beléeue bare words only Vers 17. Stollen waters are sweete I take these to be the words of the harlot intising the foolish and simple man q.d. wee will secretly commit whoredome which to the flesh in deede seemeth very pleasant and sweet and not only because it is not seene or knowne but also because the desire and vse of strange flesh which is called in this place the euerie is or at the least seemeth delectable for the time and hidde bread is pleasant i. bread eaten in corners which they dare not eate openly either because it was forbidden them or because it was stollen Vnder these two similitudes she meaneth one thing that is secret or close committing of whoredom and here we may see that euen by the account of whores and harlots whoredome is condemned as a vile sinne Vers 18. But he vz. who is so intised of her knoweth not vz. being deceiued through the sweetnes and pleasures of sinne which indure but for a while that the dead are there i. that such as vse her house and frequent her companie are dead alreadie as 1. Timoth. 5.6 and that her guestes i. such as she hath bidden and doo yéeld to her bidding are in the depth of hell i. are alreadie condemned some referre it to the graue but the other sense also is true vnlesse it please God to giue them vnfeigned repentance and amendment of life Do. Verse 1 2 3. Set out the great loue that God beareth towardes man which teacheth vs on the otherside not to requite it with vnkindnesse as when he louinglie calleth we should chorlishly refuse to come but thankfully to accept of the time of his gracious and fatherly visitation Vers 4. Teacheth vs that our ignorance or wickednesses should bee no cause of estranging our selues from God but rather spurres to prouoke vs to drawe nigh vnto him for the amendement thereof Verse 5. Teacheth vs reuerently and louingly to imbrace Gods graces offered Vers 6. Teacheth vs that Christian righteousnes consisteth of these two partes in hating the euill and doing the good things Vers 7. Setteth out rather the nature of the wicked who cannot away with the word of reproofe than discourage vs any whit at all from performing of that great duetie of charitie and loue Verse 8. Teacheth vs that godly admonition bringeth not foorth the like fruites and effects in all Verse 9. Teacheth vs that the godlie can alwaies well away to be reproued and admonished Vers 10. Teacheth vs the right and reuerent feare of Gods Maiestie and also the true feeling of the societie and fellowship of the brethren Verse 11. Teacheth vs that whosoeuer vnfeignedly imbraceth Gods heauenly wisedome shall haue abundance of graces bestowed vpon him Verse 12. Sheweth that scorners and scoffers shal not escape vnpunished Verse 13. Sheweth that these are two properties of a harlot brauling and ignorance Verse 14. Teacheth vs that this is another note of a light person gadding and fisking abroad Vers 15. Teacheth vs that harlots are for the most part impudent and shamelesse Verse 16. Teacheth vs not to beleeue all words for harlots many times will labour to allure with the same words that holie wisedome doth and all to make her perswasions more plausible Verse 17. Teacheth that adulterie is a notorious kind of the euerie or robbing Verse 18. Teacheth that how pleasant soeuer the delights of sinne be for a while yet their end is sharpe and miserable CHAP. 10. Co. HEtherto the holie Ghost was occupied speciallie in the commendation of holie wisedome which chiefly respecteth our dueties towards God now hauing dispatched and finished that poynt he proceedeth in this and the other Chapters following to speake both of the generall and particular dueties that in God and for God we owe one of vs to another and this he doth not in any curious methode or order no more than they doo which take vppon them in few wordes to deliuer rules of life such as amongst the heathen were sundrie as Cato Isocrates and others And yet wee will indeuour and assay to make as apt both connexions and diuisions of the Chapters as it shall please God to giue vs grace Di. TRue it is that sundrie and seuerall instructions of doctrine are contained in this Chapter as also in the Chapters following and therefore can hardlie admit any apt diuision notwithstanding I suppose it may well be diuided into three parts In the first the holie Ghost speaketh of wise and Di. 1 foolish children of goods wickedly gotten of Gods prouidence towards the good and his iustice against the bad of idlenes and sloth of Gods fauour and iustice towards the godly and vngodly of the waies of the wicked and the godlie of hypocrites and of good men and this reacheth from verse 1. to the end of the 11. In the second he intreateth of hatred and loue Di. 2 of wise men and fooles of riches and pouertie of obedience hypocrisie babling the godly mans words and the wicked mans heart from verse 12. to the end of the 21. In the third he intreateth of Gods fauour of fooles Di. 3 and their feare and destruction of slothfull persons of the good and the bad and of their vnlikely fruites and rewardes and this reacheth from verse 22. vnto the end of the Chapter Se. THis Chapter hath as it were a title thus The Parables of Salomon see the same wordes expounded before Chapter 1.1 Vers 1. A wise sonne i. a good and godlie child whether it be sonne or daughter maketh a glad father i. causeth the father much to reioyce vnderstanding by father both the parents and kinsfolkes because he is chiefe see Chapter 15.20 but a foolish sonne i. a wicked and a lewd childe is an heauines vz. of heart and great griefe to his mother i. to his parents c. as before one being put for manie Vers 2. The treasures of wickednes i. such treasures as wicked men get by wicked meanes how much soeuer it be and thinke will stand them in stead see for this phrase Luke 16.9 profite nothing vz. at all that is can not stand him in stead against the euils which are readie to fal vpon him and death that hangeth presently ouer his head see Psalme 49.6 7 c. but righteousnes i. vpright and faithfull dealing yea though a man haue no treasure at all deliuereth from death i. ouercommeth all euilles and dangers whatsoeuer and causeth that euen death it selfe is not hurtfull to the righteous Vers 3. The Lord vz. who is faithfull and iust in all his promises will not famish vz. through any want or neede the soule of the righteous i. the good mans life see Psalme 34.10 Also Psalme 37.25 He meaneth that howsoeuer they be afflicted on euery side yet shall they not bee distressed or destituted for euer see 2. Cor. 4.8 but he casteth away or scattereth vz. as a thing of no account the substance of the wicked i. all that he hath and possesseth and this he doth
he shall haue euery day lesse than other and become more needie Vers 25. The liberall person vz. towards others but specially towards the godlie poore shall haue plentie vz. giuen him from the Lord and he that watereth vz. others with his store shall also haue raine vz. giuen him from the Lord that he may more and more doo good vnto others The metaphores of watering and hauing raine would bee considered and marke that this verse differeth not much from the next before going Vers 26. He vz. whosoeuer he be that withdraweth the corne vz. from the market where it should be sold keepâ—â—◠〈◊〉 against a deare time the people will curse him i. speake as iustly they haue occasion all manner of euill of him as that he is couetous miserable c. see for this fault Amos 8.5 6 c. but blessing shall be vpon the head of him i. he himselfe shall be blessed and well spoken of amongst men whosoeuer he be see Chapter 10.6 that selleth corne vz. plentifully and good cheape so that the poore may be prouided for vnderstanding by corne in this verse all manner of vittaile and prouision Vers 27. He that seeketh vz. carefullie and diligentlie for so much doth the Hebrue word import good things vz. not only for himselfe but for other men also getteth fauour vz. thereby and that both before God and men but he that seeketh euill vz. either against himselfe or others whether it bee of ignorance or of knowledge see verse 19. of this Chapter where he turneth it by following euill it shall come to him vz. certainlie and assuredlie and that many times before he thinke of it or be aware of it Vers 28. He that trusteth vz. any whit at all yea though it be neuer so little in his riches i. in the riches which GOD hath giuen him or he hath gotten shall fall vz. as a withered leafe or rotten bowe falleth from the tree see the trueth of this Luke 12.15 16 c. but the righteous shall florish vz. excéedingly or very much meaning by florishing prospering as a leafe vz. which shall not fall or fade as Psalme 1.3 The word turned here a leafe signifieth also a branch as Nehem. 8.15 Vers 29. He that troubleth his owne house vz. by vnwise gouernment of the things which God hath giuen him either prodigally consuming them on the one side or miserably sparing them on the other vnderstanding by these words his owne house all the things that God hath blessed him withall as patrimonie goods c. shall inherite the winde i. shall bring to passe that his possession shall goe into the winde as it were and he haue nothing left him q.d. he shall be brought to such extremitie that he shal haue nothing left him but the ayre and the foole i. the wicked man brought into such want shall be seruant i. shall be glad to be a seruant to the wise in heart i. to him that is truely wise in God Vers 30. The fruite of the righteous i. the commodities and fruites which men may receiue from a righteous person is as a tree of life i. as a tree that giueth life see before Chapt. 3.18 He meaneth that the righteous man is liuely in his doctrines and precepts and he that winneth soules i. gaineth and getteth men to God and bringeth them to the sound knowledge and worship of his Maiestie see for this phrase Iames 5.20 is wise i. is right wise or wise in God vsing his knowledge and talent not only to his owne good but to the good of others Vers 31. Behold q.d. I speake a strange and wonderfull thing therefore marke it well the righteous shall be recompenced vz. with iudgements from God for his transgressions in the earth i. while he liueth here vpon the earth how much more then the wicked and the sinner q.d. how much more shall they feele Gods heauie iustice vpon them By wicked and sinner he vnderstandeth men notoriously euil as Psalm 1.1 6. And for the true meaning of this place see 1. Peter 4.17 18. c. Do. Verse 1. Teacheth vs to auoide falshood and to practise truth in all our dealings Vers 2. teacheth vs to auoide pride and to imbrace true humilitie of minde Vers 3. Teacheth vs to followe vpright dealing and to shunne all peruersnes and frowardnes Vers 4. Teacheth vs that riches cannot put back from vs Gods iustice for our sinnes and that we should carefullie striue to holy conuersation Vers 5. Teacheth vs that vpright dealing shall neuer want a blessing and that the wicked rather than he should not be punished shall be ouertaken with his owne sinne Verse 6. Deliuereth the selfe same doctrines Vers 7. Sheweth that death sent from God shall preuent the wicked from enioying those things they hoped for Verse 8. Setteth out Gods mercie towardes the good and his iustice vpon the wicked Vers 9. Teacheth vs to flie from hypocrisie and to auoyde also all words that may hurte any It teacheth also that the knowledge which God giueth his children is very profitable both for themselues and others Vers 10 11. Teacheth that it is a great blessing from the Lord to haue godly and wise Magistrates and that it is a curse where the Magistrates bee wicked and foolish also that the people may reioyce as in the prosperous estate of the good so in the ruine and decay of the wicked Vers 12. Teacheth vs to auoide all manner of contempt of others and to learne holy silence vnlesse great occasion be offred of speache Vers 13. Teacheth vs two things first to auoide slaundering and the disclosing of secrets secondly to bee faithfull in such matters as be committed to our credit Vers 14. Teacheth vs how necessarie it is for men admitted to gouernement to bee furnished with wisedome experience and many other good graces as also what good effectes and holie blessings doo flowe and followe therupon Vers 15. Teacheth vs to take heed and beware of suretiship Vers 16. Sheweth that modestie in women is a notable meane to bring them to credit Verse 17. Teacheth vs both to take heede of cruelty and hard heartednes and also to excercise the deedes of pittie and mercie Verse 18. Teacheth vs what great ods there is both betweene the workes and therewardes of the godly and vngodly Vers 19. Setteth out the vnlikely reward of good and euill dealing Vers 20. Teacheth vs to auoide frowardnes of heart and to labor to a sincere life and conuersation Vers 21. Teacheth vs first that no strength and pollicie can preuent or driue away Gods vengeance that shal light vpon the wicked also that God is gratious to the faithfull and their seede Vers 22. Teacheth that outward proportion and comelines of bodie without holy qualities of the mind is not onely nothing worth but a great disgrace also to the partie that hath it Vers 23. Teacheth vs to wish and desire good things onely Vers 24. Teacheth vs to practise liberality and to abhorre
them most gréeuous sadnes but to the counsellers of peace i. to such as shall perswade and counsell men to good things shall be ioy vz. both of heart and bodie and so the Antithesis agreeth very aptly Vers 21. There shall none iniquitie i. no gréeuous punishment for sinne or iniquitie committed for he doth not mind to exempt good men from sinning in this life come vz. from the Lord to the iust i. to the good and holie man q.d. whatsoeuer iudgements fall vpon him for sinne he shall not liue long in the same as though he were an abiect sée vers 13. of this Chap. but the wicked are full of euill vz. both of transgression and of punishment for it committed against God Vers 22. The lying lippes i. both lyes and lyers are abomination to the Lord i. the Lord cannot abide them see Chapter 6.17 Also Chapter 11.1 but they that deale truely vz. both in word and déede are his delight i. are such as he taketh delight and pleasure in see Chapt. 11.20 Vers 23. A wise man conceileth knowledge i. the knowledge that he hath not that he kéepeth it close altogether but hauing it in him as it were in a treasure house doth vtter it in fit time and place and as may bring greatest grace to the hearers but the heart of the fooles publisheth foolishnes i. as they haue conceiued foolishnes in their hearts so they spare not shameleslie as it wâ—re to vtter it see Eccles 10.3 Vers 24. The hand of the diligent i. such as be laborious and painefull in their callings he putteth a part for the whole shall beare rule vz. ouer others Chapter 10. verse 4. He saith maketh rich and here he vseth another word because that through riches they obtaine power and so get rule ouer others but the idle shall be vnder tribute vz. of others meaning hereby that they shall be in slauerie and very poore estate Vers 25. Heauines vz. of heart specially if it be once déepely rooted and setled in the same in the heart of man vz. of what calling or state soeuer he bee doth bring it downe i. doth through sorrowe depresse and kéepe it vnder meaning the heart for we know that sadnes doth no whit at all profite men but rather cast them many times into deadlie and gréeuous diseases but a good word i. euen one word of comfort spoken chearefully reioyceth it i. many times maketh it glad againe the plaine proofe of this is euery mans owne particular experience Vers 26. The righteous is more excellent vz. by many degrées and in euery respect than his neighbour vz. who careth not for righteousnes and goodnes and this he speaketh because the world and common sort of people think the iust men to be abiects but the way of the wicked i. the order of life and conuersation wherein they walke will deceiue them vz. at the last howsoeuer they florish in the pleasures of sinne which last but a while as the Apostle saith to the Hebrewes Vers 27. The deceitfull man i. he that giueth himselfe to deceit rosteth not i. hath neither pleasure nor profite of that that he tooke in hunting i. of that which he atchieued either by intollerable paines taking as hunters doo or els by stealth and indirect meanes such as hunters vse many times the reason is because that betweene his mouth and the morsell he hath many discommodities and lets so that he cannot inioye that which he hath gotten but the riches of the diligent man i. of him that trauaileth faithfully and painfully are precious i. excellent and very good One readeth it thus but the diligent person enioyeth the precious substance of a man i. is made owner and possessor of precious and excellent things belonging many times to a wicked person Vers 28. Life vz. both true life in this world and eternall life in the world to come is in the way of righteousnes i. is to be found and obtained by a righteous and holie conuersation and in that pathway vz. of a good and holie life there is no death vz. which is eternall though the bodilie death apprehend the good as well as the bad as appeareth by many examples Do. Verse 1. Teacheth vs that he that harkeneth to good counsell and profiteth by the Lords corrections is in a blessed estate as on the other side he must needes be miserable that thriueth not by the one or the other Vers 2. Teacheth vs that God loueth the good and hateth the euill also that euill thoughts and imaginations are sinne before God Verse 3. Teacheth vs that wickednes hath no certaintie or assurance but that godlines shall continue and abide for euer and euer Verse 4. Teacheth vs what a blessing it is to haue a good wife and what a curse it is to haue an ill wife Verse 5. Sheweth what great difference there is betweene the thoughts of the wicked and the deuises of the godlie Vers 6. Sheweth that the very words of the wicked sauour of crueltie and the speaches of the godlie tend to mercie Vers 7. Setteth out Gods iudgements against the wicked and his mercie towards the good Verse 8. Teacheth vs that wisedome is praise worthie and follie and frowardnes shall be despised Verse 9. Teacheth vs that the poore man in his pouertie is better than the vainglorious boaster that hath nothing Verse 10. Teacheth vs that we should haue care for the preseruation of those things which God giueth vs much more for reasonable creatures it teacheth vs also that the wicked haue no bowelles of compassion at all Verse 11. Teacheth vs to followe the calling wherein God hath placed vs with all diligence and to auoide idlenes Verse 12. Teacheth vs that no aide that the wicked hath or can desire will helpe them against Gods iudgements Verse 13. Teacheth vs that euill words are hurtfull to the partie vsing them and good words profitable to the partie vsing them and to others also Verse 14. Teacheth vs that God rendereth vnto euery one according to his words and deedes Vers 15. Teacheth vs not to bee wise in our owne eyes also to hearken to the graue counsell of others Vers 16. Teacheth vs that wrath and rage of men bewraieth their follie and pacient bearing of reuenge argueth great godlines Verse 17. Teacheth vs to speake truth and to auoide false witnes bearing Verse 18. Teacheth vs to abstaine from sharpe and bitter words and to giue our selues to charitable and profitable speaches Verse 19. Teacheth vs that as godlie men are constant in their speaches so the wicked and such as giue themselues to lying varie alwaies in their talke Verse 20. Teacheth vs to perswade and counsell men to good things Verse 21. Teacheth vs that in the middest of all punishments vpon the wicked God will either fatherly correct or els altogether deliuer his children Vers 22. Teacheth vs to abhorre lying to speake the truth from the bottome of our harts Vers 23. Teacheth vs to take heed that we
more than he hath and will not seeke by any vnlawfull meanes to get money shall prolong his dayes vz. vppon the earth before men for I take it to bee but the promise of a temporall blessing Vers 17. A man that dooth violence against the blood of a person i. hee that in rage and violence doth shed mans blood or take away his life shall flie vnto the graue i. shall make haste vnto destruction because all meanes that hee looked and hoped for shal fatle him and they i. neither men nor meanes which he reposed some confidence in shall not stay him i. shall not bee able to staye him or deliuer him from death and destruction q.d. it shall so fall out that the murtherer thinketh himselfe in no place safe and flying from place to place as Caine saith of himselfe according to Gods iudgement pronounced before Genes 4.12 14. shall fall into such great danger as none shall haue either abilitie or will to deliuer him there from see Genesis 9.6 Exodus 21.14 Vers 18. He that walketh vprightly i. he that leadeth a godlie and iust conuersation see Chap. 10.9 Also verse 6. of this Chap. shall be saued vz. not onely from hurt and danger in this life according to Gods good pleasure but brought at the end to eternal saluation but he that is froward in his waies i. leadeth a peruerse and dissolute life both towards God and men shall once vz. at the last though presently he seeme to stand strongly fall vz. into Gods most horrible and fearefull iudgements see 1. Cor. 10.12 Also Hebr. 10.31 Vers 19. He that tilleth his land i. painfully trauaileth in the vpholding and maintenance of the things wherewith God hath blessed him vnder one kind comprehending all the rest shall be satisfied with bread i. shall haue abundance of all necessarie and good things see Chap. 12.11 but he that followeth the idle vz. in their idlenes and is idle as they are shall be filled with pouertie i. shall bee most poore and miserable for beggerie is the end of idlenes Chap. 23.21 Also Chap. 24.34 Vers 20. A faithfull man i. he that dealeth vprightly and soundly with men deceiuing none which may appeare because in the Hebrue text he calleth him a man of faithfulnesse shall abound in blessings vz. both from God and man q.d. All men shall wish him good and speake well of him and he shall be blessed also of the Lord and I would rather turne it but he that maketh hast to be rich vz. not respecting whether it be by right or by wrong so he haue it but dealing vnfaithfully with men shall not bee innocent i. shall not bee counted cléere nor escape punishment before God and good men for this phrase see Chapter 6.29 For making hast to be rich see Chapter 20.21 Vers 21. To haue respect of persons vz. in iudgement as to regard a great man and to despise a poore man is not good i. it is hurtfull and euill not onlie to the partie vsing it but to the man that thereby is iniured and wronged yea to the partie that hath that fauour shewed him because he is flattered as though he had a good cause when indeed he maintaineth a bad one see chap. 24.23 for that man vz. that so respecteth or regardeth mens persons will transgresse vz. Gods lawe and mans lawe by peruerting iudgement for a peece of bread i. for a very small matter or a thing of no importance for this phrase see Chap. 6.26 Vers 22. A man with a wicked eye i. that hath a wicked eye meaning thereby a miserable niggardly and couetous person as Chap. 23.6 hasteth to riches i. maketh hast to be rich which how dangerous a thing it is see before verse 20. of this Chap. and knoweth not that pouertie shall come vpon him vz. sodainly and or euer he looke for it so doth God dispose of mens purposes and practises Vers 23. He that rebuketh a man vz. vpon iust cause and in the spirit of loue and méekenes shall finde more fauour vz. of him which is so rebuked at the length q.d. though at the first the one seeme to be displeased the other to get no good than he that flattereth vz. another man with his tongue i. with his speach and words vttered with his tongue Some reade it otherwise and giue another sense but this is as good and plaine in my minde if not better Ver. 24. He that robbeth his father and mother i. spoyleth them of the goods and things they haue and saith vz. either within himselfe or to others it is no transgression vz. against God or man is the companion of a man that destroyeth vz. himselfe or others q.d. he is to be reckoned with a murtherer And the holie ghost doth not onely speake this as though hée would haue men so to esteeme of such prodigall and wastfull children who if they could tarie the Lords leisure should bee heires of their fathers goods but that hée would also haue Magistrates to punish them for it q.d. a stubborne childe that ryotously consumeth his fathers goods and scorneth at the admonition of his parents should as well be punished by death as a man murtherer see Deut. 21.18 19 c. Vers 25. He that is of a proude heart vz. either against GOD or man trusting in himselfe and not in the Lord stirreth vp strife vz. amongst others and that to his owne hurt but he that trusteth vz. stedfastly and vnfeignedly in the Lord vz. onely shall be fat i. shall bee abounding with all manner of blessings from the Lord see Chap. 11. verse 25. and the text according to the Hebrue set in the margine Ver. 26. He that trusteth in his owne heart i. in himselfe or any thing belonging vnto him is a foole i. a wicked man and therefore cannot chuse but perish but he that walketh in wisedome i. wisely q.d. he that prudently behaueth himselfe and continually hearkeneth to the counsell and precepts of wisedome following the same and not his owne minde and fond perswasion leaning vpon himselfe onely shall be deliuered vz. through Gods goodnes and that from manifest and manifold euills Vers 27. He that giueth vz. liberallie willinglie and freelie vnto the poore i. to such as are in néede and distresse shall not lacke vz. any thing that God shall see to be good and méete for him but he that hideth his eyes vz. from the poore or beholding of their miserie meaning hereby he that wanteth compassion towards them shall haue many curses vz. laied vpon him from God and become himselfe most miserable and needie He meaneth not that the people should curse him as though that were allowable in them but that God should pursue him with most grieuous plagues Vers 28. When the wicked rise vp vz. to honor and are exalted to gouernment men hide themselues vz. euen for feare q.d. there is great occasion giuen of feare and trembling but when they perish i. when the wicked and vngodly
7. and finde vz. so that thou shalt obtaine and possesse the knowledge of God i. such knowledge of him as thou oughtest to haue of which see Iohn 17.3 and also shalt knowe by experience that he knoweth thee that is careth for thee as may appeare by vers 6 7. following Vers 6. For the Lord vz. alone and none but he giueth vz. freelie of his owne mercie wisedome i. true and heauenlie wisedome Iames 3.15 17. q.d. I sayd before that thou shouldest find wisedome knowledge but now least thou shouldest ascribe it to thine owne strength I tell thee it must come from God which giueth it plentifullie c. Iames 1.5 out of his mouth he meaneth Gods good will and pleasure manifested vnto vs by his word vnderstanding his word also thereby see Deutr. 8.3 Math. 4.4 commeth knowledge i. all sound knowledge of his maiestie and vnderstanding i. right vnderstanding of his holie mysteries Vers 7. He i. God preserueth vz. by his almightie power and prouidence the state of the righteous i. he vpholdeth them that haue care and conscience of a righteous conuersation in a good estate and condition Some reade it thus He hath euery thing vz. that is in déede good layd vp in store for the righteous i. God so knoweth and prouideth for the righteous that he causeth them to abound with all things that are good in déede he is a shield to them that walke vprightly i. he doth by his power saue preserue and defende them that studie and striue for a holy conuersation Vers 8. That they may keepe vz. through strength and grace from him the waies of iudgement i. such vpright pathes as tend to iudgement and right towards all specially towards their neighbour to which the Hebrue word should most properlie be referred as I suppose not declining any whit at all from right and equitie and he i. God alone without the helpe or ayd of others preserueth see vers 7. of this Chapter the way i. the whole course or trade of his life whatsoeuer he thinketh speaketh doth or taketh in hand meaning that the Lord prospereth it also see Psalme 1.3 6. of his Saincts i. of those which he frameth to a holie life see Psalme 16.3 also Psalme 149.1 Vers 9. Then vz. when thou shalt be instructed with knowledge and wisedom from the Lord shalt thou vnderstand vz. through the light which God shall bestowe vpon thee righteousnesse and iudgement and equitie see these words expounded before cap. 1. vers 3. And here he noteth another fruit of the studie of wisedome which is properly to bee vnderstood towards men as the first mentioned vers 5. was towards God and euerie good path i. euerie right course and order to frame thy life well and religiouslie yea thou shalt vnderstand euery good thing through the desire of wisedome Vers 10. When wisedome entereth into thy heart i. findeth a fast and deepe seate in thee and knowledge delighteth thy soule vz. aboue all the end of the sentence and meaning is to be looked for in the next verse Vers 11. Then shall counsell vz. which thou shalt learne out of Gods word preserue thee vz. from all euill see vers 7.8 of this Chapter and vnderstanding vz. of Gods will reuealed in his worde shall keepe thee vz. safe and sounde Vers 12. And deliuer thee i. from euery thing that is euill so that thou shalt not attempt nor take in hande anie euill thing yea from a disordred life into which thou slippest through infirmitie of nature or wherevnto thou art prouoked by the wordes and déedes of the vngodlie and from the man i. from men for it is one number put for another that speaketh vz. not onely in his hart but with his mouth froward things vz. both against God and men Vers 13. And from them q.d. it will set the free also from such and such persons and marke how sodainlie he changeth the numbers from the singular to the plurall Some ioyne it to the former verse thus which vz. men speaking peruerse things leaue the waies of righteousnesse i. vpright good and holie wayes and hee meaneth by this speach that the wicked many times put out the light that God hath bestowed vpon them to walke in the wayes of darknesse i. in corrupt and euil courses for euerie one that dooth euill hateth the light Iohn 3.20 also Rom. 13.12 13. Ephes 5.13 Vers 14. Which reioyce vz. greatlie in dooing euill i. when either they themselues doo anie or heare of others which commit it and delight vz. verie much in the frowardnesse of the wicked vz. man yet I had rather turne it thus in the frowardnesses of euill that is in the worst and most euill frowardnesses Some referre the word reioycing to the minde inwardlie and the word delight to the bodie outwardlie because the motions of the minde manie times appeare outwardlie in the bodie q. d. both outwardlie and inwardlie they are glad at all naughtinesse Vers 15. Whose wayes i. whose liues and dealings both towardes God and men are crooked i. wicked and vngodlie and lead not onelie to trouble but to destruction also and they are leawd in their paths i. their whole trade course of life sauoreth of nothing but leawdnesse Verse 16. And it i. wisedom and true knowledge if thou once apprehend it indéed shall deliuer thee sée verse 12. of this chapter from the strange woman i. from the whore or harlot who in the scripture is called by this name because shee estrangeth her selfe from her husband and giueth ouer the vse of her bodie to a stranger euen from the stranger i. the harlot which flattereth vz. verie swéetelie and pleasantlie with her words i. with her intising speaches sée Prouer. 7.10 11 c. Verse 17. Which forsaketh vz. both in action affection though perhaps not in respect of bodilie presence for she maketh an accompt of her husband also as Prou. 7.19 the guyde of her youth i. her husband which God gaue her in her youth to guyde and gouerne her not onlie then but for euer for the husband is the head of the wife 1. Cor. 11.3 and forgetteth vz. vtterlie and altogether the couenant of hir God that is the bond of mariage solemnlie passed betwéene the parties God himselfe being Authour thereof and his name being called vpon at the contract made sée Malach 2.14 Verse 18. Surelie or as some reade it For q.d. it is no small blessing that thou shalt obtayne by hauing found wisedome for it shall deliuer thee from deadlie danger and destruction hir house i. euen the very entrance and going into her house q.d. the verie first beginning of familiaritie and acquaintance tendeth to death i. bringeth death destruction with it if it be pursued and hir paths i. the treading in hir paths and walking in hir order of life and conuersation see chapter 1.15 vnderstand heere tend or lead vnto the dead i. vnto them that are dead alreadie and buried sée Psalme 88.10
all that hate me vz. of what state or condition soeuer they be loue death vz. both of bodie and soule how much soeuer they would seeme to abhorre it and flie from it Verse 1. Teacheth vs that the Lord speaketh clerely vnto vs to the ende we might be the sooner and more effectually drawne vnto him Vers 2 3. Setteth out Gods great mercie who neglecteth no occasion time or place to doo vs good Verse 4. Teacheth vs that God doth generally direct his word vnto all though happelie it bee fruitfull but in some Verse 5. Teacheth vs in time to returne from our follie and dulnes of spirite Verse 6. Teacheth vs that the more excellent things are offered vs the more attentiue we should be to heare and learne the same Verse 7. Teacheth vs and that euen in the example of God himselfe to speake nothing but the truth and to abhorre al wickednesse of wordes whatsoeuer Vers 8. Teacheth vs that Gods word is righteous iust pure and holie Vers 9. Is profitable for doctrine because it sheweth that God speaketh plainly and familiarly vnto vs in his word which may teach vs not to be discouraged from the hearing or reading of it through the hardnes of it and it is profitable also for confutation of Papistes who accuse it of darknes Verse 10 11. Teach vs co preferre Gods word before all the pleasures profites of this life whatsoeuer Verse 12. Teacheth vs that nothing can be rightly or wisely done without sound knowledge out of Gods word Verse 13. Teacheth vs that seeing God our father abhorreth pride wickednesse and vngodly speach we should likewise hate and lothe the same things Verse 14. Teacheth vs that the Lord is most wise in all his counsels and most mightie to performe whatsoeuer pleaseth him both in heauen and earth Verse 15 16. Teach vs that all earthly authoritie is from the Lord only whatsoeuer it be Verse 17. Teacheth vs to loue the Lord and if we will obtaine him and his fauour earnestly and diligently to seeke after the same Vers 18. Teacheth vs that true riches and honor are to bee found onely with the Lord. Verse 19. Teacheth vs that Gods graces bestowed vppon his children are more precious than all the things of this life whatsoeuer Verse 20. Teacheth vs that without light from Christ wee walke in by pathes and wander continually from the Lords waies Verse 21. Teacheth vs that there is an euerlasting inheritance and plentie of all blessings laied vp for the faithfull Verse 22 23 24 25 26.27 28. Doo prooue the eternall deitie or Godhead of our Sauiour Christ contrarie to the Arrian heresie Verse 28. Setteth forth Gods great power in vpholding the clowdes and the raine in the same from drowning the world Verse 29. Teacheth vs that euen the sea is obedient vnto him so that looke what courses and bounds he setteth it it walketh in the same Vers 30. Sheweth that by our Sauiour him selfe all things were made maintained Vers 31. Teacheth vs that though Christ bee carefull for all yet chiefly for mankinde and specially for his Church gathered out of it Vers 32. Teacheth vs that obedience to Gods commandements is a meane to bring blessings vpon vs. Vers 33. Teacheth vs to giue diligent attendance vpon God and his truth least it doo at any time or by any manner of way escape vs. Vers 34. Teacheth vs that without Christ there is no fauour nor life to be had from God but in and with him we haue all things Vers 35. Teacheth that it is in vaine to offend against Christ for besides that our displeasing of him can do him no hurt we do vtterly destroy our selues CHAP. 9. Co. THe holie Ghost continueth in this Chapter that which he had begun in the other two but specially in the eight Chapter before going to wit by the testimonie of God and his owne eternall wisedome he confirmeth those doctrines and instructions which he had deliuered concerning the imbracing of this heauenlie wisedome And here by another similitude he teacheth the same which he did before vz. that Wisedome calleth all such vnto her as be desirous to imbrace her and this he doth by supposing her to bee building her house that she might receiue her guestes into it by preparing her dainties c. Di. Di. 1 THis Chapter may be diuided into three parts In the first the heauenly wisedome of God that is his eternall sonne calleth al vnto his banquet and the precious thinges he hath prepared for them from verse 1. to the Di. 2 end of the 6. In the second the holie Ghost describeth the wayward nature of the vngodlie and sheweth what fruites wisedome yeeldeth from Di. 3 verse 7. to the end of the 12. In the third he doth liuely paint out the lothsome qualities and conditions of an harlot from verse 13. to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. WIsedome i. Gods eternall Sonne of which hath béen spoken of before Chapt. 1.20 Also Chap. 8. through out hath built vz. very beautifullie and stronglie her house that is his spirituall Church which is called the house of God 1. Timoth 3.15 which Christ beginneth in this life but perfecteth the same in heauen and hewne out vz. very artificially and finely her seuen pillers i. he hath made the Church very full and perfect For we knowe that the number of seuen in Scripture signifieth fulnes and perfection and all this is spoken in an allegorie concerning the Church as also that which followeth touching the great banquet meaning nothing thereby but the absolute founding establishing and perfect decking of it Vers 2. She i. Gods eternall wisedome hath killed her vittailes i. hath minded to prepare and to performe a banquet for you as may appeare by killing meate drawne vz. out of the vessels her wine i. the wine that she will giue you q.d. you must therefore come quickly seeing all things are in such readines The word that is turned here drawne signifieth in the Hebrue mingled vz. with water speaking according to the manner of those hot countries and prepared her table vz. for the guestes to sit at q.d. all things are in a readines there lacketh nothing but guestes to furnish the borde To allegorise vppon the words vittailes wine tables c. were vaine the Scriptures must be handled with greater sobrietie Vers 3. She hath sent forth her maidens vz. to call men to her banquet and vz. she her selfe crieth vz. aloude so that al men may heare q.d. Gods heauenlie wisedome both by himselfe and his messengers inuiteth men to come vpon the highest places of the citie i. openly and euery where so that none can pretend ignorance see such a like parable Math. 22.1 2 3. c. saying vz. after this manner Vers 4. Who so is simple see Chapt. 1.4 and yet this word is sometimes vsed in the good part as Psalme 116.6 and Math. 10.16 let him come hether vz. to my house and feast and he shall haue
to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. FAlse balances vz. vsed in buying and selling he putteth the balance for all thereto appertaining are an abhomination vnto the Lord i. are such things as the Lord abhorreth and condemneth by the Lawe see Leuit. 19.35 36. Deuter. 25.13 14 15 16. And vnder this he condemneth all fraudulent dealing in buying and selling whatsoeuer but a perfect weight i. an vpright and iust weight In the Hebrue text it is stone because they were wont to weigh with stones pleaseth him vz. greatly or much Vers 2. When pride commeth vz. vppon any man i. when any man beginneth to waxe proude against or aboue others then commeth vz. vnto him shame vz. amongst and before men He meaneth that contempt is the companion of pride see Prouerb 16.18 but with the lowlie vz. in heart as well as in outward shewe is wisedome i. true wisedome which lowlines and wisedome ioyned together doo truely exalt a man see Prouerb 15.33 Also 18.12 Vers 3. The vprightnes of the iust i. their vpright and iust dealings towards God and men shall guide them vz. euen whether they would come or els it shall keepe them safe and sound for euer and leade them thorowe out the whole course of their life till they come to the hauen of safetie here and of heauen in the life to come as may appeare by the verses following but the frowardnes of the transgressors i. of such as trāsgresse Gods law meaning by peruersnes or frowardnes not onely that which is in themselues but also that wherewith they doo either on the one side oppresse others or on the other side peruert or make them like naught vnto themselues shall destroy i. shall be a forcible meane to pull vpon them from God a iust destruction Vers 4. Riches vz. whether they bee gotten iustly or vniustly that is not the matter auaile not vz. any whit at all in the day of wrath i. at any time when God sheweth himselfe angrie q.d. such as trust when God laieth any either publike or priuate calamitie vpon them to bée deliuered through their riches they are much deceiued see Ezech. 7.16 Zepha 1.18 but righteousnes deliuereth from death i. the righteous are deliuered either from bodilie punishments in this life or els altogether from eternall death see this expounded before Chapt. 10.2 Vers 5. The righteousnes i. the good conscience and faithfull dealing of the vpright vz. in heart as well as in word for both must concurre shall direct his way i. keepeth him vpright in this life and ordereth the whole course of the same so that he hath good successe in all things and falleth not because he laboureth continually to followe Gods will but the wicked shall fall vz. certainlie and assuredly in his owne wickednes i. either as he is walking in his owne wicked and crooked waies or els in that wickednes that he hath deuised against others he shall be snared but I rather like of the first sense Ver. 6. The righteousnes of the iust see before verse 5. of this Chapter shall deliuer them vz. from eternall death and all hurtfull dangers in this life as verse 4. of this Chapt. but the transgressors vz. of Gods lawe shall be taken vz. certainly and sodainly in their owne wickednes i. in that which they had deuised against others and indéede laied vpon them see Psalme 7.15 or els expound it as verse 5. of this Chapter Vers 7. When a wicked man dieth vz. here amongst men his hope i. both the hope he himself had to oppresse others and the hope that other men had in him perisheth vz. vtterly and commeth to nothing and the hope of the vniust shall perish q.d. be assured of this that his hope shall take no effect and he repeateth the thing for the more certaintie of it I knowe other men reade it and expound it otherwise but me thinketh this is plaine Vers 8. The righteous escapeth vz. thorowe the goodnes and mercie of God out of trouble i. out of sundrie and manifold troubles see Psalme 34.19 and the wicked shall come in his stead vz. into affliction and troubles q.d. we doo oftentimes see it fall out that the wicked man commeth into the place of the righteous man being deliuered from trouble euen as it were a redemption for him Vers 9. An hypocrite i. he that thinketh one thing with his heart and speaketh another thing with his mouth with his mouth i. with his false counterfeit words mouth put for words vttered with the mouth as sundrie times before hurteth his neighbour vz. either while he bringeth men to the state of dissimulation that he himselfe is in or els while he seemeth friendly in words yet in heart wishing him euill he laboureth to destroy him and his substance but the righteous shall be deliuered vz. through Gods grace and goodnes from such hypocrites and dissemblers by knowledge vz. of their falsehood and hypocrisie and by a wise foresight shall deliuer himselfe and others from their corruption Vers 10. In the prosperitie of the righteous i. when good men prosper florish and are exalted the citie i. the people of the citie if they be godlie wise and indued with vnderstanding and this must not only bée referred to cities but to kingdomes he putting a part of a kingdome for the whole reioyceth vz. excéedingly and as it were with singing and shouting for so much I suppose the Hebrue word and text will yéeld and when the wicked perish vz. from amongst men meaning when they dye there is ioy vz. yea great ioy amongst the people of the kingdome or citie they reioyce in the one because of the good they receiue from them and reioyce at the departure of the other because of the euilles they indured vnder them Ver. 11. By the blessing of the righteous i. by the good deedes and good words of godlie men which are called blessings because that by them God doth after a sort powre blessings vpon the people the citie is exalted vz. very much that is it hath a great name and florisheth mightelie but it is subuerted i. quite and cleane destroyed by the mouth of the wicked i. by wicked wordes and counsels that the vngodlie vtter and giue see verse 9. of this Chapter Vers 12. He that despiseth vz. either in countenance worde or deede his neighbour i. any man that is any manner of way ioyned vnto him is destitute of wisedome i. bewraieth himselfe to bee a very foolish man but a man of vnderstanding i. he that is truely wise indeede will keepe silence i. will temper himselfe and abstaine from shewing contempt any manner of way against another Vers 13. He that goeth about as a slanderer vz. of other men It seemeth to bee a metaphore taken from pedlers who mingle sundrie sortes of ware together and go from place to place to vtter those things which they haue receiued of others so slanderers tell that to one which they haue heard of
another and goe hether and thether to gather vp tales to tell to other men and yet many times tell them otherwise than they heard them discouereth a secret which is a wicked thing specially if it bée committed to a man this gadding from place to place with tales is forbidden by God Leuit. 19.16 but he that is of a faithfull heart vz. towards God and his brethren conceileth i. keepeth close a matter vz. committed vnto him meaning it of such matters as ought to be kept close Vers 14 Where no counsell is i. In what place soeuer there is not holie and right counsell for otherwise there is no state so corrupt but hath a counsell wherby we see that a wicked counsell is as no counsell before God the people fall vz. by sundrie meanes into sundrie mischiefes that cannot be auoyded but where many counsellers are i. where there is store of graue wise and holie men to giue good counsell and their counsell bee accepted and regarded there is health vz. to the people and subiects meaning by health all outward blessings as prosperitie peace abroad quietnes at home and a great number of such like The Rabbins referre this to warre but I take it to be such a sentence as verse 11. of this Chapter is and to be general stretching it selfe to the right gouernment of Magistrates and their wholesome counsels Vers 15. He shall be sore vexed vz. amongst men and euen in himselfe that is suretie vz. to another man for a stranger i. for one whom he knoweth not and he that hateth suretiship vz. vnlesse he haue good cause to enter into the same is sure vz. from danger griefe and vexation How this must be vnderstood see Chapt. 6. vers 1 c. Vers 16. A gracious woman i. such a one as is indued with a right reuerence of God and decked with that hidden man of the heart which consisteth in a méeke and quiet spirite which spirite also is acceptable before God obtaineth fauour amongst men 1. Pet. 3.4 atteineth honor vz. amongst men by her good and vertuous demeanes and so consequently praise and commendation as Pro. 31.30 and and I suppose this would rather be turned as the strong men in Hebrue it is violent meaning such as being terrible and fearefull to others get riches by all manner of meanes whether lawfull or vnlawfull it skilleth not atteine riches vz. amongst men Vers 17. He that is mercifull vz. towards others specially when they are distressed and néedie rewardeth his owne soule i. doth good vnto himselfe also as well as vnto others for so it pleaseth God to reward the good workes of his seruants but he vz. whosoeuer he be that troubleth vz. vniustly and without cause by what means so euer it be either in word or déed his owne flesh i. his neighbour or other men as Isaiah 58.7 is cruell vz. not only to them but euen against himselfe also Some reade it thus but the cruel man i. he that is hard hearted and cruelly bent against others troubleth his owne flesh i. hurteth himselfe while he casteth from him all lawes of nature and curtesie Indéede I confesse that the Antithesis or opposition of this verse more plainlie appeareth so and yet I see no reason why the other sense may not as well stand Vers 18. The wicked worketh a deceitfull worke vz. both to himselfe and against others to himselfe because he is deceiued of that which he thought to obtaine as a reward many times getting a cleane contrarie thing as miserie for prosperitie and against the good because he seeketh by deceitfull meanes to destroy them but he that soweth righteousnes i. is plentifull in vpright and well doing see Galath 6.7 8 c. shall receiue vz. from the Lord yea and many times from men also a sure reward i. a reward that shall not deceiue him neither whereof he shall be deceiued Vers 19. As righteousnes leadeth to life vz. both here and in the world to come vnderstanding by righteousnes the sound fruites of a holy conuersation both towards God and men so he that followeth euill i. fostereth and feedeth the same within him and seeketh the performance therof seeketh his own death vz. both of bodie and soule without vnfeigned repentance and amendment of life Vers 20. They that are of a froward heart vz. either against God or men meaning such as are neuer pleased with any thing are abomination to the Lord i. are such as the Lord abhorreth and cannot abide see verse 1. of this Chapter but they that are vpright in their way i. haue care of a holie and iust conuersation towards God and man see Psalme 119.1 are his delite i. are such as he much delighteth in Vers 21. Though hand ioyne in hand i. though the wicked indeuour by all the strengthes subtilties and aydes that they haue or can procure the wicked shall not be vnpunished q.d. for all that they cannot escape Gods punishments see Chapter 16.5 but the seede of the righteous i. euen his posteritie shall escape vz. iudgements and punishments sent from God though sometimes it pleaseth him to correct them to their amendement q.d. not only the godlie but their posteritie shall be deliuered whereas the vngodlie though he get many to take his part shall not escape when as the godlie shall deliuer both himselfe and others Vers 22. As a iewell of gold vz. is an vnseemely thing in a swines snout vz. because the swine will defile it with dirt and myre so is a faire woman i. so is it vnseemely for one to be indued with beautie which indeede is a good gift from God which lacketh discretion vz. to gouerne her selfe modestlie soberlie and in the feare of God q.d. beautie doth as little become a mad or foolish woman as a precious iewell doth become a sowe Vers 23. The desire of the righteous is only good i. they desire nothing but that which is good for that word only is an exclusiue particle shutting out euill things Not meaning that they neuer wish euill but rather that for the most part they desire good but the hope of the wicked i. the wicked may hope or looke for nothing els but indignation i. vengeance from God or els such thinges as shall vexe and grieue them and make them angrie Vers 24. There is vz. a man putting it also for a certaine number of men that scattereth i. liberally bestoweth the goods and possessions which God hath blessed him with all see Psalme 112.9 and is more increased vz. in riches and abundance through the speciall blessing of God and the right vse of these things but he that spareth more vz. either from himselfe or others which is the common fault of couetous persons and niggards then is right i. than he may and ought to doo surely commeth to pouertie vz. notwithstanding all his pinching and sparing q.d. so farre off is it that the niggardly man shall increase and waxe rich as the liberall doth that
do not bewray the follie of our hearts by much babling also that wee direct our speach in such sort to such persons and at such time as may bring most grace to the hearers Verse 24. Teacheth to vse diligence in our callings to auoide idlenes Vers 25. Teacheth vs to speake good comfortable words to the heauie hearted sorrowfull Verse 26. Teacheth vs that the godlie are better than the wicked of the world account of them also that sinne is deceitfull Verse 27. Teacheth vs that the wicked thorow Gods iust iudgement vppon them haue not the vse of those things which they enioy and possesse Verse 28. Teacheth vs to followe the way of godlines because it doth not only deliuer vs from eternall death but bring vs to euerlasting life CHAP. 13. Co. IN the 28. verse of the last Chapter he earnestly commended a holie conuersation And in the first verse of this Chapter he sheweth by what meanes this may be attained vz. by diligence both in hearing and obeying of all holie instructions Di. THe Chapter may bee diuided into three parts the first reacheth from Di. 1 verse 1. to the end of the 8. wherein he teacheth the right vse of the eares and mouth commendeth diligence and dispraiseth idlenes and speaketh against lying slaundering hypocrisie other manner of wickednesses In Di. 2 the second he speaketh against pride contention vaine riches contempt of the word and follie commending on the other side the righteous the wise the diligent the obedient person and such as vnfeignedly feare God Di. 3 from verse 9. to the end of the 16. In the third part he dealeth against vnfaithfull messengers contempt of instruction wicked companie c. and commendeth faithfulnes obedience choyce of companie Gods fauour towards his children and the good which commeth by moderate correction from verse 17. to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. A Wise sonne i. childe whether it bee sonne or daughter will obey vz. in deed and truth the instruction of his father i. which his father shall giue him vnderstanding by the name father parents as by the name sonne before child but a scorner i. such a one as doth despise the doctrines of wisedome will heare no rebuke vz. from other men for his amendement meaning by hearing regarding for this word scorner see Chapt. 9. 7 8 12. Vers 2. A man i. a good and wise man shall eate good things i. shall finde and enioy them by the fruite of his mouth i. by his good and wise words see Chapt. 12.14 but the soule of the trespassers i. the trespassers themselues both in bodie and soule and yet he maketh mention of the soule because it is the principall part shall suffer violence vz. from God and manie times from men as Genes 6.11 Vers 3. He that keepeth his mouth vz. from idle or euill speach meaning hereby such a one as hath a care not in words to passe the bounds of his calling or godlines keepeth his life vz. in peace quietnes and prosperitie but he that openeth his lippes vz. to lewd and wicked speaches in the word opening is a metaphore taken from harlots as appeareth Ezech. 16.25 destruction shall be to him i. he shall bée destroyed by his lewd words and speaches Vers 4. The sluggard lusteth i. he hath a desire or wishing onely and nothing els but his soule i. he himselfe hath nought vz. besides his bare wishes q.d. the slothfull desire many things and feede themselues with bare wishes but in the meane while because they labour not they obtaine nothing of the things which they desire but the soule of the diligent i. the diligent and laborious person himself shall haue plentie vz. of all good things yea more many times than they wish or desire see Chapt. 11.25 Vers 5. A righteous man hateth vz. vnfeignedlie and euen as it were a filthie and stinking thing lying words i. lyes and all things thereto appertaining but the wicked causeth slander and shame vz. to himselfe and others by his lying speaches meaning also that he doth so much loue and imbrace falshood that he will be contented to be counted a filthie person and hated of all good men rather than depart from it Vers 6. Righteousnes i. faithfull and holie dealing preserueth vz. before God and euen in this life the vpright of life i. such as leade an vpright and blessed life but wickednes vz. against God and men ouerthroweth vz. through Gods iust iudgement the sinner i. the notorious euill men see Chapt. 1.10 Vers 7. There is vz. a man that is sundrie men see Chap. 12.18 that maketh himselfe rich vz. by his boasting words and so would be accounted by the pompe he beareth amongst men and hath nothing q.d. and yet for all that he is worth little or nothing and vz. there is another man or another sort of people that maketh himselfe poore i. would seeme so to be before men hauing vz. notwithstanding that great riches i. great abundance of riches Most interpreters agree that the first part of the sentence is spoken against vaineglorious boasters amongst whom little or nothing is to be had and the latter to bee vnderstood of such as haue contented mindes the former I like well but the latter I like not because the comparison is not so fit and therefore I would haue it to bee vnderstood as before vz. of feigning pouertie when they haue great abundance Vers 8. A man i. euery man that hath wit and vnderstanding will giue vz. francklie and freelie his riches i. all the riches that he hath for the ransome of his life i. for the redemption of it or to redeeme it if he bee in danger to lose it see Psalme 48.7 8. but the poore vz. man cannot heare vz. as to redresse it the reproch vz. vttered against him His meaning I thinke commeth to this much in effect that riches and pouertie haue both their commodities and their discommodities for as to rich men their riches are profitable for the maintenance and pompe of this life and pouertie is discommodious to the poore so riches are sundrie times discommodious to the rich because they procure many dangers to the owners thereof and yet pouertie is commodious at the least in this respect because mens hearts are free from the feare of enuious persons who would insnare them and they haue not so readie an occasion to reuenge themselues as otherwise Vers 9. The light of the righteous i. the great blessings and good things which in great plentie shall be powred forth vpon them It is vsuall in the Scripture by light to vnderstand all good and prosperous things and I take it to be a metaphoricall speach borrowed from the light of the Sunne which first rising and afterwards increasing in brightnes séemeth it selfe to reioyce whilest lightening all things and euen the whole face of the earth it maketh them glad reioyceth i. maketh glad both themselues and other that behold it q.d. the
and faithfull imploying of a mans selfe in his owne function there is abundance vz. of good things and blessings meaning that he which giueth himselfe painefully to followe labor in his calling shall thriue and prosper but the talke of the lippes i. bare and vaine words as when a man will labor with his tongue and let the rest of his members bee idle bringeth onely want i. bringeth nothing with it but pouerty that word onely I would refer rather to the first words reading it thus but the talke of the lippes onely q.d. where there is no more but labor in the mouth and no performance of it in deed there must of necessity be beggery pouerty Ve. 24. The crowne of the wise is their riches i. the riches which wise men thorowe Gods goodnes possesse and haue them annexed vnto their wisdome they are a singular ornament vnto them this word crowne is sundry times so vsed before and the follie of fooles is foolishnes q d. though fooles haue neuer so great riches they auaile them nothing to remoue their folly but their folly is meere folly notwithstanding all that yea they are so farre of from adorning them that they rather serue to stayne them because they are instruments and arguments to cause them more and more to bewray their folly Vers 25. A faithfull witnes i. he that being called to witnes a matter speaketh faithfullie and truely deliuereth vz. from danger and distresse soules i. men or persons see Exod. 1.5 meaning such as were ready to be destroyed and were oppressed thorowe euill reports but a deceiuer i. a deceitfull and false witnes speaketh lies vz. against men by which he indeuoreth to bring men to death and destruction he setteth deceit against trueth and speaketh of lies against deliuerance because that lies many times bring men to great danger and destruction Vers 26. In the feare of the Lord is an assured strength i. hee that hath a right and reuerent feare of Gods Maiestie planted in his heart neede not feare any thing for the Lord will bee an assured strength and defence vnto him and his children i. Gods children whome he hath in Christ begotten vnto himselfe by the incorruptible seede of his word that they might walke in his reuerence and feare for I had rather referre it vnto them than to the posteritie and children of good people though I knowe that sense also may stand because good fathers many times haue euill children shall haue hope i. an assured hope in the Lorde which shall not make them ashamed as Roman 5.5 Vers 27. The feare of the Lord i. the right and reuerent feare of his Maiestie planted in mens hearts is as a wel-spring of life i. blessednes in this life and eternall life in the world to come doth aboundantly proceede from it see Prouerb 13.14 also chap. 10.11 to auoide i. to teache men to auoyd and shunne the snares of death i. such snares as in which if men be caught and escape not from them there is no way but death both of bodie and soule see chap. 13 14. Vers 28. In the multitude of the people is the honor of a king i. it is a great honor and credit for a king to haue many people willingly subiect vnto him and ready to performe his will and therefore for the increase of the same he ought to vse equitie and clemency and not tyrranie and cruelty to lessen them and for the want of people commeth the destruction of the Prince vz. because his countreyes and territories are easily subdued to the power of his enemies because he hath not forces sufficient wherewithall to resiste and so are the borders of his gouernement diminished Vers 29. Hee that is slowe to wrath vz. against other men laboring to master the rage of his affections sée Iames 1.19 is of great wisdome i. declareth thereby that God hath blessed him with abundance of wisdome while he can refraine his rage and doo nothing rashly but hee that is of an hastie minde vz. against others meaning such a one as is furious and soone stirred vp exalteth follie i. doth openly commit it as though hee woulde lifte it vp that all men might sée it see vers 17. of this chap. Vers 30. A sounde heart i. a heart frée from vicious affections specially from euill will and despight against others is the life of the flesh i. bringeth health and soundnes to the whole man that hath it hee putteth a parte for the whole but enuie vz. once conceaued in the heart against other men is the rotting of the bones i. will quickely consume a man and bring him to his end as the diseases which lye in the boanes and eate them vp sée chap. 12.4 q.d. hee that is of a courteous gentle and free heart shall haue a sound body and passe away his dayes in quietnes reioycing other men also but the trouble which enuie bringeth with it leaueth not the strongest parts of the body sounde but infecteth and corrupteth them and maketh the whole man in all mens iudgement filthie and stincking Vers 31. He vz. of what state or calling so euer hee bee that oppresseth vz. by fraude force slaunder or other wise for the word is generall and reacheth to any kinde of oppression the poore i. the needie and he that is not able to make his parte good against him reprooueth vz. by his wicked and leud dealing him that made him i. God who appointed that hee should bee poore and this hee speaketh because the wicked man thinketh that God either cannot or will not deliuer him out of his hands it may bee taken also thus that whosoeuer releeueth not the poore despiseth God see Matt. 25.35 c. but he honoreth him i. the Lord and why doth he honor him Because hee dooth a worke appoynted by God in his lawe that hath mercie on the poore i. sheweth him pittie and compassion see vers 21. of this Chap. Vers 32. The wicked shall be cast away vz. from the Lord and from the enioying of his gracious presence which the godly alwaies behold for his malice 1. for the euill and naughtines which he hath committed against God and man but the righteous hath hope vz. of Gods fauor and goodnes towards him and of his owne deliuerance in his death i. either when he dyeth or else is set in most grieuous distresses the greatest whereof is death q d. though he should dye yet he would not doubte of Gods goodnes towards him Psalme 23.4 for euen death it selfe should be for his good Vers 33. Wisdome i. holy and heauenly wisdome from God resteth vz. as it were in his owne house or dwelling place in the heart i. in the soule and minde of him that hath vnderstanding i. of all that delight in wisdome and vnderstanding and is known i. wisdome is made manifest in the midst of fooles i. openly and in their sight so that they can pretend no ignorance A worthie man readeth this latter
of that griefe and sorowe which seaseth and possesseth many times a mans heart the mind vz. of a man is heauie i. is made or become heauie and sad some reade and the Hebrue text also seemeth to import so much the spirit is broken i. the man sigheth often and draweth his breath very hard q.d. his life is almost at an end Vers 14. The heart of him i. he himselfe a part for the whole and yet he speaketh of the heart because if the heart or minde bée not set vpon it wee shall hardly obtaine it that hath vnderstanding i. that through Gods goodnes hath obtained some measure of it seeketh vz. carefully and diligently knowledge i. increase of knowledge q.d. he hath care to bee euery day more skilfull than other but the mouth of the foole i. the foole himselfe and yet because meate is first receiued into the mouth before it go into the stomacke and so become nutritiue he maketh mention of it is fed vz. continually meaning that the foole taketh as great delight in the same as in all manner of dainties with foolishnes i. with his owne follie and other mens also who frame themselues to his humour Vers 15. All the daies vz. of the life of a man from the time his affliction and griefe beginneth till it haue an end of the afflicted i. of any which is afflicted troubled in minde because his state and condition in this life is no better meaning it of a poore man that is not content with his owne portion as may appeare by the verses following are euill i. grieuous tedious and bitter specially to flesh and bloud but a good conscience i. he that hath in himself peace towards God quietnes before men and contentednes in his owne soule is a continuall feast i. bréedeth as great pleasure and delight to him that hath it as if he were daylie fed with most fine dainties Vers 16. Better is a little vz. which a man hath of his owne through Gods blessing with the feare of the Lord i. hauing a reuerence of Gods Maiestie in his heart both quieting his minde and teaching him the right vse of it than great treasure vz. howsoeuer it be obtained and trouble therwith vz. to the owner thereof and in his minde which wauereth and is vnquiet either for the sure kéeping of it or for the sodaine forgoing of it Vers 17. Better is a dinner of greene hearbes i. a very meane slender dinner where loue is vz. towards the parties bidden and among the parties themselues because there all things shall bee well accepted than a stalled oxe vz. prepared for a dinner or banquet meaning also thereby a most sumptuous feast and hatred therewith i. an euill affection either towards the parties bidden or one of them towards another Vers 18. An angrie man i. one giuen much to anger stirreth vp strife vz. in euery companie wheresoeuer he commeth yea many times amongst them where there is great peace and quietnes see Chap. 29.22 but he that is slowe to wrath i. will hardly or not at all be moued thereto see Chapt. 14.29 appeaseth vz. by all the meanes he can he indeuoureth to quiet and pacifie strife vz. kindled and stirred vp before so farre off is he from prouoking men thereto Vers 19. The way i. the order and course of his life of a slothfull man i. of him that sluggishly and slothfully goeth about his duetie is as an hedge of thornes i. is so slow and hard as if it were all beset with thornes briers meaning that so it seemeth also vnto himselfe and therefore he euer findeth some let or stay that he dare not go forward see Chapt. 26.13 but the way of the righteous i. the order and course of life which he taketh is plaine i. most easie and commodious so that he findeth nothing to hinder him to walke on chearefully therein Vers 20. A wise sonne reioyceth the father i. maketh the father to reioyce and be glad see Chap. 10.1 but a foolish man i. a wicked disobedient and vngodlie child despiseth i. setteth little by or regardeth not at all his mother i. neither her person nor any good thing that commeth from her Vers 21. Foolishnes i. wickednes and sinne is ioye i. is a matter of mirth and delight to him that is destitute of vnderstanding i. to a wicked and vngodly man which knoweth nothing of heauenly wisedome I take it to be the same almost that is sayd Chapt. 14.9 24. but a man of vnderstanding i. a godly and wise man walketh vprightly i. ordereth all his actions and frameth his manners to that which is good and right neuer straying from the right way Vers 22. Without counsell i. without right holie and good counsell thoughts i. all things thought vpon and deuised come to nought i. to no effect and purpose q d. it is not enough to thinke vpon things but there must be counsell taken how to performe the same but in the multitude of counsellers i. of good and faithfull counsellers there is stedfastnes vz. both of purpose and performance if the thing bee good see Prouerb 11.14 Vers 23. A ioye commeth to a man i. there is a man which hath great and singular ioy by the answer of his mouth i. by the words and speaches which he vttereth with his mouth whether he answer things demanded or speake otherwise q.d. when a man speaketh wisely to any person in any place he hath great occasion and matter of ioye giuen him and how good q.d. it is a hard thing to expresse how swéete and profitable so haue you the word good vsed Psalme 133.1 is a word vz. spoken or vttered in due season i. in fit and conuenient time see Psalm 1.3 Al is as much q.d. a wise man is much refreshed and greatly reioyceth when hée seeth his counselles to fall well out and things to come to passe as he said Vers 24. The way of life i. the way that leadeth vnto life yea the very true life it selfe is on high to the prudent i. is in heauen and therefore he thinketh of heauenly things and tendeth thetherward Philip. 3.20 Coloss 3.2 to auoide i. that walking in the same he may auoid from hel beneath i. both from death and destruction which the desire of earthly things bringeth with it and also from the place of eternall torment Vers 25. The Lord vz. himselfe in his iust iudgement will destroy vz. vtterly and as it were pull vp by the rootes the house of the proud men i. them themselues their seede rase substance and whatsoeuer belongeth vnto them for so large I take the signification of the word house to be but he will establish vz. firme and sure the borders of the widdowe i. all that doth appertaine to the poore and abiect persons as it were He setteth against proud persons poore widdowes then who none are commonly more iniured amongst men Vers 26. The thoughts of the wicked i. wicked mens thoughts and the
of almightie God Vers 6. Many vz. men reuerence the face of the Prince i. doth greatly estéeme the person of a great man for this word face see Deut. 1.17 and euery man is friend to him that giueth giftes vz. vnto other men meaning that the liberal person hath many friends Vers 7. All the brethren i. all the kinsfolkes how nigh or farre off so euer they be if they be aliue and be richer than he of the poore vz. man that is fallen into decay do hate him i. doo despise him or little regard and set by him how much more vz. soone or easilie will his friends i. his counterfeit and feigned friends for of his faithfull ones he had sayd the contrarie before Chap. 17.17 depart farre from him vz. in the time of his affliction and distresse though he vz. so afflicted and brought into pouertie be instant with words i. doo earnestly and heartily intreate them for some comfort reliefe or fauour yet they will not vz. stand fast by him or minister vnto his need Vers 8. He that possesseth i. kéepeth sure and fast vnderstanding i. heauenly wisedome loueth his owne soule i. himselfe a part for the whole or els prouideth well for himselfe The word in Hebrue is heart which he vseth because vnderstanding wisedome hath his proper seate in the hart and keepeth wisedome which he hath obtained and gotten to finde goodnes i. that thereby he may come to that goodnes which neuer shall decay Vers 9. is the same both in words and sense with verse 5. of this Chapter sauing that there it was said he shall not escape and here it is said he shall perish q.d. he shal certainlie come to naught Vers 10. Pleasure vz. in the vse of all Gods blessings is not comelie for a foole vz. because he knoweth not how to vse it much lesse vz. comely is it for a seruant vz. that is bound to another man to haue rule ouer Princes i. to rule such as should rule others he meaneth that fooles should rather haue stripes as Chapter 10.13 and seruants seruice or bondage and not abundance of pleasures and delightes or rule ouer others because they knowe not how to vse them well Vers 11. The discretion of a man i. the wisedome and vnderstanding that a man hath through Gods especiall gift deferreth i. is a very good meane to make him to put off yea to remoue and put away his anger vz. conceiued or readie to be expressed towards others and his glorie is i. it maketh much for his glorie and credit to passe by vz. without any great regard meaning by this maner of speach easilie to forget and to forgiue an offence vz. committed against him Vers 12. The Kings wrath vz. against any of his subiects is like the roring of a lyon i. fearefull and terrible and threatning as it were present death The Hebrue word signifieth a yong lyon which hath more courage roreth much more strongly which serueth also to aggrauate the danger see Hosea 3.4 8. q.d. as the lyon feareth men and beastes by roring so doth the Princes wrath terrifie men but specially his subiects see Chap. 16.14 but his fauour vz. towards any is like the deaw vpon the grasse i. both comfortable to coole it after some great heate profitable to make it grow meaning that the fauour of great men is profitable for their people and gladdeth their harts sée chap. 16.15 Vers 13. A foolish sonne i. a wicked child whether it be sonne or daughter but yet it more grieueth a man when he in whom the hope of his name is left shall be dissolute is the calamitie of his father i. bringeth grieuous and intollerable miserie vpon his parents see Prou. 10.1 Also Chap. 15.20 Chap. 17.25 and the contentions of a wife i. such as procéede from a wife or els a contentious woman or wife her selfe are like a continuall dropping vz. or raine or water vpon stone or timber which eateth into it or rotteth it meaning that they doo euen consume a man his household see Chap. 21.9 Also Chap. 27.15 Vers 14. House i. lands and riches i. goods and wealth whatsoeuer are the inheritance of the fathers i. are such inheritances as fathers leaue to their children but a prudent wife i. a godlie vertuous and wise wife commeth of the Lord. vz. onely as a speciall gift and blessing from him sée Chap. 18.22 He meaneth not that inheritances come not from the Lord but because they come by the meane of the parents they seeme in our iudgement further off from God than a good wife and yet neither of them fall out but according to his will though it appeare more immediatly in match of mariage than in inheritances or possessions Vers 15. Slothfulnes causeth vz. men in whom it raigneth to fall a sleepe i. to be careles and negligent of their affaires and a deceitfull person i. he that giueth himselfe ouer to deceiue others shall be affamished vz. for lacke of foode meaning he should fall into great pouertie and extremitie he ioyneth deceit and slothfulnes together because they are companions that can hardly bee sundred shewing that both the sluggards which cease from doing of their duetie and the deceitfull that liue against all charitie shall bée punished from God Vers 16. He that keepeth vz. vnfeignedly with al his heart the commandement vz. of the Lord meaning thereby his holie law which consisteth in commandements one being put for all because the law giuer is but one obedience to the whole tendeth but chiefly to one end that is Gods glorie though indéed eternal saluation be annexed thereto keepeth his owne soule i. he himself a part for the whole meaning that thorow obedience he doth deliuer himself from danger of eternal death destruction but he that despiseth his waies i. maketh no account how or after what sort he doth liue nor hath care to frame his life according to the prescript rule of Gods worde shall dye i. shall certeinely perish speciallie in the World to come Vers 17. He that hath mercie i. sheweth pittie and compassion either by word or deed or both vpon the poore i. vpon such as bee distressed and are not able to helpe themselues lendeth vnto the Lord vz. all that whatsoeuer he doth which he bestoweth vpon the poore the reason is because the Lord maketh account of the godly poore and things done to them as of himselfe and performed to him see Matth. 25.40 and the Lord will recompense him vz. to the full yea in the largenes of his mercie giue him a thousand times more that which he hath giuen vz. willingly and cherefullie to the poore 2. Corinth 9.7 and that in his name Mark 9.41 He shooteth at this marke in this one verse that is to teach them tender hartednes towards the afflicted which that he may the better perswade them too hee setteth before them both a plentifull and also an assured reward from God Vers 18. Chasten
vz. moderately and with good discretion thy sonne i. thy child as sundrie times before while there is hope vz. that thy correction will amend him and doo him good meaning while hee is yong for if he growe to a head of stubbornes it will be a hard matter to reforme him and let not thy soule i. thy fatherly affection and pittie which are called the soule because they haue their seate in the soule spare vz. him or correcting of him so it be done as before is prescribed for his murmering vz. against thée q.d. though hee murmur and grudge yet forbeare not to correct him when he deserueth the same Vers 19. A man of much anger i. he that is oftentimes angrie shall suffer punishment vz. either publikely or priuatly for the transgressions which his wrath causeth him to commit and though thou i. any man deliuer him vz. by good perswasion from committing euill or by intreatie and sute set him frée from the hand of the Magistrate yet will his anger come againe q.d. he will be little or no whit at al the better but fall to his rage wrath againe Other men read it otherwise and giue other senses but me thinketh this is plaine Vers 20. Heare vz. diligentlie and carefullie counsell i. good counsell giuen thee and receaue whilst thou mayest haue it instruction◠vz. in the waies and trueth of the Lord that thou maist be wise i. atteyne wisdome in thy latter end vz. when thou art ready to departe from the world and goe to GOD not but that he would haue him to be wise before also but to note that then heauenly wisdome shall stand him in best steed when he is to wrastle with death Vers 21. Many deuises are in a mans heart i. many men tosse many matters too and fro in their imaginations and yet bring them to no effect or issue but the counsell of the Lord i. whatsoeuer hee hath determined in his counsell shall stand vz. stedfast and sure both in the purpose and in the performance thereof hee mindeth to note the difference betweene Gods waies and works and mans Vers 22. That that is to be desired i. the thing that a man ought speciallie to desire and wish in this life is his goodnes i. that he deale religiously towards God and vprightly towards men and it may be turned for or but without any iniurie to the text a poore man vz. though he be neuer so poore if he be godly is better vz. by many degrées both before God and also in the iudgement of all goodmen not meaning hereby that a lyer being poore is good than a lyer i. than one that giueth himselfe to lying though he be neuer so rich Vers 23. The feare of the Lord i. a reuerence of his Maiestie ioyned with an vnfeyned loue thereof settled in mens hearts leadeth to life i. to a blessed life in this world and to eternall life in the world to come and hee that is filled therewith i. hee that hath receaued it fréely and plentifullie from the Lorde euery one according to his measure shall continue vz. safe sound and stedfast and shall not be visited with euill vz. to his hurt and destruction for his purpose is not here to exempt Gods children from chastisements and corrections Vers 24. The slothfull vz. man or person hideth his hand in his bosome vz. in the time of some great cold and will not put it to his mouth againe vz. that thereby he might feede himselfe q.d. he is so giuen to idlenes and sloth that euen when great neede and occasion requireth his labor for himselfe and his owne good he will not doo it much lesse would he performe it for others sée Chap. 26.15 Vers 25. Smite i. correct and chastise either by wordes or stripes see Chap. 17.26 a scorner i. one of whome there is no hope of amendment for a scorner is in the highest degrée of transgression Psal 1.1 and the foolish i. such as thorowe simplicitie and ignorance are caried forward to euill will beware vz. of the like fault for which thou smitest the scorner and reprooue the prudent vz. for some thing wherein hee hath sayd or done amisse and he i. the simple ignorant person will vz. in processe of time vnderstand i. atteyne to vnderstand by that meanes knowledge vz. of a better trade and course of life He sheweth that there are two waies to instruct simple ones the one is sharpe correction of the obstinate and the other is louing reproofe of the godly Vers 26. He that destroyeth his father vz. by bringing him to great losses and hinderances on the one side or by greeuing him thorowe leudnes on the other side or chaseth away his mother either out of the house wherein shee dwelleth or from his presence with his froward speach is a leud and shamefull childe i. is a very wicked fellowe and must looke for shame to fall vpon him and all manner of confusion Others reade it otherwise but the sense is all one vz. that wicked children waste many times thorowe their leudnes their fathers goods and so turne away their minds from them that they are glad when they are out of their sight Vers 27. My sonne see Chap. 1.10 and other places heare no more i. be so farre of from obeying that see thou heare not any longer the instruction that causeth to erre from the wordes of knowledge i. such instruction as carrieth thee away from the right way of holie wisedom q.d. applie thy selfe altogether to holie doctrine and therefore withdraw thy minde and thy thought from the vse or custome both of euill words and euil deeds Vers 28. A wicked witnes i. a corrupt and false witnes mocketh at iudgement i. maketh no more account eyther of right causes themselues or of Magistrates that are placed to execute iustice or of God himselfe that will punish false witnesses for so largely I suppose the worde iudgement may bee taken than of a iest or thing to bee laughed at and the mouth of the wicked i. the wicked and vngodly person himselfe and yet he mentioneth the mouth because of the Metaphor swalloweth vp following swalloweth vp vz. with great delight and pleasure as dronkards doo strong wine and gluttons delicate meates meaning also thereby the abundance of iniquitie which the vngodlie commit iniquitie vz. against God and men One readeth it thus so iniquitie swalloweth vp the mouth of the wicked q.d. in that wicked witnesses doo scorne iudgement they doo it euen of obstinacy and malice which doth wholy possesse them euen swallowe vp as it were all their words so that they can speake or vtter nothing but iniquitie An other sense also may be giuen as when our text sayth swallowe vp iniquitie it meaneth thereby hiding and couering of the same as meates and drinkes deuoured and swallowed vp are not seene q.d. with the color of their words and shewe of their reasons they indeuor to couer their iniquitie Vers 29. But q.d.
other mens businesses and rashly for another giue his word for if he be rash and vnaduised in his owne matters he will not be wise in thine Neither is this against Gods commandement Exod. 22.26 for there he speaketh of the poore brother who for the néede of their household were constrained to lay pawnes or gages but here of rash and lauish sureties see Chap. 22.20 Also Chap. 27.13 Ver. 17. The bread of deceit i. all manner of maintenance craftely compassed gotten is sweet i. so seemeth to be at the first to a man i. to a worldly minded man but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with grauell i. monie and goods so gotten shall bee full of hurt and destruction to him see Chap. 9.17.18 Vers 18. Establish the thoughts vz. of thy heart and head by counsell i. by holie counsell and good aduice q.d. that thing is sure and stedfast which is not attempted rashly but with good aduice and by counsell i. by good and deliberate counsell make warre vz. against thine enemies vnderstanding by this one particular the attempting of all the like q.d. doo nothing at all but deuise of it well before Vers 19. He that goeth about vz. from place to place and from house to house as a slanderer vz. of other men discouereth vz. at some one time or other either for fauour feare or flatterie secrets vz. committed vnto him to keepe see before Chap. 11.13 therfore meddle not vz. at any hand that is to say haue nothing to doo much lesse communicate any close matter to such a one as followeth with him that flattereth with his lippes i. a flatterer and a fawner vpon other men Ver. 20. He vz. whosoeuer he be that curseth i. notoriously disobeyeth and with reuiling and cursing speaches speaketh vnto his father and his mother i. his parents his light shall be put out in obscure darknes i. his name and memorie shall be vtterly taken away yea he shall be depriued of all prosperitie and blessing and shall be accursed both in this life in the life to come see Exod. 21.17 Leuit. 20.9 Deut. 21.18 c. Vers 21. An heritage i. any thing whatsoeuer as goods lands and such like is vz. many times hastelie gotten yea and that by indirect and vnlawfull meanes at the beginning i. at the first atchieuing and getting therof but the end thereof i. of that heritage or possession so hastelie and vnlawfully gotten shall not be blessed vz. from the Lord the reason is because goods hastelie gotten are commonly gotten by iniurie and deceit Vers 22. Say not thou vz. either in thy heart or with thy words I will recompense euill vz. done against me q.d. abstaine from all reuenge and requiting of iniurie either in word or deede yea abstaine from the very affection of reuenging but waite vz. with patience vpon the Lord vz. to whom vengeance doth belong Deut. 32.35 Psalm 94.1 and for the execution of his iudgements and he vz. alone shal saue thee i. kéepe thée safe sound from the rage of all thine enemies al hurts whatsoeuer Vers 23. Diuers weights see verse 10. of this chap. are an abomination vnto the Lord see chap. 11.1 and deceitfull balances i. weights balances by which with which deceit is practised for otherwise balances are hardly deceitfull of themselues are not good i. are much hurtfull euill see Chap. 17.26 Also Chap. 18.5 Vers 24. The steppes of man i. all the actions and affayres of man specially concerning good things are ruled vz. euen euery one of them wholly and altogether by the Lord i. by God himselfe and by his almightie power and prouidence how can a man then vz. as he is a man vnderstand vz. rightly to dispose and knowe the effect and issue of his owne way i. his thoughts words and purposes see Psalm 37.23 Prouerb 16.9 Ierem. 10.23 Vers 25. It is a destruction i. it bringeth destruction with it to the party committing the offence afterwards expressed for a man vz. of what state or calling so euer he be to deuoure that which is sanctified vz. to the Lord and to holy vses as it were in sacrifices to eate the Lords parte q.d. he purchaseth death vnto himselfe whosoeuer hee be who either taketh away from God any thing that is offered vnto him or holdeth back that which is due vnto him and after the vowes i. the things vowed to the Lord and offered to him to take them away from him and the vses he hath appoynted them too to inquire vz. whether they may doo so yea or no q.d. when sinne is committed it is to late to inquire of it Vers 26. A wise King i. a good and a godly Magistrate scattereth vz. by his vpright and good gouernment the wicked vz. people of his land and countrie we had a like sentence before in this Chapter vers 8. sauing that that is spoken of euill things especially and this of wicked persons and causeth the wheele to turne ouer them i. sharpely and seuerely punisheth them putting one kinde thereof for all He meaneth that good princes cannot away with wicked persons Psalm 101.7 8. but rooteth them out as a good husband man doth the chaffe from the Wheate vnder the word wheele he alludeth to the manner of threshing vsed among the Iewes whereof see Isaiah 28.27.28 Vers 27. I would restore this whole verse out of a worthie interpreter thus Mans soule vz. wherein is placed the gift of reason and vnderstanding is as it were the Lords light i. is such an excellent parte as into which God hath powred great light and wherein also his glorie doth wonderfully appeare which vz. soule and vnderstanding of man searcheth vz. out and thorowly all the bowells of the bellie i. all the most secret and inward things q.d. GOD hath put into mans soule a light by which he searcheth out the most deepe and secret things I take it to bee the same in meaning though not in words with vers 6. of this Chapter Vers 28. Mercy i. pittie and compassion towards such as are oppressed and trueth i. ministring of iustice truely and vprightly preserue vz. from all violence and danger the King i. both his person and state vnderstanding also there by the name of King all Magistrates both superior and inferior see Psalm 101.1 for his throne i. he and his kingdome a parte of princelike pompe put for the whole shall bee established vz. assuredly to continue and abide for euer with mercie i. with practising pitie and compassion as before in this verse Vers 29. The beautie of yong men i. that which maketh yong men beautifull and glorious amongst others is their strength i. the strength agilitie and good giftes of the bodie that God hath indued them withall speciallie if they vse them to the good of the countrie and common wealth wherein they liue and the glorie of the aged i. that which bringeth glorie and credit to the olde folkes is the gray head i.
drinke vz. of such as wee haue or as wee say you are welcome I am sorie I haue no better cheare c. but his heart is not with thee i. standeth not vprightly affected towards thee hee giueth a reason why men should not eate such mens meates because they are hollowe hearted and full of hipocrisie pretending in words liberalitie whereas they foster niggardlines in their soule Vers 8. Thou shalt vomit vz. euen for very griefe and sorrowe thy morsels which thou hast eaten i. all that thou hast eaten of his q.d. because thou hast eaten of his meate perceiued his niggardly minde thou shalt wish all vomited vp whatsoeue it be it shall greeue the so much and thou shalt loose thy sweete words i. the good communication and speach which in the time of eating thou hast vsed shall bee as it were labor lost One readeth this and the former verse also otherwise and giueth another sense but mee thinketh this is plaine inough Vers 9. Speake not vz. graue wise and good things in the eares of fooles i. in the hearing of a very wicked and vngodly man for he wil despise the wisdome of thy words i. he wil little or nothing esteeme such things as thou shalt wisely and learnedly vtter I take it to be the same in sense which our Sauior speaketh in other words Matth. 7.6 Vers 10. Remoue not the auncient bounds see for this Chap. 22.28 and enter not vz. either by fraude or force or otherwise to take any thing away from thence that is not thine into the feilds i. into the groundes houses lands or possessions of the fatherles i. of any that are weaker than thy selfe and not able to resist for the word vsed here signifieth such ones as thorrowe want of age are not able to defende themselues nor to put back iniurie whose father the Lord is called Psalm 68.5 Vers 11. For this verse conteyneth a reason why men should not oppresse the poore hee that redeemeth them vz. from danger and distresse meaning also thereby that hee will redéeme them and yet to the end the godly might be rightly perswaded of the continuall care of the almightie toward them hee speaketh in the present tense is mightie vz. so mightie as no one man no not all the creatures in the world are able to withstand the least parte of his power q.d. though thou now oppresse them because they cannot resist thee knowe yet that the Lord who is mightier and greater than all wil redeeme and defend them hee will defend their causes aganst thee see this expounded before Chap. 22.23 Vers 12. Applie thine heart to instruction i. bend all the powers and senses of thy minde to receaue it and thine eares to the words of knowledge i. applie all the partes and powers of thy bodie also to imbrace such things as are not onely skilfully propounded vnto thee but also may builde thee vp in knowledge and iudgement he vseth a parte of the inward and a parte of the outward for the whole man both inward and outward see Chap. 22. vers 17. Vers 13. Withhold not vz. at any hand correction i. moderate and due punishment such as the partie punished is able to beare and his fault requireth from the childe vz. that by any meanes deserueth the same if thou smite him i. chastise and correct him with the roode vz. of correction he shall not dye i. either thou shalt not kill him or hurt him or els by that meanes thou shalt withdrawe him from many euils that would leade to the death both of body and soule see for correctiō cha 13.24 also 19.18 also 22.15 Ver. 14. Thou shalt smite him with the rodde this is expounded ver 13. and shalt deliuer vz. by that meanes his soule i. him himselfe a parte for the whole from hell i. from danger and death both of body and soule Vers 15. My sonne see before chap. 1.8 10. if thine heart be wise i. if it be inclined to imbrace wisdome and thriue and growe therein my heart shal reioyce vz. very much or greatly and I also vz. my selfe in my whole man shall take wonderfull delight and pleasure therein Vers 16. And my reynes shall reioyce i. euen from the inward affection of my minde I will be glad for the scripture attributeth the seate of will and affections to be in the reynes as where it sayth God is the searcher of the heart and reynes when thy lipps speake righteous thinges i. when thou shalt vtter good holy and wise things hee putteth lippes for speach because they be helping instruments to vtter the voyce by Verse 17. Let not thine heart bee enuious against sinners vz. because thou seest them prosper or florish Many of Gods children haue been sore assaulted with this temptation as Dauid Psalme 37.1 Ieremiah and others and therefore it is not without cause that this commandement is so often put downe but let it be vz. fast fixed set and grounded in the feare of the Lord i. in a sincere reuerence of his Maiestie continuallie i. at all times both in prosperitie and aduersitie c. Vers 18. For this verse conteyneth a reason why they should cease from emulating at the wicked and fixe their hearts continually vpon the feare of GOD surely i. without al doubt and this affirmation serueth for the certaintie and trueth of the thing there is an end vz. not onely of the wickeds prosperitie and florishing how great or much so euer it be but also of thine owne patience and hope and thy hope shall not be cut off i. made frustrate or deceaued but thou shalt in good time haue the thing that thou didst hope for Vers 19. O thou my sonne vnder this terme he meaneth euery particular one that is apt and ready to heare or learne see vers 15. of this Chap. heare vz. diligently and attentiuely both with the eares of the body and the minde and be wise i. learne wisdome by hearing good and holy things and guide thine heart i. frame and fashion the affections of thy soule yea labor to rule them in such sorte that thou mayst walke in the way vz. which I shall shewe thee that is in the right way of Gods commandements see Psalm 32.8 Vers 20. Keepe not companie vz. at any hand this he addeth both because youth are greatlie delighted in eatings and drinkings and also because that thereby they are many times drawne from the way of vertue and well doing with dronkards in Hebrue it is bibbers of wine meaning thereby such as would quaffe of cuppe after cuppe and neuer bee satisfied such a one the Iewes did falsely accuse our Sauior Christ to be Matth. 11.19 nor with gluttons i. such as ouer charge their stomacks with meate q.d. haunt not such mens companie nor haue any familiaritie with them Vers 21. For this verse conteineth a reason why they should not haunt their companie because beggery and pouertie is the ende thereof the dronkards and gluttons shall
23. to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. BE not thou enuious against euill men it is the same in meaning that wée had before Chap. 23.17 though it differ somewhat in words neither desire i. haue not so much as an affection to be with them vz. in companie or acquainted with them and hereof he sheweth a reason in the next verse Vers 2. For their heart imagineth i. they themselues doo nothing els but imagine and deuise destruction i. hurt and harme against other men and marke how he saith their heart meaning that the wicked haue but as it were one minde specially in working mischiefe and their lippes speake i. they with their lippes boldly vtter mischiefe vz. against other men q.d. they feare not with their mouthes to speake the mischiefe that they haue deuised Vers 3. Through wisedome He meaneth this of heauenly wisedome and knowledge is a house builded He speaketh not onely of the outward framing of a house but of the increase also of a mans familie and the attaining of things necessarie for the same and with vnderstanding vz. of Gods will reuealed in his word it is established vz. firme and sure so that it cannot be moued see Matth. 7.24 25. Vers 4. And by knowledge i. right skill to gouerne the things wherewith God hath blessed men shall the chambers i. all the parts and péeces of the house yet he maketh speciall mention of the chambers because men commonly lay vp things in them bee filled vz. plentifully and abundantly with all precious and pleasant riches He meaneth no doubt specially outward and earthly riches yet so that vnder them he comprehendeth the true and right riches q.d. hée that shall skilfully gouerne his house shall obtaine all sortes of blessings Vers 5. A wise man is strong hée still commendeth wisedome shewing that it hath other excellent qualities adioyned to it for I would rather reade it and a man of vnderstanding i. he that is indued with right knowledge and wisedome increaseth his strength i. is indéede very mightie and many times doth that by his wisdome which the strong cannot doo by their strength and therefore is to be preferred see Eccles 9.13 14 c. also Chap. 21.22 Vers 6. For with counsell i. with right and holy counsel thou shalt enterprise thy warre i. the warre that thou shalt make against other men and in the multitude of them i. where there are many or great store is that can giue counsell i. good and right counsell as before is health i. great store and abundance of all manner of blessings see Prouerb 11.14 also 15.22 also 20.18 and this is a reason why wisdome is to be preferred because of the good successe it giueth Vers 7. Wisdome i. holy and heauenlie wisdome is high to a foole i. to a wicked and vngodly man q.d. A foole cannot attaine wisdome but a wise man easilie getteth it see Chap 14.6 therefore i. because it is such an excellent thing and not obteyned by him hee i. the foole or wicked man cannot open his mouth i. speak see Matth. 5.2 also Acts. 10.34 the beginning of speach put for speach it selfe for a man must open his mouth before hee can speak in the gate i. the place of publike assemblies see Chapter 1.21 and other places in which méetings wisdome should most especiallie be manifested Vers 8. Hee that imagineth vz. in his heart see vers 2. of this Chap. to doo euill i. hurt and mischief against other men men i. many men speciallie good men shall call him vz. iustly and thorow his owne wicked demerits an author of wickednes i. a most wicked and vngodly person as hee that is the author of any euill is counted the most notorious amongst them all Vers 9. The wicked thought of a foole i. the wicked man which thinketh nothing but wicked things yea euen his wicked thoughts is sinne vz. before God though perhaps men deeme not so and the scorner i. he that derideth all matters appertaining either to God or men is an abhomination vnto men i. is loathed and abhorred of them speciallie of the good people Vers 10. If thou be faintt vz. harted in the day of aduersitie i. in the time of trouble whether it lye vpon thy self or others thy strength i. the force and power that seemed to be in thee is small i. will then appeare to be nothing when calamitie shall set vpon thee Vers 11. Deliuer vz. what in thee lyeth and by all the meanes thou canst them that are drawne to death i. them that are vniustlie oppressed by what meanes danger or extremitie soeuer it be Psal 79. they are called the children of death and wilt thou not vz. what in thee lyeth preserue vz. by thy power them that are led to be slaine vz. by others q.d. If thou doost it not it shall bee thy great sinne Vers 12. If thou say q.d. If thou wouldst lay for an excuse behold we knewe not of it vz. that he was ignorant q.d. though thou wouldest pretend ignorance of the man or the matter or both hee that pondreth the hearts i. God for this is a Periphrasis of him because to him only it belongeth to search the heartes and reynes dooth not hee vnderstand it vz. both his iust cause and thy neglect of his defence q.d. certainely he doth and will take the matter into his owne hands as followeth in this verse and he that keepeth thy soule i. defendeth thee thy selfe from danger and distresse whereinto thy neighbour is fallen and that to this end that thou shouldest helpe the oppressed see Esther 4.13 14. knoweth he it not q.d. it cannot be but that he doth knowe it and will reuenge it for in both places the interrogation or demaund importeth so much will not hee also recompense vz. vprightly and iustly and to the full euerie man vz. of what state or calling soeuer hee be according to his worke vz. which hee hath wrought see Psalm 62.13 Roman 2.6 Vers 13. My sonne see before Chap. 1.8 10. eate honie for it is good i. healthfull and profitable to the bodie and the honnie combe for it is sweete vnto thy mouth i. pleasant and delectable to thy taste q.d. there is two commodities come by it vz. profit and pleasure see Psal 19.10 Vers 14. So i. both profitable and pleasant shall the knowledge of wisdome i. the vnderstanding feeling and practise of Gods word for so large is the word knowledge in this place in my minde be vnto thy soule i. vnto thee thy selfe and yet hee dooth not without cause name the soule because therein consisteth both the beginning and continuance of all these things if thou finde it q.d. if thou once rightlie and truely finde it and laye holde of it and this hee speaketh because hee would not haue men goe away in an idle imagination of the thing not hauing the thing it selfe and there shall be an end vz. of thy studie and labor meaning such an end as he