The proverbs of Solomon paraphrased with the arguments of each chapter, which supply the place of a commentary / by Symon Patrick ...

CHAP. III.

ARGUMENT.

In this Chapter he continues to press obedience to the precepts of Wisedom; from the considera∣tion of the Benefits that are to be reaped thereby. Which he began to speak of in the foregoing Chapter (touching also there upon the mischiefs on the contrary side) but here handles more largely; and explains it not onely in general but in several particular Precepts: for instance, liberality to God's Ministers, v. 9, 10. patience in adversity, v. 11, 12. the foundation of which is an in∣tire trust in God and his Fidelity, who will honour those that honour Him, in his Mini∣sters; and never desert those in their trouble, who doe good when they are in their prospe∣rity, v. 5, 6.

After these things he returns to the general Exhortation, v. 13, &c. advising every one to learn the Doctrine delivered by God, and to be obedient; and not to be so foolish, as to prefer their own wisedom or craft before it. To which he adds Promises, and Commina∣tions; together with several Advices; which I need not note particularly, because they lie plainly before their eyes who will reade the Chapter.

I shall onely observe that he represents Wisedom [a] (v. 16, 17, &c.) that is, Religion and Vertue, as other Authours have done (par∣ticularly Cebes in his Tables) in the shape of a beautifull Woman, or rather Queen; with her Arms extended, in the posture not onely of directing, but also of rewarding her Lovers and Followers. For she holds forth in her Right hand the great blessings of Health, and length of days, unto all those that will walk in the way to which she points. And it was but just to place this in her Right hand, that is, to give it the precedence; be∣cause it was the chief promise of the Law; and indeed the most desirable of all earthly Blessings, without which nothing can be in∣joyed; no not our selves.

And then, after this, follows Wealth and Repu∣tation; things that Mankind mightily covet; which he places in her Left hand; as inferi∣our Blessings, but that come also from her gift.

And as for cheerfulness in all conditions, there are no Pleasures he affirms like those, which wait upon her, and attend her motions. Safe and secure Pleasures; which do not merely gratify us for the present, and then expose us to danger and leave us sad afterward: but give us a peaceable possession of perpetual joy; which never dies nor decays, but, like the Tree of Life, remains fresh for ever. This he proves v. 19, 20. and amplifies in the rest of the Chapter.

[b] In which some observe three Proverbial Sayings: One v. 8. which seems to be but a metaphorical representation of that firmness, that vigorous health, and chearfulness of mind, which Vertue imparts: the other in v. 12. [c] whom the Lord loveth he cor∣recteth; which Theodoret upon XII. Hebr. 6. calls indeed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Prover∣bial Admonition, belonging to such Parents, Guardians and Masters, as are carefull of those committed to their charge: but he names it so, I suppose, onely because he found it in the Book of the Proverbs. The last in v. 18. [d] Tree of Life: which seems to be a Proverbial Speech (used afterward more than once in this Book) for that which pro∣longs Life; and makes it very delightfull and pleasant, as well as firm and durable: If we understand it of Christ, the wisedom of God, (as Origen, Saint Ambrose, Saint Austin and others do) or of his Doctrine, which is the same: it is literally true that He gives immortality, as the Tree of Life in Paradise would have done.

1. MY son, forget not my Law; but let thine heart keep my command∣ments.

1. LET me then again in∣treat thee, whoever thou art that comest to learn of me (who loveth thee with a Fatherly affection) not to be careless and negli∣gent in the observance of

these Instructions: but re∣member them, and love them, and set thy self hear∣tily to doe whatsoever I com∣mand thee.

2. For length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add to thee.

2. For this is the surest way to that which all men naturally desire, and seek to attain: a long Life, in firm health, vigor and strength; with all manner of happiness and prosperity, XXX. Deut. 18, 20.

3. Let not mer∣cy and truth for∣sake thee: bind them about thy neck, write them upon the table of thine heart.

3. Of this thou canst not miss, if thou wilt be stedfast∣ly good and just; for the in∣finite bounty of God, and his faithfulness to his Promises will secure these Blessings to thee: therefore let my Com∣mandments be ever before thine eyes; fix them in thy Memory, and in thy Affec∣tions, as if they were ingra∣ven upon thy Heart; and look upon it as the greatest ornament to be obedient to them.

4. So shalt thou find favour and good understan∣ding in the sight of God and man.

4. Which is as much, as if I had bidden thee acquire favour with God; and un∣derstand, on all occasions,

what is good for thy self: ordering all thy Affairs with such judgment and pru∣dence, as to be in high e∣steem with Him and with Men.

5. ¶ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thy own under∣standing.

5. ¶ And assure thy self there is no rule of prudence like to this, to confide in God intirely; and to depend wholly on his Providence, for good success in well do∣ing: not imagining that by thy own wit and policy, thou canst contrive such e∣vents as thou desirest, and bring about what thou de∣signest.

6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

6. No, in all thy under∣takings both private and pub∣lick, be sensible of his over∣ruling Power; observe his Laws; and implore his fa∣vour and blessing: and He shall guide thee in thy pro∣ceedings; and bring them to an happy issue, as He in his Wisedom sees best for thee.

7. ¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and de∣part from evil.

7. ¶ Never be guilty of such folly, as to conceit thine own wit to be so great, that thou canst manage things

thereby in thine own way (neglecting the Rules that He hath prescribed thee) to thy satisfaction: but have a religious regard to Him, who can either disappoint or pro∣sper thee, as he pleases; and, fearing to offend his Majesty, avoid most cautiously those practices that He hath for∣bidden thee.

8. It shall be health to thy na∣vel, and marrow to thy bones.

8. This is the way to pre∣serve a good habit both of Soul and Body: and in all conditions to remain unde∣jected; nay, cheerfull and fully satisfied, whatsoever happens. See Arg. [b]

9. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase.

9. As for example, there are those who think it pru∣dence to save all they can; though it be by robbing God Himself: But, if thou wilt be truly wise and happy, ho∣nour Him in his Ministers, by paying them their tithes duly; and bringing oblations to his house at the three so∣lemn Feasts; (XXIII. Exod. 14, 15.) together with the first-fruits of all that thy E∣state produces (XXII. Exod.

29, 30.) in token of thy gratitude to Him, and that all thou hast is his, and can∣not thrive without his Bles∣sing.

10. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

10. Which He will powr upon thee abundantly; and convince thee, by lading the Earth with Fruit, and sen∣ding a seasonable as well as plentifull Harvest and Vin∣tage, that this is the way, not to diminish but, to en∣crease the Estate which God hath given thee. XXVIII. Deut. 4, 5. 2 Chron. XXXI. 10.

11. ¶ My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD: neither be weary of his correction.

11. ¶ And suppose it be his pleasure that any affliction should befall thee; My Son, (v. 1.) let not that dissatisfy thee; nor make thee, either doubt of his gracious Provi∣dence over thee, or out of impatience take any unlaw∣full course to remove it from thee.

12. For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth, even as a father the son, in whom he delighteth.

12. But rather submit un∣to it, as a part of his Father∣ly Discipline, which cannot hurt thee; but onely correct something that is amiss in

thee: For we are sure He loves those that keep his Commandments; and there∣fore nothing that proceeds from his love ought to be de∣spised; or received with an abject mind; but duly estee∣med by them, and raise their expectation of some good from the affliction: which should no more make Him suspected of any unkindness, than a tender Parent is, when he whips the Child in whom he delights; and to whom he wishes so well, that he will not let him be unchastised. See Arg. [c]

13. ¶ Happy is the man that findeth wisedom, and the man that getteth understan∣ding.

13. ¶ Happy, more hap∣py than can be expressed, is that man, who attains to this degree of wisedom; and ac∣quires (though it cost him the greatest pains and la∣bour) such an understanding of God and belief of his Pro∣vidence, as, notwithstanding any troubles that befall him, still to adhere unto Him in faithfull obedience. (v. 7.)

14. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of sil∣ver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

14. If it were to be bought for money, one would pur∣chase

it at any rate: for the profit of it is infinitely to be preferred, before all the ad∣vantages that can be made by silver and gold.

15. She is more precious than ru∣bies: and all the things thou canst desire, are not to be compared unto her.

15. The most precious Pearls are not so valuable: nor can our boundless Fancy present any thing to our Wishes, that is worthy to come in competition with it.

16. Length of days is in her right hand: and in her left hand riches and honour.

16. For true Wisedom presents us, as we say, with both hands: teaching us in the first place such prudence and moderation, as by the Divine Blessing prolong our days (which none of those things can doe for us) and in the next place, adds both riches and honour; which men foolishly and vainly seek to get and to keep by other means. See Arg. [a]

17. Her ways are ways of plea∣santness, and all her paths are peace.

17. And besides all this, there is a singular pleasure, nay the highest delight, in all the acts of Vertue to which Wisedom directs her Followers: who are always, either in perfect sasety by

well-doing; or, if any trou∣ble come upon them, have that inward tranquility and satisfaction, which nothing else could give them.

18. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her; and happy is every one that retaineth her.

18. In short, Wisedom leads into a Paradise; and supplies the place of that Tree of Life, from whence our first Parents were ba∣nished: that is, gives not onely a present, but an im∣mortal satisfaction, to all those that strongly appre∣hend and retain her Precepts; and therefore I again pro∣nounce him happy (v. 13.) above all other men, and above all expression, who constantly and firmly ad∣heres unto them. See Ar∣gument [d]

19. The LORD by wisedom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

19. For they are a partici∣pation of that wonderfull Wisedom and Understan∣ding, whereby the Lord set∣led the Earth, in that place where it remains fixed; and disposed the heavenly Bodies in that admirable and un∣changeable order, which He would have us imitate.

20. By his know∣ledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

20. In works of mercy and goodness especially: whereby we plainly commu∣nicate with Him in that knowledge, by which the Lord made fountains of wa∣ter gush out of the Earth, for the use of all living Crea∣tures; and the Clouds drop down plentifully their re∣freshing dews, for the che∣rishing of Plants and Grass, which in hot Countries ma∣ny times have no other moi∣sture.

21. ¶ My son, let not them de∣part from thine eyes: keep sound wisedom and dis∣cretion.

21. ¶ My Son (to whom my affection is so great that I cannot but again repeat it, v. 1. 11.) let me prevail with thee to fix these good instruc∣tions in thy mind: look up∣on them as the most solid Wisedome, and the greatest cunning and policy; and ac∣cordingly observe them.

22. So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

22. For they will revive and chear thee, when other things fail thee: and inable thee also with acceptable words to comfort those, whom the fame of thy Wise∣dom shall invite to learn of thee.

23. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall nor stumble.

23. When thou goest abroad about thy business thou shalt dispatch it the more cheerfully; because thou art sure of God's Provi∣dence over thee: and wise∣dom will direct thee to avoid those stumbling blocks, by which others fall into sin and danger.

24. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be a∣fraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

24. And when thou comest home to rest from thy labours, thou shalt not be troubled with fear of what may hap∣pen, whilst thou art asleep; but (having nothing within to discompose thee) shalt lie down securely, and, by a sound and sweet repose, be refreshed to return to thy employments.

25. Be not a∣fraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh.

25. In which, if thou shouldst be interrupted by any rumours and reports of unexpected and approaching danger, let not that disturb thee: no, though thou shouldst see the Wicked rea∣dy to lay all waste, or the Divine Vengeance bringing utter desolation upon them for their wickedness.

26. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

26. For a firm hope in the Lord shall be thy support, even when thou art in a tot∣tering condition: nay, when thy skill quite sails thee, and thou knowest not what to doe for thy safety; He shall so direct and guide thee, that thou shalt be preserved from falling into the hands of those that lie in wait to destroy thee.

27. ¶ With∣hold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

27. ¶ And, as it will give thee great security of mind and confidence in God at such a time, not to be conscious to thy self of any wrong done to thy Neigh∣bour, by denying to pay thy just debts, when thou art able; so the remem∣brance of having done good to others will be a far grea∣ter: and therefore let me ad∣vise thee to take a special care, not to withhold relief from those, whose needs in-title them unto it; when thou canst not pretend disa∣bility, but hast wherewith∣all to do it.

28. Say not un∣to thy neighbour, Go, and come a∣gain, and to mor∣row I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

28. And, as thou wouldst not have God to defer his help, in such distresses as I spake of (v. 25, 26.) so do not thou put off thy Neigh∣bour, when he begs a kind∣ness of thee, saying; I can∣not now; come another time; to morrow thou shalt see what I will doe for thee: when if thou hadst a heart to it, thou couldst supply him now, as well as then; and who can tell what shall be to morrow.

29. Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth secure∣ly by thee.

29. And let not the quiet∣ness of any Man's temper, much less the confidence he hath of thy honesty and goodness, tempt thee to con∣trive any mischief to him: for the more securely he re∣lies on thy vertue, and the less mistrust he hath of any harm from thee, the greater wickedness it will be, so much as to have it in thy thoughts to doe him any in∣jury.

30. ¶ Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

30. ¶ For instance, do not bring false Actions a∣gainst any Neighbour, nor

vex him with causless or unnecessary Suits at Law: no, nor so much as pretend a cause for quarrelling and falling out with him, when he hath done nothing to de∣serve it of thee.

31. ¶ Envy thou not the op∣pressour, and chuse none of his ways.

31. ¶ And what though thou shouldst see men thrive by oppression and violence, let not that provoke thee to emulate them; that is, to wish thy self in their condi∣tion, by imitating them in any of their injurious procee∣dings.

32. For the fro∣ward is abominati∣on to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

32. For he that perversely departs from all the rules of truth and justice, is above all expression abominable to the Lord; even in his highest prosperity: but the Lord is a Friend to men of sincere integrity; who know the secret of his Providence in raising those wicked Oppres∣sours so high, that they may have the more dreadfull fall.

33. ¶ The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habita∣tion of the just.

33. ¶ The evil doer is un∣der the curse of the Lord, though he live in the most stately Palace: but just and

good men ought to look up∣on themselves as under his care and blessing; and there∣fore very happy in the mea∣nest Cottage.

34. ¶ Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace to the lowly.

34. ¶ Those proud Op∣pressours and Scoffers at good Men, he will undoubtedly, not onely confound but, ex∣pose to scorn, and make them ridiculous in the eyes of the World: but cause the humble, modest and meek (who bare even their insolent scoffs patiently) to be had in honour and highly esteemed.

35. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

35. They may be despised and debased for a time, but in the issue they shall be ac∣counted the onely wise Men; and leave an excellent never-dying fame behind them: when those impious Men shall be famous for nothing, but the shame and disgrace that shall fall upon them.