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I ment. 24. He that spareth his rod, hateth his son but he that loveth him, chasteneth him betimes. 25. The righteous eateth (o) to the satisfying of his soul but the belly of the wicked shall

want.

CHAP. XIV.

EVERY wise woman buildeth her house (p): but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. 2. He that walketh in his uprightness, feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways, despiseth him. 3. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride (q): but. the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 4. Where no oxen (r) are, the crib (r) is clean: but much increase (s) is by the strength of the ox. 5. A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. 6. A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not (t): but knowledge is easy unto (u) him that understandeth. 7. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. 8. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is (x) deceit. 9. Fools make a mock at sin (y): but among the righteous there is favour (y). 10. The heart (z) knoweth his own bitterness; and a

"destruction." The contrast is between industry in the one, and idleness and folly in the other.

(o) v. 25. "Eateth," hath wherewithal to eat; abundance. So Prov. xii. 23.Prove xv. 2.

Ap) v. 1. "Buildeth her house," i. e. attends to its concerns," "advances its "welfare."

(q) v.3. A rod of pride," "what shall "punish their pride." The same idea as Ps. Ixiv. 8. "Their own tongues shall make "them fall."

(r) v. 4. "No oxen," i. e. "no agricul❝ture or industry." "The crib is clean," or the barn or granary empty," in a state of famine.

(s) "Increase," i. e. "profit." Neglect of agriculture or idleness causes poverty: attention to it, or industry, wealth.

(t) v. 6. "Findeth it not." Why? because he is a scorner: because without giving up his scornful habits he does not seek it in a proper temper.

stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. 11. The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. 12. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death. 13. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. 14. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. 15. The simple believeth (a) every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. 16. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil : but the fool rageth and is confident (b). 17. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. 18. The simple inherit folly (c): but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19. The evil bow before the good: and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20. The poor is (d) hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. 21. He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. 22. Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. 23. In all labour there is profit: but the talk of

(u)" Easy unto," i. e. " easily found by." (x) v. 8. "Deceit;" in contrast with "understanding his way." The wise man, weighing well the tendency of all his actions, obtains what he expects; the fool, from not doing so, is disappointed.

(y) v. 9. "Make a mock at sin," i. e. (perhaps) "injure others out of sport; "make malevolence a diversion." "Favour," ," i. e. "kindness."

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(z) v. 10. “The heart, &c." i. e. 66 none "but himself can know exactly a man's "inward feelings: the misery he endures, "or the happiness he enjoys."

(a) v. 15. "Believeth, &c." i. e. "is "easily imposed upon; has no caution."

(6) v. 16. "Rageth and is confident," i. e. "has no fear, and madly ventures on." (c) v. 18. "Folly:" "they obtain no "other inheritance."

(d) v. 20. "Is hated, &c." Not that this ought to be, but that in fact it often is, the case: and then the next verse censures this conduct.

the lips (e) tendeth only to penury. 24. The crown (g) of the wise is their riches but the foolishness of fools is folly. 25. A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. 26. In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart (h) from the snares of death. 28. In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. 29. He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth (i) folly. 30. A sound heart (k) is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. 31. He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him (1) hath mercy on the poor. 32. The wicked is driven away (m) in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. 33. Wisdom resteth (n) in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. 34. Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. 35. The king's favour is toward a wise servant but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

(e) v. 23. "The talk of the lips," i. e. "wasting time in useless talk; idleness."

(g) v. 24. "The crown, &c." i. e. (probably) "the use they make of their wealth "brings honour: the use fools make of it "disgrace."

(h) v. 27. "To depart," i. e. "to cause "to depart, to turn.' See Prov. xiii. 14. (i) v. 29. "Exalteth," i. e. "makes it "conspicuous."

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(k) v.30. "A sound heart, &c." i. e. " content and benevolence prolong life: envy shortens it, as much as rottenness, "&c." "A sound heart" is put in contrast with " "envy." (1) v. 31. "

Him," i. e. "his Maker." (m) v. 32. "Driven away," i. e. "in de"spair" when distress or death come upon him, he has nothing to look up to; he is without hope.

(n) v. 33. “ Resteth," i. e. "remains "quiet," without making an idle and unseasonable display: the same sentiment as

CHAP. XV.

A SOFT answer turneth away wrath: but grievous (o) words stir up (p) anger. 2. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth (q) out foolishness. 3. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 4. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a breach (7) in the spirit. the spirit. 5. A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 6. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is (s) trouble. 7. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doth not so. 8. The (t) sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD but the (t) prayer of the upright is his delight. 9. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. 10. Correction (u) is grievous unto him that forsaketh (r) the way: hateth reproof shall die. destruction are before the

and he that 11. Hell and LORD: how

much more then the hearts of the children of men? 12. A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he

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bitter them.

(t) v. 8. "Sacrifice" and "prayer" contrasted: the former, however costly, when coming from the wicked, hated; the latter, when coming from the good, highly esteemed.

(u) v. 10. "Correction, &c." or "griev"ous correction is unto him, &c.:" and then it corresponds with what is the parallel in the latter branch of the sen tence, viz. "shall die."

(x)" That forsaketh the way," i. e. "the wicked."

go unto the wise. 13. A merry (y) heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 15. All the days of the afflicted (z) are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. 16. Better is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure and trouble therewith. 17. Better is a dinner of herbs (a) where love is, than a stalled (a) ox and hatred therewith. 18. A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. 19. The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns (b): but the way of the righteous is made plain. 20. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth (c) his mother. 21. Folly (d) is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. 22. Without counsel purposes are disappointed but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. 23. A man hath joy by (e) the answer of his mouth and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! 24. The way of life is above (g) to the wise, that he

(y) v. 13. 15. "Merry," or "contented." (z) v. 15. "Afflicted," or "discon"tented."

(a) v. 17. "A dinner of herbs," i. e. "the meanest fare." "A stalled ox," i. e." the richest repast."

(b) v. 19. "As an hedge of thorns." “Full of difficulties and obstructions: he "has always something to impede his "progress."

(c) v. 20. " Despiseth," or "dis"tresseth."

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delights in sin as much as a wise man "does in righteousness."

(e) v. 23. "By," or "according to." "His joy is in proportion to the sense and "propriety of what he says."

(g) v. 24. "Above, &c." i. e. "in view, "never out of sight;"" the wise has God "in all his thoughts: he regulates his "conduct by God's laws: he is always "looking up to the way of life."

(h) v. 26. " Pleasant," i. e. "acceptable "to God."

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may depart from hell beneath. 25. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. 26. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant (h) words. 27. He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts (i) shall live. 28. The heart of the righteous studieth (k) to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth (7) out evil things. 29. The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. 30. The (m) light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. 31. The ear that heareth (n) the reproof of life abideth among the wise. 32. He that refuseth instruction despiseth (0) his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. 33. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom (p); and before (p) honour is humility.

CHAP. XVI.

THE preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 2. All (q) the ways of man

(i) v. 27. "Gifts," i. e. "bribes; what "is improperly acquired."

(k) v. 28. "Studieth;" weighing well what he is to say.

(1) "Poureth out." Without consideration; without waiting to think; without "studying to answer."

(m) v. 30. "The light of the eyes,” i. e. (probably) "the favour and countenance "shewn by others." See Prov. xvi. 15. And then it answers to "a good report" in the next part of the verse; the one meaning "countenance," the other "cha"racter."

(n) v. 31. "Heareth," i. e. " attendeth "to."

(o) v. 32. "Despiseth," i. e. "disre"gardeth; treats contemptuously."

(p) v. 33. "The instruction of wisdom," i. e. "what wisdom teaches." "Before "honour," i. e. "the way to honour."

(g) v. 2. "All, &c." However man may impose upon others, or even upon himself, he cannot impose upon God.

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are clean in his own eyes: but the LORD weigheth the spirits. 3. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts (r) shall be established. 4. The LORD hath made (s) all things for (s) himself: yea, even the wicked (t) for the day of evil. 5. Every one that is proud in heart, is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 6. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged; and by the fear of the LORD, men depart from evil. 7. When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8. Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right. 9. A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth (u) his steps. 10. A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment. 11. A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work. 12. It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness for the throne is established by righteousness. 13. Righteous lips are the delight of kings: and they love him that speaketh right. 14. The wrath of a king is as messengers of death (a), but a wise man will pacify (y) it. 15. In the light of the king's countenance is life, and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. 16. How much better is it to get wisdom than gold? and to get understanding, rather to be chosen than silver? 17. The high-way of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way, preserveth his soul.

(r) v. 3. "Thoughts," or "wishes." (s) v. 4. "Hath made," or "maketh." "For himself," i. e. " for his own purposes ❝or glory."

(t)" The wicked, &c." Either as instruments to execute his vengeance, or as examples to undergo it.

(u) v. 9. "Directeth," or "control"leth." He cannot go beyond what God allows.

(x) v. 14. "As messengers of death." Likely to be followed by the destruction of those who are its objects. So Prov. xx. 21. "The wrath of a king is as the roar"ing of a lion: whoso provoketh him to

18. Pride goeth before (2) destruction: and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20. He that handleth a matter wisely, shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD happy is he. 21. The wise in heart shall be called prudent, and the sweetness of the lips (a) increaseth (b) learning. 22. Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly. 23. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. 24. Pleasant words are as an honey-comb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 25. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man: but the end thereof are the ways of death. 26. He that laboureth, laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. 27. An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. 28. A froward man soweth strife, and a whisperer separateth chief friends. 29. A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. 30. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass. 31. The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. 32. He that is slow to anger, is better than the mighty: and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city. 33. The lot is cast into the lap but the whole disposing thereof (c) is of the LORD.

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anger, sinneth against his own soul,” i. e. "hazardeth his life."

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(y)" Pacify," i. e. "do what he can to pacify: it cannot be resisted."

(z) v. 18. "Goeth before," i. e. " lead"eth unto."

(a) v. 21. "Sweetness of the lips," i. e. " eloquence," or "kind speaking." (b) "Increaseth," i. e. " sets of;" "makes more valuable."

(c) v. 33. "Disposing thereof." There is nothing God cannot regulate: even in the casting of lots he can fix the event. A strong intimation of the extent of his power.

CHAP. XVII.

BETTER is a dry morsel, and quietness

therewith, than a house full of sacrifices (d) with strife. 2. A wise servant shall have rule (e) over a son that causeth shanie: and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. 3. The fining-pot is for (g) silver, and the furnace for gold, but the LORD trieth the hearts. 4. A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips: and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. 5. Whoso mocketh the poor, reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities, shall not be unpunished. 6. Childrens children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. 7. Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. 8. A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. 9. He that covereth a transgression (h), seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter, separateth very friends. 10. A reproof entereth (i) more into a wise man, than an hundred stripes into a fool. 11. An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger (k) shall be sent against him. 12. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. 13. Whoso rewardeth

(d) v. 1. "Sacrifices," "the choicest "things."

(e) v. 2. "Rule over," i. e. "rank "above," "be preferred unto."

(g) v. 3. "Is for, &c." i. e. " as the fining "pot and the furnace try the precious "metals, so the Lord trieth the hearts." (h) v. 9. "Covereth a transgression," "overlooks or conceals an i. e. (perhaps)

"indignity."

(i) v. 10. “ Entereth more into," i. e. "has a greater effect upon."

(k) v. 11. "A cruel messenger," "one "who shall bring him to severe punishment:" probably a proverb.

(2) v. 14. " As when one letteth out "water," (which cannot be brought back or controlled): "the effects, the mischief it "will do, cannot be foreseen or checked."

(m) v. 15. “Justifieth," i. e. " judicially acquits; treats as innocent. 1 Magee, “note 42. p. 407."

evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 14. The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water (1):

therefore leave off contention before it be meddled with. 15. He that justifieth (m) the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. 16. Wherefore (n) is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? 17. A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born (o) for adversity. 18. A man void of understanding striketh hands (p), and be cometh surety in the presence of his friend. 19. He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate (q) seeketh destruction. 20. He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. 21. He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow and the father of a fool hath no joy. 22. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. 23. A wicked man taketh a gift (r) out of the bosom (r) to pervert the ways of judgment. 24. Wisdom is before (s) him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth (t). 25. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him. 26. Also to

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(p) v. 18. "Striketh hands," i. e. “ engages, pledges himself:" the same as "becoming surety."

(q) v. 19. "Exalteth his gate," i. e. “ is "proud, or insolent."

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(r) v. 23. "A gift," i. e. "a bribe." "Out of the bosom," i. e. "brought "secretly and clandestinely."

(s) v. 24. "Before," i. e." always in "the view of," "never lost sight of;" "his guide."

(t)" In the ends of the earth,” i. e. (perhaps) "gazing upon what he cannot "distinctly see:" so that whether it will guide him well or ill, he cannot know.

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