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. XXVIII.

1 THe * 1.1 wicked flee when no man pursueth a 1.2: but the righteous are bold b 1.3 as a lion.

2 For the transgression of a land, many c 1.4 are the princes thereof: but ‖ 1.5 by a man of understanding and knowledg d 1.6 the state thereof shall be prolonged e 1.7

3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor f 1.8, is like a sweeping rain † 1.9 which leaveth no food g 1.10.

4 * 1.11 They that forsake the law h 1.12 praise the wick∣ed i 1.13: but such as keep the law contend with them k 1.14.

5 Evil men understand not l 1.15 judgment m 1.16: but * 1.17 they that seek the LORD n 1.18, understand all things o 1.19.

6 * 1.20 Better p 1.21 is the poor that walketh in his upright∣ness, than he that is perverse † 1.22 in his ways q 1.23, though he be rich.

7 * 1.24 Whoso keepeth the law, is a wise son r 1.25: but he that ‖ 1.26 is a companion of riotous men s 1.27, shameth his father t 1.28.

8 * 1.29 He that by usury and † 1.30 unjust gain u 1.31 increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor x 1.32.

9 * 1.33 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law y 1.34, even his prayer shall be abomination z 1.35.

10 * 1.36 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way a 1.37, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possessi∣on b 1.38.

11 The rich man is wise † 1.39 in his own conceit c 1.40: but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out d 1.41.

12 * 1.42 When righteous men do rejoice e 1.43, there is great glory f 1.44, but when the wicked rise g 1.45, a man is ‖ 1.46 hidden h 1.47.

13 * 1.48 He that covereth his sins i 1.49 shall not prosper k 1.50: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them l 1.51 shall have mercy m 1.52.

14 Happy is the man n 1.53 that feareth o 1.54 alway p 1.55: * 1.56 but he that hardeneth his heart q 1.57 shall fall into mis∣chief.

15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear r 1.58, so is a wicked ruler s 1.59 over the poor people t 1.60.

16 The prince that wanteth understanding, is also a great oppressor u 1.61; but he that hateth covetousness x 1.62, shall prolong his days y 1.63.

17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person z 1.64, shall flee to the pit a 1.65, let no man stay him b 1.66.

18 * 1.67 Whoso walketh uprightly, shall be saved c 1.68: but he that is preverfe in his ways d 1.69, shall fall at once e 1.70.

19 * 1.71 He that tilleth his land, shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons f 1.72, shall have poverty enough.

20 * 1.73 A faithful man g 1.74 shall abound with blessings; * 1.75 but he that maketh haste h 1.76 to be rich, shall not be ‖ 1.77 innocent i 1.78.

21 * 1.79 To have respect of persons, is not good: for, for a piece of bread that man will transgress k 1.80.

22 ‖ 1.81 He that hasteth to be rich, hath an evil eye l 1.82, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him m 1.83.

23 * 1.84 He that rebuketh a man, afterwards n 1.85 shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith n 1.86, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of † 1.87 a destroyer o 1.88.

25 * 1.89 He that is of a proud heart p 1.90 stirreth up strife q 1.91: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD r 1.92, shall be made fat s 1.93.

26 He that trusteth in his own heart t 1.94, is a fool u 1.95: but whoso walketh wisely x 1.96, he shall be deliver∣ed y 1.97.

27 * 1.98 He that giveth unto the poor, shall not lack z 1.99: but he that hideth his eyes ‖ 1.100, shall have many a curse † 1.101.

28 * 1.102 VVhen the wicked rise, men hide them∣selve † 1.103: but when they perish, the righteous in∣crease ‖ 1.104.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Lev. 26. 17, 36.
• a 1.2

  Because the Conscience of their own guilt puts them into a continual expectation and dread of Gods judgments.
• b 1.3

  Are cou∣ragious and resolute, having the witness of a good Conscience, and the assurance of Divine Favour and Protection, and the sup∣ports and consolations of the Holy Ghost.
• c 1.4

  Either 1. Together, contending for Supremacy. Or rather 2. Successively, as appears from the following clause. Their Princes are soon cut off, and other persons, and oft times persons of other Families come in their stead, which is justly threatned as a curse, because such frequent changes are seldom for the better, and com∣monly for the worse, and are frequently attended with Blood and slaughter, with the change▪ and subversion of Laws, with heavy Taxes and Charges, with the ruine of many Families, and with many other mischiefs.
• ‖ 1.5

  Or, by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and wisdom shall they like∣•…•…ise be pro∣longed.
• d 1.6

  By a wise and good man. Which may be understood either 1. Collectively for men of understanding, &c. as it is rendred in the margent; i. e. when the men or people of a Land are wise and good. Or rather 2. Singularly, and that ei∣ther 1. Of a wise and righteous Prince, who by the good govern∣ment of himself, and his Family, and Kingdom, by punishing and preventing the transgressions of the People, turns away Gods wrath and saves himself and People. Or 2. Of any other man of emi∣nent Wisdom or Piety, who prevents this judgment, either by his good Counsels given to the Prince and People, and entertained by them, or by his Intercession to God; for God hath somtimes spa∣red a People for the sake of one man, as he did Zoar for Lot, Gen. 19. 20, 21. and the Israelites for Moses, Psal. 106. 23.
• e 1.7

  The Land shall enjoy its former State and Tranquillity, and the Life of their good Prince shall be prolonged.
• f 1.8

  When a poor man being advanced into a place of▪ Authority, abuseth it to oppress those that are poor and unable to resist him.
• † 1.9

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 food.
• g 1.10

  Is like a violent Rain or Flood, which washeth away the very seeds which are in the Earth, and spoileth the Corn and Fruits which are upon it. He is the worst of all oppressors, because as he is of a base mind, which also is made much worse by a sudden change and elevation into an high condition, so his own necessities inflame his desires, and make him greedy to take all, yea, even the small advantages of enriching himself. Which the ancients ex∣pressed by the similitude of an empty Horseleach, which sucketh much more strongly than that which is already filled; and of a dry sponge, which licks up far more water than that which was wet before.
• * 1.11

  Ps. 10. 3. Rom. 1. 32.
• h 1.12

  That live in the contempt of, and disobedience to Gods law.
• i 1.13

  Honour their persons, contrary to Psal. 15. 4. freely and fami∣liarly associate themselves with them, and approve of their sinful courses; all which proceeds from their great likeness to them.
• k 1.14

  Are so far from praising or applauding them, that they severely rebuke them, and to the utmost of their power oppose them in their wicked enterprises.
• l 1.15

  Because their minds are naturally blind, and are further blind∣ed by their own prejudices, and passions, and by the God of this world who rules in and over them.
• m 1.16

  i. e. What is just and right, what is their duty in all cases and conditions, as Iudgment is fre∣quently understood.
• * 1.17

  1 Cor. 2. 1•…•… 1 Joh. 2. 20▪ 27.
• n 1.18

  By diligent study of his word, and by ser∣vent Prayers to him for advice.
• o 1.19

  Which are necessary to be known by them, either for the discharge of all their present du∣ties to God and Men, or for their everlasting Happiness.
• * 1.20

  Ch. 19. 1▪
• p 1.21

  In a much safer and happier condition.
• † 1.22

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ways.
• q 1.23

  Heb. in two ways, halting between two ways, pretending to Virtue, but practising Vice; or, covering his wicked designs with good pretences; or somtimes erring on one hand, and somtimes on the other, as wick∣ed men commonly do.
• * 1.24

  Cup. 29. 3.
• r 1.25

  And consequently a credit and comfort to his Father, as hath been oft noted before.
• ‖ 1.26

  O•…•…, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• s 1.27

  Which is both a manifest violation of Gods Law, which forbids this Society, and is the ready way to a total and final Apostacy from God, and from his Law.
• t 1.28

  Because he is a foolish Son.
• * 1.29

  Ch. 13. 22. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 2. 26.
• † 1.30

  Heb. by in∣•…•….
• u 1.31

  Heb. By usury and (or, or) encrease, i. e. by any kind of Usury, whereby the poor are oppressed, as is implied from the opposite clause; or by any unrighteous practices. See more of these words and of this thing on Exod. 22. 25. Lev. 25. 35, 36. Psal. 15. 5. Ezek. 18. 8.
• x 1.32

  It shall not long continue with him or his, but shall by Gods righteous and powerful Providence be disposed into more just and merciful hands.
• * 1.33

  P•…•…. 66. 18.
• y 1.34

  That obstinately refuseth to yield Audience or Obedience to Gods Commands.
• z 1.35

  To God, whose Law he despised. God will abhor and reject his person, and all his services.
• * 1.36

  Ch. 26. 27.
• a 1.37

  That by evil Counsel, or Example, or Artifice, draws them into such practices as expose them to great danger and mischief.
• b 1.38

  Shall by Gods good Providence towards him, both keep the good of which the wicked seeks to deprive him, and escape that mischief which he plotteth against him.
• † 1.39

  Heb. in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• c 1.40

  Thinks himself to be wise when he is not, being puffed up with the opinion of his Riches, which also he imputes to his own Wisdom, and with the admirations and applauses of Flatterers, which commonly attend upon them.
• d 1.41

  Knoweth him better than he knoweth himself, and, looking through all his pomp and vain shew, he sees him to be what indeed he is, a foolish and miserable man, notwithstanding all his Riches, and discovers the folly of his words and actions.
• * 1.42

  Ver. 28. Ch. 11. 10. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 10. 6.
• e 1.43

  Are encouraged and promoted to places of Trust and Power.
• f 1.44

  In that Common-wealth. The state of that Kingdom is honoura∣ble, and comfortable, and safe, so as good men can shew their faces with courage and confidence.
• g 1.45

  Are advanced to Honour and Authority.
• ‖ 1.46

  Or, sought 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• h 1.47

  The state of that Nation is so shameful and dangerous, that wise and good men, who only are worthy of the name of men, with-draw themselves, or run into corners and ob∣scure places, partly out of grief and shame to behold the wicked∣ness which is publickly and impudently committed, and partly to avoid the rage and injuries of wicked Oppressors, and the judgments of God, which commonly follow such persons and their confede∣rates in sin. Or, as others, both ancient and later Interpreters render it, a man is sought out. Sober and good men who had reti∣red themselves, are searched for, and brought forth like sheep to the slaughter, as being most suspected, and hated, and feared by bloody Tyrants.
• * 1.48

  Ps. 32. 3, 5. 1 Joh. 1. 9, 10.
• i 1.49

  That doth not confess them (as appears by the opposite clause) to God, and to Men too, when occasion requires it. That being convinced or admonished of his sins, either justifieth, ordenieth, or excuseth them.
• k 1.50

  Shall not succeed in his design of avoiding punishment by the concealment of his sins, shall not find mercy, as is implied from the next clause.
• l 1.51

  By hearty dislike and hatred of all his sins, and by a resolved cessation from a sinful course of Life. This is added to shew that although the dissembling or hi∣ding ones sins is sufficient for his damnation, yet meer confession without forsaking of sin is not sufficient for Salvation.
• m 1.52

  Both from God who hath promised, and from Men who are ready to grant pardon and favour to such persons.
• n 1.53

  Because he shall thereby avoid that mischief which besals fear∣less sinners, which is expressed in the next clause, and procure that eternal Salvation which they lose.
• o 1.54

  To wit, the offence and judgments of God. Who having confessed and forsaken his sins, as was now said, is afraid to return to them again, and careful to avoid them, and all occasions of them.
• p 1.55

  In all times, companies, and conditions, not only in the time of great trouble, when even Hypocrites will in some sort be afraid of sinning, but in times of outward Peace and Prosperity.
• * 1.56

  Rom. 11. 20.
• q 1.57

  That goeth on obstinately and securely in sinful courses, casting off due reverence to God, and just fear of his threatnings and judgments.
• r 1.58

  The Lion and Bear are always cruel and greedy in their natures, and especially when they are hungry and want Prey, in which case the Lions roar, Psal. 104. 21. Isa. 31. 4. and Bears range about for it.
• s 1.59

  Instead of being a nursing Father, and a faithful and tender Shepheard, as he ought to be, he is a cruel and insatiable Oppressor and Devourer of them.
• t 1.60

  Whom he particularly men∣tions, either to note his policy in oppressing them only who were unable to withstand him, or to revenge themselves of him, or to aggravate his sin in devouring them, whom the Laws of God, and common Humanity bound him to relieve and protect; or to ex∣press the effect of his ill government, in making his people poor by his frauds and rapines.
• u 1.61

  The Tyranny or Oppression of a Prince, though by some ac∣counted Wisdom, is in truth a manifest act and sign of great folly, because it alienateth from him the Hearts of his People, in which his Honour, and Safety, and Riches consist, and oft times causeth the shortning of his days, either from God who cuts him off by some sudden judgment, or from men who are injured by him, and exasperated against him.
• x 1.62

  Which is the chief cause of all op∣pressions and unjust practices.
• y 1.63

  By Gods favour, the peace and satisfaction of his own mind, and the hearty love of his people, which makes them careful to preserve his Life by their servent Prayers to God for him, by willingly hazarding their own Estates and Lives for him, when occasion requires it, and by all other possible means.
• z 1.64

  That sheddeth any mans Blood, or taketh away his Life un∣justly.
• a 1.65

  Shall speedily be destroyed, being pursued by divine Vengeance▪ and the Horrours of a guilty Conscience, and the Avengers of Blood.
• b 1.66

  So it is a prohibition that no man should endeavour to save the Life of a wilful Murderer, either by inter∣cession, or by offering satisfaction, or any other way. Of which see Gen. 9. 6. Exod. 21. 14. Numb. 35. 31. Or, as the ancient and many other Interpreters render it, no man shall stay him: None shall desire or endeavour to save him from his deserved punish∣ment: He shall die without pity, being an object of publick hatred.
• * 1.67

  Ch. 10. 25.
• c 1.68

  To wit, from destruction, because God hath undertaken, and promised to protect him.
• d 1.69

  Heb. in two ways, of which Phrase see above on v. 6.
• e 1.70

  Once for all, so as he shall not need a second thrust, 1 Sam. 26. 8. and so as he shall never rise more. Or, in one, to wit, of his ways. Though he hath various ways and arts to secure himself, yet none of them shall save him, but he shall perish in one or other of them, and shall be given up by God to the mi∣stake of his way, that he shall chuse that course which will be most pernicious to him.
• * 1.71

  Ch. 12. 11.
• f 1.72

  Chusing their company, and imitating their Example, who gives up himself to vanity and idleness, and so is fitly opposed to the diligent man in the former clause.
• * 1.73

  Ch. 13. 11. & 20. 21. & 23. 4. 1 Tim. 6. 9.
• g 1.74

  Heb. A man of truth, or truths, who deals truly and justly in all his b•…•…rgains and transactions with men.
• * 1.75

  Ch. 13. 11. & 20. 21. & 23. 4. 1 Tim. 6. 9.
• h 1.76

  More than God al∣loweth him, that taketh the nearest and readiest way to Riches, whether it be right or▪ wrong, that is unfaithful and unjust in his dealings.
• ‖ 1.77

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• i 1.78

  Shall not obtain the blessings which be seeks, but shall bring curses and miseries upon him instead of them.
• * 1.79

  Ch. 18. 5. 24. 23.
• k 1.80

  When a Man hath once vitiated his Conscience, and accustem∣ed himself to take Bribes, a very small advantage will make him sell Justice, and his own Soul into the Bargain. The design of the Proverb is to warn men to take heed of the beginnings of that sin, and consequently of other sins.
• ‖ 1.81

  Or, he that hath▪ an evil eye, hasteth to be rich. Vers. 20. Ch. 28. 20.
• l 1.82

  Is uncharitable to Persons in want, envious towards those who get any thing, besides him, and covetous or greedy of getting Riches by all ways possible, whether just or unjust. Thus an evil Eye is taken, Prov. 23. 6. Mat. 20. 15. as a good Eye notes the contrary disposi∣tion, Prov. 22. 9.
• m 1.83

  And consequently that he shall need the pity and help of others, which he cannot expect either from God or men, who hath so hardned himself against others in mi∣sery.
• * 1.84

  Ch. 27. 6.
• n 1.85

  When he comes calmly to consider the fidelity of the re∣prover, and the benefit coming to himself by the reproof, and withal the baseness and mischief of flattery.
• n 1.86

  In his Heart, supposing that he hath a right to his Fathers goods
• † 1.87

  Heb. a Man destroying.
• o 1.88

  Either 1. he hereby sheweth that he is fallen into such wicked Society, from whom he had such counsel or example. Or 2. he is no less guilty than a Thief who robs and destroys men upon the High-way, he is a Thief and Robber, because he hath no right to the actual possession of his Fathers goods before his Death or with∣out his consent.
• * 1.89

  Ch. 13. 10.
• p 1.90

  Whose property it is to overvalue himself, and to trust to himself and his own Wit, or Wealth, or Strength.
• q 1.91

  Because he makes it his great business to advance and please himself, and ha∣teth and opposeth all that stand in his way, and despiseth other men, and is very jealous of his honour and impatient of the least slighting, or affront, or injury, and indulgeth his own passions; and therefore shall not be fat, but lean and miserable, as is imply∣ed from the opposite clause.
• r 1.92

  Which is mentioned as a plain and certain evidence of an humble Man, who is mean and vile in his own Eyes, and therefore trusts not to himself, but to God onely, making God's will, and not his own will, and passion, and interest, the rule of all his actions, and can easily deny himself, and yield to others, all which are excellent preventives of strife.
• s 1.93

  Shall live happily and comfortably, because he avoids that strife which makes mens lives miserable.
• t 1.94

  Who trusts to his own wit, neglecting or slighting the advice of others, and the counsel of God himself.
• u 1.95

  And shall receive the fruit of his folly, to wit, destruction.
• x 1.96

  Distrusting his own judgment, and seeking the advice of others, and especially of God, as all truly wise men do.
• y 1.97

  From those dangers and mischiefs which fools bring upon themselves; whereby he sheweth himself to be a wise Man.
• * 1.98

  Deut. 15. 8. Ch. 22. 9.
• z 1.99

  Shall not impoverish himself by it, as covetous men imagine or pretend, but shall be inriched, which is implied.
• ‖ 1.100

  Lest he should see poor and miserable men, and thereby be moved to pity or obliged to relieve them. So he cunningly avoids the beginnings and occasions, and provocations to Charity, teaching us to use the same caution against sin.
• † 1.101

  Partly from the Poor, whose Curses being not causless shall come upon him, and partly from God, who will curse his very Blessings, and bring him to extream want and misery.
• * 1.102

  Ver. 12. Ch. 29. 2.
• † 1.103

  Men, i. e. righteous men, as appears from the following clause, are ashamed and afraid to appear publickly; of which see on v. 12.
• ‖ 1.104

  They who were righteous do now again appear in publick, and being advanced to that power which the wicked Ru∣lers have lost, they use their Authority to encourage and promote Righteousness, and to punish Unrighteousness, whereby the number of wicked men is diminished, and the righteous are multiplied.