminently true of those who are faithful ambassadors for Christ. They who on every provocation fly out, and are easily heated with contradiction, shew their folly, and will usually be the more teased and laughed at in the world: but whilst the warm expose themselves to contempt, the wicked and malicious are the objects of hatred. 18. The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Folly is the natural inheritance of fallen man, and he delights in it: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge, they esteem it their nobility ornament, and labour after higher attainments; or they crown knowledge, are a credit to their profession, and an honour to the religion they profess. 19. The evil bow before the good: and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. It is thus sometimes the case here below; but this will most eminently be fulfilled in the future day, when the abhorrence of the wicked, and the exaltation of the righteous shall be compleat. 20. The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. This speaks not what ought to be, but what is. No shame in the world like poverty; be but reduced to want, and your nearness neighbour often will grow strange; whilst every one bows at the rich man's feet, and professes friendship, where he hopes for advantage. Now, (1.) A true friend is a scarce commodity in this world. (2.) Christ never forsakes his chosen, he is a friend born for adversity. 21. He that despiseth his neighbour, sinmeth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. It is an affliction to be poor, a greater to be despised for it; yet this is the world's way, and a very sinful one it is. We should learn a different lesson; to be merciful and kind to the distressed, condescending, ready to every good office, which by our purse, our counsel, or countenance, we can shew them: for happy is he, nothing is more truly its own reward, than such a gracious spirit: the immediate satisfaction thence resulting, is great, and the eternal blessedness which is in store for such, far greater. 22. Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. Many think their craft shall issue to their comfort, but they greatly err; the evil they devise shall fall upon themselves: but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good, who make it their study and delight to be extensively useful, and lay themselves out to have men's bodies and souls: the mercies they sow, they shall reap; and a reward, not of debt indeed, but of grace, which the truth of God is engaged for, shall be given them. 23. In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tenderly only to penury. They who would thrive, must take pains, and diligent industry scarce ever fails of being crowned with abundance; whilst great talkers are usually little doors, and they who boast most over their cups how much they are worth, and what they can get, seldom fail of coming to poverty. Thus it is also with the soul; the thriving christian is silent and industrious, swift to hear, slow to speak; whilst talkative disputers, are all tongue and no heart, more sounding brats and tinkling cymbals. 24. The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. Riches, when under the management of a wise head, and gracious heart, become ornamental as a crown, and give us a longer field to be serviceable to the interests of religion and mankind; but the foolishness of fools is folly, no State, no condition alters them: nay, the more of this world's wealth they have, they stand only on a higher pedestal, to have their folly and wickedness more notorious. Ver. 5. 25. 'A true witness delivers fouls, but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. A true witness delivers fouls, boldly bearing testimony, when by false accusations, his neighbour's life or property was in danger: but a deceitful witness, hardened in villainy, freaketh lies; and when such a one rifeeth up, no man's life is safe. Thus it is with true ministers and falls; the one preach the free grace of God in Jesus Christ, bear witness to the truth of the gospel-promises, to save perishing sinners by faith only: the others set up the damnable doctrine of human works and righteousness, to justify sinners before God, to the ruin of immortal souls, who believe their lies. 22. 25. * There is a way that seemeth right to a man: but the end thereof are the ways of death. When the delusion is in its nature so dangerous, and wishal so common, repeated warnings are the more needful, chap. xiv. 12. The word of God is the only touchstone, and diligent self-examination to be daily made: the most take up with the form of godliness, sit down content with their religion, as they call it, though strange is in the grace of God in truth, having never experienced a change of heart, or been born again of the spirit. Reader, is the case thine own, consider well the warning: thou may have a good opinion of thyself, and the world admine thee as the hell sort of person in it, and yet thou mayst be in the path of death and hell. Heb. Bourch unin him. 26. He that laboureth, laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. Nature is craving; we must work, that we may eat; but the wants of our souls are more urgent than those of our bodies, and need be more attended to; our misery and folly is, that acutely as we feel the one, we are too insensible to the other, and whilst we labour enough, perhaps too much, for the meat which peristheth, we use no pains to obtain that which endureth unto life eternal. Heb. A man of Belliol. 1. 'A Soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. It is wise when the storm is high, to bend under it, than stiffly resist it. A soft word will disarm those, that a sharp reply would exasperate. 2. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. The right use of knowledge is to communicate it for others' instruction, comfort, and edifying; and thus the tongue of the wise is employed: but the folly bound up in the heart of a fool, guesses out at his lips as a fountain, offensive to God, hurtful to others, and a reproach to himself. 3. 'The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. This is an awful truth, which should be ever deep impressed on our minds, as the great means of deterring us from evil, and quickening us to duty. Shall we be ashamed to sin in the eye of the sin, and not be more confounded to offend, when under that eye, which is brighter than ten thousand funs? 4. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverse-ness therein is a breach in the spirit. Before Christ 1000. Or for. Job vol. 15. &vol. 16. PC vol. 4. 9 Col. 1. 9. Before Chill 1000. As a man's tongue is, he proves a bleffing or a plague to locate; a duifour tongue is a tree of life, pouring confidation into the troubled conscience, yielding instruction to the ignorant, healing the breaches among brethren, and softening the exasperated: but the very opposite is the tongue of perverse-ness, whose passion, brutality, impurity, profaneness, falsehood, maliciousness, wound like the piercings of a sword, making the hearts of many fad, and bringing destruction on its possessor. 5. 'A fool despisteth his father's instruction: 'but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. Inattention to the instruction of superiors, whether parents or ministers, and disregard of their reproofs, is egregious folly: but the wise son hearkenth and submits; for though reproofs may be bitter physic, they are necessary, and, when coming recommended by a father's love, are most thankfully to be received. 6. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. When God sees it good, even in this life, the righteous have an abundant portion; and whether they have little or much, it becomes a rich treasure in the thankfulness and contentment with which they enjoy it: and what is better than all worldly wealth, these souls are floored with the riches of divine grace: but vexation and trouble embitter all the revenues of the wicked; they are got with anxiety, employed in the service of sin, enjoyed under a curse, and tending to their ruin. 7. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish dash not so. Knowledge, like the light, should be dispersed, and a wise man will shine as the sun, a universal bleffing: not so the fool, his heart is darkness and his talk folly. 8. 'The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. It is not the expenciveness of the sacrifice, but the spirit of the offer which flamps its real value. The prayers and devotion of formality, and the most liberal almsgiving of those who continue to serve sin, and think this a kind of commutation, or depend on these services as meritorious; God, so far from regarding, abhors them and their sacrifices; whilst the widow's mite, or the servant prayer out of a pure heart, are his delight. 9. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him 'that followeth after righteousness. Where the heart is naught, and the way perverses before God, it were folly to think any sacrifices can be pleasing; they who would have their services accepted, must first have their souls right with him; and where this is the labour and prayer, there his love will be placed. 10. Correction is grievous unto him that forfaketh the way: and 'he that hateth reproof shall die. They who forfake God's ways, which they have once known, can lealt bear reproof, and resent every warning, however kindly given; and the case becomes desperate when the only remedy is loathed and rejected, the patient then must infallibly die. 11. 'Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then 'the hearts of the children of men? Deep and universal is God's knowledge; the grave to him hath no covering, and hell itself is naked; the place of departed spirits, and the tophes of the damned are open to him; much more the hearts of the children of men, with the secrets of which he must be acquainted, and from him no darkness or shadow of death can hide the workers of iniquity. Let the guilty tremble! God sees and minutes his every thought, word, and work. 12. A scorner loveth not one that reprovereth him: neither will he go unto the wise. A scorner hates reproof, or to reprove himself, to reflect upon his conduct, and take shame for his sin: he thrusts out every unself thought, silences the whispers of conscience; and shuns the door of the wise, where he suspects he shall meet the admonition he abhors. Vol. I. 13. A merry heart maketh a cheatful countenance: but 'by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. They have most abundant reason to show a cheatful countenance whose hearts are joyful in Christ Jesus and his salvation. A down-cast gloomy look favours more of superstition than piety, and is utterly unbecoming those who are commanded to rejoice always: but where melancholy press upon the spirits, it unites us for both the duties of devotion and our stature, leaves all our comforts, makes us disagreeable to others, and a burden to ourselves. 14. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of souls reedeth on foolishness. The heart that hath talked of true understanding, finds its appetite wherred by every truth attainment; and that of this fountain it is always true, the deeper the toaster: but the fool, infuriable of the blessings of wisdom, hath no relish for any thing above the gratification of sinful appetite, and reedeth on these husks. 15. All the days of the afflicted are evil: but 'he that is of a merry heart hath a continual rest. Vail is the difference between the estates of men below, some seem born for a succession of miseries, and go mourning all their days, naturally of a dejected spirit, and burdened with afflictions; others are blest with cheatfulness of temper, and enjoy a continual rest, which no crosses or losses are able to embitter, especially where the true grace of God in the heart ministers matter for abiding joy. 16. 'Better is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure, and trouble therewith. 17. 'Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox, and hatred therewith. v. 16, 17. A man's happiness consists not in the abundance of the things he possesses, but in the temper with which he uses them. A little with the fear of the Lord (and God's people expect no great things here) is better than great treasure, and trouble therewith, the usual attendant on wealth, which increases our cares, and multiplies our vexations: and a dinner of herbs, where love is, whether among our friends or in our own house, is better than a stalled ox, and hatred therewith: where love sweetens the entertainment, coarse fare will have a delicious relish; but where there is discontent, bickerings, dispute, and, though doomed to dwell together, persons have a hearty aversion to each other, there must be misery in the midst of plenty. 18. 'A wrathful man stiereth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. 3. 3. 18. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refueth instruction : but he that regarded reproof, shall be honoured. They who are stubborn, and deaf to advice, will necessarily plunge themselves into difficulties, and bring themselves both to want and shame, as the fruit of their own perversionists, but he that regarded reproof, is thankful for it, and wisely attends to it, shall be honoured; all good men will commend his spirit, and he will have that better honour which cometh from God's approbation. Ver. 19. 19. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul : but it is abomination to the fools to depart from evil. A passionate man is ever in breeze, quarrelsome himself, and unable to let others rest in quiet: but a gentle spirit allays the warmth which was kindling, soothes the exasperated, and softens the obstinate. A bleffed spirit this! 19. 'The way of the stothful man is an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. The desires of the gracious heart are after God, the sense of his favour, and the experience of his grace; and there are they to the soul when accomplished, as they assuredly will be : but the wicked reject these joys, and are destitute of these desires, dishonestly adhering to their sins, and hating the thought of parting with them. Hels. Baldwin. 20. He that walketh with wise men, shall be wise : but a companion of fools shall be + destroyed. The way of the stothful man is an hedge of thorns; in such difficulties he involves himself by his silences, or he fancies insurmountable obstacles in the way of his duty, and that the path of godliness is throated with beers and thorns, and therefore is discouraged from entering upon it: but the way of the righteous is made plain; he finds none of the difficulties the stothful faggeth, the way of righteousness is both plain and pleasant. 20. 'A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. A man may be known by his company, and it is of the last importance with whom we connect ourselves. They who associate with the wise, and those who excel in virtue, will profit by their conversation, and be quickened by their example : but a companion of fools, who joins in their levities, and follows their vices, is in the high road to ruin, rushing on an untimely death, or worse, into everlasting destruction. Pl. exil. 1a. Alls Exil. 4. 21. Evil purloeth sinners : but to the righteous, good shall be repayed. Nothing rejoices a parent's heart so much as to behold their children growing up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; and as dutifulness and obedience is their wisdom, so to despise their advice, act contrary to their commands, and refuse their corrections, will he found as much their own shame and sin, as their parent's grief. 21. 'Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. Sinners may flatter themselves with impunity, but their damnation flumbereth not ; closer than their shadow the curse of his profuse them : but to the righteous, good shall be repayed, in return for all they have suffered for righteousness sake; a reward, not indeed of debt, but of grace. Joh exil. 1. Chap. exil. 8. Exil. 6. 2. 22. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children : and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Sin is the delight of a fool; he boasts of his own shame, and takes pleasure in the iniquities of others: but where the spirit of wisdom hath enlightened the understanding, there sin is abhorred, and God's perfect word made the constant rule. A good man, as in duty bound, is careful to make a provision for his family; and whilst he leaves them withal the blessing of his prayers and joery, he thereby ensnere to children's children the comfort and abiding profession of his honest gains; whilst the sinner, however rich he grows, leaves a curse in the entail of his abundance; and by God's righteous providence, the property is quickly transferred into the hands of the just, Exud. iii. 36. Before Christ 1 Don. iv. 2. Luke vi. 3. 4. Chap. iv. 5. 6. * By mercy and truth iniquity is purged; and ' by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. Two things man a sinner needs from God: to be cleansed from the guilt, to be delivered from the power of his sins; and both are accomplished by the mercy of God in sending his Son Christ Jesus for a propitiation, and by his truth in fulfilling the promises of the everlasting covenant iniquity is purged; and there is no condemnation lying against the believing foul, which by the fear of the Lord, implanted in the heart, the power of evil is broken, and we are enabled to depart from the bondage of corruption. 7. When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. God hath in his hands the hearts of all men, and strange changes he can effect, turning the bitterest foes into the warmest friends; and those who pleas him may safely trust him; he will preserve them, and gain them respect and favour from those with whom they least expected to find it. 8 Pl. viholi. 10. Chap. iv. 10. 8. * Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right. It is not abundance, but God's blessing, which can give as enjoyment of worldly goods. A little, got in an honest way, and used in a gracious manner, is better, does more good, gives more content, and will last longer, than great revenue without right, which are often squandered as profusely as they were acquired unjustly, are embittered with wrath, and must be brought to a fearful account in the day of recompense. 9. ' A man's heart deviest his way: but ' the LORD directeth his steps. 3. Riches are the grand idol; men value them as their greatest ornament; they sparkle in their eyes like the diamond; and to this mammon they expect every knee should bow; nor expect in vain, for few are found proof against its dazzling charms: for this, conscience, honour, justice, are too often bartered; and they who can bid up to the price are generally sure to succeed. Such is this wicked mercenary world. 9. He that covereth a transgression, seeketh love: but he that repeateth a matter, separateth very friends. As reasonable creatures, but especially as redeemed and returned in the spirit of our minds, it becomes as to devise our way, and consider how to walk and please God; but when we have done all, we must look above for strength, seeing it is the Lord alone who can direct our steps; and when we depend on his grace, we may be assured he will guide us in the right way. Heb. Divanism. 10. A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment. Mutual forbearance is the only way to preserve the union of friendship inviolate: we are corrupted creatures, the best have much to be borne with; it is the great secret of happiness, and the exercise of true love, to never transgression, ever look it, excuse it to others, become apologists for the offences given ourselves, and never repeat what might breed variance, for by such vile tale-bearing the dearest friends have been separated. Or, ewerth a wise man more than than to strike if not a hundred times. 10. A reproof entreth more into a wise man, than an hundred stripes into a fool. This is only literally true of the King of kings, the divine Messiah, but it speaks what should be the conduct of every ruler: A divine sentence, or divination, should be in their lips, their wisdom should be oracular, and their decisions never influenced by passion or favour, but guided by the rule of the uncrying truth of God. 1 Lev. xix. 2. Chap. iv. 1 Heb. 3. The house. 11. * A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work. A word, a hint, a look, is more effectual to awaken the conscience of a good man, or warn him of his danger, than the severest afflictions are to the impatient sinner. Then art the man, pierced David's heart, whilst, after all the plagues of Egypt, Pharoah continued but the more hardened. 11. An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. In commercial dealings, and the administration of justice, God hath appointed a standard of truth, by which every weight and measure must be tried, and every cause decided with impartiality; and though in this world the fraudulent practices of the wicked may pass unnoticed, the day is coming when God will lay judgment to the line and righteousness to the plummet. Sin is rebellion against God, and that the evil man seeks continually; or rebellion, the rebellious man seeketh only evil; how to overturn the government, and execute his traitorous designs: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent unto him; when his conspiracy against the peace of the kingdom being discovered, he is seized and executed: or for his sin against God, death, the messenger of evil, drags him to the prison of the grave, and delivers him over to Satan, the tormentor to execute God's wrath on body and soul in hell. 12. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. The wrath of a fool is violent and brutish, and when roused, a bear robbed of her whelps is not so dangerous, for the first object he meets becomes the unhappy victim of his passion, whether it be friend or foe. From such men's company withdraw thyself. 13. Whofo rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. Ingratitude God abhors, and though human laws cannot punish it, he will, in the entail of his curse on the family of such hate ungenerous souls. 1. Chap. xx. 2. 14. The beginning of strife is as when one letterth out water: therefore leave off contention before it be meddled with. The least aperture in the river's bank widens with every deep thatpasfeth, till the mound is thrown down, and the country deluged: such is the beginning of strife; one warm word brings on another, and every reply exasperates the more: it is wisdom therefore to stop the insulteth breach, and check the first rifings of anger, before passion gets head, and resistance is vain. 15. He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just; even they both are abomination to the LORD. Two abominations are here rebuked. [1.] Justifying the wicked, either by absolving them through bribes or corrupt influence from the charges proved in court against them, or by pleading for the harmlessness of sin, and seeking for arguments to vindicate iniquity. [2.] Condemning the just, either by an oppressive sentence, under the formalities of justice, or by laying to his charge, and enslaving him for, things of which he is utterly innocent. Of such wrongs God will be the avenger. 16. Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it. Mysterious are God's dispensations: we may now wonder at them, but they will be all at last unfolded: be given to the fool, the wicked, a price to get wisdom, natural abilities, worldly substance to procure instructors, and opportunity sub-Vol. I. ficient to learn his good ways; but he hath no heart to it, churning rather to spend his time and talents in the service of his lusts, than in the school of wisdom, in the word of God, and attending the ministers of his gospel: if we ask wherefore God is in good to give them advantages he knows they will abide, the answer is, thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter. Before Christ action. 17. A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. v. Chap. xxi. 14. Eds. ix. A true friend is rare to be found; advantage, interest, selfishness, or caprice, are the general hands of worldly friendship: no wonder therefore they are in easily loosed by adversity, a peak, or mere humour: but a true friend loveth at all times, and distress or unkindness warps not his affections, and a brother, where the bonds of blood strengthen the hand of friendship, is born for adversity; then his warm regard has effected opportunity of being displayed: and emphatically is this scripture fulfilled in Jesus the friend of Sinners. 14. 18. A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. Friendship hath bounds; to assist a friend in distress is duty; to ruin ourselves and family by rash forethship is fully and injustice. A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend; which implies that he is not worthy of credit, but suspected of insolvency or knavery; and therefore we need be cautious in such a case how we involve ourselves, least we smart for it. 15. 19. He loveth transgression, that loveth strife: and be that exalteth his gaze, seeketh destruction. v. Chap. xvi. 16. A quarrelsome spirit loves to be in strife, flying to the law for every trifling offence, capricious in company, and delighting in dispute: much sin is hereby committed. And he that exalteth his gaze, in proud and arrogant speeches, or builds magnificent palaces to outvie his neighbours, seeketh destruction; such pride God will abate, and his enormous expences will be the ruin of his fortune. 16. 20. He that hath a froward heart, findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue, falleth into mischief. v. 16b. The froward of heart. By mischief nothing is got; they who hope to make their advantage of it will be disappointed; God's favour, and the regard of all good men, will be lost thereby: and a perverse tongue, falle, deceitful, and not consistent with itself, will prove the ruin of its owner. 21. He that begeteth a fool, doth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy. v. Chap. x. 1. Vol. 15. Children at their birth are the joy of their parents; but they need rejoice with trembling, the day may come when they may wish they had never been born, for wicked children are their parents greatest plague, and their ill conduct embitters all their other comforts. How grievous a case! Let children be ashamed of such ingratitude, and tremble at the thought of giving their aged parents such cause of sorrow. 22. A merry heart doth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. 22. ' Without counsel, purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. Rath resolves, without mature deliberation, or unisual forefears, are usually defeated. To succeed in our schemes they should be well weighed, abler heads than our own confessed, objections foreseen, and difficulties obviated. 1 Chap. xxv. 11. Heb. In the fashion. 23. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it? Not sensual mirth, but spiritual joy is here meant: naturally indeed some are more cheerful than others, and this is a blessing, and contributes to a man's sake and health; but that which is the best medicine, the richest cordial, is the sense of the Divine love making glad the heart; whilst a broken spirit, pierced with a sense of wrath, or funk under afflictions, emaciates the body with grief, and dries up the very marrow of the bones. 23. A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. It is a credit and comfort to a man himself to have a ready and pertinent answer when his advice is asked; and that word is doubly welcome and profitable, which, in time, circumstance, and manner, is exactly suited to the state of the hearer: here is the mind that hath wisdom, in men in general, and in mindless particularly, to know how to give to every one his portion in due season. 24. ' The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. Both he that gives and he that takes bribes are alike evil; if it be done never so secretly God seeth; and though now the ways of justice be perverted by false witnesses, or partial judges, every cause will have a rehearing, when judgment will be administered according to truth. 24. Wisdom is before him that hath understanding: but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. The wise man looks above this perishing world; he fecks a life more enduring than the passing days of time, to be enjoyed in glory through the ages of eternity; and that he may depart from hell beneath; whilst sinners are hastening downward, his affections are ascending in faith, love, and hope to God; and every day he grows nearer the eternal rest, after which his soul aspires. The wise man keeps the book of God, as the pilot his compass, ever in his eye; and Christ, his polar star, guides all his motions: but the fool lives at large, his eyes are in the ends of the earth, unsettled, without sudden or complete, ruffled to and fro, and wandering about as the various passions of his heart drive him. 9 D 25. A Before Christ 1000. 1. Chap. 1. 2. &ex. 10. &10. 15. Ver. 11. 3. Chap. viii. 5. 4. Jem. i. 16. Or, conf. 5. Job viii. 5. Or, He that Sparrech himself, fucketh according to his defire, and intermeddleth in every hallneth. Judy 19. 6. Chap. 2. 11. &ex. 5. 9. Pl. Isaiah. 2. 7. Lev. xii. 15. Deut. i. 15. &xvi. 19. Chap. xxx. 45. 25. 'A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.' This is an unhappy, though too common case; and much is that parent to be pissed, much that child to be condemned, that gives occasion for such grief and bitterness to those, whose tenderness and care to him deserved far other returns. 26. Also 'to punish the just is not good, her to strike prince for equity. Magistrates must beware that they abide not their power, nor employ that to oppress the just, which should be exerted for their protection. And let not subject murmur or rebel against their rulers. Though they were evil, it were their duty to suffer and submit; and how much more criminal to refill them when they govern in righteousness, and to quarrel with them as fevers, because they impartially execute justice on offenders. 27. 'He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. The wise think much, and speak little, at least not in an attentional way; or, he refrains his words from rash or angry speeches, and herein he proves himself of an excellent spirit, is highly to be valued, and shews the goodness and understanding of his heart; or of a real spirit, as in the margin, not easily provoked, able to curb his anger, and, even under provocation, composed and sedate. 28. 'Even a fool when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is oftentimes a man of understanding. Silence is a mark of wisdom; even a fool, whilst he holds his peace, gains the reputation of being wise; and, till he speaks, the defects of his understanding are covered; but it is the amount of his folly, that he hath not the sense to hold his tongue.