Annotations upon all the books of the Old and New Testament wherein the text is explained, doubts resolved, Scriptures parallelled and various readings observed / by the joynt-labour of certain learned divines, thereunto appointed, and therein employed, as is expressed in the preface.

ANNOTATIONS On the Book of PROVERBS. (Book Proverbs)

The ARGUMENT.

IT appears, 1 King. 4. 32. that Solomon spake three thousand Proverbs: Of all which, these onely remain that are written in this Book, wherein are many excellent sentences, besides many directions, not onely in matters of pietie, but also of morality and civilitie, and houshold office▪ and affairs. To all which, the great, and wise King was content to condescend for the good of Gods Church and people. He speaks one while in his own name, another while in his fathers, then in wisdoms, else where in his mothers, and sometimes in Gods Name. So he shews, whence he received so much wisdom, and how willing he was to communicate it. The particulars see in notes on Chap. 4. 4. Who so reads this Book, that he attains to the writers intention, set out in the six first verses of the first chapter, shall never repent of his pains.

CHAP. I.

Vers. 1. THe Proverbs] That is, grave, short, usefull, and famous sentences, that men may search out the true sense, and they may receive the deeper impression in them.

V. 2. To know wisdom] To teach us to know the truth of God. This verse is for theoricall know∣ledge, as the next is for practicall.

V. 3. To receive the instruction of wisdom] That we may learn how to carry our selves wisely, and justly toward all men.

and equitie] Heb. equities: That is, all kinde of equitie, or equitie in all causes, 2 Thes. 2. 17. Heb. 13. 21.

V. 4. To give subtiltie to the simple] To such as have no dis∣cretion to rule themselves, and like children are ready to be∣leeve every thing, Eph. 4. 14.

discretion] Or, advisement.

V. 5. A wise man will hear] Or, That the wise man may hear, &c. As he sheweth, that these Proverbs containing the effect of religion, as touching manners and doctrine, do appertain to the simple people: so doth he declare, that the same is also necessary for them that are wise and learned.

unto wise counsels] To guide others, as ship-masters do at sea: for so the word signifies.

V. 6. To understand] Or, Make to understand.

To understand a proverb] Or, To make others understand.

the interpretation] Or, an eloquent speech.

V. 7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge] Job 28. 28. Psal. 111. 10. Chap. 9. 10. As the foundation is the beginning of the house, and upholds all the rest.

the beginning] Or, the principall part.

fools despise wisdom and instruction] Psal. 14. 1.

V. 8. of thy father] Parents should instruct their children in the fear of God, before they go out into the wide world, (for they may think masters speak for their own profit) and children observe what their parents have so taught them, when they are gone from them, Jere. 35. 8.

of thy mother] Mothers instruction must be hearkned to, as well as the fathers, Chap. 30. 17. and 31. 1.

V. 9. an ornament] Heb. an adding.

and chains about thy neck] Nothing shall be a greater orna∣ment to thee in the sight of others.

neck] Heb. throats: That is, both sides of the throat.

V. 10. if sinners enti••e thee] To wit, the wicked which have not the fear of God: spoken of verse 7.

V. 11. let us lay wait for blood] Jere. 5. 26. He speaketh not onely of the shedding of blood with the hand, but also of all crafty practices, which tend to the detriment of our neigh∣bours life, or livelihood, Psal. 10. 8. and 17. 12.

V. 12. Let us swallow them up alive] Without any sign of blood, as if they had died a naturall death: or, so as no man may know what is become of them. Thus they provide for their own safety: or, so suddenly, as if this went quick down their throat. See Psal. 124.

as the grave] As the grave is never satiate, so the avarice of the wicked, and their cruelty hath no end, Chap. 30. 16.

V. 14. let us all have one purse] He sheweth whereby the wicked are allured to joyn together. Every one hopes to have part of the spoil of the innocent.

V. 15. My son, walk not thou in the way with them] Chap. 4. 14.

from their path] That is, have nothing at all to do with them, Psal. 1. 1.

V. 16. For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood] Isai. 59. 7. Rom. 3. 15.

V. 17. Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird] Heb. Surely without cause the net is spread in the sight of any bird: yet men lay wait for their blood, and lurk privily for their lives. So are the wayes, &c. That is, as men seek to kill birds to eat them, though the birds provoke them not: so do wicked men seek to kill such as never offended them, that they may have their wealth. This is an inhumane course: Therefore my son have nothing to do with these wicked men.

in vain] Or, without cause, Vers. 11. chap 3. 30.

in the sight of any bird] Heb. in the eyes of every thing that hath a wing.

V. 19. which taketh away the life of the owners thereof] Ra∣ther then they will lose their gain, they will adde murther to covetousnesse, 1 Tim. 6. 10.

V. 20. Wisdom] Heb. wisdoms; that is, excellent wisdom.

Wisdom crieth without] Chap. 8. 1. This wisdom is the eter∣nall word of God.

in the streets] Places of most frequent concourse: so that none can pretend ignorance.

V. 22. ye simple ones] Wisdom reproveth three kindes of men: simple ones, which erre of ignorance: mockers, that scoff at knowledge: fools, that hate instruction.

V. 24. Because I have called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded] Isai. 65. 12. and 66. 4. Jere. 7. 13. Ezek. 8. 18.

I have stretched out my hand] A gesture of such as made pro∣clamation, to get attention, Isai. 65. 2. Acts 21. 40.

V. 26. I also will laugh at your calamitie] This is spoken according to our capacity, signifying, That the wicked, which mock and jest at Gods word, shall have the just reward of their mocking, being required in the same kinde.

V. 27. When your fear cometh] That is, your destruction, which you feared, Chap. 10. 24.

V. 28. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not finde me.] Job 27. 9. Isai. 1. 15. Jere. 1. 11. and 14. 12. Mic. 3. 4.

but they shall not finde me] Because they sought not with sin∣cere affection to God, but for ease onely of their own grief.

V. 30. They would none of my counsel] Psal. 81. 11, 12.

V. 31. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.] Chap. 14. 14.

of the fruit of their own way] They shall feel what commo∣dity their wicked life shall give them.

V. 32. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them] Turning away from my counsells, verse 25.

turning away of the simple] Or, ease of the simple.

the prosperity of fools shall destroy them] Prosperity abused to sensuality, wherein they delight by reason of their wealth, Psal. 69. 22.

CHAP. II.

Vers. 1. MY son, if thou wilt receive my words, and ••ide my commandments with thee] Chap. 7. 1.

hide my commandments with thee] That is, keep them in thine heart, as treasure, Psal. 119. 11.

V. 2. apply thine heart to understanding] If thou give thy self seriously to seek the true knowledge of God without hypo∣crisie.

V. 3. if thou criest after knowledge] It is not enough to be willing to learn wisdom, but we must pray earnestly to God for it, and spare for no cost or labour, whereby it may be obtained.

liftest up thy voice] Heb. givest thy voice.

V. 4. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her, as for hid treasures] Matth. 13. 44.

V. 5. and finde the knowledge of God] He sheweth us, that true wisdom is to know and fear God.

V. 6. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding, 1 Kings 3. 9. Jam. 1. 5.

V. 7. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous] God pro∣videth sound wisdom for good men, which is as a buckler to defend them, that they may walk safely in good wayes: and God preserves them therein.

V. 8. He keepeth] Heb. To keep.

V. 9. Then shalt thou understand righteousnesse, and judgement, and equity; yea, every good path] Chap. 1. 3.

Then shalt thou understand righteousnesse] As wisdom will teach us how to carry our selves well towards God, vers. 5. So likewise towards man, in this verse: For holy hearts are best sitted to understand holy things, Psal. 25. 12. John 7. 17.

V. 11. Discretion shall preserve thee] It shall teach thee how to govern thy self, and to keep thee from sinfull wayes, and dangers thereupon ensuing.

V. 13. Who leave the paths of uprightnesse] The right wayes prescribed in Gods word, which is the onely light, they leave to follow their own fantasies.

the wayes of darknesse] John 3. 19, 20. Eph. 5. 11.

V. 14. and delight in the forwardnesse of the wicked] Perversly wicked, walking crosse to God and good men, Levit. 26. 21. Psal. 18. 27.

V. 16. To deliver thee] As descretion will deliver us from evill men, verse 12. so likewise from evil women, in this verse.

from the strange woman] That is, not thy wife, nor thou may∣est not meddle with. So strange fire, Num. 3. 4. No stranger, Num. 1. 51.

even from the stranger which flattereth with her words] Chap. 5. 3. and 7. 5.

from the stranger] Who is as bad as one of a strange nation, whom God had forbidden them to touch, 1 King. 11. 1, 2.

V. 17. the guide of her youth] That is, her husband, who married her in her youth, whose office is to guide her, and to whom she ought to be subject, 1 Pet. 3. 7.

the covenant of her God] The promise made in marriage, whereof God is both the author, and witnesse, Mal. 2. 14.

V. 18. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead] Chap. 7. 27.

her house inclineth unto death] The courses used in her house, bring men to untimely ends.

V. 19. None that go unto her, return again] Those that are so entangled, seldom get free again, Eccles. 7. 26.

V. 20. That thou mayest walk in the way of good men] Chap. 13. 20. Discretion will keep thee from evill men, vers. 12. and evill women, vers. 16. that thou mayest walk in good wayes, in this verse.

V. 21. For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it] Psal. 37. 29.

the u••right shall dwell in the land] They shall prosper in the world, when wicked men, especially adulterers, waste their e∣state, and come to nothing, Chap. 6. 26.

the perfect shall remain in it] Heb. shall be left in it: To wit, when wicked men come to untimely ends.

V. 22. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressours shall be rooted out of it] Job 18. 17. Psal. 104. 35.

rooted out] Or, pluckt up.

CHAP. III.

Vers. 1. FOrget not my law] Forget not to do it, for God accounts those that do not his law, forgetters of it.

but let thine heart keep my commandments] Deuter. 8. 1. and 30. 16.

V. 2. length of dayes] Long life is the blessing of God, which he giveth to his, so far forth, as it is ••xpedient for them, Psal. 91. 16.

long life] Heb. yeers of life.

and peace shall they adde to thee] Psal. 119. 165.

V. 3. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee] Deal mercifully and truely with all men.

binde them about thy neck] Exod. 13. 9. Deut. 6. 8. Chap. 2. 9. Keep those vertues as most precious jewels.

upon the table of thine heart] Have them ever in remem∣brance.

V. 4. So shalt thou finde favour, and good understanding in the fight of God and man] Psal. 111. 10.

good understanding] Or, good successe.

V. 5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart] Psal. 37. 3.

lean not unto thine own understanding] Nor to thy str••ngth, nor riches, nor friends. But he names understanding, because most men are deceived by trusting to their own wits.

V. 6. In all thy wayes acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths] 1 Chron. 28. 9.

In all thy wayes acknowledge him] Use Gods counsell in all thy actions, and do nothing contrary to his will.

V. 7. Be not wise in thine own eyes] Rom. 12. 16.

fear the Lord, and depart from evil] Chap. 16. 6. Job 1. 1.

V. 8. It shall be health to thy navel] Under these two parts he comprehendeth the whole body, as by health and marrow, he meaneth all the corporall benefits promised in the law.

health] Heb. medicine.

marrow] Heb. watering, or, moystening, Job 21. 24.

V. 9. Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first∣fruits of all thine increase] Exod. 23. 19. and 34. 26. Deut. 26. 2, &c. Mal. 3. 10, &c. Luke 14. 13.

and with the first-fruits of all thine increase] As was com∣manded in the law: and by this they acknowledged, that God was the giver of all things, and that they were ready to bestow all at his commandment.

V. 10. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty] Deut. 28. 8.

thy presses shall burst out with new wine] To pay or give what God appoints, is not the way to impoverish men, but to in∣rich them.

V. 11. My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord: neither be weary of his correction] Job 5. 17. Heb. 12. 5. Revel. 3. 19.

despise not the chastening of the Lord] Do not set light by Gods rods, but make a good use of them: neither be too much cast down under them, for they come for thy good.

V. 12. even as a father the son, in whom he delighteth] Deut. 8. 5.

V. 13. and the man that getteth understanding] Heb. draweth it out: To wit, out of the well of Gods word.

the man that getteth understanding] Heb. the man that draweth out understanding.

V. 14. For the merchandise of it is better then the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof then fine gold] Job 28. 15, &c. Psal. 19. 10. Chap. 8. 11, 19. and 16. 16.

For the merchandise of it is better then the merchandise of silver] The gain that men get by using it, as merchants do by traf∣fick.

V. 16. Length of dayes is in her right hand] He compareth wisedom to a queen, that holds long life in one hand, and wealth and honour in the other, to give plentifully to her ser∣vants.

V. 17. Her wayes are wayes of pleasantnesse] The man that walks wisely, shall enjoy true pleasure, and felicity.

V. 18. She is a tree of life] Which bringeth forth such fruit, that they that eat thereof have life. He alludeth to the tree of life in Paradise, Gen. 2. 9. Revel. 2. 7.

happy is every one that retaineth her] Chap. 8. 34.

V. 19. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth] It shews Gods great wisdom, that could found the earth so surely, that it abides, Psal. 24. 2.

established] Or, prepared.

V. 20. By his knowledge the depths are broken up] Those deep places, into which the waters were driven at the beginning, Gen. 1. 9.

V. 22. So shall they be life unto thy soul] Without wisdom then, the soul lacks life, and the body wants ornament.

V. 23. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble] Psal. 37. 24. and 91. 11, 12.

Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely] Thou shalt prosperous∣ly effect all thy businesse in the day, and after it is done, thou shall sleep quietly in the night.

V. 25. Be not afraid] Or, Thou shalt not be afraid, Vers. 24. Psal. 121. 3.

neither of the desolation of the wicked] For when God de∣stroyeth the wicked, he will save his, as he did Lot in Sodom.

when it cometh] Or, that it should come: To wit, upon thee.

V. 27. them to whom it is due] Heb. the owners thereof.

V. 28. Go, and come again] Pay thy debts upon demand, if thou be able, and defer not payment.

and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee] Levit. 19. 13. Deut. 24. 15.

V. 29. Devise not evil] Or, practise no evil.

seeing] Or, when.

seeing he dwelleth securely by thee] Seeing he fears no ill from thee, and therefore cannot prevent it.

V. 30. Strive not with a man without cause] Out of pride, or covetousnesse.

V. 31. Envy thou not the oppressour] Psal. 37. 1. Desire not to be like unto him in oppression, that thou mayest be as rich as he.

the oppressour] Heb. a man of violence.

V. 32. but his secret is with the righteous] Psal. 25. 14. That is, his covenant, and fatherly affection, which is hid, and secret from the world.

V. 33. The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked] Mal. 2. 2.

V. 34. Surely he scorneth the scorners] Jam. 4. 6. 1 Pet. 5. 5. He will shew by his plagues, that their scorns shall turn to their own destruction, as Chap. 1. 26. Psal. 18. 26.

Surely] Heb. If.

but] Or, yet.

he giveth grace unto the lowly] He makes them to finde favour with men, as Exod. 3. 21. and 11. 3. and 12. 36.

V. 35. shall be the promotion of fools] Heb. exalteth the fools.

CHAP. IIII.

Vers. 1. THe instruction of a father] Of me, who take on me the person of a father, and love all you young men, as if ye were mine own children.

V. 2. good doctrine] The Hebrew word comes from recei∣ving, to shew, that we are ignorant of our selves, and are bound to receive good instruction, when it is offered by others.

forsake you not my law] My precepts, which are not onely doctrinall instructions, but also rules of life appointed by God, as a divine law.

V. 3. For I was my fathers son] My father taught me, and I hearkened to him: so I teach you, and expect that you should hearken unto me.

tender and onely beloved in the sight of my mother] 1 Chron. 29. 1.

onely beloved in the sight of my mother] Beloved, is well ad∣ded, to shew her singular affection to Solomon, as if she had had no more children; yet had she three more, 1 Chron. 3. 5. Gen. 22. 2.

V. 4. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments and live] 1 Chron. 28. 9.

He taught me also] Meaning, David his father: It is pro∣bable, that the sum of Davids instructions, he sets down from hence, to the end of the seventh chapter: and then brings in wisdom, speaking in the eighth and ninth chapter: and from thence, to the end of the twentieth fourth chapter, he sets down those Proverbs of his own, which he had set in order in his life time. Then to the end of the twentie ninth chapter, are added Solomons Proverbs, gathered by Hezekias servants. In the thirtieth chapter, is the prophecie of Agur. In the thir∣tie one chapter, the instruction Solomons mother taught him.

V. 5. Get wisdom] In the fifth and sixth verses, he requires that we should purchase wisdom, lay it up in the memory, as in a store-house, not go aside from it on either hand, but obey it constantly, out of love.

V. 7. Wisdom is the principall thing] In Hebrew it is thus, The beginning of wisdom is this, Purchase wisdom, yea, with all thy possessions purchase understanding: That is, he that will get wisdom, must first resolve to stick at no price, Matthew 13. 44.

V. 8. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee] Have it in high account, and then thou shalt prosper. Worldlings do con∣trary, they make low account of wisdom, and seek it last, or not at all.

V. 9. an ornament of grace] Chap. 1. 9.

a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee] Or, she shall compasse thee with a crown of glory.

V. 11. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom] Solomon de∣clareth what care his father had to bring him up in the true fear of God: for this was Davids protestation, which Solomon now repeats.

I have led thee in right paths] Heb. made thee to go: That is, assisted thee by calling upon thee.

V. 12. thy steps shall not be strained] Thou shalt walk at li∣berty without offence.

and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble] Psal. 91. 11, 12.

V. 14. Enter not into the path of the wicked] Psal. 1. 1. Chap. 1. 10, 15.

and go not in the way of evil men] Come not into it at all, or if by force of temptation thou be brought into it, go not forward in it, but get out of it quickly.

V. 15. by it] Heb. through it.

V. 16. For they sleep not except they have done mischief] Mea∣ning, that to do evill, is more proper and naturall to the wicked, then to sleep, eat, or drink, Psal. 36. 4.

unlesse they cause some to fall] Into povertie, as verse 17.

V. 17. they eat the bread of wickednesse] Chap. 9. 17. and 20. 17.

the wine of violence] Heb. violences. That is, gotten by wicked means, and most cruell oppression, Amos 2. 8.

V. 18. unto the perfect day] Psal. 37. 6. Signifying, that the godly encrease daily in honour, till they come to perfection.

V. 19. they know not at what they stumble] Like men in the dark they can foresee no dangers, much lesse prevent them, Isa. 59. 10. John 11. 10. 1 John 2. 11.

V. 21. Let them not depart from thine eyes] Chap. 3. 3, 21. Or, Let them not make them to depart: That is, let not the wicked (mentioned, verse 19.) make thee neglect obedience to God.

V. 22. and health to all their flesh] That is, they shall have health of body: under the which, all other blessings of this

life, promised in the law, are contained. See Notes on chap. 3. 8.

health] Heb. medicine.

V. 23. Keep thy heart with all diligence] As men keep the heart most of all from wounding, because the wound of it is mor∣tall; so must they, in spirituall affairs, look principally to their thoughts, and afterwards to their tongues, eyes and feet.

with all diligence] Heb. above all keeping.

out of it are the issues of life] Thence comes life naturall, spirituall and eternall.

V. 24. a froward mouth, and perverse lips] Heb. frowardnesse of mouth, and perversenesse of lips.

V. 25. Let thine eyes look right on] Look to thy way, like a tra∣veller, and look not aside: weigh thy actions beforehand by Gods word: keep the mean, and avoid both extremes.

V. 26. let all thy ways be established] Or, all thy ways shall be ordered aright.

V. 27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left] Deut. 5. 32. Josh. 1. 7.

CHAP. V.

Vers. 2. DIscretion] Heb. discretions: that is, all manner of discretion.

that thy lips may keep knowledge] That thou mayest not onely be wise thy self, but also able to teach others wisedom, Mal. 2. 7.

V. 3. For the lips] I warn thee to hearken to my words, lest thou be deceived by the words of the adulteresse.

a strange woman] See Notes on chap. 2. v. 16.

For the lips of a strange woman, &c.] Chap. 2. 16. and 6. 24.

mouth] Heb. palate.

smoother then oil] By oil and honey, he meaneth flattering and crafty enticements, psal. 55. 21.

V. 4. her end is bitter as wormwood] That which will come upon thee, if thou meddle with the adulteresse.

end is bitter] 2 Sam. 2. 26.

V. 5. Her feet go down to death] Chap. 7. 27. All her doings lead to destruction.

V. 6. her ways are moveable] She hath ever new means to al∣lure to wickednesse, so that men cannot discern their danger, nor think of returning to good ways.

V. 7. O ye children] O Solomon, and the rest of my sons: for they are Davids words. See Notes on chap. 4. v. 4, 11.

V. 8. come not nigh the door of her house] As from an house infected with the plague: come not nigh the door.

V. 9. Lest thou give thine honour unto others] Lest thou be dis∣honoured by adultery, and her husband slay thee, chap. 6. v. 32, 34.

V. 10. thy wealth] Heb. thy strength.

and thy labours be in the house of a stranger] Lest she, her hus∣band and her children spend those goods which thou hast got∣ten with hard labour.

V. 11. And thou mourn at the last] Roar like a lion: as if he were going to hell; he hath more horrour now, then joy be∣fore.

when thy flesh and thy body are consumed] By some soul disease, which follows loose persons in that kinde, Job 20. 11.

V. 12. How have I] How brutish was I to do so, psal. 73. 22. Now he seeth his errour, though late first.

hated instruction] He sheweth the true cause of continuing in adultery, to be, hatred of instruction, although no adulterer in his health will confesse so much.

V. 14. in the midst of the congregation] I was made a publike spectacle of misery for all men to gaze at, and almost utterly ruined.

V. 15. of thine own ••istern] Get a wife of thine own, and delight in her, to extinguish the fire of lust in a clear well, and not in dirty puddles, which strumpets are.

V. 16. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad] Let thy children lawfully begotten be married about into other families with credit, which bastards cannot; for few of credit will joyn with them.

fountains] Or, springs, as psal. 87. 7.

V. 17. Let them be onely thine own] Let it not be doubtfull whether they be thine or other mens, as it is with the children of adulterers.

V. 18. Let thy fountain be blessed] So God will blesse thy wife, and make her fruitfull.

rejoyce with the wife of thy youth] Which thou didst marry in thy youth, and so mayest have lawfull children by her to rejoyce in, chap. 2. 17. Mal. 2. 14.

V. 19. Let her be as the loving hinde] Heb. as the hinde of loves: that is, as the most beloved or amiable hinde. So, a man of re∣proofs: that is, oft reproved, chap. 29. 1.

let her brests satisfie thee] Heb. make thee drunk. Let them give thee abundance of content.

sati〈…〉〈…〉 thee] Heb. water thee.

at all times] Not by fits▪ as men take content in strumpets.

be thou ra••isht always with her love] Heb. erre thou always in her love. As the hart wanders up and down when he misseth his best beloved hinde. It requires abundance of affection from the husband to the wife.

V. 20. And why wilt thou] Seeing there is so many inconve∣niences in adultery, and conveniences in marriage, Why shouldest thou be taken so with the adulteresse?

a strange woman] See Notes on chap. 2. 16.

V. 21. For] Or, Seeing that.

For the ways of man] If the former reasons will not draw thee from adultery, yet let the consideration of Gods judge∣ments do it.

before the eyes of the Lord] Though men see not thy adulte∣ry, yet God doth, and will punish thee for it, Heb. 13. 4.

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord] Job 31. 4. and 34. 21. Chap. 15. 3. Jer. 16. 17. and 32. 19. Heb. 4. 13.

V. 22. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself] Every grosse wicked person; but especially the adulterer.

with the cords of his sins] Chap. 29. 6.

sins] Heb. sin.

V. 23. He shall die without instruction] Heb. because there is no instruction. God is so angry with him, that he will let no man instruct him, that he might escape. Or, it may be understood of correction; God will not correct him, but let him perish in his sins, Hos. 4. 14. Or, because he receives no instruction.

CHAP. VI.

Vers. 1. SƲrety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand, &c.] Chap. 17. 18. and 20. 16. and 22. 26.

for thy friend] Or, to thy neighbour, as v. 3.

if thou hast stricken thy hand] Joyned hands with a stranger, as a surety, to pay thy friends debt, if he do not.

with a stranger] A man to whom thou owest nothing, nor knowest not how he will use thee, if thou fall into his hands.

V. 2. Thou art] Or, And art.

Thou art snared] He forbiddeth us not to become sureties for our friends, according to the rule of charity; but wills, That we consider for whom, to whom, and upon what terms we do it, so that the creditour may not be defrauded, nor our selves damnified.

with the words of thy mouth] Many think words bring no hurt, if they part with no present money; but Solomon tells us; Our promises do ensnare us.

thou art] Or, and art.

V. 3. when] Or, seeing.

into the hand of thy friend] Thy neighbour, to whom thou art bound for another, and therefore humble thy self to him, because thou art in his danger, chap. 22. 7.

friend] Or, neighbour.

and make sure thy friend] Or, so shalt thou prevail with thy friend: or, prevail with thy friends.

make sure thy friend] Heb. overcome thy friends. So the same word is used, Cant 6. 5. His meaning is, That if we be not able to pay, nor can finde no favour with the creditour, we should be importunate with our friends to free us from him with all speed, as beast or fowl, pursued, flie for their lives, verse 5.

V. 4. Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eye-lids] Psal. 132. 4.

V. 6. Go] When thou art out of debt, go labour for thy li∣ving, and keep thy self out of it.

the ant] Because we regard not our teachers, God sets silly creatures to teach us to live of our selves, and not to be bur∣densome to others.

be wise] Learn of the ant wisely to order thine affairs.

V. 7. which having no guide] The ant, that hath none to go before her to shew her how to do it, nor none oversee whether she do it or no, nor no ruler to punish her for idlenesse, yet la∣bours: much more should men, that have those motives she hath not, chap. 30. 25, 27.

V. 8. Provideth her meat in the summer] When the weather is fair, the way smooth, and food to be had, she provides against winter: so should we, against sicknesse and old age.

V. 9. How long wilt thou sleep, &c.] Chap. 24. 33. He chides the sluggard for being so long slothfull.

V. 10. Yet a little sleep] The sluggard answers, That he had need yet of more sleeps and slumbers: for sluggards never have sleep enough, but ever seek new occasions.

sleep] Heb. sleeps.

slumber] Heb. slumbers.

V. 11. So shall thy poverty come, &c.] Chap. 13. 4. and 20. 4. As if God should reply, Sleep on; but thou shalt be poor enough at length.

as one that travelleth] Suddenly, and unlooked for.

thy want as an armed man] So as it cannot be resisted.

V. 12. A naughty person] He sheweth what misery will come on mockers.

A naughty person, a wicked man] Heb. a man of Belial, a man of wickednesse.

V. 13. He winketh with his eyes] He teacheth his compani∣ons to deride others by the motion of the eye, foot, or finger, when he dares not with his tongue, Job 15. 12. Psal. 35. 19.

V. 14. Frowardnesse] Heb. Frowardnesses.

he deviseth mischief continually] Besides abundance of corrup∣tion in his heart (Heb. frowardnesses) he addes more by devi∣sing mischief still, even in the night, when workmen sleep, chap. 4. 16. Mic. 2. 1. Hos. 7. 6.

soweth] Heb. casteth forth.

discord] Heb. discords.

V. 15. broken without remedy] Jer. 19. 11.

without remedy] A mockers misery will abide on him.

V. 16. unto him] Heb. of his soul.

V. 17. A proud look] Heb. Haughty eyes.

V. 18. feet that be swift in running to mischief] Rom. 3. 15.

V. 19. speaketh lies] Chap. 19. 5.

discord] Heb. discords.

V. 20. My son, keep thy fathers commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother] Chap. 1. 8.

V. 21. neck] See chap. 2. 9.

V. 22. it shall lead thee] The commandment, mentioned, v. 20.

keep thee] Or, watch over thee.

it shall talk with thee] Direct thee what is to be done all day, as masters in the morning appoint their servants what to do the day following.

V. 23. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is a light] Psal. 19. 8. and 119. 105.

the commandment is a lamp] The commandment of thy fa∣ther, and law of thy mother, v. 20, may guide thee, as a candle by night, and the light by day; and their reproofs are means to save you.

lamp] Or, candle.

V. 24. To keep thee from the evil woman] Chap. 2. 16. and 5. 3. and 7. 5. The verse before may be included in a parenthesis, and this verse depend on the end of the two and twentieth.

of the tongue of a strange woman] Or, of the strange tongue.

V. 25. Lust not] Or, That thou lust not.

Lust not after her beauty in thine heart] Matth. 5. 28.

neither let her take thee with her eye-lids] Take heed of her fair looks, as well as of her sweet words; for if she catch thee with her eyes, when she hath brought thee to extreme poverty she will take away thy life also.

V. 26. For] Or, When.

piece of bread] 1 Sam. 2. 36.

and] Or, then.

the adulteresse] Heb. the woman of a man, or a mans wife.

the adulteresse will hunt] Heb. the wife of another man: that is, a whore. Or, A woman given to men.

for the precious life] Which should be precious to thee, Mat. 16. 26. Or, after precious souls; that is, properest persons.

V. 27. Can a man take fire in his bosome] Meaning, that she will never cease, till she have brought thee to beggery, and then seek thy destruction.

V. 28. Can one go upon hot coles] A man cannot use familia∣rity with such, or dalliance, but it will turn to his ruine, Judg. 16.

V. 29. So he] Or, So is he.

V. 30. Men do not despise a thief] He approveth not theft, but sheweth, that stealing, for need, is not so abominable as whore∣dom; forasmuch as theft might be redeemed; but adultery was a perpetuall infamie, and death, by the law of God: and the one proceeds from want, and the other from wantonnesse.

V. 31. if he be found] Heb. being found.

he shall restore seven-fold] That is, for a manifold restitution; for it was divers, according to the thing stollen: or, at most, they can but take his goods, his life they cannot take away for bare theft.

V. 32. understanding] Heb. heart.

V. 33. A wound and dishonour shall he get] That is, death, ap∣pointed by the law, or be slain by the strumpets husband. See verse 34. or, a wound in his fame, which shall never be done away.

V. 34. therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance] He sheweth, that a man commonly seeketh his death that hath abused his wife; and so concludeth, That the husband will accept of no ransome, to save the adulterer.

V. 35. He will not regard any ransome] Heb. He will not accept the face of any ransome.

CHAP. VII.

Vers. 2. KEep my commandments, and five] Chap. 4. 4.

and my law as the apple of thine eye] By this di∣versity of words, he meaneth, That nothing ought to be so dear unto us, as the word of God; nor we look on any thing more, nor minde any thing so much.

apple of thine eye] Psal. 17. 8.

eye] Heb. eyes.

V. 3. Binde them upon thy fi••gers, write them upon the table of thine heart] Deut. 6. 8. and 11. 18. Chap. 3. 3.

V. 4. kinswoman] Heb. kinsman.

V. 5. That they may keep thee from the strange woman] Chap. 5. 3. and 2. 16.

V. 6. For at the window of my house I looked] I speak not without reason, for I have seen the folly of those that have suf∣fered themselves to be abused by harlots.

V. 7. the youths] Heb. the sons.

V. 9. in the evening] Heb. in the evening of the day.

in the black and dark night] He sheweth, that there was almost none so impudent, but they were afraid to be seen; and also their own consciences did accuse them, which caused them to seek the night, to cover their filthinesse, Job 24. 15. 1 Thess. 5. 7.

V. 10. subtill] Heb. reserved.

V. 11. She is loud and stubborn] Chap. 9. 13. He describeth certain conditions, which are peculiar to harlots.

V. 13. with an impudent face said] Heb. she strengthned her face, and said.

V. 14. I have peace-offerings with me] Heb. peace-offerings are upon me] Because that in peace-offerings a por••••on returned to them that offered, she sheweth him that she hath meat at home to make good chear with: or else, she would use some cloke of holinesse, till she had gotten him in her snares, 1 Kings 21. 9.

this day have I payed my vows] Which declareth, that harlots outwardly will seem holy and religious, both because they may the better deceive others, and also flatter themselves; thinking, by observing of ceremonies and offerings, to make satisfaction for their sins.

V. 15. to meet thee] As if her affection were to him onely, which was ready for the first comer.

V. 18. our f••ll of love] Heb. be drunken with loves, chap. 5. 19.

untill the morning] Which shews her unsatiable lust.

V. 20. He hath taken a bag of money] There is no fear of my husbands sudden return; for he hath taken money with him to supply the charge of a long journey.

with him] Heb. in his hand.

the day appointed] Or, the new moon.

V. 21. With her much fair speech she caused him to yeeld] Fair words prevail more to draw men to loosnesse, then wanton ge∣stures, chap. 5. 3.

with the flattering of her lips she forced him] When once they begin to yeeld, they go on, as it were, by force.

V. 22. He goeth after her straightway] If he had taken time to consider of the sin, and punishment, he might have esca∣ped.

straightway] Heb. suddenly.

as an ox goeth to the slaughter] Which, thinking he goeth to the pasture, goeth to the shambles.

or as a fool to the correction of the stocks] Who goeth cheerful∣ly, not knowing that he shall be punished.

as a fool to the correction of the stocks] Heb. as the stocks are for the correction of the fool.

V. 23. Till a dart strike thorow his liver] He shews the block∣ishnesse of the young-man, who never thinks of his dange•• till he have undone himself.

strike thorow his liver] Job 20. 24, 25.

snare] Chap. 1. 17. Eccles. 9. 12.

V. 24. Hearken unto me now therefore] Being warned by this terrible example, hearken rather to my wholesom words, then to the alluring ones of harlots.

V. 26. yea, many strong men have been slain by her] Heb. and all that are slain by her are strong men.

many strong men have been slain by her] Many stout men have been overcome by harlots; yea, the most of them that she de∣stroys are stout men: so that the strength of a man is oft over∣come by the sleight of a woman: none hath been so strong, but, being carelesse, they have been overcome by lust, Judg. 16.

V. 27. Her house is the way to hell] Chap. 2. 18. and 5. 5. Heb. the ways to hell are in her house: that is, there are many ways to hell in the harlots house.

way] Heb. wayes.

CHAP. VIII.

Vers. 1. DOth not] All that think rightly, must confesse, that wisedom reveals her self. Here Solomon himself begins again, as chap. 4. 4. and brings in Christ the eternall Word and Wisdom of God, speaking, Joh. 1. 1. 1 Cor. 1. 24.

wisedom cry?] Chap. 1. 20. Solomon declareth, that man is cause of his own perdition; and that he can pretend no igno∣rance, forasmuch as God calleth to all men aloud by his mini∣sters in his Church, to walk in the ways of pietie.

V. 2. in the top of high places] In the highest places, where she may best be heard. Teachers were wont to be placed higher then their and it ours, Neh. 8. 4. Acts 22. 3.

by the way] Where men commonly passe by, that she may be not

heard of all men. Thus wisedom speaks openly, in the light, not caring who hear her; whereas, the harlot spake in darknes and corners, chap 7 9, 12.

V. 3. She crieth] Heb. They cry, chap. 1. 20.

She crieth at the gates] Where the people resorted for justice, and which they passed thorow for commerce, Ruth 4. 1. Psal. 127. 5. Jer. 17. 19.

gates] Heb. hand, or side of the gates.

entry] Heb. mouth.

at the coming in at the doors] Where they must needs go in and out, upon all occasions.

V. 4. O men] That is, great men, and mean, as psal. 49. 2. wisedom cries to all sorts.

V. 6. I will speak of excellent things] Heb. princes: that is, words that do as much excell others, as princes do the people: or, words that all men ought to be guided by, as by princes. So we call the sentences of judges in times past, ruling-cases.

excellent things] Chap. 22. 20.

V. 7. my mouth shall speak truth] There is nothing but truth in wisedoms speech; whereas, in the best mens sayings there may be errours, as water mixt with wine, and drosse with gold, psal. 12. 6. and 19. 10.

mouth] Heb. palate, chap. 5. 3.

wickednesse is an abomination to my lips] We must speak the truth, not for by-ends, but for love of it, which appears by our hatred of lying.

an abomination to my lips] Heb. the abomination of my lips.

V. 8. froward] Heb. wreathed.

V. 9. They are all plain] Heb. right before him: that is, obvi∣ous, and easie to be found.

to him that understandeth] If we erre, it is for want of sight, not for want of light.

V. 10. and not silver] That is, rather then silver, Hos. 6. 6.

V. 11. For wisedom is better then rubies] Job 28. 15. Psal. 19. 10. Chap. 3. 15. and 16. 16.

V. 12. I wisedom dwell with prudence] Except a man have wisedom, which is the true knowledge of Gods will, he can neither be prudent, nor a good counsellour.

prudence] Or, subtilty.

wit••y] Or, skilfull.

V. 13. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil] He then that doth not hate evil, feareth not the LORD, chap. 16. 6. Gen. 20. 11. Job 1. 1. Psal. 97. 10.

V. 14. I have strength] I have power to bring my witty in∣ventions to effect, v. 12. or, I give both policie and power.

V. 15. By me kings reign] Rulers cannot rule justly, nor esta∣blish their authority, without wisedom: for from Christ they have their power, and wisedom to use it aright.

V. 17. th••se that seek me early shall finde me] That is, they that seek me in my word diligently, with a desire to profit by it, as students do, that rise betimes to get knowledge.

V. 18. Rickes and honour are with me] Chap. 3. 16.

durable riches and righteousnesse] Signifying, that he chiefly meaneth the spirituall treasures, and heavenly riches, Heb. 10. 34.

V. 19. My fruit is better then gold, yea, then fine gold] Chap. 3. 14.

V. 20. lead] Or, walk: or, make to walk.

in the midst of the paths of judgement] For there can be no true justice or judgement, which is not directed by this wisedom.

V. 21. and I will f••ll] Or, and f••ll.

V. 22. before his works] This Wisedom is Christ the Son of God, who was before the world. See v. 1. Joh. 1. 1.

of old] Psal. 93. 2. Heb. from then: that is, before his works made in the Creation, psal. 93. 2.

V. 23. I was set up from everlasting] Christ was anointed King over the Church, by Gods decree, before the world was.

V. 24. I was brought forth] He was begotten by the Father from eternitie.

V. 26. fields] Or, open places.

nor the highest part of the dust of the world] Heb. the beginning of the dusts of the world: that is, before the matter of the earth was made.

the highest part] Or, the chief part.

V. 27. When he prepared the heavens] Christ was with the Father in the creation of the world, when he made the hea∣vens, girded in the sea, set the clouds fast above, and the foun∣tains beneath.

a compasse] Or, a circle.

V. 29. When he gave to the sea his decree] Gen. 1. 9, 10. Job 38. 10, 11. Psal. 104. 9. The decree of the sea, to keep it al∣ways in its bounds.

V. 30. as one brought up with him] As a childe with the fa∣ther.

I was daily his delight] Heb. delights: that is, his greatest delight: for even when the world was in making, God the Father took more pleasure in his Son, then in his works.

rejoycing] Or, sporting. So v. 31.

rejoycing always before him] Heb. sporting greatly, as little ones do before their parents.

V. 31. Rejoycing in the habitable part of his earth] Heb. sporting greatly: so that the work of creation was no pain or labour, but a pleasure to the Son of God.

my delights were with the sons of men] Though he delighted in all the creatures, yet most of all in men; and came after∣wards to dwell among them, Joh. 1. 14.

V. 32. Now therefore hearken unto me] Seeing I am Eternall, and so dear to God, and count you as my children, hearken to my counsel, and ye shall be happie.

blessed are they that keep my ways] Psal. 119. 1, 2. and 128. 2. Luke 11. 28.

V. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me] Chap. 3. 13, 18.

watching daily at my gates] No pains is too much to get wise∣dom.

waiting at the posts of my doors] Men must take instruction when God offers it; and, like scholars, attend their masters hours, v. 17.

V. 35. obtain] Heb. bring forth.

V. 36. all they that hate me, love death] Draw death on them∣selves, as if they loved it, and greedily seek their own ruine.

CHAP. IX.

Vers. 1. WIsedom] Chap. 1. 20.

Wisedom hath builded] Heb. Wisedoms: that is, Christ, the supreme Wisedom, chap. 8. 1.

her house] He hath prepared him a Church.

seven pillars] Many chief stays, and principall parts of his Church, as were the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, pastours and doctours.

V. 2. her beasts] Heb. her killing.

she hath mingled her wine] Heb. mingled it: or, poured it out. So they did, in those hot countreys, mix their wine with water, to allay the heat of it. So doth Christ fit his heavenly instru∣ction for our earthly capacitie.

mingled] Or, poured out.

she hath also furnished her table] He compareth wisedom to a great queen, who keeps open house for all comers. So doth the King of heaven, Matth. 22. 2. This is opposed to the har∣lots feast, chap. 7. 14.

V. 3. She hath sent forth] Salvation wrought by Christ will not profit us, except it be published to us.

her maidens] The incorrupt teachers and ministers of Christ, who are his servants, 2 Cor. 4. 2.

the highest places] Heb. the wings of the high places.

V. 4. Whoso is simple] He that knoweth his own ignorance, and is void of malice.

in hither] Or, aside, a•• v. 15, 16.

V. 5. eat of my bread] By meat and drink, is meant the word of God, and the ministration of the sacraments, whereby God nourisheth his servants in his house, which is, the Church. Joh. 6 27.

mingled] Or, poured out, as v. 2.

V. 6. Forsake the foolish] Leave the company of ignorant and wicked men: or, leave your foolish and sinfull ways. So Prov. 1▪ 22.

V. 7. He that reproveth a scorner] The 7, 8, 9, 10 verses may be read included in a parenthesis: for in the 11 verse is a reason given of the exhortation given in the 5 and 6 verses.

getteth himself a blot] For the wicked will contemn the re∣prover, and labou•• to defame him, Matth. 7. 6.

V. 8. Reprove not a scorner] Meaning, them which are in∣corrigible, which Christ calleth dogs and swine: or, he speak∣eth in comparison; Rather rebuke a wise man then a fool: not that scorners should not be rebuked simply, or of none; but advisedly and discreetly, considering their malice, and the small hope of doing them good.

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee] Matth. 7. 6.

V. 10. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisedom] Job 28. 28. Psal. 111. 10. Chap. 1. 7. They then that fear not God, have not one spark of true and saving knowledge.

V. 11. For by me thy days shall be multiplied] Chap. 10. 27.

V. 12. thou shalt be wise for thy self] I speak not for my pro∣fit, but for thine: if thou hearken to me, the good will be thine; and if thou scoff at my instruction, the hurt will be thine own, Job 35. 6, 7. Gal. 6. 5.

V. 13. A foolish woman is clamorous] Chap. 7. 11. The adul∣teresse, spoken of, chap. 7.

V. 15. who go right on their ways] That would hearken to wisedoms lessons, if they were not seduced.

V. 16. Whoso is simple] She speaks in the same words which wisedom used before, yet seeks to deceive, v. 4.

in hither] Or, aside, v. 4.

V. 17. Stolen waters are sweet] Sinfull delights taken by stealth, are the more pleasant to persons sensually affected▪ contrary to chap. 5. 15.

eaten in se••••e••] Heb. of secr••••ies: that is, eaten most se∣cretly.

V. 18. dead are there] Prov. 2. 18. and 7. 26.

her guests are in the depths of hell] They are as sure to go into the deepest place of hell, as if they were there already. A me∣taphor from a dungeon.

CHAP. X.

Vers. 1. THe proverbs of Solomon] See Notes on chap. 4. 4. and 8. 1.

A wise son maketh a glad father] Chap. 15. 20. Parents look for comfort from their children; and their hearts are dead within them, when they are disappointed of it.

V. 2. Treasures of wickednesse profit nothing] Chap. 11. 4. Riches wickedly gotten do not profit, but do much hurt, chap. 24. 23. and 17. 21.

V. 3. The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish] Psal. 37. 25. Though he suffer the just to want for a time, yet he will send him comfort in due season.

the substance of the wicked] Or, the wicked for their wicked∣nesse.

V. 4. He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand] Chap. 12. 24.

with a slack hand] Or, a deceitfull hand, Jer. 48. 10. for sloth∣full men live by deceiving others.

V. 5. He that gathereth in summer, is a wise son] He that takes his opportunity for his businesse, credits himself and his: he that neglects it, discredits both.

V. 6. violence covereth the mouth of the wicked] Vers. 11. When their wickednesse shall be discovered, they shall be as dumb, and not know what to say: or, other mens violence shall stop their mouthes.

V. 7. The memory of the just is blessed] Psal. 112. 6. Men shall speak of a just man after his death with praise, and of the wicked with disdain and disgrace. Or, the just shall leave a sweet sent behinde him, and the wicked, a stinking savour.

V. 8. a prating fool] Heb. a fool of lips.

a prating fool shall fall] He that shews the folly of his heart by irregular speech, shall fall, though he look to rise by his ••alk.

shall fall] Or, shall be beaten.

V. 9. He that walketh uprightly, walketh surely] Psal. 23. 4. Upright ways bring peace, though wicked men think them ex∣posed to danger: but craftie plots, to prevent danger, prove the ruine of the devisers.

V. 10. He that winketh with the eye, causeth sorrow] Chap. 6. 13. He that mocks others with his eyes. See Notes on chap. 6. 13.

a prating fool shall fall] Vers. 8.

shall fall] Or, shall be beaten.

V. 11. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life] Chap. 13. 14. It always refresheth others, and cannot be stopt.

V. 12. Hatred stirreth up strifes] By discovering and upbrai∣ding mens faults to them, which love covereth, and so extin∣guisheth strife.

love covereth all sins] 1 Cor. 13. 4. 1 Pet. 4. 8.

V. 13. In the lips of him that hath understanding, wisedom is found] Whereby he knows how to speak without danger; which fools do not.

a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding] Chap. 26. 3.

understanding] Heb. heart.

V. 15. The rich mans wealth is his strong citie] Chap. 18. 11. A rich man trusts in his riches: a poor man fears destruction, for want of wealth.

V. 16. The labour of the righteous tendeth to life] That which a righteous man gets, he useth to preserve his own life, and other mens; but wicked men use their wealth to undo themselves and others.

V. 17. erreth] Or, causeth to erre.

V. 18. with] Or, hath▪

V. 19. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin] Eccles. 5. 3. Jam. 3. 2. Not of pondered words, but of rash ones, which wisedom teacheth men to forbear: or, men that are full of talk, cannot but talk amisse sometimes.

V. 20. The tongue of the just is as choice silver] Good mens words are of great price; wicked mens thoughts are of small value.

V. 21. The lips of the righteous feed many] They are able to admonish, exhort, counsell and comfort others, when wicked men cannot preserve themselves.

of wisedom] Heb. of heart.

V. 22. The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich] Gods blessing makes men rich, without those carefull toils that covetous men are oppressed withall, psal. 127. 2, 3.

V. 23. It is a sport to a fool to do mischief] Chap. 14. 9.

but a man of understanding hath wisedom] Or, and so is wise∣dom (or, to do wisedom) to a man of understanding.

a man of understanding hath wisedom] To avoid doing mis∣chief.

V. 24. be granted] Or, yeeld fruit, as chap. 12. 12.

V. 25. As] Or, When.

As the whirlwinde posseth] Assoon as a whirlwinde passeth a∣way: or, when the whirlwinde of Gods wrath passeth over them.

so] Or, then.

the] Or, to the.

V. 26. so is the sluggard to them that send him] He is but a trou∣ble and grief to them that employ him.

V. 27. The fear of the Lord prolongeth days] Chap. 9. 11. Good men shall live long, when bad men die soon.

prolongeth] Heb. addeth.

yeers of the wicked shall be shortened] Job 22. 16. Psal. 55. 23.

V. 28. The hope of the righteous shall be gladnesse] They shall attain the good they look for, but wicked men shall not.

the expectation of the wicked shall perish] Job 8. 13. and 11. 20. Psal. 112. 10. They that fear not God are accounted wicked men, in Scripture-phrase, though they be not openly profane.

V. 30. The righteous shall never be removed] Psal. 37. 22. and 125. 1. Out of his habitation: his children shall dwell there after him, psal. 37. 29.

V. 31. The mouth of the just, &c.] Pentifully, as a fruitfull field doth corn.

bringeth forth wisedom] To avoid crosse words, that bring destruction.

the froward tongue] Heb. tongue of frowardnesses: that is, ac∣customed to speak frowardly.

froward] Heb. of frowardnesses.

shall be cut out] Like a bad tree, that bringeth forth evil fruit, psal. 52. 5.

V. 32. the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardnesse] Things justly displeasing to others.

frowardnesse] Heb. frowardnesses.

CHAP. XI.

Vers. 1. A False balance] Heb. balances of deceit. Under this word, he condemneth all false weights, mea∣sures, and deceit.

abomination to the Lord] Though some men make light of it, yet God hates it.

A false balance is abomination to the Lord] Levit. 19. 36. Deut. 25. 15. Chap. 16. 11. and 20. 10, 23.

a just weight] Heb. a perfect stone.

V. 2. When pride cometh, then cometh shame] Chap. 15. 33. and 16. 18. and 18. 12. When man forgetteth himself, and exalteth himself above his vocation, then God, by some sudden acci∣dent, bringeth him to confusion.

with the lowly is wisedom] And, by consequence, honour, from them that rightly weigh things.

V. 3. The integritie of the upright shall guide them] Chap. 13. 6.

V. 4. Riches profit not in the day of wrath] Chap. 10. 2. Ezek. 7. 19. Zeph. 1. 18. Though well gotten, and not by fraud, as vers. 1.

V. 5. direct] Heb. rectifie.

V. 6. The righteousnesse of the upright shall deliver them] It shall not onely leade him in safe paths, but also free him out of dangers.

transgressours shall be taken in their own naughtinesse] Chap. 5. 22.

in their own naughtinesse] His plots to ruine others, shall ru∣ine himself, chap. 5. 22.

V. 7. hope] Or, expectation of strengths: that is, the most strong hope.

V. 8. The righteous is delivered out of trouble] Chap. 21. 18.

the wicked cometh in his stead] It shews the great love of God to his, who brings them out of the snare, and their enemies into it; as in Mordecai's case, Esth. 7. 9.

V. 9. An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour] Jo•• 8. 13 A man that dissembles with his neighbour by fair words, leads him to destruction, unlesse he be a good man, that by knowledge findes out his drifts, and prevents them: or, a man that dissembles with God, draws others to do so: but good men that know Gods will, will not be drawn by him.

hypocrite] Or, profane man, psal. 35. 16.

V. 10. the citie rejoyceth] Because of the good they get by them; whereas, by wicked men exalted they get hurt, v. 11.

V. 11. By the blessing of the upright the citie is exalted] By the prayers and good counsells of righteous men, a citie is exal∣ted, as it is pulled down by the cursings and ill counsells of wicked men.

V. 12. void of wisedom] Heb. destitute of heart.

despiseth his neighbour] Speaketh ill of him, or to him; but he that is thorowly wise (Heb. a man of understandings) will not therefore speak ill of others, nor to him that reproacheth him.

understanding] Heb. understandings.

V. 13. A tale-bearer] Heb. he that walketh, being a tale∣bearer, Levit. 19. 16.

A tale-bearer revealeth secrets] Things committed to him concerning the speaker, or some other, upon condition of se∣crecie.

V. 14. Where no counsel is, the people fall] 1 King. 12. 1, &c. chap. 15. 22. Heb. counsells: Such as ship-masters use to guide the ship well: for so the word signifies.

V. 15. He that is suretie for a stranger] Whose condition he knows not: or, for one whom he is no way obliged to, and therefore is not tied to be bound for him. So a strange woman is she that is not a mans own wife, chap. 2. 16. and 6. 1.

shall smart for it] Heb. shall be sore broken. Heb. be broken by breaking: That is, broken to shivers, as an earthen pot with a fall: and we call it breaking, when men are undone.

he that hateth suretiship, is sure] Loveth it not, and will not do it without just cause. The hated wife was the lesse beloved, Deut. 21. 15.

suretiship] Heb. those that strike hands.

V. 16. A gracious woman retaineth honour] That hath found favour with God: or, a woman endued with grace.

V. 17. The mercifull man doth good to his own soul] He that is of a bountifull disposition affords himself things needfull, which a cruell man doth not: or, he that is good to others, shall receive a reward for it.

V. 18. The wicked worketh a deceitfull work] That promiseth a reward, but brings none, Rom. 6. 21. Eph. 5. 11.

to him that soweth] Psal. 112. 9, 10. It is like good seed: it will certainly bring profit, Gal. 6. 8. 2 Cor. 9. 6.

righteousnesse] Sometimes it is taken for alms.

a sure reward] Heb. a reward of truth.

V. 19. As] So.

As righteousnesse tendeth to life] He unfoldeth what he meant in the last verse, expounding the last part first.

so] Heb. and.

V. 21. Though hand joyn in hand, the wicked shall not be un∣punished] chap. 16. 5.

the wicked shall not be unpunished] A wicked man cannot free himself from mischief; but a good man may free his posterity also.

V. 22. so is a fair woman which is without discretion] Heb. that hath departed from taste: That is, that wants reason to guide her self. Or, that hath lost her savour: That is, her credit, by light courses.

the expectation] Or, to the expectation.

V. 23. The desire] Or, To the desire.

The desire of the righteous is onely good] The good shall have that happinesse they desire: but the wicked can expect for no∣thing but Gods anger.

V. 24. scattereth] Psal. 112. 9, 10.

and yet increaseth] He that giveth liberally, gets by giving: and the covetous lose by not giving.

V. 25. The liberall soul shall be made fat] 2 Cor. 9. 8, 9, 10. That is, rich.

The liberall soul] Heb. The soul of blessing.

he that watereth, shall be watered also himself] He shall be made richer, that he may still do good.

V. 26. He that withholdeth corn] He that keeps corn till it be dear, or faulty.

the people shall curse him] Heb. strike him thorow. For curses are like darts.

but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it] They will pray God to blesse him.

V. 27. He that diligently seeketh good, procureth favour] He that riseth betimes to seek good to himself, or others.

but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him] Psal. 7. 15, 16. and 9. 15, 16. and 10. 2. and 57. 6.

V. 28. He that trusteth in his riches, shall fall] Like a dry leaf, or as one that trusts to an unsure stay, Isai. 36. 6. 1 Tim. 6. 17. but the righteous that trust in God, shall flourish like a green leaf or branch.

the righteous shall flourish as a branch] Psal. 1. 3. and 92. 12, &c. Jere. 17. 8.

branch] Or, a leaf: That is, a green leaf.

V. 29. He that troubleth his own house, shall inherit the winde] Chap. 15. 27. By imposing too much labour, sparing too much, or raising quarrells; he shall not mend his estate, but impair it.

the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart] He that hath not wit to keep what his friends left him, must in his old dayes serve them, that are wiser then himself.

V. 30. and he that winneth] That they learn of some, they teach others.

he that winneth souls, is wise] Subdueth them to the know∣ledge and will of God, 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5.

winneth] Heb. taketh.

V. 31. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth] 1 Pet. 4. 18. Punished for his sins.

CHAP. XII.

Vers. 1. WHoso loveth instruction, loveth knowledge] Ra∣ther, correction. To wit, by word of mouth, called reproof afterwards. It is a sign he loves knowledge, that can bear his masters reproof: but he that cannot bear it, loves it no more then a beast.

V. 3. the root of the righteous shall not be moved] Chap. 10. 25. The state of the righteous, though it shake sometimes, yet is like a deep rooted tree, it will not be blown down, whereas the wicked fall, when they seem strongest.

V. 4. vertuous] Heb. Of vertue, Chap. 31. 10.

A vertuous woman is a crown to her husband] 1 Cor. 11. 7. Not onely an excellent helper, but also a chief ornament in the eyes of others, chap. 31. 23.

V. 5. The thoughts of the righteous are right] Heb. judgement. That is, right as judgements ought to be.

the counsels of the wicked are deceit] Not onely their rash thoughts, but also their deliberate ones.

V. 6. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood] Chap. 1. 11, 18.

the mouth of the upright shall deliver them] Those whose blood the wicked seek to spill, 1 Sam. 19. 4. or, themselves.

V. 7. The wicked are overthrown, and are not] Psal▪ 37. 37. chap. 11. 21.

V. 8. of a perverse heart] Heb. perverse of heart.

V. 10. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast] I•• mercifull even to the very beast that doth him service.

the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel] If they be cruell, when they pretend to shew mercy, what are they, when they come with a drawn sword to shed blood?

tender] Or, bowels.

V. 11. He that tilleth his land, shall be satisfied with bread] Chap. 28. 19.

he that followeth vain persons, is void of understanding] And so neglects his businesse, whereby he should live.

V. 12. The wicked desireth the net of evil men] He conti∣nually imagineth means how to do harm to others.

the net] Or, the fortresse.

the root of the righteous yeeldeth fruit] Meaning, their hear•• within, which is upright, and doth good to all.

V. 13. The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips] Heb. The snare of the wicked is in the transgression of lips, Chap. 18. 7. An evill mans tongue brings himself into trouble, and a good mans helps himself out, 1 Sam. 25.

V. 14. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth] Chap. 13. 2.

and the recompence of a mans hands shall be rendred unto him] A good man shall be rewarded both for his good words and works.

V. 15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes] Chap. 3. 7. His own device: for he thinketh himself wisest, and heark∣neth to no mans counsell.

he that hearkneth unto counsel is wise] No man is naturally wise: every one therefore must get wisdom by hearkning to others, Job 11. 12.

V. 16. A fools wrath is presently known] Or, A fool is known in the day of his wrath. For then he vents his folly.

presently] Heb. in that day.

a prudent man covereth shame] Bridleth his affections, that he may not speak, or do any thing that may shame him: or, hideth the shame of another, by taking no notice of an injury.

V. 17. He that speaketh truth, sheweth forth righteousnesse] Chap. 14. 5.

a false witnesse] Heb. of lies.

V. 18. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword] Psal. 57. 4. and 59. 7. It is not every man that doth so, but there are some so bad, that their tongues wound like swords.

V. 19. The lip of truth shall be established for ever] A true speaker can stand it out to the end; but a liar can shift but a while.

V. 20. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil] Or, Deceit returns into the heart. That is, they that seek to deceive others, hurt themselves: but they that give good counsell, fare the better for it themselves.

V. 22. Lying lips are abomination to the Lord] Chap. 6. 17. Though God hate all manner of evill; yet lying is most hate∣full to him, being a God of truth, Revel. 22. 15.

they that deal truly are his delight] That do as they speak, which liars do not.

V. 23. A prudent man concealeth knowledge] Chap. 13. 16. and 15. 2. He that is wise, reveals his knowledge, onely when he may do good with it: but fools by prating, shew their folly.

V. 24. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule] Chapter 10. 4.

the slothfull shall be under tribute] Or, deceitfull: For such men live by their wits, not by their hands.

V. 25. Heavinesse in the heart of man maketh it stoop] Chap. 15. 13. As a heavy burden weighs down the body.

a good word maketh it glad] A word of comfort from a friend.

word] Or, matter▪ chap. 15. 20.

V. 26. excellent] Or, abundant.

the way of the wicked seduceth them] They think their way more excellent; but they are deceived.

V. 27. The slothfull man rosteth not that which he took in hunting] A wicked man gets no good by his, for others get it away: but a good man hath good by his riches.

slothfull man] Heb. man of slacknesse, as chap. 10. 4. Mic. 6. 9.

CHAP. XIII.

Vers. 1. INstruction] Or, reproof.

V. 2. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth] Chap. 12. 14. He that useth his tongue aright, shall get good by it: he that doth otherwise, shall get hurt.

V. 3. He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his life] Chap. 21. 23. From rash and hasty speeches.

V. 4. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing] He ever desireth, but taketh no pains to get any thing: and therefore must lose his longing.

V. 5. A righteous man bateth lying] A man is not righteous that abstains from lying, unlesse he do it out of the hatred of that sin.

lying] Heb. a word of a lie.

and cometh to shame] By his lying.

V. 6. Righteousnesse keepeth him that is upright in the way] Chap. 11. 3, 5, 6.

the sinner] Heb. sin.

V. 8. but the poor heareth not rebuke] A rich man questioned and troubled, may make his peace by his riches: but a poor man is seldom questioned, or quarrelled with, having nothing to lose.

V. 9. The light of the righteous rejoyceth] Chap. 4. 18, 19. The prosperity of good men is like the light of the sun, which encreasing brings more joy still: but the prosperity of the wicked is like a candle, that lessens, till it go out.

rejoyceth] Or, shall rejoyce.

but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out] Job 18. 6. and 21. 17.

lamp] Or, candle.

V. 10. Onely by pride cometh, contention] Angry men are pro∣voked by wrongs: but proud men contend for preeminence: or, the main cause of contention generally is pride.

with the well-advised is wisdom] Proud men quarrell, because they hearken not to counsell: they that hearken to it, are too wise to quarrell.

V. 11. wealth gotten by vanitie, shall be diminished] Chap. 10. 2. and 20. 21.

by labour] Heb. with the hand.

V. 12. when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life] Chapter 13. 19.

V. 13. whose despiseth the word, shall be destroyed] Meaning, the word of God, whereby he is admonished of his duty.

shall be rewarded] Or, shall be in peace.

V. 14. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death] Chap. 14. 27.

V. 15. the way of transgressours is hard] Or, harsh. And there∣fore displeasing to others.

hard] Or, rough.

V. 16. Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge] Chap. 12. 23. and 15. 2.

layeth] Heb. spreadeth.

V. 17. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief] An unfaithfull messenger shall be punished, because he hath wounded his masters estate by neglect of his businesse: but a faithfull one, which hath healed it, shall be rewarded.

a faithfull ambassadour is bealth] Heb. an ambassadour of faith∣fulnesses: That is, a most faithfull one, chap. 25. 13.

V. 18. instruction] Or, rebuke.

but be that regardeth reproof, shall be bonoured] Chap. 15. 5, 31. With riches, and dignity.

V. 19. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul] Verse 12. God doth accomplish the desire of good men to their joy, Psal. 145. 19. but not of the wicked, because they cannot be drawn to leave their sins.

V. 20. He that walketh with wise men, shall be wise] And so preserved, whereas a companion of fools learning folly of them shall perish.

shall be destroyed] Heb. shall be broken.

V. 21. pursueth] Heb. eagerly pursueth.

V. 22. A good m••n leaveth an inheritance to his childrens children] He leaves it to his children, and they to theirs; whereas the wealth of wicked men many times comes not to their chil∣dren, but to good men, that have no relation to them, Psalm 37. 26.

the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just] Job 27. 17.

laid] Heb. hidden.

V. 23. Much food is in the tillage of the poor] Chap. 12. 11. If he follow his businesse with judgement, without which, rich men may want.

V. 24. He that spareth his rod, hateth his son] Chap. 23. 13.

Doth as one that hates him: lets him be corrupted, and so undone.

he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes] Erc his sin grow to an head.

V. 25. The rightcous eateth to the satisfying of his soul] Psal. 34. 10. and 37. 3. Hath food to fill his belly.

CHAP. XIIII.

Vers. 1. EVery wise woman buildeth her house] Encreaseth the welfare of it, by looking well to her children and servants: but foolish women ruine the family. Pride then must not make a man despise the counsell of a prudent wife, nor affection force him to give way to a foolish.

V. 2. He that walketh in his uprightnesse seareth the Lord] Mens courses shew, whether they fear God, or despise him.

but be that is perverse in his wayes, despiseth him] Job 12. 4.

V. 3. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride] His proud tongue shall cause him to be punished, chap. 10. 8, 10.

V. 4. where no oxen are, the crib is clean] By the ox is meant labour, and by the barne: meaning, without labour, there is no food for cattell, much lesse for men.

V. 5. A faithfull witnesse will not lie] Exod. 20. 16. and 23. 1. chap. 6. 19. and 12. 17.

A faithfull] Heb. Of faithfulnesses.

V. 6. A scorner secketh wisdom, and findeth it not] For the maintenance of his own ambition, as Simon Magus did, Acts 8. 18, 19. and not for Gods glory.

knowledge is easie unto him that understandeth] Chap. 8.

V. 9. Fools make a mock at sin] Chap. 10. 23. They that know not the grievousnesse of sin, nor Gods judgements that follow it: or, it may be read. Sin mocksfools: It deceives them of Gods favour, which they expect, in vain, but righteous men, which are truely wise, have it among them.

V. 10. The heart knoweth his own bitternesse] Other men know not whether we joy, or grieve, on good ground, nor have no part in our inward joy or grief, till we reveal it.

his own bitternesse] Heb. the bitternesse of his soul.

V. 12. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man] Chap. 16. 25.

V. 13. and the end of that mirth is heavinesse] He sheweth, that the allurement unto sin seemeth sweet, but the end thereof is destruction.

V. 14. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own wayes] He that forsaketh God shall be punished, and made weary of his sins, wherein he delighted.

filled with his own wayes] Chap. 1. 31. and 12. 14.

a good man shall be satisfied from himself] Heb. from with himself. That is, by those graces, and comforts that God hath given him: or, from the goodnesse of his actions, though others discourage him.

V. 17. a man of wicked devices is hated] Men can bear with him that is rashly angry, but they hate him that deviseth mis∣chief to others in cool blood: or, a man that conceals the mis∣chief he contrives, is hated, 2 Sam. 13. 22.

V. 20. The poor is hated even of his own neighbour] Chap. 19. 7.

neighbour] Or, friend.

the rich hath many friends] Heb. many are the lovers of the rich.

V. 21. He that despiseth his neighbour, sinneth] He that will not give to the poor, shall be punished as a sinner, although he take nothing from them.

but be that mercy on the poor, happy is he] Psal. 112. 9.

V. 22. Do they not erre that devise evil?] They that seek to hurt others, go out of the way of safety themselves, and perish miserably.

mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good] Gods mercifull promise shall be made good to them.

V. 23. the talk of the lips tendeth onely to penury] Talk without study or labour, makes no man rich.

V. 24. The crown of the wise is their riches] Riches honour wise men that use them well, but make fools more contemptible.

V. 25. A true witnesse delivereth souls, but a deceitfull witnesse speaketh lies] Verse 5.

A true witnesse delivereth souls] Saveth men by witnessing the truth; whereas false witnesses destroy themselves and others.

souls] Or, lives.

V. 26. and his children shall have a place of refuge] Gods chil∣dren, or the children of him that fears God, Psal. 115. 13, 14.

V. 27. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death] Chap. 13. 14.

V. 28. In the multitude of people is the kings honour] That is, the strength, as appears by the opposition: for a king without strength hath neither honour nor safety.

V. 29. he that is hastie of spirit exalteth solly] Shews it to all men, is things set on high are seen far.

hasty of spirit] Heb. short of spirit.

V. 30. A sound heart is the life of the flesh] A heart free from passions preserveth the health of the body.

envy the rotterunesse of the bones] Psal. 112. 10.

V. 31. He that oppresseth the poor, reproacheth his maker] Chap. 17. 5. Matth. 25. 40.

reproacheth his maker] His own maker, or the maker of the poor: for God made him, and in that state, not to be despised, but to be relieved.

but he that honoureth him, hath] Or, but he honoureth him that hath.

V. 32. in] Or, for.

hath hope in his death] Job 13. 15. and 19. 26. Psal. 23. 4. 2 Cor. 1. 9.

V. 34. Righteousnesse exalteth a nation] A mean people grows great and honourable by justice, whereas a great nation is ruined by injustice, and suffering sin to be unpunished.

to any people] Heb. to nations.

V. 35. his wrath is against him that causeth shame] By doing the kings businesse foolishly, whereas he that doth it wisely, gets the king credit, Isai. 22. 18.

CHAP. XV.

Vers. 1. ASoft answer turneth away wrath] Chap. 25. 15.

V. 2. but the mouth of fools poureth out foolish∣nesse] Verse 28. Chap. 12. 23. and 13. 16.

poureth] Heb. belcheth, or bubleth.

V. 3. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good] Job 34. 21. Chap. 5. 21. Jere. 16. 17. and 32. 19. Heb. 4. 13.

V. 4. A wholesome tongue] Heb. the healing of the tongue.

V. 5. A fool despiseth his fathers instruction] Chap. 10. 1.

instruction] Or, rebuke.

but he that regardeth reproof, is prudent] Chap. 13. 18.

V. 6. but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble] A wicked man may get much wealth, but he hath much care and trouble with it, because Gods blessing goes not with it, Psal. 127. 2. whereas a good mans treasure may be his strength, and with∣out trouble, through Gods blessing.

V. 7. disperse knowledge] Scatter it abroad in hope of in∣crease, as husband-men do their seed, Psal. 112. 9.

doth not so] Or, is not right.

V. 8. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord] Chap. 21. 27. Isai. 1. 11. and 66. 3. Jere. 6. 20. and 7. 22. Amos 5. 22. That thing is abominable before God, which the wicked think to be most excellent, and whereby they think to be most accepted: For they pray solemnly with sacrifice, God hates it: but he accepts the bare prayers of the godly, without sterifice.

V. 9. that followeth after righteousnesse] That followeth eagerly after it, Chap. 21. 21. 1 Tim. 6. 11. Heb. 21. 14.

V. 10. Correction] Or, instruction.

Correction is grieveus unto him] Or, A grievous correction shall befall him.

Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way] He that swarveth in his whole course from Gods word, cannot endure to be reproved.

he that hateth reproof shall die] Chap. 5. 12, &c. and 10. 17.

V. 11. Hell and destruction are before the Lord] Job 26. 6. Psal. 139. 8. There is nothing so deep, or secret, that can be hid from the eyes of God: he knows the fools in hell, and the bodies in the grave, and much more mens thoughts here.

V. 12. one that reproveth him] Or, that one should reprove him.

V. 13. A merry heart maketh a cheerfull countenance] Chap. 17. 22.

but by sorrow of the heart, the spirit is broken] Chap. 12. 25.

the spirit is broken] So much that a mans grief appears in his face.

V. 14. the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishnesse] Their heart receives foolishnesse, as their mouth receives meat; for all things are nourished by their like.

V. 16. Better is little with the fear of the Lord, then greatrea∣sure, and trouble therewith] Psal. 37. 16. Chap. 16. 8. 1 Tim. 6. 6.

Better is little with the fear of the Lord] Which usually is without trouble, as on the contrary great troubles attend the treasures of them that fear not God.

V. 17. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, then a stalled ex, and hatred therewith] Chap. 17. 1.

a dinner of herbs] The word lignifies, a travailers dinner, a short and sudden one without preparation.

V. 13. A wrathfull man stirreth up strife] Chap. 26. 21. and 29. 22.

V. 19. The way of the slothfull man is as an hedge of thorns] He ever findeth some let or stay, and dares not go forward.

hedge of thorns] Hos. 2. 6.

but the way of the righteous] Then a slothfull man is not righteous, nor a righteous man slothfull.

is made plain] Heb. is raised up as a causey.

V. 20. A wise son maketh a glad father] Chap. 10. 1.

a foolish man despiseth his mother] And so grleves her: as on the contrary, the father is made glad by honouring him.

V. 21. Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom] Chap. 10. 23. As fools rejoycing in evil live wickedly: so wise∣men rejoycing in goodnesse live uprightly.

destriute of wisdom] Heb. void of heart.

V. 22. Without counsell, purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established] Or, Break purposes without counsell: for in the multitude of counsellers thou shalt be established.

Without counsell, purposes are disappointed] Chap. 11. 14. Things rashly undertaken are blown away like chaff.

counsellers they are established] Chap 10. 18.

V. 23. by the answer of his mouth] Answer is put for speech, though no man speak before, as it is often in the old and new testament.

a word spoken in due season, how good is it?] Chap. 25. 11. If we will that our talk be comfortable, we must wait for a season∣able time.

in due season] Heb. in his season.

V. 24. The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from bell beneath] Phil. 3. 20. Col. 3. 1, 2.

V. 25. The Lord will destroy the house of the proud] Chap. 12. 7. and 14. 11.

he will establish the border of the widow] Who hath no cause to be proud.

V. 26. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord] Chap. 6. 18. Wicked mens thoughts and words displease God, good mens please him.

pleasant words] Heb. words of pleasantnesse.

V. 27. He that is greedy of gain, troubleth his own house] Hin∣ders the comfort of himself and his: whereas, he that hates bribes, so that he will not receive them offered, much lesse ask them, he and his shall live comfortably.

troubleth his own house] Chap. 11. 29.

V. 28. the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things] Rashly and abundantly, for lack of premeditation.

V. 29. The Lord is farre from the wicked] Psal. 34. 16. God is far off from wicked men, and will not hear their prayers: but he is nigh to good men, and hears them quickly: There∣fore the former must not presume, nor the latter despair of the good successe of their prayers.

he heareth the prayer of the righteous] Psal. 145. 18.

V. 30. The light of the eyes rejoyceth the heart] As light de∣lights the eyes; so good news, or a good name joyes the heart.

report] Heb. hearing, chap. 12. 25.

V. 31. The ear that beareth the reproof of life, abideth among the wise] Verse 5. That suffereth himself to be admonished by Gods word, that bringeth life, and so amendeth.

V. 32. instruction] Or, correction.

heareth] Or, obeyeth.

getteth understanding] Heb. possesseth an heart.

V. 33. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom] Job 28. 28.

before honour is humility] Chap. 18. 12. Meaning, that God useth to exalt them that are truely humble.

CHAP. XVI.

Vers. 1. THe preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord] Chap. 19. 21. and 20. 24. Jere. 10. 23. He derideth the presumption of man, who dare attribute to himself any thing, and yet can neither prepare his heart to speak, nor speak what he hath pre∣pared, without Gods assistance: or, though man have never so well prepared himself, yet without God he cannot utter his conceptions: as verse 9.

preparations] Or, disposings.

in man, and] Or, are of man, but.

V. 2. All the wayes of a man are clean in his own eyes] Chap. 21. 2. He sheweth hereby, that man flattereth himself in his doings, calling that vertue which God calleth vice, Psal. 36. 2. Isai. 5. 20.

the Lord weigheth the spirits] God weighs mens thoughts in an even balance, and mindes them too light, and their actions also, Dan. 5. 27.

V. 3. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established] Psal. 37. 5. and 55. 22. Matth. 6. 25. Luk. 12. 22. 1 Pet. 5. 7.

Commit] Heb. Roll.

Commit thy works unto the Lord] Those things that are too hard for thee, trust God with them, as men use to lay their burdens on other mens shoulders, when they cannot bear them, and he will effect them according to thy inten∣tion.

V. 4. The Lord hath made all things for himselfe] For his own glory.

yea even the wicked for the day of evil] Job 21. 30. He bringeth wicked men daily into the world, in whose condemnation he intends to glorifie his justice: or, to be executioners of his wrath for the punishment of others.

V. 5. Every one that is proud in heart, is an abomination to the Lord] Chap. 6. 17. and 8. 13.

unpunished] Heb. held innocent.

V. 6. By mercy and truth iniquitie is purged, &c.] Or, Where mercy and truth is, iniquitie is purged; and where the fear of God shews it self, by departing from evil: that is, pietie is a sure to∣ken of remission of sins, and not sacrifices without it.

V. 7. When a mans ways please the Lord] He that will enjoy the favour of men for good, must get God's first, Job 5. 23.

V. 8. Better is a little with righteousnesse, &c.] Psal. 37. 16. Chap. 15. 16. A little well gotten, is better then a great deal ill gotten, psal. 37. 16.

V. 9. A mans heart deviseth his way] Verse 1.

but the Lord directeth his steps] See Notes on v. 1.

V. 10. A divine sentence] Heb. devination.

A divine sentence is in the lips of the king] Of a godly and wise king: or rather, of Solomon himself, whose proverbs we ought therefore to attend unto, as to an unerring sentence of a judge on the bench.

V. 11. A just weight and balance are the Lords] Levit. 19. 36. Chap. 11. 1.

all the weights] Heb. all the stones.

all the weights of the bag are his work] If they be true and just, they are Gods work, and he delighteth therein: but if they be false, they are the work of the devil, and serve to their condemnation that use them.

V. 12. It is an abomination to kings to commit wickednesse] Wise kings hate injustice, knowing it will overthrow their thrones.

for] Or, but.

V. 14. The wrath of a king is as messengers of death] Chap. 20. 2. That is, he findeth out many means to execute his wrath.

a wise man will pacifie it] For there is no resisting it.

V. 15. In the light of the kings countenance is life] The kings cheerfull countenance rejoyceth the subjects, like sun-shine; and enricheth them, like the later reign.

his favour is as a cloud of the later rain] Chap. 19. 12.

V. 16. How much better is it to get wisedom, then gold] Chap. 8. 11.

V. 18. Pride goeth before destruction] Chap. 11. 2. and 18. 12. Mens estates are like earthen-ware, the higher they are lifted, the greater is their fall and breaking. Pride makes many break in our days, chap. 17. 19.

V. 19. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly] To be as lowly as men overcome in battell.

V. 20. He that handleth a matter] Or, He that understandeth a matter.

He that handleth a matter wisely, shall finde good] Or, he that wisely understandeth the word; meaning, Gods word: else he means, That he that will bring his affairs to a good end, must have understanding in his businesse, and trust in God.

trusteth in the Lord, happie is he] Psal. 2. 12. and 34. 8. and 125. 1. Isa. 30. 18. Jer. 17. 7.

V. 21. the sweetnesse of the lips encreaseth learning] Wisedom joyned with eloquence, doth much good.

V. 22. Ʋnderstanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it] Chap. 13. 14.

him that hath it] Heb. the owners of it.

the instruction of fools is folly] Either that which the wicked teach others; or else, it is folly to teach wilfull fools.

V. 23. teacheth] Heb. maketh wise.

and addeth learning to his lips] To himself, or others.

to] Or, by.

V. 24. Pleasant words are as an honey-comb] Chap. 12. 25.

sweet to the soul] Pleasant and profitable.

V. 25. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man] Chap. 14. 12.

V. 26. He that laboureth] Heb. the soul of him that laboureth. eraveth it of him] Heb. boweth unto him.

V. 27. An ungodly man] Heb. A man of Belial, 2 Sam. 20. 1.

in his lips there is a burning fire] For he consumeth himself and others.

V. 28. A froward man soweth strife] Chap. 6. 14, 19. and 15. 18. and 26. 21. and 29. 22.

soweth] Heb. sendeth forth.

a whisperer separateth chief friends] Heb. a guide: One that is of our intimate counsell, psal. 55. 13. Mic. 7. 5.

V. 29. leadeth him into the way that is not good] Either to undo him, or to make him joyn with him in undoing others.

V. 30. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things] With his whole endeavour he laboureth to bring his wickednesse to passe.

V. 31. if it be found in the way of righteousnesse] Old men that fear God ought to be reverenced, Levit. 19. 32. Or, it is found: that is, God, for the most part, gives old age to righteous men, as a reward, psal. 91. 16.

V. 32. He that is slowe to anger, is better then the mightie] Though the world despise patient men, yet God prefers them before conquerours.

V. 33. The lot is cast into the lap: but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord] Men can but put the lots into the lap; after∣wards God disposeth it as he will.

whole disposing] Or, every judgement (or, sentence.)

CHAP. XVII.

Vers. 1. ADrie morsell, and quietnesse therewith, then a house full of sacrifices with strife] Chap. 15. 17.

then a house full of sacrifices with strife] For where as were many sacrifices, there were many portions given to the people, wherewith they feasted. Or, the word may signifie cattell slain to eat, not to sacrifice.

sacrifices] Or, good cheer.

V. 2. A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame] Sometimes a wise and faithfull servant is by the father set over slothfull children, and hath part of the inheritance with them.

V. 3. The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold] Psal. 26. 2. Chap. 27. 21. Jer. 17. 10. Mal. 3. 3.

but the Lord trieth the hearts] Men can finde out other things, but not other mens thoughts.

V. 4. a liar giveth ear to a naughtie tongue] No tongue so bad, but a liar will hearken to it.

naughtie tongue] Heb. of naughtinesses: that is, most naughtie.

V. 5. Whoso mocketh the poor, reproacheth his Maker] Chap. 14. 31.

unpunished] Heb. held innocent.

V. 6. Childrens children are the crown of old men] Psal. 127. 3. and 128. 3.

V. 7. Excellent speech] Heb. a lip of excellencie.

Excellent speech becometh not a fool] As eloquent speech shews a fool speaks not like himself: so a prince speaks much lesse like himself, if he speak falsly.

lying lips] Heb. a lip of lying.

V. 8. A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it] Chap. 18. 16. Heb. of the masters of it. Rich men think they can do any thing with gifts.

a precious stone] Heb. a stone of grace.

V. 9. He that covereth a transgression, seeketh love] Chap. 10. 12. Concealing injuries done us, breeds peace; ripping them up, breeds discord among neerest friends.

seeketh] Or, procureth.

V. 10. A reproof entreth more into a wise man, &c.] A wise man is more affected with, and mends sooner after a reproof, then a foolish person after many stripes.

A reproof entreth more into a wise man, then an hundred stripes in∣to a fool] Or, a repreof aweth more a wise man, then to strike a fool an hundred times.

V. 11. therefore a cruell messenger shall be sent against him] An hangman or executioner.

V. 12. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man] It is better to meet a she-bear, that falls on every one she meets, as if he had stolen her whelps, then to meet a wicked man in a vio∣lent passion.

V. 13. rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house] Rom. 12. 17. 1 Thess. 5. 15. 1 Pet. 3. 9.

V. 14. The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water] He that raiseth strife, knows not how to stay it, no more then he that opens a breach to let out waters to drown a countrey: therefore begin not to contend at any time.

V. 15. He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, &c.] Exod. 23. 7. Chap. 24. 24. Isai. 5. 23.

even they both are abomination to the Lord] Men think it mercy to favour a wicked man in judgement, but God accounts is as bad as condemning an innocent.

V. 16. Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wise∣dom] If a man have never so much opportunity and means, yet he will not use them, unlesse he have an heart desirous to learn.

V. 17. A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for ad∣versity] Chap. 18. 24.

a brother is born for adversitie] They are true friends and kin∣red that forsake us not in adversity.

V. 18. A man void of understanding striketh hands] Chap. 6. 1. and 11. 15.

understanding] Heb. heart.

in the presence of his friend] Openly, in the presence of the creditour, chap. 6. 3.

friend] Or, neighbour.

V. 19. he that exalteth his gate, seeketh destruction] He that makes him fairer gates then his neighbour, seeking to exalt himself above his degree, gives others occasion to seek his ruine. Broad gates break men many times.

V. 20. He that hath a froward heart] Heb. the froward of heart.

V. 21. He that begetteth a fool, doth it to his sorrow] Chap. 10. 1.

V. 22. A merry heart doth good like a medicine] Chap. 15. 13. and 12. 25. A cheerfull heart helps well to recover health lost: but a sad one breeds deadly diseases.

like a medicine] Or, to a medicine.

V. 23. A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosome] That is, secretly, as it were out of the bosome of the rich.

V. 24. Wisdom is before him that hath understanding, but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth] Eccles. 2. 14. and 8. 1.

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding] Easie to be got∣ten, or ready to guide him, or, appears in his face by his modest carriage: in fools, all is contrary.

V. 25. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitternesse to her that bare him] Chap. 10. 1. and 15. 20. and 19. 13.

V. 26. nor to strike princes for equity] Or, that princes should strike for equity: That is, no man should suffer for well-doing.

V. 27. He that hath knowledge spareth his words] Jam. 1. 19. It is a sign of excellent wisdom for a man to moderate his speech at any time, but especially in his anger.

an excellent spirit] Or, a cool spirit.

V. 28. Even a fool when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise] Job. 13. 5.

CHAP. XVIII.

Verse 1. THrough desire a man having separated himself, seeketh and intermedieth with all wisdom] Or, He that separateth himself seeketh according to his desire, and intermedieth in every businesse.

Through desire a man having separated himself] He that loveth wisdom, will separate himself from all impediments, and give himself wholly to seek it.

V. 2. but that his heart may discover it self] That is, that he may talk licentiously of whatsoever cometh to minde.

V. 3. then cometh also contempt] Either, contempt of God, and shame from him lights upon wicked men: or else, he means, they contemn all others.

V. 4. The words of a mans mouth are as deep waters, and the well-spring of wisdom as a flowing brook] Chap. 20. 5.

as deep waters] Which can never be drawn empty, but ever brings profit, Chap. 10. 11.

V. 5. It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to over∣throw the righteous in judgement] Levit. 19. 15. Deut. 1. 17. and 16. 9. Chap. 24. 23.

It is not good to accept the person of the wicked] To favour and support him, to the injury of him that hath the right on his side.

V. 6. his mouth calleth for stokes] Encourageth others to fight, or, causeth himself to be beaten, verse 7.

V. 7. A fools mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul] Chap. 10. 14. and 12. 13. and 13. 3.

V. 8. The words of a talt-bearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly] Chap. 12. 18. and 26. 22.

tale-bearer] Or, whisperer.

are as wounds] They are firmly beleeved by some, and wound mens reputation irrecoverably.

as wounds] Or, like as when men are wounded.

innermost parts] Heb. chambers.

V. 9. is brother to him that is a great waster] Will be as poor as he; for one gets nothing, and the other spends all.

V. 10. The name of the Lord is a strong tower: Psal. 18. 2. and 27. 1. and 144. 2. God rightly known, and speedily cal∣led upon, keeps his sase against trouble.

is safe] Heb. is set aloft.

V. 11. The rich mans wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit] Chap. 10. 15.

V. 12. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humilitie] Chap. 11. 2. and 15. 33. and 16. 18.

V. 13. He that answereth a matter] He that answers one word, before he hear the whole matter, that he may understand it throughly, shews his own folly, and brings disgrace upon himself.

answereth a matter] Heb. returneth a word.

V. 14. but a wounded spirit who can bear?] The minde being quiet, can well bear the infirmity of the body; but when the spirit is wounded, it is a thing most hard to sustain.

V. 15. and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge] A man must use both heart and car to get wisdom: that is, both me∣ditation of his own, and instruction from others.

V. 16. A mans gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him be∣fore great men] Chap. 17. 8.

A mans gift maketh room for him] Getteth him liberty to speak, and favourable audience of great men: or, brings him out of prison, and exalts him to honour.

V. 17. He that is first in his own cause] The accuser seems to be in the right, till the defendant shew the weaknesse of his plea.

V. 18. The lot causeth contentions to cease] A lot is a good way to end contentions, for the avoiding of part-takings.

V. 19. A brother offended is harder to be won then a strong city] Because he findes hurt where he had reason to look for help.

their contentions are like the barres of a castle] Which being strong, will neither bow nor yeeld.

V. 20. A mans belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth] Chap. 12. 14. and 13. 2.

V. 21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue] A mans tongue well used, brings life: ill used, brings death.

V. 22. Whoso findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord] Chap. 19. 14.

Whoso findeth a wife, findeth a good thing] Marriage is good in it self, for a wife is an helper.

V. 23. roughly] James 2. 3.

V. 24. and there is a friend that sticketh closer then a brother] Chap. 17. 17. Ofttimes friends are found, that are more ready to do us pleasure, then they that are neer to us in the flesh, and so more obliged to us. And in trouble, a friend sticks close to us sometimes, when a brother forsakes us.

CHAP. XIX.

Vers. 1. BEtter is the poor that walketh in his integrity, then he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool] Chap. 28. 6. and is a fool] Though he be rich.

V. 2. he that hasteth with his feet, sinneth] He that doth things rashly without premeditation, or forecast.

V. 3. and his heart f••etteth against the Lord] Though mans foolish carriage make his businesse not succeed well, yet he layes the fault upon God, Gen. 3. 12.

V. 4. Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour] Chap. 14. 20.

V. 5. A false witnesse shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape] Exod. 23. 1. Deut. 19. 16. Chap. 6. 19. and 21. 28.

A false witnesse shall not be unpunished] Heb. a witnesse of false∣hoods: That is, a most false witnesse. Let him be as cunning as he can to invent lies, all his tricks cannot keep him from punishment.

unpunished] Heb. held innocent.

V. 6. Many will intreat the favour of the prince] Heb. the face. Because they that sue for favour to a great man, fasten their eyes on his face, Psal. 123. 2.

a friend to him that giveth gifts] Chap. 17. 8.

him that giveth gifts] Heb. a man of gifts.

V. 7. All the brethren of the poor do hate him] Chap. 14. 20. Neglect him, as if they hated him, Matth. 6. 24.

how much more do his friends go far from him] Are far off in affection, and help him no more, then if they were far off in place.

he pursueth them with words] To have comfort from them, or help.

V. 8. He that getteth wisdom, loveth his own soul] Shall pre∣serve his life, and thrive, though all men fail him.

wisdom] Heb. an heart.

he that keepeth understanding, shall finde good] Heb. he keepeth understanding to finde good.

V. 9. A false witnesse shall not be unpunished, and he that speak∣eth lies, shall perish] Verse 5.

V. 10. Delight is not seemly for a fool] The free use of things is not to be permitted to him that cannot use them a∣right.

for a servant to have rule over princes] Chap. 30. 22. Eccles. 10. 6, 7.

V. 11. The discretion of a man deferieth his anger, and it is his glory to passe over a transgression] Chap. 14. 29.

discretion] Or, prudence.

it is his glory to passe over a transgression] To take no notice of it, or to forgive, and forget it, Levit. 19. 18.

V. 12. The kings wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his fa∣vour is as dew upon the grasse] Chap. 16. 14, 15. and 20. 2. and 28. 15.

V. 13. A foolish son is the calamity of his father] Chap. 10. 1. and 15. 20. and 17. 21, 25. Heb. calamities. That is, the greatest calamity.

and the contentions of a wife are a continuall dropping] Chap. 21. 9. and 27. 15. As rain that droppeth in, and rotteth the house at length.

V. 14. House and riches are the inheritance of fathers] Parents can leave their children wealth, but not good wives.

a prudent wise is from the Lord] Chap. 18. 22.

V. 15. an idle soul shall suffer hunger] Chap. 10. 4. and 20. 13. Or, deceitfulnesse. For such persons live idly.

V. 16. He that keepeth the conunandment, keepeth his own soul] Luke 11. 28.

V. 17. He that hath pitie upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord] Matth. 10. 42. and 25. 40. 2 Cor. 9. 6, 7.

that which he hath given] Or, his deed.

V. 18. Chasten thy son while there is hope] Chap. 13. 24. and 23. 13.

for his crying] Or, to his destruction: or, to cause him to die.

V. 19. yet thou must do it again] Though he be brought out of danger, yet his passion will bring him in again.

do] Heb. adde.

V. 21. There are many devices in a mans heart, &c.] Job 23. 13. Psal. 33. 10, 11, Chap. 16. 1, 9. Isa. 46. 10.

neverthelesse the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand] Mans de∣vice shall not have successe, except God govern it, whose pur∣pose is unchangeable, psal. 33. 10, 11. Isa. 14. 26, 27.

V. 22. The desire of a man is his] Or, That which is to be desi∣red of a man is his.

The desire of a man is his kindnesse] A mans will is to be accepted for the deed, if he have nothing to give, 2 Cor. 8. 12.

V. 23. and he that hath it shall abide satisfied: he shall] Or, and he that is filled with it shall abide: he shall.

V. 24. A slothfull man hideth his hand in his bosome] Chap. 15. 19. and 26. 13, 15.

V. 25. Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware] Chap. 21. 11. Men that do ill out of ignorance, will amend by the punish∣ments and reproofs of scorners, though they themselves will not: or, scorners must be smitten that offend out of malice, that others may amend; but he that sins out of frailty, will amend if he be but reproved, though he be not smitten, when he duely considers what he hath done.

will beware] Heb. will be cunning.

V. 28. An ungodly witnesse] Heb. A witnesse of Belial.

the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquitie] Taketh as much pleasure in speaking falsly, as gluttons and drunkards in swal∣lowing down abundance of delicate meats and drinks, Job 15. 16. Eph. 4. 19.

CHAP. XX.

Vers. 1. WIne is a mocker] Wine, immoderately taken, makes men scoffers and surious: or, it over∣takes men before they are aware, Gen. 9. 21.

V. 2. The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion] Chap. 16. 14. and 19. 12.

sinneth against his own soul] Putteth his life in danger.

V. 4. The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold] Chap. 10. 4.

cold] Or, winter.

V. 5. Counsell in the heart of a man is like deep water] Chap. 18. 4. It is hard to finde; for it is as deep waters, whose bot∣tom cannot be found: yet a wise man will fetch it out of him, by observing his words and manners.

V. 6. goodnesse] Or, bounty.

but a faithfull man who can finde?] Heb. a man of faithfulnesses: that is, a man faithfull in every thing.

V. 7. his children are blessed after him] Psal. 112. 2.

V. 8. scattereth away all evil with his eyes] Where righte∣ous judgement is executed, there sin ceaseth, and vice dares not appear, v. 26.

all evil] Or, every evil man, as v. 26.

V. 9. Who can say, I have made my heart clean, &c.] 1 Kings 8. 46. 2 Chron. 6. 36. Job. 14. 4. Psal. 51. 5. Eccles. 7. 20. 1 John 1. 8.

V. 10. Divers weights] Heb. a stone and a stone. An heavie one to buy withall, and a light one to sell withall.

Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them, &c.] Deut. 25. 13, &c. Chap. 11. 1. and 16. 11.

divers measures] Heb. an ephah and an ephah.

V. 11. Even a child is known by his doings] Children shew betimes, whether they be enclined to good wayes or bad; and must be dealt withall accordingly.

V. 12. The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made

even both of them] Exod. 4. 11. Psal. 94. 9.

V. 13. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty] Chap. 12. 11. and 19. 15.

V. 14. It is naught] He often dispraiseth it, that he may buy it the cheaper.

V. 15. but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel] He is richer that can speak wisely, then he that hath much treasure.

V. 16. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger] Chap. 27. 13. Trust him not without a pawn, that cares not whom he be surety for.

V. 17. Bread of deceit] Heb. bread of lying, or falshood.

Bread of deceit is sweet to a man] Chap. 9. 17.

V. 18. Every purpose is established by counsel] Chap. 15. 22. and 24. 6.

with good advice make war] Heb. advices: that is, by store of good counsell.

V. 19. He that geeth about as a tale-bearer, revealeth secrets] Chap. 11. 13.

flattereth] Or, enticeth.

V. 20. Whoso curseth his father or his mother, &c.] Exod. 21. 17. Levit. 20. 9. Matth. 15. 4.

lamp] Or, candle.

V. 22. Say not thou, I will recompense evil] Deut. 32. 35. Chap. 17. 13. and 24. 29. Rom. 12. 17. 1 Thess. 5. 15. 1 Pet. 3. 9.

V. 23. Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD] Vers. 10.

a false balance] Heb. balances of deceit.

V. 24. Mans goings are of the Lord] Psal. 37. 23. Chap. 16. 9. Jer. 10. 23.

V. 25. It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy] That is, to apply it or take it to his own use, which was ap∣pointed to Gods; yea, to go about to do it, by enquiring how the vow may be made void.

V. 26. A wise king scattereth the wicked] Psal. 101. 5, &c. Verse 8.

and bringeth the wheel over them] Which was a kinde of pu∣nishment then in use; and in many places is yet.

V. 27. candle] Or, lamp.

searching all the inward parts of the belly] Mans soul can dive into those things, which his eyes cannot.

V. 28. Mercy and truth preserve the king] Psal. 101. 1. Chap. 29. 14.

V. 29. the beauty of old men is the gray head] Chap. 16. 31.

V. 30. cleanseth away evil] Heb. is a purging medicine against evil.

so do stripes the inward parts of the belly] Sharp punishments make wicked men to bewail their secret sins.

CHAP. XXI.

Vers. 1. THe kings heart is in the hand of the Lord] Though kings seem to have all things at command, yet are they not able to bring their own purposes to passe any otherwise then God hath appointed: much lesse are the infe∣feriours able.

as the rivers of water] As water is drawn in trenches this way or that way: or, as a boat in the water is easily turned this way or that way.

V. 2. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes] Chap. 16. 2.

V. 3. To do justice and judgement, is more acceptable, &c.] 1 Sam.

15. 22. Chap. 15. 8. Isa. 1. 11. Hos. 6. 6. Mic. 6. 7, 8.

V. 4. An high look] Heb. haughtinesse of eyes.

An high look, and a proud heart, and, &c.] Chap. 6. 17.

the plowing of the wicked] Or, the light of the wicked.

the plowing of the wicked, is sin] A bad crop follows their plots, Job 4. 8.

V. 5. The thoughts of the diligent tend onely to plenteousnesse] They that do their businesse wisely and carefully, shall thrive: they that do it rashly, shall not prosper.

V. 6. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue, is a vanitie, &c.] Chap. 10. 2. and 13. 11.

V. 7. destroy them] Heb. saw them, or dwell with them.

because they refuse to do judgement] Unjust judges are robbers then, who poll others, to maintain their lusts.

V. 9. It is better to dwell in a corner of the house top, then with, &c.] Chap. 19. 13. and 25. 24. and 27. 15.

a brawling woman] Heb. a woman of contentions: that is, a ve∣ry contentious woman.

a wide house] Heb. an house of societie.

V. 10. The soul of the wicked desireth evil] James 4. 5.

findeth no favour] Heb. is not favoured.

V. 11. When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise] Chap. 19. 25.

V. 12. The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked] Observing Gods judgements on wicked mens families, he takes heed of their wicked ways.

but] Or, how.

V. 13. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the crie of the poor, he also, &c.] Matth. 18. 30, &c.

he also shall crie himself, but shall not be heard] He shall crie as loud to God, in vain, as the poor did to him.

V. 14. A gift in secret pacifieth anger] Chap. 17. 8. and 18. 16. To do a pleasure to an angry man, in secret, pacifieth him.

V. 17. pleasure] Or, sport.

V. 18. The wicked shall be a ransome for the righteous] Chap. 11. 8. God shall cause that to fall on the wicked, which was intended against the just, by delivering the just, and putting the wicked in their places.

V. 19. It is better, &c.] Vers. 9.

in the wildernesse] Heb. in the land of the desert.

V. 20. and oil in the dwelling of the wise] Meaning, abundance of all things.

but a foolish man spendeth it up] His own treasure, not the god∣ly mans.

V. 21. followeth after righteousnesse and mercy, findeth life, &c.] Chap. 15. 9.

V. 22. A wise man scaleth the citie of the mighty] Eccles. 9. 14, &c.

and casteth down the strength of the considence thereof] Wisedom o∣vercometh strength, and stratagems in war win strong cities.

V. 23. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles] Chap. 12. 13. and 18. 21.

his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles] Which bring others in∣to such straits, that, like a man in a narrow room, they know not which way to turn themselves.

V. 24. in proud wrath] Heb. in the wrath of pride.

V. 25. The desire of the slothfull killeth him] Because he cannot attain desired food, he vexeth himself to death; and yet he will not work for it.

V. 26. but the righteous giveth, and spareth not] Psal. 112. 9. Hath enough for himself, and to relieve others daily, while the sloth∣full man pines.

V. 27. The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination] Psal. 50 9. Chap. 15. 8. Isa. 66. 3. Jer. 6. 20. Amos 5. 22.

with a wicked minde?] Heb. in wickednesse. Either thinking to satisfie God thereby for his sin, or that God will accept of it, notwithstanding his sin, Jer. 7. 9, 10. Mic. 6. 6, 7, 8.

V. 28. A false witnesse] Heb. a witnesse of lyes.

A false witnesse shall perish] Chap. 19. 5, 9.

ut the man that heareth, speaketh constantly] The true witnesse, that speaks no more then he heareth himself, shall be left alive to bear witnesse again, when God hath destroyed false witnes∣ses, and shall be heard with credit.

V. 29. directeth] Or, considereth.

V. 30. There is no wisedom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the

Lord] Jer. 9. 23.

V. 31. The horse is prepared against the day of battel] Psal. 33. 17.

safety] Or, victory.

but safety is of the Lord] Psal. 3. 8. There was no trusting in humane policie, v. 30. nor strength, v. 31. Isa. 30. 1. and 31. 1.

CHAP. XXII.

Vers. 1. A Good name is rather to be chosen then great riches] Eccles. 7. 1. Credit and friendship is better then riches.

loving favour rather then, &c.] Or, favour is better then, &c.

V. 2. The rich and the ••oor meet together] Chap. 29. 13. Rich and poor must love one another, because they live together, have need one of another, lie together in the earth, and have the same Maker: for God made the rich to help the poor, and the poor to prove the rich, Deut. 15. 11. Matth. 26. 11.

V. 3. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, &c.] Chap. 14. 16. and 27. 12. The evil of punishment, and withdraweth himself; but fools run desperately into danger.

V. 4. By humility, &c.] Or, the reward of humility, &c.

By humility and the fear of the Lord, are riches, and honour, and life] Psal. 112. 3.

V. 5. Thorns and s••rres are in the way of the floward] Chap. 15. 19.

V. 6. Train up] Or, catechize.

in the way he should go] Heb. in his way. Bring him up vertu∣ously, and he shall so continue.

V. 7. The rich ruleth over the poor] Especially if he lend him money; as follows in this verse.

to the lender] Heb. to the man that lendeth.

V. 8. He that soweth iniquitie, shall reap vanitie] Chap. 21. 4. Job 4. 8. Hos. 10. 13.

and the rod of his anger shall fail] Or, and with the rod of his anger he shall be consumed. His wealth and authority, whereby he op∣pressed others, shall be taken from him.

V. 9. He that hath a bountifull eye] Heb. good of eye.

He that hath a bountifull eye shall be blessed] 2 Cor. 9. 6.

V. 9. Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out] Psal. 101. 5.

V. 11. for the grace of his lips] Or, and hath grace in his lips.

the king shall he his friend] Good princes use their familiarity, whose conscience is good, and their talk wise and godly.

V. 12. The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge] Favour them that love knowledge.

the words] Or, the matters.

V. 13. The slothfull man saith, There is a lion without] Chap. 26. 13.

There is a lion without] He derideth them that invent vain ex∣cuses, because they would not do their dutie, chap. 15. 19.

V. 14. The mouth of strange women is a deep pit] Chap. 2. 16. and 5. 3. and 7. 5. and 23. 27.

he that is abhorred of the Lord, shall fall therein] So God punish∣eth one sin by another, when he suffereth the wicked to fall into the acquaintance of an harlot, Eccles. 7. 26.

V. 15. Foolishnesse is bound in the heart of a childe] He is natu∣rally given to it, and can hardly be parted from it, Job 11. 12.

the rod of correction shall drive it far from him] Chap. 13. 24. and 19. 18. and 23. 13. and 29. 15, 17.

V. 16. he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want] To en∣crease his riches, as before.

V. 19. within thee] Heb. in thy belly.

V. 18. That thy trust may be in the Lord] He sheweth what the end of instruction is; to wit, To direct us to trust in the LORD.

even to thee] Or, trust thou also.

V. 20. excellent things in counsels and knowledge] Chap. 8. 6.

V. 21. to them that send unto thee] Or, to those that send thee.

V. 22. Rob not the poor] Oppresse not the poor by might, nor by false judgement.

neither oppresse the afflicted in the gate] Zech. 7. 10.

V. 23. For the Lord will plead their cause] Job 31. 21. chap. 23. 11.

V. 24. Make no friendship with an angry man] Chuse not him for thy friend that is not able to rule his affections: for he would hurt thee by his evil conversation: and if he be ve∣ry angry by nature (Heb. a man of wraths) come not in his company at all.

V. 26. Be not thou one of them that strike hands] Chap. 6. 1. and 11. 15. Which rashly put themselves in danger, by suretiship for others.

V. 28. Remove not the ancient land-mark] Deut. 19. 14. and 27. 17. chap. 23. 10.

land-mark] Or, bound.

V. 22. he shall not stand before mean men] Men that live as it were in the dark, and observed but by few; whereas princes are the light, and all mens eyes are upon them.

mean men] Or, obscure men.

CHAP. XXIII.

Vers. 1. COnsider diligently what is before thee] Eat with so∣briety and discretion.

what] Or, who.

V. 2. And put] Or, Or else thou puttest.

And put a knife to thy throat] Bridle thine appetite, as it were by force and violence; or otherwise thou mayest ••ndanger thy life, if thou give way to thy greedie appetite.

V. 3. for they are deceitfull meat] For oftentimes the rich, when they bid their inferiours to their tables, it is not for any love they bear to them, but for their own secret purposes. A court-complement.

deceitfull meat] Heb. meat of deceitfulnesses: that is, most de∣ceitfull me••t.

V. 4. Labour not to be rich] 1 Tim. 6. 9, 10. Weary not thy self to get riches, nor take more pains then thy strength can bear.

V. 5. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon] Heb. Wilt thou cause thine eyes to flee upon.

V. 6. of him that hath an evil eye] That is, of a covetous man, who looks sowrely on his guests; as on the contrary, a man of a good eye is a liberall man, chap. 22. 9. for he looks chearfully on his guests.

V. 7. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he] He is to be esteem∣ed according to his heart, not according to his words: now he thinks ill towards thee, though he speak kindly to thee.

V. 8. shalt thou vomit up] He will do thee some mischief for his good chear.

and lose thy sweet words] Which he hath spoken to thee: or, thy chearfull words at his table.

V. 10. Remove not the old land-mark] Deut. 19. 14. and 27. 17. chap. 22. 28.

land-mark] Or, bound.

enter not into the fields of the fatherlesse] To take away their corn, or do them harm.

V. 11. For their Redeemer is mighty] Job 31. 21. chap. 22. 23.

V. 13. Withhold not correction from the childe] Chap. 13. 24. and 19. 18. and 22. 15.

V. 14. and shalt deliver his soul from hell] From destruction both of body and soul.

V. 15. my heart shall rejoyce] Chap. 10. 1. and 15. 20.

even mine] Or, even I will rejoyce.

V. 17. Let not thine heart envie sinners] Psal. 37. 1. and 73. 3. chap. 3. 31. and 24. 1.

fear of the Lord all the day long] Chap. 28. 14.

V. 18. For surely there is an end] Chap. 24. 14. The prospe∣rity of the wicked shall not continue long: or, there is a reward for thy pietie in the end, psal. 37. 37, 38. and 58. 11.

end] Or, reward.

V. 19. guide thine heart in the way] In the observation of Gods commandments: or, in all thy courses.

V. 20. Be not amongst wine-bibbers] Rom. 13. 13. Eph. 5. 18.

of flesh] Heb. of their flesh.

V. 22. Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, &c.] Chap. 1. 8.

V. 23. Buy the truth, and sell it not] Spare no cost for truths sake, neither depart from it for any gain: be a merchant in buy∣ing it, but sell it not again for any pretended or promised gain, as they do their best wares.

V. 24. The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoyce] Chap. 10. 1. and 15. 20.

V. 26. give me thine heart] Give thy self wholly to wise∣dom, and to walk cheerfully in the ways that I prescribe unto thee.

V. 27. For an whore is a deep ditch] Chap. 22. 14.

a strange woman is a narrow pit] So that a man cannot get out again.

V. 28. She also lieth in wait as for a prey] Chap. 7. 12.

as for a prey] Or, as a robber.

and encreaseth the transgressours among men] She seduceth many, and causeth them to offend God.

V. 29. Who hath wo?] Isai. 5. 11.

V. 30. mixt wine] Psal. 75. 8. chap. 9. 2.

V. 31. when it moveth itself aright] Heb. when it goeth up and down in uprightnesses: that is, when it sparkleth, as the most ge∣nerous wine useth to do.

V. 32. an adder] Or, a cockatrice.

V. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women] That is, drun∣kennesse shall bring thee to whoredom: or, make thee see strange sights, by disturbing thy brain.

women] Or, things.

V. 34. in the midst of the sea] Heb. in the heart of the sea, Ezek. 27. 4. Jonah 2. 3. In such great danger shalt thou be: or, roll up and down as ships upon the sea, psal. 107. 26, 27.

V. 35. and I was not sick] Drunkennesse makes men senslesse, so that they feel no blows.

I felt it not] Heb. I know it not.

I will seek it yet again] Though drunkennesse make men worse then beasts, yet it rules them so tyrannically, that they cannot leave it, Isa. 56. 12.

CHAP. XXIIII.

Vers. 1. ENvious against evil men] Psal. 37. 1, &c. and 73. 3.

Chap. 23. 17. Verse 19.

V. 2. For their heart studieth destruction] Psal. 10. 7.

V. 5. A wise man is strong] His wisedom is to him in stead of strength, and he can do that by wisedom, which cannot be done by strength, chap. 21. 22. Eccles. 9. 16.

is strong] Heb. is in strength.

encreaseth strength] Heb. strengtheneth might.

V. 6. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war] Chap. 20. 18. and 11. 14. and 15. 22.

V. 7. Wisedom is too high for a fool] Heb. wisedoms: that is, the most excellent wisedom, as chap. 9. 1.

he openeth not his mouth in the gate] In place of judicature, where wisedom should be shewed, Ruth. 4. 1.

V. 8. shall be called a mischievous person] Heb. a master of mis∣chievous devices: that is, a most mischievous person.

a mischievous person] Heb. a master of wicked imaginations.

V. 10. If thou faint in the day of adversitie] Man hath no tri∣all of his strength, till he be in trouble: faintnesse then dis∣covers weaknesse.

small] Heb. narrow.

V. 11. If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death] Psal. 82. 4.

V. 12. doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it?] None can be excused, if he help not the innocent when he is in dan∣ger, having ability and opportunity so to do, chap. 31. 8, 9. for God observeth his neglect, to punish him. See Job 7. 20. Jer. 17. 9, 10.

Keepeth] Or, observeth.

according to his works?] Job 34. 11. Psal. 62. 12. Jer. 32. 19. Rom. 2. 6. Rev. 22. 12.

V. 13. eat thou honey] As honey is sweet, and pleasant to the taste, so wisedom is to the soul.

to thy taste] Or, upon thy palate.

V. 14. So shall the knowledge of wisedom be unto thy soul] Psal. 19. 10. and 119. 103.

then there shall be a reward] Chap. 23. 18.

V. 16. For a just] Or, For though a just.

and riseth] Or, yet he riseth.

and riseth up again] Though thou bring him down often by thy wicked devices, yet God will raise him up again still; but thou shalt fall for good and all.

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again, &c.] Job 5. 19. Psal. 34. 19. and 37. 24.

V. 17. Rejoyce not when thine enemie falleth] Job 31. 29. Psal. 35. 15. chap. 17. 5.

V. 18. it displease him] Heb. it be evil in his eyes.

and he turn away his wrath from him] To be avenged on thee.

V. 12. Fret not thy self because of evil men] Psal. 37. 1. chap. 23. 17. Or, keep not company with the wicked.

V. 20. For there shall be no reward to the evil man] No good reward: for reward, in Hebrew it is end, because the reward is not given till the work be ended; and the generall reward will be in the end of the world.

the candle of the wicked shall be put out] Job 21. 17. Chap. 13. 9.

candle] Or, lamp.

V. 21. meddle not with] Or, mix not thy self with.

them that are given to change] Heb. changers.

V. 22. who knoweth the ruine of them both?] Of them that fear not God, and of them that fear not the king: or, pro∣ceeding both from God and the king.

V. 23. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgement] Levit. 19. 15. Deut. 1. 17. and 16. 19. Chap. 18. 5. and 28. 21. John 7. 24.

V. 24. He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse] Chap. 17. 15. Isai. 5. 23.

V. 25. a good blessing] Heb. a blessing of good.

V. 26. Every man shall kisse his lips that giveth a right answer] Or, he that giveth a right answer, kisseth the lips: that is, shews himself a friend.

that giveth a right answer] Heb. that answereth right words.

V. 27. and afterwards build thine house] Be sure of the means how to compasse it, before thou take any enterprise in hand, Luke 14. 28, &c.

V. 29. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me] Chap. 20. 22.

I will render to the man according to his work] He sheweth what is the nature of the wicked, To revenge wrong with wrong, Matth. 5. 39. Rom. 12. 17.

V. 32. considered it well] Heb. set my heart.

and received instruction] I learned, by another mans damage, to look well to mine own affairs.

V. 33. Yet a little sleep, &c.] Chap. 6. 9, &c.

V. 34. povertie] Heb. poverties.

want] Heb. wants.

an armed man] Heb. a man of shield.

CHAP. XXV.

Vers. 1. THe men of Hezekiah] Whom Hezekiah appoin∣ted for this purpose. See Notes on chap. 4. 4. and 8. 1.

copied out] Out of divers books of proverbs of Solomon, 1 King. 4. 32.

V. 2. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing] God doth not reveal the cause of his judgements to man.

the honour of kings is to search out a matter] Because the king ruleth by the revealed word of God, the cause of his doings must appear, and therefore he must use diligence in trying out of causes, Deut. 13. 14.

V. 3. and the heart of kings is unsearchable] He sheweth, that it is too hard a task for a subject to attain to a reason of all the secret doings of the king, even when he is upright, and doth his duty.

is unsearchable] Heb. there is no searching.

V. 4. Take away the drosse from the silver] When vicious per∣sons are removed from the king, he is a meet vessel for the LORDS use.

V. 5. Take away the wicked from before the king, &c.] Chap. 10. 8. It is not enough that a king be upright himself, but he must also put away from him bad counsellours and servants, if he desire to have his throne firm.

V. 6. Put not forth thy self] Heb. set not out thy glory.

and stand not in the place of great men] If thou be none of them.

V. 7. For it is better that it be said unto thee, Come up hither, &c.] Luke 14. 10.

whom thine eyes have seen] For as it was an honour to thee to be graced with the kings presence; so thy dishonour will be the greater, because it is in his sight.

V. 8. Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself] Matth. 5. 25. and 18. 15.

discover not a secret to another] Or, discover not the secret of another.

V. 10. Lest he that heareth it, put] Or, Lest he hearing, put.

put thee to shame] By passing sentence against thee, and so thou be shamed for ever.

V. 11. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of sil∣ver] Chap. 15. 23.

fitly spoken] Heb. spoken upon his wheels.

V. 12. wise reprover upon an obedient ear] Chap. 9. 9.

V. 13. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithfull messenger, &c.] Chap. 13. 17.

in the time of harvest] In the time of great heat, when men have need of cooling.

V. 14. of a false gift] Heb. in a gift of falshood.

is like clouds and winde without rain] Which have an outward appearance, and are nothing within: such are covetous men, that would be thought to be liberall.

clouds and winde without rain] Jude v. 12.

V. 15. By long forbearing is bearing is a prince perswaded] Gen. 32. 4, &c. 1 Sam. 25. 24, &c. Chap. 15. 1. and 16. 14. By not mini∣string occasion to provoke him further.

a soft tongue breaketh the bone] That is, the heart that is bent to anger, and hardest to be pacified.

V. 16. eat so much as is sufficient for thee] Use moderately the

pleasures of this world: or, go not too often to thy neighbours house, as verse 17.

V. 17. Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbours house] Or, let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbours house.

weary of thee] Heb. full of thee.

V. 18. A man that beareth false witnesse against his neighbour, is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow] Psal. 120. 4. Chap. 12. 18.

V. 19. is like a broken teeth and a foot out of joynt] That makes a shew, but is of no use at all.

V. 20. taketh away] Or, putteth on.

and as vineger upon nitre] Performs an unseasonable office: or, disperseth his grief, as vineger melts mitre.

V. 21. If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat: and if he be thirfty, give him water to drink] Exod. 23. 4. Rom. 12. 20.

V. 22. For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head] Psal. 140. 10. Thou shalt bring Gods vengeance on his head, and Gods blessing on thine own.

V. 23. The north-winde driveth away rain] Job 37. 22.

The north-winde driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue] Or, the north-winde bringeth forth rain: so doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.

so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue] Heb. a secret tongue, That speaks evill of a man behinde his back to another.

a backbiting tongue] Heb. of secrecie.

V. 24. It is better to dwell in a corner of the house-top, then with a brawling woman and in a wide house] Chap. 19. 13. and 21. 9.

V. 26. is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring] Which is a thing to be grieved at by all men, as being a publike mis∣chief.

V. 27. good] Or, hurtfull, Chap. 10. 2.

to eat much honey] Verse 16.

so for men to search their own glory, is not glory] So over-curi∣ous searching into hidden things, though it be pleasant, may prove prejudiciall, Psal. 131. 1, 2. Eccles. 3. 22. Or, an am∣bitious mans boasting of himself, turns to his own discredit, Chap. 27. 2.

V. 28. He that hath no rule over his own spirit, is like a city that is broken down, and without walls] Chap. 16. 32.

is like a city that is broken down] Which lies open to all assai∣lants, and so is in extream danger.

CHAP. XXVI.

Vers. 1. AS snow in summer] For these things are then un∣seasonable, 1 Sam. 12. 17.

V. 2. so the curse causelesse shall not come] Psal. 109. 28.

V. 3. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the asse, and a rod for the fools back] Psal. 32. 9. Chap. 10. 13.

V. 4. Answer not a fool according to his folly] Answer him not according to his folly: That is, as foolishly as he speaks with vain speeches, and railings: or, consent not unto him in his sayings, or doings, but rather reprove him, as the matter re∣quireth: or, answer him, to convince him, though thou have no hope to instruct him: or, observe a fit time and place to answer him: or, answer him briefly, and be not full of words, as he is.

V. 5. his own con••eit] Heb. his own eyes.

V. 6. ••utteth off the feet] As he that cuts off his legs, or the legs of his messenger, receives losse thereby: so doth he that imployes a fool in his businesse.

damage] Or, violence.

V. 7. The legs of the lame are not equall] One goes up, and the other down, which is an unseemly thing.

are not equall] Heb. are lifted up.

V. 8. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling] Or, As he that put∣teth a precious stone in an heap of stones. So that the slinger can make no use of it, but-it returns upon him, and hurts him∣self.

V. 9. As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard] That runs into his hand and hurts himself: or, which he takes up to hurt others.

V. 10. The great God that formed all things, both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressours] Or, A great man grieveth all, and he hireth the fool, he hireth also transgressours.

The great God that formed all things] God rewards all man∣ner of transgressours, whether they sin of folly, or of malice, Chap. 11. 31. Or, wicked men when they are in place and power, make use of all sorts of wicked men for the oppressing of others.

V. 11. As a dog returneth to his vomit] 2 Pet. 2. 22.

returneth to his folly] Heb. iterateth his folly.

V. 12. there is more hope of a fool then of him] For the fool will rather be counselled then he, and so may sooner come to true wisdom, Matth. 21. 31.

V. 13. The slothfull man saith, There is a lion in the way, a lion is in the streets] Chap. 22. 13.

in] Heb. between.

V. 14. As the door turneth upon his hinges] And never goeth off the hinges: so a fool tosseth to and fro in his bed, but will not out.

V. 15. The slothfull hideth his hand in his besome, it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth] Chap. 19. 24.

it grieveth him] Or, he is weary.

V. 17. medleth] Or, is enraged.

is like one that taketh a dog by the ears] He that being not cal∣led, goes about to end strife, may sooner catch hurt, then do good, by bringing himself to danger on both sides.

V. 18. a mad man] Or, one that feigns himself mad, 1 Sam. 21. 13.

firebrands] Heb. flames, or sparks.

V. 19. So it the man that deceiveth his neighbour] Wrong done in sport may work much mischief.

V. 20. Where no wood is] Heb. without wood.

where there is no tale-learer, the strife ceaseth] Chapter 22. 10.

tale-bearer] Or, whisperer.

ceaseth] Heb. is silent.

V. 21. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife] Chap. 15. 18. and 29. 22.

so is a conten••ious man to kindle strife] Heb. a man of contenti∣ons. That is, a very contentious man.

V. 22. The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly] Chap. 18. 8.

innermost parts] Heb. chambers.

V. 23. Burning lips, and a wicked heart] Burning with affe∣ction, and making profession of much love to us, when evil is intended to us, as an earthen vessell covered over with drossie silver, which makes a shew, as if it were good massie silver.

V. 24. dissembleth] Or, is known.

V. 25. speaketh fair] Heb. maketh his voice gracious.

for there are seven abeminations in his heart] Meaning, many! he useth a certain number for an uncertain, Chap. 24. 16.

V. 26. Whose hatred is covered] Or, hatred is covered in se∣cret: or, his hatred.

his wickednesse shall be shewed before the whole congregation] God will give him over to some great sin, that he may be publikely punished.

V. 27. Whose diggeth a pit, shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him] Psal. 7. 15, 16. and 9. 15. Ec∣cles. 10. 8.

he that rolleth a stone, it will return him] Up an hill, which fals down again on his own head.

V. 28. A lying tongue hateth these that are afflicted by it] Seck∣eth to do them more mischief, whom he hath hurt before.

and a flattering mouth worketh ruine] A flatterer seeks to undo men, as well as a false witnesse: but the one doth it secretly, and the other openly.

CHAP. XXVII.

Vers. 1. BOast not thy self of to morrow] James 4. 13, &c.

tomorrow] Heb. to morrow-day.

thou knowest not what a day may bring forth] Every day is as it were childe of some thing. To morrow may bring forth that which may crosse thy businesse, or thy comfort: therefore presume not of either, if thou neglect the present occasion, Matth. 6. 34.

V. 3. heavy] Heb. heavinesse.

V. 4. Wrath is cruel, and anger is outragious] Heb. wrath is cruelty, and anger an over flowing.

but who is able to stand before envy?] For the envious are ob∣stinate, and cannot be reconciled.

envy] Or, jealousie, as Chap. 6. 34.

V. 5. Open rebuke is better then secret love] He doth us more good that reveals his hatred to us by railing on us, then he that professeth he loveth us, and dare not reprove us.

V. 6. Faithfull are the wounds of a friend] Psal. 141. 5. The rebukes of a friend that pierce deep, are better then the sawn∣ing of an enemy.

deceitfull] Or, carnest, or frequent.

V. 7. The full soul lotheth an heny-comb] Want sometimes is better then plenty.

lotheth] Heb. treadeth under foot.

to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet] Job 6. 7.

V. 8. As a bird that wandreth from her nest] And so is unset∣led, and in danger: So is a man out of his dwelling, or calling.

V. 9. sweemesse of a mans friend by hearty counsel] Psal. 55. 14.

by hearty counsed] Heb. from the counsel of the soul.

V. 10. neither go into] Or, but go not into:

neither go into thy brothers house in the day of thy calamity] Seek help from an ancient friend in time of trouble, rather then from thy kindred; for these will sooner fail thee, then he, who loves thee better, and dwels neerer to help thee.

better is a neighbour that is near, then a brother far off] Chap. 17. 17. and 18. 24.

V. 11. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may an∣swer him that reproacheth me] Chap. 10. 1. and 23. 24.

that I may answer him that reproacheth me] See notes on Psal. ••••7. 5.

V. 12. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself] Chap. 22. 3.

V. 13. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman] Chap. 20. 16.

for] Or, that is surety for.

V. 14. He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice] He that praiseth a man before others continually to his face, is as tedi∣ous to a wise man, as if he cursed him.

V. 15. A continuall dropping in a very rainy day, and a contenti∣ous woman are alike] Chap. 19. 13.

a contentious woman] Heb. a woman of contentions: That is, a very contentious woman.

V. 16. Whosoever hideth her, hideth the winde] The incon∣veniences that come by her, are such as cannot be concealed, no more then the winde can be kept in, or the sent of a sweet ointment.

bewrayeth] Heb. proclaimeth.

V. 17. Iron sharpeneth iron] Angreth him: or, encourageth him to good, when he is dull of himself.

V. 18. Whoso keepeth the fig-tree, shall eat the fruit thereof] 1 Cor. 9. 7.

waiteth on] Or, observeth.

V. 19. As in water face answereth to face] As a man can ghesse at his own face by seeing the shadow of it in the water, though he cannot see it immediately: so may he ghesse at ano∣ther mans thoughts by his actions, although he cannot direct∣ly see his heart.

V. 20. never] not.

the eyes of man are never satisfied] Eccles. 1. 8.

V. 21. As the fining-pot for silver, and the furnace for gold] Chap. 17. 3.

so is a man to his praise] True praise is gotten by wel-doing, as gold is made praise-worthy by the fire.

V. 22. yet will not his foolishnesse depart from him] A fool will be beaten to death, before he will leave his folly, Jere. 6. 29.

V. 23. look well] Heb. set thy heart.

V. 24. For riches are not for ever] If thou wert never so rich, or hadst a crown, yet thou mayest be poor; therefore look well to be educated in some trade that may maintain thee, if wealth fail.

riches] Heb. strength.

to every generation] Heb. to generation and generation.

V. 25. The hay appeareth] This declareth the great good∣nesse of God towards man, who giveth him food▪ for himself, and his servants, and his cattell, summer and winter, and means to purchase more lands: and by consequence requires care in man to preserve all these things for their severall uses, Gen. 1. 28, 29. Psal. 104. 14. and 147. 8, 9.

V. 26. are] Or, which are.

V. 27. maintenance] Heb. life.

CHAP. XXVIII.

Vers. 1. THe wicked flee when no man pursueth] Levit. 26. 36. Because their own conscience accuseth them.

bold] Heb. confident.

V. 2. many are the princes thereof] The state of the common∣wealth is oftentimes changed, as 1 Kings 16.

but by a man of understanding] It may be read. So because of men of understanding and knowledge, the princes life shall be pro∣longed. Which is a great benefit to the land, for many troubles come, where the government is often altered.

by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged] Or, by men of understanding and wisdom shall they like∣wise be prolonged.

V. 3. like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food] Which sweeps all the corn away.

which leaveth no food] Heb. without food.

V. 4. such as keep the law, contend with them] Not onely condemn them, but resist them also.

V. 5. understand all things] 1 John 2. 20, 27.

V. 6. Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightnesse] Chap. 19. 1. Heb. in two wayes: That is, which goeth out of the way to the right hand, or to the left, or, that runs out of the mean into either extream, Deut. 5. 32. Josh. 1. 7.

V. 7. Whoso keepeth the law, is a wise son] Chap. 29. 3.

is a companion of riotous men] Or, feedeth gluttons.

V. 8. He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor] Chap. 13. 22. Ec∣cles. 2. 26.

unjust gain increaseth his substance] Heb. by increase.

he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor] For God will take away the riches of the wicked usurer, and give them to him that shall do good with them.

V. 9. even his prayer shall be abomination] He that will not be taught by God, must not think that God will supply his need, Chap. 15. 8. Zech. 7. 11.

V. 10. Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit] Chap. 26. 27.

he shall fall himself into his own pit] He that seeks to draw good men into a trap, shall fall into it himself, while they hold their own.

V. 11. in his own conceit] Heb. in his eyes.

the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out] And findes him unwise.

V. 12. When righteous men do rejoyce, there is great glory] Verse 28. Chap. 11. 10. Eccles. 10. 6.

when the wicked rise, a man is hidden] Good men hide them∣selves for fear of oppression.

hidden] Or, sought for.

V. 13. He that covereth his sins, shall not prosper] Psal. 32. 5. 1 John 1. 9, 10.

and forsaketh them] It is not enough to confesse our sins, unlesse we also forsake them.

V. 14. Happy is the man that feareth alway] Which constant∣ly standeth in aw of God, and is afraid to offend him at any time, Chap. 23. 17.

but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief] Rom. 11. 20.

V. 15. so is a wicked ruler over the poor people] For he leaves nothing, but undoes them utterly.

V. 16. understanding] Heb. understandings: That is, void of all kinde of wisdom.

is also a great oppressour] And therefore shall soon be cut off: as appears by the contrary in the end of the verse.

great oppressour] Heb. great of oppressions: That is, a very great oppressour.

V. 17. A man that doth violence to the blood of any person, shall flee to the pit, let no man stay him] Gen. 9. 6. Exod. 21. 14.

A man that doth violence to the blood of any person] Heb. is op∣pressed with. For blood lies heavy on a murderer, and will bring him to an untimely end, in despight of all his friends.

doth violence to the blood] Or, is oppressed with the blood.

person] Heb. soul.

V. 8. Whoso walketh uprightly, shall be saved] Chap. 10. 25.

but he that is perverse in his wayes] See notes on verse 6.

shall fall at once] Heb. in one of them. He that useth to halt now on one side, and then on another, will be sure to fall on one side or other.

V. 19. He that tilleth his land, shall have plenty of bread] Chap. 12. 11.

V. 20. A faithfull man] Heb. a man of faithfulnesses: That is, a very faithfull man.

A faithfull man shall abound with blessings] God will blesse them that are true in their contracts, and curse them that deal falsly, that they may be rich quickly.

but he that maketh haste to be rich, shall not be innocent] Chap. 13. 11. and 23. 4. 1 Tim. 6. 9.

innocent] Or, unpunished.

V. 21. To have respect of persons, is not good] Chap. 18. 5. and 24. 23.

for a piece of bread that man will transgresse] He that useth to take bribes, will easily be corrupted, and do unjustly for the smallest reward that is, Ezek. 13. 19.

V. 22. He that hasteth to be rich, hath an evil eye] Or, he that hath an evil eye, hasteth to be rich, verse 20.

hath an evil eye] That is, a covetous eye, Chap. 23. 6.

poverty] Or, reproach.

V. 23. He that rebuketh a man, afterwards shall finde more fa∣vour then he that flattereth with the tongue] Chap. 27. 6.

He that rebuketh a man, afterwards shall finde more favour] It may be the party reproved will be angry at first, but when he hath considered how justly he was reproved, he will love the reprover, 1 Pet. 2. 12. But flatterers please at first, till men perish by following their counsell, and then they curse them.

V. 24. a destroyer] Heb. a man destroying.

V. 25. He that is of a proud heart, stirreth up strife] Chap. 13. 10. He that trusts in his own strength, shall wast his goods at law: but he that trusts in God shall be rich.

V. 26. He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool] And shall bring himself into many dangers, which he cannot get out of, for not considering wisely of his wayes.

V. 27. He that giveth unto the poor, shall not lack] Deut. 15. 8. Chap. 22. 9.

but he that hideth his eyes] Isai. 58. 7.

shall have many a curse] Chap. 11. 26.

V. 28. When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase] Verse 12. Chap. 29. 2.

CHAP. XXIX.

Vers. 1. HE that being often reproved] Heb. A man of re∣proofs.

V. 2. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoyce] Chap. 11. 10. and 28. 28. Eccles. 10. 5.

in authoritie] Or, increased.

V. 3. Whoso loveth wisdom, rejoyceth his father] Chap. 10. 1. and 15. 20. and 27. 11.

but he that keepeth company with harlots, spendeth his substance] Chap. 5. 9. and 28. 7. Luke 15. 13. And so grieveth his father.

keepeth company with harlots] Heb. feeds harlots.

V. 4. he that receiveth gifts] Heb. a man of oblations.

V. 5. spreadeth a n••t for his feet] He that giveth ear to the flatterer, is in danger, as the bird is, for which the net is laid.

V. 6. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare] To catch the righteous by their bad example: but the righteous avoid it, and rejoyce.

V. 7. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor] Job 29. 16.

V. 8. Scornfull men bring a citie into a snare] Ambitious per∣sons, which scorn all but themselves, as Chap. 3. 34. do by seeking their own ends, bring mischief upon a state: which men of better temper, help to turn away.

bring a city into a snare] Or, set a city on fire.

V. 9. whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest] Whether the fool look angerly or merrily, he that contends with him, shall never be quiet.

V. 10. The bloodthirsty] Heb. men of blood.

but the just seek his soul] Or, and seek the soul of every just man.

the just seek his soul] Take care to preserve other mens lives, Psal. 142. 4.

V. 11. minde] Heb. spirit: or, wrath, Isai. 25. 4.

V. 12. all his servants are wicked] They will tell him lies daily to please him.

V. 13. The poor and the deceitfull man meet together] Chap. 22. 2. Heb. man of deceits: That is, the most deceitfull man.

the deceitfull man] Or, the usurer.

V. 14. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever] Chap. 20. 28.

V. 15. The rod and reproof give wisdom] Verse 17.

a childe left to himself, bringeth his mother to shame] Chap. 10. 1. and 17. 21, 25.

V. 16. but the righteous shall see their fall] Psal. 37. 36. and 58. 10. and 91. 8.

V. 17. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest] Chap. 13. 24. and 22. 15. and 23. 13, 14.

he shall give delight unto thy soul] Heb. delights, or dainties. That is, abundance of delight.

V. 18. the people perish] Heb. be naked. That is, lie open to all judgements without any shelter, Exod. 32. 25.

perish] Or, is made naked.

he that keepeth the law, happy is he] Want of preaching may damn men, but store of it cannot save them, unlesse they be obedient to it, 1 Sam. 3. 1.

V. 19. A servant will not be corrected by words] He that is of a servile, and surlie nature, will not amend without blows.

V. 20. Seest thou a man that is hastie in his words?] A man that is rash in word or deed.

in his words] Or, in his matters.

V. 21. shall have him become his son at the length] He will think much to do any servile work.

V. 22. An angry man sti〈…〉〈…〉th up strife, and a furious man a∣boundeth in transgression] Chap. 15. 18. and 26. 21.

V. 23. A mans pride shall bring him low] Job 22. 29. Chap. 15. 33. and 18. 12. Matth. 23. 12. Luke 14. 11.

V. 24. he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not] Levit. 5. 1.

cursing] Or, an oath, Isai. 24. 18.

V. 25. The fear of man bringeth a snare] He that feareth man more then God, falleth into a snare (which he seeks to avoid) and is destroyed, Chap. 10. 24.

shall be safe] Heb. shall be set on high.

V. 26. Many seek the rulers favour, but every mans judgement cometh from the Lord] Chap. 19. 6.

the rulers favour] Heb. the face of a ruler.

every mans judgement cometh from the Lord] He needeth not to flatter the ruler, but rather pray to God, who can incline the judge to passe sentence as he please, chap. 21. 1.

CHAP. XXX.

Verse 1. THe words of Agur] Who was an excellent man in vertue and knowledge, in the time of Solo∣mon. See notes on Chap. 4. 4. and 8. 1.

unto Ithiel and Ʋcal] Which were Agurs scholars, or friends.

V. 2. Surely I am more brutish then any man] It may be read thus. Surely I am too foolish to be a great man, nay, I have not the knowledge of an ordinary man in me. So the words are used, Psal. 49. 2. and 62. 9. It seems Agur had not his knowledge by humane instruction, but by divine inspiration, as Amos had, Amos 7. 14. Herein he declareth his great humilitie, who would not attribute any wisdom to himself, but all unto God, Psal. 73. 22.

V. 3. I neither learned wisdom] Or thus, I have not learned wisdom, but I have the knowledge of the holy ones: That is, I have not been taught by men, but by God, who taught the an∣gels. They are called holy ones, Dan. 4. 13, 17. and 8. 17. Or, I have not attained to any great measure of true wisdom, or, of the knowledge of holy and heavenly things.

have] Heb. know.

holy] Or, holy things.

V. 4. Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended?] John 3. 13.

Who hath ascended up into heaven] Who is every where, &c. None but God.

who hath gathered the winde in his fists?] Job 38. 4, &c. Psal. 104. 3, &c. Isai. 40. 12, &c.

V. 5. Every word of God is pure] Psal. 12. 6. and 18. 30. and 19. 8. and 119. 140.

pure] Heb. purified.

he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him] Psal. 18. 30. and 84. 11, 12.

V. 6. Adde thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar] Deut. 4. 2. and 12. 32. Revel. 22. 18, 19.

V. 7. Two things have I required of thee] O God.

deny me them not] Heb. withhold not from me.

deny me them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before I die] So long as I live.

V. 8. Remove farre from me vanitie and lies] Take care of my soul and body, so as to keep me from falling into any vain or deceitfull course, and to afford me a competent livelihood, fit for my estate and charge.

feed me with food convenient for me] Matth. 6. 11. My part. For in well-ordered families, every servant hath his proporti∣on daily, Chap. 31. 15.

convenient for me] Heb. of my allowance.

V. 9. Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord?] Deut. 32. 15.

Lest I be full, and deny thee] Meaning, that they that put their trust in their riches, forget God, and that by too much wealth, men have occasion to do so.

deny thee] Heb. belie thee.

and take the name of my God in vain] By false oaths.

V. 10. Accuse not a servant unto] Heb. hurt not with thy tongue.

Accuse not a servant unto his master] For no fault, or for a light one. A servants good will is not to be contemned.

and thou be found guilty] Or, and thou be made desolate. That is, lest the fruit of his ill wishes fall upon thee.

V. 13. lofty are their eyes] Chap. 6. 17.

V. 14. There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw-teeth as knives, &c.] Job 29. 17. Psal. 52. 2. and 57. 4.

V. 15. The horse-leach hath two daughters] The leach hath two sorks in her tongue, which here he calleth her two daugh∣ters, wherewith she sucketh the blood, and is never sa••iate▪ even so are the covetous extortioners insatiable.

It is enough] Heb. Wealth.

V. 17. the ravens] Such children shall come to an untime∣ly end, and be denied buriall.

of the valley] Which haunt the valleys to seek for carrion.

the valley] Or, the brook.

V. 19. midst] Heb. heart.

V. 20. and wipeth her mouth] She hath her desire, and after counterfeiteth, as though she were an honest woman: as a licourish, and filching servant, eats stoln bread, and wipes his mouth after it, and appears as if he had not stoln it.

V. 22. For a servant when he reigneth, &c.] Cha. 19. 10. These commonly abuse the state whereunto they are called, and the comforts they receive.

V. 23. an handmaid that is heir to her mistresse] Which is married to her master after the death of her mistresse.

V. 24. but they are exceeding wise] They contain matter of great instruction in them.

exceeding wise] Heb. wise, made wise.

V. 25. The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer] Chap. 6. 6, &c.

ants are a people] Or, ants a people.

V. 26. The conies are but a feeble folk] So Gods people, though feeble, have God as a powerfull rock to protect them, Psal. 18. 2. and 40. 17.

conies are but a feeble] Or, conies a feeble.

V. 27. The locusts have no king] How much more should those that have governours over them, live orderly under them.

have] Or, which have.

by bands] Heb. gathered together.

V. 28. The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in king: pa¦laces] Chap. 22. 29.

taketh] Or, which taketh.

V. 31. grey-hound] Or, horse.

grey-hound] Heb. girt in the loyns.

against whom there is no rising up] Eccles. 8. 4. A king whose power is uncontrollable: or, a king that keeps his subjects in due order, so that there is no insurrection in the state.

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V. 32. If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thy self] If thou have evill thoughts against thy king, give them over, for thou wilt not prevail, verse 31. Eccles. 8. 3. and 10. 20.

lay thine hand upon thy mouth] Job 21. 5. and 40. 4.

V. 33. so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife] Provo∣cation of wrath inevitably bringeth forth strife and mis∣••hief.

CHAP. XXXI.

Vers. 1. THe words of king Lemuel] That is, of Solomon, who was called Lemuel, that is, of God, because God had ordained him to be king over Israel, rather then any of his elder brethren, 1 King. 2. 15, 22.

the prophecie that his mother taught him] The doctrine which his mother Bathsheba taught him.

V. 2. What, my son?] She takes care what was most need∣full to teach him.

the son of my womb?] By this often repetition of this word, son, she declareth her motherly affection.

the son of my vows?] Whom I made many vows to God for, before I had thee, as 1 Sam. 1. 11. Or, that thou mightest be king.

V. 3. Give not thy strength unto women] Solomon was fore∣warned to avoid wantonnesse by his mother here, and by his father, Chap. 5. 9. yet he fell into it. Wisdom and instruction fail of their fruit oftentimes.

nor thy wayes to that which destroyeth kings] Meaning, that women are the destruction of kings, if they haunt them, Chap. 7. 26.

V. 4. it is not for kings to drink wine] That is, the king must not give himself unto immoderate drinking, Eccles. 10. 16, 17. and so neglect his office, which is to execute judge∣ment.

V. 5. Lest they drink, and forget the law] For wine doth comfort the heart, Psal. 104. 15.

of any of the afflicted] Heb. of all the sons of affliction.

V. 6. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that be of heavy hearts] Psal. 104. 15.

of heavy hearts] Heb. bitter of soul.

V. 8. Open thy mouth for the dumb] Defend their cause that are in great danger, and unable to help themselves, Chap. 24. 11.

such as are appointed to destruction] Heb. the sons of destru∣ction.

V. 9. judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy] Levit. 19. 15. Deut. 1. 16.

V. 10. Who can finde a vertuous woman] Chap. 12. 4. This commendation of a good wife is set out elegantly in the He∣brew. Every verse to the end of the chapter begins with a severall Hebrew letter, according to the Alphabet: as divers choice Psalms do.

V. 11. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her] Com∣mits with confidence the houshold affairs to her, as Potiphar did to Joseph, Gen. 39. 4, 6.

he shall have no need of spoil] He shall not need to get riches by indirect means, as souldiers do; for his wife will fill his house with goods, as the camp is full after the spoil of a citie: Or, spoils may be put here for all manner of provision. See the like, Psal. 111. 5.

V. 14. she bringeth her food from afar] She sells her cloth to the merchant for things needfull, verse 24.

V. 15. giveth meat to her houshold] As a lion riseth betimes to get a prey, that may serve him and his all the day: so doth she rise her self, and raise her maids betimes, to get food for her family by labour.

meat] Or, prey, Psal. 111. 5.

a portion to her maidens] To appoint every one their stint of work, or, of meat.

V. 16. and buyeth it] She purchaseth it with the gains of her travell.

buyeth] Heb. taketh.

with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard] She not onely looks that her servants work, but works her self also, verse 27.

V. 17. She girdeth her loyns with strength] She useth vigilan∣cie and diligence, in her labour, 2 King. 4. 29.

V. 18. She perceiveth] Heb. She tasteth.

She perceiveth] Or, When she perceiveth.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good] As a man that tastes of some delicate meat, thinks he never can eat enough of it: so she finding profit come in, works the harder.

V. 19. She layeth her hands to the spindle] She not onely gets to maintain her family, but also to give to the poor, which she doth liberally, not with one hand alone, but with both, when need is.

and her hands] Or, then her hands.

V. 20. She stretcheth] Heb. she spreadeth.

V. 21. scarlet] Or, double garments.

V. 22. She maketh her self coverings of tapestry] For beds.

V. 23. Her husband is known] Noted, because of his wives good huswifery, or by the good cloaths she makes him.

in the gates] In the assemblies and places of judgement, Chap. 1. 21. Ruth 4. 1.

V. 24. and selleth it] She not onely provides cloth for her family, but also to sell, and for a great price.

V. 25. and she shall rejoyce in time to come] Or, and she laugh∣eth at the time to come. That is, she is so well provided of all things necessary for her family, that she fears no want. See Job 5. 21, 22.

V. 26. She openeth her mouth with wisdom] She teacheth her children and servants, not onely the fear of God, but also how to labour, and get a living, and also how to be provident, that they may be bountifull to the poor in future times.

V. 28. Her children arise up] To do reverence to her, when she comes in, and they speak highly of her, as well living as dead.

her] Or, her saying, as Psal. 105. 15.

V. 29. Many daughters have done vertuously] This is the commendation her husband and children give her.

have done vertuously] Or, have gotten riches.

excellest them all] Heb. ascendest above them all.

V. 30. a woman that feareth the Lord] Before he spake of the apparell of her body, now he declareth the apparell of her minde, which is the fear of God, and what is her greatest ornament, 1 Pet. 3. 4, 5. whether joyned with beauty, or se∣vered from it.

she shall be praised] Heb. shall praise her self. That is, shall give just cause to all men to praise her, verse 31.

V. 31. Give her of the fruit of her hands] Confesse her di∣ligent labours, and commend her therefore.

let her own works praise her in the gates] Forasmuch as the most honourable are clad in the apparell that she made, Acts 9. 39. Or, let them speak in the publike assemblies of her curious works, to her great praise, when she is dead and gone. She shall have praise both in publike and private.