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19 Frequent not thy selfe with the malicious: neither bee enuious at the wicked.
Because it is a temptation very dangerous, and which greatly ouerpresseth the feeble and weake, Insomuch that it is very harde for them to keepe themselues from being brought into the same, that is, to search the familiaritie and acquaintance of the wicked be∣cause that they see them prosper with the eye according to outward apparance, and too bee vexed and greeued when they are not in so good estate as they are. For this cause, Solomon knowing the ne∣cessitie that we haue to be wel and often admonished, that we take no heede of the prosperitie of the wicked for to lust after it, and ad∣ioyne ourselues to them) is not content with these former admoni∣tions: but now agayne he admonisheth vs of the same, saying,
Frequent not with &c. This is not to say, that we can exempt ourselues from the presence of the wicked: for the Darnel shalbe amongst the good wheat, euen to the consummation of the world: But that wee purge the olde leauen, that wee couple not ourselues with Infidels, and that we be not pertakers of the vnfruitful workes of darkenesse. Wherefore let vs reioyce when wee are often war∣ned of such thinges: seeing that otherwise wee goe vnto vtter de∣struction with the wicked. For by our nature wee are of the same affection that they are, and incline to their manners, and wil not be withdrawne thefro. Wee studie on the outwarde face tempo∣rall and transitory: wee regarde that ordinarily the wicked floorish and prosper, and it seemeth to vs that they are exempt from all dangers, al afflictions, and al aduersities, wherewith the iust are as it were ouerthrowne: insomuch that it seemeth they shal neuer re∣couer it. But the iust at the last shalbe raised vp, as they hope: for there shalbe an ende of their euils: as wee haue seene it.
Contrariwise, wischiefes shal assayle the wicked of the which they shal neuer rid themselues, and shalbee ouerwhelmed there∣with, that there shal remaine no worke of their prosperitie, Solo∣mon pronounceth it so, when hee saith.