Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Vol. I wherein the sacred text is inserted, and various readings annex'd, together with parallel scriptures, the more difficult terms in each verse are explained, seeming contradictions reconciled, questions and doubts resolved, and the whole text opened / by the late reverend and learned divine Mr. Matthew Poole.

CHAP. XV.

1 A * 1.1 soft a 1.2 answer b 1.3 turneth away c 1.4 wrath, but grievous words d 1.5 stir up anger e 1.6.

2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledg aright f 1.7, * 1.8 but the mouth of fools † 1.9 poureth out g 1.10 foolishness.

3 * 1.11 The eyes of the LORD h 1.12 are in every place, beholding the evil i 1.13 and the good.

4 † 1.14 A wholsom tongue k 1.15 is a tree of life l 1.16, but per∣verseness therein m 1.17 is a breach of the Spirit n 1.18.

5 * 1.19 A fool despiseth o 1.20 his fathers p 1.21 instruction, but he that regardeth reproof q 1.22 is prudent.

6 In the house r 1.23 of the righteous is much treasure, but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble s 1.24.

7 The Lips of the wise disperse knowledge t 1.25, but the heart of the foolish doth not so u 1.26.

8 * 1.27 The sacrifice x 1.28 of the wicked is an abominati∣on to the LORD, but the prayer y 1.29 of the upright is his delight.

9 The way z 1.30 of the wicked is an abomination un∣to the LORD, but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness a 1.31.

10 ‖ 1.32 Correction is grievous b 1.33 unto him that for∣saketh the way c 1.34, and he that hateth reproof shall die d 1.35.

11 * 1.36 Hell and destruction e 1.37 are before the LORD, how much more then * 1.38 the hearts f 1.39 of the children of men.

12 A scorner loveth not g 1.40 one that reproveth him, neither will he go unto h 1.41 the wise i 1.42.

13 * 1.43 A merry heart maketh a chearful Counte∣nance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit k 1.44 is bro∣ken.

14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledg, but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness l 1.45.

15 All the days of the afflicted m 1.46 are evil n 1.47, but he that is of a merry heart o 1.48 hath a continual feast p 1.49.

16 * 1.50 Better is little with the fear of the LORD q 1.51, than great treasure, and trouble r 1.52 therewith.

17 * 1.53 Better is a dinner of hearbs where love s 1.54 is, than a stalled Ox, and hatred therewith.

18 * 1.55 A wrathful man stirreth up strife t 1.56, but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of the slothful man u 1.57 is as an hedge of thorns x 1.58: but the way of the righteous y 1.59 † 1.60 is made plain z 1.61.

20 A wise son maketh a glad father a 1.62, but a fool∣ish man despiseth his mother b 1.63.

21 * 1.64 Folly is joy c 1.65 to him that is † 1.66 destitute of wisdom; but a man of understanding walketh upright∣ly d 1.67.

22 * 1.68 Without counsel e 1.69 purposes are disappointed f 1.70, but in the multitude of counsellors g 1.71 they are estab lished h 1.72.

23 A man hath joy by the answer i 1.73 of his mouth, and a word spoken † 1.74 in due season k 1.75, how good is it l 1.76!

24 * 1.77 The way of life is above to the wise m 1.78, that he may depart from hell beneath n 1.79.

25 * 1.80 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud o 1.81, but * 1.82 he will establish the border p 1.83 of the widow.

26 * 1.84 The thoughts of the wicked q 1.85 are an abomi∣nation to the LORD, but the words of the pure r 1.86 are † 1.87 pleasant s 1.88 words.

27 * 1.89 He that is greedy of gain t 1.90 troubleth his own house u 1.91, but he that hateth x 1.92 gifts y 1.93 shall live z 1.94.

28 * 1.95 The heart of the righteous studieth to an∣swer a 1.96: but the mouth b 1.97 of the wicked poureth out evil things c 1.98.

29 * 1.99 The LORD is far from the wicked d 1.100, but * 1.101 he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the Eyes rejoiceth the heart e 1.102: and ‖ 1.103 a good report f 1.104 maketh the bones fat g 1.105.

31 The ear that heareth h 1.106 the reproof of life i 1.107, abi∣deth * 1.108 among the wise k 1.109.

32 He that refuseth ‖ 1.110 instruction, despiseth his own soul l 1.111, but he that ‖ 1.112 heareth reproof, † 1.113 getteth under∣standing m 1.114.

33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom n 1.115, and * 1.116 before honour is o 1.117 humility p 1.118.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 15.
• a 1.2

  Mild or gentle.
• b 1.3

  Which may imply a foregoing charge or accusation, although the word is and may be rendred, speech or discourse.
• c 1.4

  From the speaker.
• d 1.5

  Fierce and vexatious Replies or Speeches.
• e 1.6

  Kindle it, and cause it to flame forth.
• f 1.7

  Expressing what he knows prudently and gracefully, taking due care both what, and when, and to whom, and in what man∣ner he speaks.
• * 1.8

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 12. 23. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 16.
• † 1.9

  〈…〉〈…〉
• g 1.10

  Plentifully, continually, promiscuously, and vehemently as a Fountain doth Waters, as this word signifies.
• * 1.11

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 3•…•…. 21. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 5▪ 21. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 16. 17. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1•…•…. 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 13.
• h 1.12

  His Knowledg and Providence.
• i 1.13

  Who are first mentioned because they either doubt of, or deny Gods Providence.
• † 1.14

  〈…〉〈…〉
• k 1.15

  Which •…•…ereth sound, and comfortable, and useful Counsels.
• l 1.16

  Is greatly useful to preserve the present Life, and to promote the Spiritual and Eternal Life, both of the Speaker and Hearers.
• m 1.17

  All sorts of false or corrupt Speeches.
• n 1.18

  Disturbs and wounds, and oft-times corrupts and destroys the Spirits or Souls both of the Speaker and Hearers.
• * 1.19

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 10. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 18. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 21. 32.
• o 1.20

  Doth not regard nor obey it, which is an evidence of contempt.
• p 1.21

  Who hath both Love to him, and Authority over him; which greatly aggravates his Folly.
• q 1.22

  The reproof of any person whatso∣ever, and much more of a Father.
• r 1.23

  Or, Family. Whereby he implies that it is not only enjoyed by him, but also left to his posterity.
• s 1.24

  Though he may obtain great revenues, yet they are attended with much trouble & vexati∣on, either because they are strangely blasted and taken from them, or because they are imbittered to them by their own insatiable de∣sires, or tormenting cares and fears, or the horrours of their guil∣ty Consciences, or by divers other ways.
• t 1.25

  Freely communicate to others what they know, as they have opportunity.
• u 1.26

  Either because he hath no knowledg to dis∣perse, or because he hath not an heart to perform his duty, or to do good to others. Or, as others render it, and as the last He∣brew word is rendred, Gen. 42. 34. and elsewhere, is not right; or, the place may be rendred, the heart of foolish (understand out of the former clause, as is very usual, disperseth by his Lips) that which is not right, foolish and corrupt discourse, which is fitly opposed to knowledg.
• * 1.27

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• x 1.28

  All the religious services, yea, the best and most costly of them; one kind being put for all the rest.
• y 1.29

  The cheapest and meanest services.
• z 1.30

  The Conversation or Course of Life. This verse seems to con∣tain a reason of the foregoing. God hates wicked mens religious Performances, because they are accompanied with ungodly Lives, and they pull down with one hand what they build with another.
• a 1.31

  That earnestly desires, and constantly and diligently endeavours to be holy and righteous in the course of his Life, although he doth not attain to that perfect Righteousness which he thirsts after.
• ‖ 1.32

  Or, instructi∣on.
• b 1.33

  He hateth Reproof, because it is a reproach to him, and be∣cause it strikes at that sin which he loveth.
• c 1.34

  Gods way, emphati∣cally called the way here, as also Psal. 119. 1. & 139. 24. Prov. 2. 13.
• d 1.35

  i. e. Be destroyed, both here and for ever: which is a more grievous thing than an harsh reproof.
• * 1.36

  Job 26. 6.
• e 1.37

  Put for the place of destruction, by an usual Metonymy, the place and state of the damned, of which men know nothing but by divine Revelation.
• * 1.38

  2 Chr. •…•…. •…•…0. Psal. 7. 9. & 44. 21. Joh. 2. 24, 25. & 21. 17. Acts 1. 24.
• f 1.39

  Whose thoughts and affections, though they lie deep, discover themselves by outward signs and actions.
• g 1.40

  i. e. Hateth and avoideth it; for more is here understood than is expressed, as it is Prov. 11. 21. & 12. 3. and elsewhere.
• h 1.41

  Seek their Company and Conversation, as his duty and interest obligeth him.
• i 1.42

  i. e. The godly, because he knows they who are so in∣deed will make Conscience of reproving him.
• * 1.43

  Chap. 17. 22.
• k 1.44

  Either 1. His vital Spirits. Or rather 2. His Courage and Vigor, the decay whereof sheweth it self in his Countenance, as is implied from the former clause.
• l 1.45

  Their hearts are set upon wickedness, which is meat and drink to them.
• m 1.46

  Of the troubled in mind or heart, as this general Expression may very fitly be restrained from the following clause.
• n 1.47

  Tedious and uncomfortable, he takes no content in any time or thing.
• o 1.48

  Heb. of a good heart, i. e. composed, and quiet, and contented.
• p 1.49

  Hath constant satisfaction and delight in all conditions, yea, even in affliction.
• * 1.50

  Psal. 37. 16. Chap. 16. 8. 1 Tim. 6. 6.
• q 1.51

  Which gives a man Tranquillity and Comfort in what he hath.
• r 1.52

  Tumultuous Lusts and Passions, Vexations Cares, and Fears, Horrours of Conscience, and expectation of Gods Curse and Judg∣ment, which Riches gotten without Gods Fear do commonly pro∣duce.
• * 1.53

  Chap. 17. 1.
• s 1.54

  True Friendship and Kindness between those that eat to∣gether.
• * 1.55

  Ch. 26. 21. & 29. 22.
• t 1.56

  Because he is very apt both to give, and to take all occasions of contention.
• u 1.57

  The way in which he doth or ought to walk, any good work which he pretends or desires to undertake.
• x 1.58

  As a way hedged up with Thorns, as it is expressed, Hos. 2. 6. troublesom, and per∣plexed, and full of such difficulties as he despaireth, and therefore never striveth to overcome.
• y 1.59

  Who is always diligent in his Cal∣ling, which is one branch of Righteousness, and therefore is fitly opposed to the slothful, who is joined with the wicked, Mat. 25. 26. and censured as such both in Scripture and Heathen Authors, be∣cause idleness is both in itself a sin, and it leads the way to many other wickednesses.
• † 1.60

  Heb. is raised up as a causey.
• z 1.61

  Is easie and pleasant to him, notwithstand∣ing all his discouragements and difficulties.
• a 1.62

  By giving him that Honour and Obedience which he oweth to him.
• b 1.63

  Whereby he maketh her sad. See the notes on Prov. 10. 1. where we have the same Proverb.
• * 1.64

  Ch. 10. 23.
• c 1.65

  He doth not only work Wickedness, but taketh pleasure in it.
• † 1.66

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of heart.
• d 1.67

  Heb directeth, or maketh streight his going, i. e. ordereth all his actions by the rule of Gods word, and delighteth in so doing, which is understood from the opposite clause.
• * 1.68

  Ch. 11. 14. & 20 •…•…8.
• e 1.69

  When men do not seek, or will not receive advice from others in weighty affairs.
• f 1.70

  Their designs are ill managed, and succeed accordingly.
• g 1.71

  i. e. Of wise and good Counsellors, for such only deserve that name.
• h 1.72

  i. e. Accomplished and brought to a good issue.
• i 1.73

  i. e. By a wise, or good and seasonable Answer or Advice, as is manifest both from the opposite clause, and from the nature of the thing, because it is manifest and undeniable, that a foolish Answer can be no credit nor comfort to the Answerer. Thus above v. 10. the way is put for Gods way; and such Synecdoche's are frequent in Scripture.
• † 1.74

  Heb. in his season.
• k 1.75

  Counsel or comfort given to another in fit time and manner.
• l 1.76

  It is highly acceptable and useful.
• * 1.77

  Phi. 3. 20. Col. 3. 1, 2.
• m 1.78

  The way or course which a wise man taketh to preserve and obtain Life, is to place his Heart, and Treasure, and Conversation in things above, and to manage all his affairs in this world with due respect and subserviency to the happiness of a better Life.
• n 1.79

  Or, from the lowermost hell, not from the grave, as this word is elsewhere used, for no wisdom can prevent that, but from hell properly so called, as this word is elsewhere used, as hath been formerly ob∣served.
• * 1.80

  Chap. 12. 7. & 14. 11.
• o 1.81

  Of the most mighty Oppressors, who conceit themselves to be unmoveably fixed.
• * 1.82

  Psal. 68. 5, 6.
• p 1.83

  Either 1. The Estate, the border being oft used for the Land within the Borders, as Psal. 105. 31, 33. and elsewhere. Or 2. The Border by which Lands were then bound∣ed and distinguished, which those proud persons endeavoured to remove contrary to Gods Law, Deut. 19. 14. & 27. 17.
• * 1.84

  Chap. 6. 18.
• q 1.85

  And much more their words which express their thoughts; for thoughts are said to be free, and wicked men are seldom, and but little concerned for the sins of their thoughts.
• r 1.86

  Which dis∣cover and proceed from their thoughts, Mat. 15. 19.
• † 1.87

  Heb. words of pleasantness.
• s 1.88

  accepta∣ble to God, which is opposed to abomination to him.
• * 1.89

  Chap. 1. 19.
• t 1.90

  That seeketh wealth by unjust courses, as appears from the opposite clause
• u 1.91

  Bringeth Gods Curse and Destruction upon himself and his Family, whom he designed to enrich and establish.
• x 1.92

  Who refuseth them not with dissimulation, nor only from pru∣dential Reasons, but from an hearty abhorrency of all Unrighteous∣ness.
• y 1.93

  i. e. Bribes given to corrupt Judgment. See Exod. 18. 21. & 23. 8. Deut. 16. 19.
• z 1.94

  Shall preserve himself and (which is un∣derstood out of the former clause) his Family from ruine.
• * 1.95

  Ch. 16. 23.
• a 1.96

  He answers or speaks considerately and conscientiously, and therefore profitably, or to the use and Edification of the Hearers.
• b 1.97

  Not the Heart, for he is without Heart in Scripture account, and he rashly speaks what comes into his mouth, without the direction of his Heart or Conscience.
• c 1.98

  Foolish, and unprofitable, and hurt∣ful Speeches.
• * 1.99

  Psal. 34. 1•…•….
• d 1.100

  To wit, when they pray to him, as the next clause explains, and therefore doth not hear nor regard them, as he is said to be nigh to the righteous, Psal. 34. 18. & 145. 18. But this farness or nearness respecteth not Gods Essence, which is every where, but his gracious and helpful presence.
• * 1.101

  Psal. 145. 18, 19.
• e 1.102

  The light which we see with our Eyes, and by the help of which we see many other pleasant Objects is a great comfort and refreshment. Compare Eccles. 11. 7. Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the Sun: which is a good Com∣ment upon this place.
• ‖ 1.103

  Or, goodness▪ as Ch. 25. 25.
• f 1.104

  Either 1. Glad tidings. Or rather 2. A Good-Name, which is a more lasting thing, and makes deeper im∣pression.
• g 1.105

  Not only cheareth a man for the present, but gives him such solid and stable comfort as doth both revive his soul, and give Health and Vigour to his body. So he compares two Senses to∣gether, Seeing and Hearing, with respect to their several Objects, and prefers the latter before the former.
• h 1.106

  The man that hearkeneth to it, and delights in it.
• i 1.107

  That Reproof and good Counsel which leads to Life.
• * 1.108

  Ver. 5. & Chap. 12. 1.
• k 1.109

  Heb. shall▪ or will abide, &c. Either 1. He will thereby be made wise, and be esteemed one of that number. Or rather 2. He seeketh and de∣lighteth in the Company and Conversation of the Wise, by whom he may be admonished, as on the contrary, Fools who hate Re∣proof do avoid and abhor the Society of Wise men and Reprovers, Amos 5. 10.
• ‖ 1.110

  Or, correcti∣on.
• l 1.111

  Which hereby he exposeth to the danger of utter destruction, whereby he shews his Folly.
• ‖ 1.112

  Or, obeyeth.
• † 1.113

  Heb. possesset an heart.
• m 1.114

  Whereby he saveth his Soul. Heb. possesseth an heart, which the Hebrews make the seat of Wis∣dom.
• n 1.115

  Doth instruct men in, or lead them to true Wisdom; whence it is said to be the beginning of Wisdom, Prov. 1. 7. & •…•…. 10.
• * 1.116

  Chap. 18. 12▪
• o 1.117

  i. e. It is the ready way to Honour both from God, and from Men.
• p 1.118

  Whereby men submit to God, and yield to Men, which gains them Love and Respect, whereas Pride procures them Hatred and Contempt from God and Men.