a man giuen to disquietnes and trouble seeketh onely euill i. studieth nothing els but how he may performe mischief but hee shall gaine nothing thereby as appeareth by that which followeth and a cruell messenger i. either a tormentor or some other who shall execute the iudgement of God and the Magistrates against him not repenting shall bee sent vz. from God or man or both against him vz. to punish him according to the greeuousnes of his offences Vers 12. It is better i. there is lesse danger in it for a man vz. that is himselfe alone vnprepared or vnarmed to meete vz. in the wildernes or els where a beare the worde is of the Masculine gender and signifieth notwithstanding the Femall also or shee beare robbed of hir whelpes i. whose yong ones haue been taken from hir by some one meanes or other The beares when they haue lost their whelps are verie fearce and cruell speciallie the shee beares as whose affection seemeth to bee greater towards them concerning the greatnes of the danger which may befall men by beares see 2. Samuel 17.8 2. king 2.24 Hoseah 13.8 than a foole in his follie i. then a wicked man in the extremitie of his wickednes and rage q.d. it were lesse euill to fall into the power of the one than of the other Vers 13. He vz. whosoeuer he bee that rewardeth i. rendreth and yeeldeth vnto another man euill i. mischief and hurt for good i. for the good and profit that hee hath receaued by him euill i. plagues and punishments from God and manie times displeasure from men also shall not depart from his house i. from him or from his wicked posteritie It is a sinne against all lawe yea euen against nature to requite good with euill see it forbidden Roman 12.17 where wee are forbidden to recompence euill for euill much lesse to recompence good with euill Vers 14. The beginning of strife i. the beginner of strife he putteth the thing for the persons q.d. he that is the worker of the beginning of strife is as one that openeth the waters vz. which were shut vp in standing pooles or ponds which being once let out they ouerflowe and carrie away euery thing that standeth before them and cannot againe be shut vp and inclosed q.d. the hole or since by which they are let foorth at the first seemeth narrowe but afterwards by the rage of the waters it is made greater and so is it with strife and contention therefore or the contention be medled with i. before it be any whit at al begun leaue of vz. from it He would haue vs to withstand and quench the beginning of strife Ver. 15. He that iustifieth i. declareth either by word or déed as iust so haue you the word oftentimes vsed both in the old new Testament Exod. 23.7 Isaiah 5.23 Math. 11.19 1. Tim. 3.17 the wicked vz. man and he that condemneth i. either by word or deed pronounceth sentence of condemnation against the iust i. the vpright innocent person euen they both vz. of what state condition or calling soeuer they be are an abomination to the Lord. i. lothed disliked of him see chapt 11.1 for this phrase and for the matter words almost see the like sentence Chapt. 24.24 Ve. 16. Wherfore i. to what end purpose is there a price i. means as riches or monie wherby a thing prised may bee bought in the hand i. in the power as sundry times in the scripture of the foole i. of the wicked vngodlie man to get wisedome vz. by it he hath none heart vz. to obtaine it meaning that he hath no affection or pleasure thereto q.d. It auaileth the foole nothing yea rather it is a miserable thing vnto him to haue full hands or great power no heart or wil at all to obtaine good things For he is vnworthie of good things that disdaineth wisedom yea those very good things shall tend to his greater iudgement Ver. 17. A friend i. he that is a faithfull trustie friend loueth vz. vnfeignedly with a good heart his familiar friend or acquaintance at all times vz. both of aduersitie and prosperitie for nothing can turne away his minde and a brother i. a naturall and deare friend for I suppose he speaketh not of naturall brethren onely is borne i. is brought foorth as it were into the worlde and so made manifest for aduersitie i. euen against the daies of troubles and trialls come q.d. then doth the force of naturall friendship appeare which before in prosperitie lay as it were hidden Vers 18. A man destitute of vnderstanding i. an vnwise and foolish man toucheth the hand vz. of another giuing him his hand and word as it were for the payment and performance of some thing see Chapt. 6.1 and becommeth suretie vz. by that meanes for his neighbour i. his familiar friend and acquaintance see chap. 1.1 2 c. Also chap. 11.15 Vers 19. He loueth transgression that loueth strife vz. either betwéene himselfe and some others or els betwéene other men though he himselfe be none of the parties striuing He meaneth that the author of contention loueth all manner of euill because there is almost none euill but it ariseth and is increased by contention and he that exalteth i. setteth on high his gate i. the gate or doore of his house meaning in an allegorie hereby he that despising others lifteth vp himselfe which is fitly shadowed out by this speach because it sometime falleth out that they that set their doores high fall backward from thence and so bruse hurt and wound themselues seeketh destruction i. his own hurt and danger Vers 20. The froward heart i. the man giuen to frowardnes a part for the whole and yet he nameth the heart because it is the seate of affections from whence also they flowe findeth no good i. obtaineth no good thing either before God or man but much euill and hurt rather and he that hath a naughtie tongue i. he that vseth his tongue to speake either lewdlie and filthilie or els vntruely or falsely against any shall fall into euill i. shall be ouertaken with Gods iudgements for the same and haue those things light vpon him that his tongue hath pronounced against other men Vers 21. He that begetteth a foole i. the parents of a foolish child He putteth the first part of procreation for the whole and the education thereof also because in the first generation no man knoweth what his sonne or child shal be and of the habite which the child afterwards getteth either by the parents negligence or euill bringing vp or though he haue béen well instructed yet notwithstanding he hath an euill hart or mind getteth himselfe sorowe vz. through the follie of his child and the father of a foole i. his parents can haue no ioye vz. in their foolish children and so long as they continue such see Prouerb 10.1 Also 15.20 And also verse 25. of this Chapter Vers 22. A
both of the one and the other by experience Vers 24. A man that hath friends i. he that through Gods blessing his owne good dealing hath gotten friends ought to shew himselfe friendly vz. towards them and others also for a friend i. a faithfull and vnfeigned friend is neerer vz. vnto vs in fast and sound loue many times than a brother i. than a naturall brother or kinsman q.d. there are many friends found that will shewe in words and countenances and performe in déedes and truth more stedfast friendship and loue than brethren see to this purpose before Chap. 17.17 Do. Vers 1. Teacheth vs that nothing should bee so deare vnto vs as Gods heauenly wisedome Vers 2. Sheweth that fooles delight in the disclosing of their own follie Vers 3. Teacheth vs that we can looke for nothing from wicked men but contempt and reproach of others Vers 4. Setteth out the excellencie of a wise man and of his words Vers 5. Teacheth Magistrates to banish farre from them all respect of persons Vers 6. Teacheth vs that wicked men out of the abundance of their wicked heart speake wicked things Vers 7. Teacheth vs that the wicked many times speake such things as doo greatly indanger themselues Vers 8. Teacheth vs to auoide tale carying and flatterie also that though it be pleasant at the first to heare tale tellers yet the end is dangerous and deadlie Vers 9. Teacheth men to beware of idlenes on the one side and prodigalitie on the other Vers 10. Teacheth vs continually to trust in the goodnes and power of God Vers 11. Teacheth vs to auoide trust and confidence in riches for they are not such sure things as the world maketh account of Vers 12. Teacheth vs to auoide pride and to imbrace humilitie Vers 13. Teacheth vs that rash and hastie speaches bewraieth the follie of him that vseth them and procureth his shame Vers 14. Sheweth what an vnbeareable burthen the affliction of the soule and spirit is Vers 15. Teacheth vs to applie our hearts and eares and all the parts and members of our bodies and mindes to attaine heauenlie wisedome Vers 16. Setteth out what great power gifts and rewards haue Vers 17. Teacheth Magistrates not to beleeue any one partie but to examine both Vers 18. Setteth out the right vse of the lot Vers 19. Teacheth vs that there is no strife matchable to the strife amongst brethren Verse 20. Teacheth vs that we shall receiue the profite of our words either good or euill as they were Vers 21. Deliuereth the same doctrine Vers 22. Teacheth vs that if any man hath receiued a good wife from the Lord he hath receiued also therewith a good testimonie of his fauour Vers 23. Declareth what great difference there is betweene the rich and the poore and the words of either Vers 24. Teacheth men to shewe themselues friendly towards such as from whom they haue receiued friendship and to preferre a faithfull friend before a naturall brother CHAP. 19. Co. HAuing in the latter end of the other Chapter spoken of a faithfull and sure friend he doth in the beginning of this Chapter shewe that sound friendship consisteth not in the lippes only nor in abundance of riches but in vprightnes and sinceritie of heart though the partie be poore that professeth it Di. Di. 1 THe Chapter may be diuided into the three parts In the first he intreateth of a sound and counterfeit friend of knowledge of the peruersnes of the heart of riches and pouertie of false witnes bearing and lyes of the Prince and liberall person of the decaied man of the wise person of fooles and seruants Di. 2 from verse 1. to the end of the 10. In the second he teacheth men to bridle wrath and speaketh of the fauour and displeasure of Princes of euill children and brauling wiues of a good wife of idlenes and deceit of obedience and contempt of the word of pitie vppon the poore of due correction of wrath and of good counsell from vers 11. to the end of the 20. In Di. 3 the third he speaketh of mans deuices and Gods purposes of poore men and lyers and of the feare of God and the fruites thereof of the idle person of scorners also of foolish and wise men of disobedient children of auoyding ill counsell of false witnesses and of punishment for the wicked and vngodlie from vers 21. till you come to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. BEtter vz. by much or many degrées as sundrie times before is the poore vz. man or friend that walketh in his vprightnes i. that walketh vprightly both in word deed towards them with whom he is ioyned in friendship than he that abuseth his lippes vz. by pretending great good will in words and yet hath nothing in effect and is a foole i. and so bewraieth his follie other reade it otherwise and giue another sense of it but me thinketh this is plaine for the first part of this verse see Chap. 28.6 Vers 2. For without knowledge i. sound and sincere iudgement the mind i. the affection and good will is not good i. is not right and sound but hurtfull both to the one partie and the other for this phrase it is not good see Chapter 17.26 Also Chap. 18.5 and he that hasteth with his feet i. he that runneth hastely to euill sinneth vz. against God and his owne soule q.d. as he hath little regard of himselfe that looketh not to his feete that he may discerne good waies from bad yea is in great danger of continual falling so he that hastely and without great deliberation runneth to this and to that it is very likely he shall fall into transgression before he be aware Vers 3. The foolishnes of a man peruerteth his way q.d. men must ascribe it to their owne follie that things goe not well with them for here he toucheth them that would accuse GOD of the euill successe of their things and vz. yet for all that his heart fretteth against the Lord. i. he is impatient and after a sort ascribeth his euill happe as we say to God and not to himselfe Vers 4. Riches i. rich men he putteth the thing for the person and yet we may notwithstanding vnderstand it simplie of riches gathereth many friends vz. to him that hath them but the poore vz. man or person is seperated vz. in friendship familiaritie from his neighbour vz. for the want of his riches for the word seperating see Chap. 17.9 And for the whole verse see Chap. 14.20 q.d. all men will be friends with rich persons but euen such as were before friendly to the poore person depart from him for his pouertie sake Vers 5. A false witnes i. he that beareth false witnes shall not be vnpunished vz. either before God or man see Deut. 19.19 and in many other places of this booke as Chap. 6.19 Also verse 9. of this Chap. and he that speaketh lyes shall not escape vz. the iudgement and punishment
whatsoeuer he hath yea and he himselfe to be sold if he bee not able to satisfie it in goods Exod. 22.3 Vers 32. But he vz. whosoeuer he be that committeth adulterie with a woman i. with another mans wife he is destitute of vnderstanding i. he hath no sparke of spirituall or heauenlie knowledge how wise soeuer he bee in worldly affaires he that doth it destroyeth his owne soule i. casteth himselfe headlong into destruction both of bodie and soule Vers 33. He i. the adulterer shall find a wound vz. either from the husband of the woman with whom he hath committed adulterie of whom he speaketh in the next verse that he will not spare or els from the Magistrate who will stone him and put him to death according to the lawe and dishonor vz. both before God and man and his reproach vz. which he hath drawne vnto himselfe by filthines shall neuer be put away vz. out of the remembrance of God and man He meaneth that his bodie shall be punished and his life subiect to perpetual ignominie Vers 34. For ielousie is the rage of a man i. it stirreth him vp to wrath and rage therefore he will not spare vz. him that hath committed that villanie against him in the day of vengeance i. at any time when either he himselfe shall strike or demand publike iudgement of the Iudges Vers 35. He i. the husband so iniured can not beare the sight of any ransome i. cannot abide to looke vpon any thing giuen for the deflowring of his wife neither will he consent vz. that thou shouldest not be punished though thou augment vz. euen as much as thou canst the gifts vz. which thou wouldest giue him to satisfie and please him withall Do. Vers 1. Teacheth vs to beware of rash giuing either our words or hands for any Vers 2. Sheweth that when a mans word is once passed he is bound to performe that which he hath promised though it bee to his hinderance Vers 3. Teacheth vs to vse all lawful meanes to be rid out of danger which we fall into either through rashnes or negligence Vers 4. Teacheth vs that we should not delay to worke or procure our owne good Vers 5. Deliuereth euen the same doctrine vnder two very apt and fit similitudes Vers 6. Sheweth that for the correction of things which are amisse in vs God doth many times send vs to the dumbe and insensible creatures Vers 7. Teacheth vs that if without prouokers wee should performe our dueties much more should wee doo it when he hath giuen vs meanes and aydes thereto Vers 8. Teacheth vs in the time of plentie and peace to prouide against the daies of affliction and scarsitie to come Vers 9. Teacheth vs that it is not good to giue ouer our selues to much sleepe because that is the mother of idlenes Vers 10. Teacheth vs that the idle vse all meanes to continue them in the sinne of sloath Vers 11. Teacheth vs that sodaine and vnauoidable beggerie commeth vpon the slothfull person Vers 12. Teacheth vs that frowardnes of speach is a good note to discerne a wicked man by Vers 13. Teacheth that the vngodlie abuse all the parts and members of their bodies to prouoke others to wickednesse and in their owne persons to performe it Vers 14. Sheweth first that the wicked mans heart is alwaies deuising naughtines secondly that this is a sure marke of a naughtie man to bee the author of contentions and strife Vers 15. Teacheth vs that the destruction of the wicked shall be as sodaine so without hope of recouerie Vers 16. Teacheth vs first that God is a God that can not away with wickednesse at any hand secondly that there is a difference of sinnes because God abhorreth some more than other some Vers 17. Teacheth vs to flie from pride lying and murther Vers 18. Teacheth vs to beware of wicked deuises and pursuing naughtines with greedines and delight Vers 19. Teacheth vs to shunne false witnes bearing and the sowing of strife and contentions among friends Vers 20. Teacheth children carefully to indeuour to keepe the holie and wholesome instruction of their parents Vers 21. Teacheth vs that obedience to good counsell out of Gods word is the best and most profitable thing we can attaine to in this life Vers 23. Teacheth vs that Gods word is a lanterne vnto our feete and a true light vnto all our steppes Vers 24. Teacheth vs that there is no better bridle against whoredome than sound knowledge out of Gods worde Vers 25. Teacheth vs to withstand the beginning of euill and sinne in our selues and to beware of such prouocations as others will vse to draw vs on thereto Vers 26. Teacheth vs that the ende of whoredome is beggerie on the one side and destruction of bodie and soule on the other side Vers 27 28. Doo teach vs by two apt similitudes taken from the fire that the sinne of adulterie carrieth with it great and fearefull danger Vers 29. Teacheth vs to striue to modestie and cleanenes in our speach yea euen then when we speake of immodest and vncleane things secondlie that man of what state or condition soeuer he be committing that sinne shall not escape vnpunished Vers 30 31. Teach vs that howsoeuer amongst vs theeuerie is thought a greater transgression than adulterie yet before GOD and such men as be lightened by Gods word adulterie is by many degrees more vile Vers 32. Teacheth vs that the adulterer by his sinne doth not only bewray his owne follie but also laieth violent hands vpon his owne life Vers 33. Sheweth that the adulterer shall neuer escape vnpunished either before God or man or both Vers 34. Teacheth vs that we may safely pursue before a Magistrate our iust causes against an adulterer and that without shewing any fauour or pitie to the offending partie Vers 35. Teacheth vs to be altogether estranged from receiuing gifts or setting on sale our wiues deflowring Now let vs see wherein theeuerie is lesse than adulterie which appeareth to be so out of this text because the theefe that stealeth to satisfie his neede shall neither lose life nor honor no though he bee found sundrie times dooing the deede but shall be only bound to restore to the owner according to the law But the adulterers condition seemeth to be farre otherwise for his life and honor is in danger both by publike and priuate right if the matter bee once knowne and there will bee nothing taken for the satisfaction of his sinne CHAP. 7. Co. SAlomon had before deliuered certaine instructions of wisedome and knowledge now in this Chapter he putteth downe certaine confirmations and proofes of the same alledging his owne testimonie and that experience which he had obserued in the state and cursed end of miserable men following the intisements of pleasure and sinne Di. Di. 1 THe Chapter may bee diuided into three parts In the first is contained an exordium or enterance as it were exhorting men to imbrace Gods wisedome
fauour and goodnes of God against a large and faire house in outward shewe he setteth a weake and lowe tabernacle Vers 12 There is a way i. there is an order and course of life which seemeth right to a man vz. in his owne iudgement but the issues vz. or ends thereof i. of that way are the waies of death i. leade the high and readie way to death and destruction because we are easilie deceiued with the shew of right he counselleth vs not to stand to our owne imaginations but to trie both our manners and opinions by the rule of Gods word Vers 13. Euen in laughing i. while men laugh the heart is sorowfull i. their hearts are possessed with great sorowe though many times they would couer the same and shake it off with laughter and the end of that mirth vz. which is made so from the téeth outward is heauines i. great and much sorowe specially of heart q.d. It falleth out many times that while a man laugheth and laboureth either to ease or shake off the griefe of his heart that he returneth notwithstanding to sorowe and heauines Vers 14. The heart i. the man himselfe and yet he speaketh of the heart because there is the fountaine and beginning of euill that declineth i. turneth aside either to the right hand or to the left from the lawe and word of God shall be saciate with his owne waies i. shall walke so long in the wickednes that his owne heart hath deuised that he shall bee filled as it were with wickednes and at the length be ouertaken with Gods iudgements for the same see Chapter 1.31 but a good man shall depart vz. quicklie and with as much speed as he may for feare of afterclappes from him vz. that starteth a side from the obedience of Gods commandements Vers 15. The foolish will beleeue vz. very easilie and without any great perswasion euery thing vz. which is tolde them but the prudent will consider vz. déeplie and earnestlie his steppes i. the waies wherein he shall walke and the things which he shall doo q.d. he will doo nothing rashlie but diligentlie will examine and weigh whether he ought to beleeue or doo it see before vers 8. of this Chapter Vers 16. A wise man i. a godlie wise man feareth vz. the euill that is for to come meaning corporall punishments in this life and eternall in the life to come and departeth from euill i. sinne and transgression which is a meane to drawe both temporall and eternall punishments vpon vs but a foole i. a wicked man rageth vz. very sore both against God and men and is careles vz. of that which is to come q.d. he boldly runneth headlong into rage and in his furie desperatly committeth all manner of euils whatsoeuer for he feareth not Gods iudgement or any punishments to come and therefore casteth himselfe headlong into the same Vers 17. He that is hastie to anger i. he that hath no stay of himselfe but suffereth his anger against others speedelie to breake out committeth follie i. not onely bewraieth the foolishnes of his heart but is making post hast to great and greeuous sinnes and a busie bodie vz. such a one as is a continuall medler in other mens causes and affaires is hated i. purchaseth hatred to himselfe both from God and man The word which is here turned busie bodie is in Hebrue the man of imaginations which phrase sundrie men take diuersly some in euill parte as though he should meane such a one as is not hasty to wrath but thinketh long vpon the mischief he will doo and so he should compare two contrarie vices the one is headlongnesse to anger the other is malice long meditated and thought vpon Other some take it in the good parte meaning by a man of thoughtes a man circumspect and wary in his words and deedes and then it is read thus He that is hastie to anger committeth follie yea he is hateful to a circumspect or wise man and this I take to be the best the holie Ghost minding to note the discommodities that hastines to wrath bringeth with it Vers 18. The foolish doo inherit follie he meaneth not onely that folly is borne with them and is as it were their inheritance but also that in processe of time they doo receaue the fruite of their follie also but the prudent are crowned with knowledge hee meaneth that knowledge which they haue to performe good things by is as it were a crowne vpon their heads and that they shall in the end receaue also a moste glorious fruite of the same Vers 19. The wicked shall bowe vz. in token of reuerence and submission before the good i. such as God maketh good and the wicked vz. shall stand waiting thorow néede of one thing or other at the gates of the righteous i. before their doores Thus it pleaseth the Lorde to make things some times fall out in this life for the comfort of the godly and the example of the wicked Vers 20. The poore i. he that commeth by any meanes into pouertie is hated i. lothed and despised euen of his owne neighbour i. euen of him that in all reason and duety should moste tender and pittie his case but the frends of the rich are many i. such as haue riches and store haue aboundance of frends for the world will loue his owne Vers 21. The sinner i. the notorious wicked man as sundrie times before despiseth his neighbour vz. because hée is poore but he that hath mercie vpon the poore i. pittieth them and prouideth for them Psalm 41.1 is blessed vz. of God or els by blessed he meaneth is praysed and commended amongst men Some reade it thus This sinner vz. which hateth the poore man and estéemeth the rich shall be despised of his neighbour vz. for that his sinne q.d. God will bring this iudgement vpon him that hee which despiseth others shall of others bee despised himselfe but O blessed is he q.d. certainely of what state or condition so euer he bée hée is blessed that sheweth fauor vz. either in countenance word or déede to the poore i. to them that are in néede Vers 22. Doo not they erre vz. from the right way which God hath prescribed vnto them that imagine euill vz. against others This demaunding noteth a more certaine and assured affirming of the matter q.d. without doubt they goe astray and therefore must of necessitie miserably perish but to them that thinke vz. earnestly and déepely on good things vz. towards God and man to doo the same shall bee mercie and trueth vz. from the Lord bestowed vpon them yea and men also shall deale mercifully and truely with them q.d. God will faithfully performe his promises in the accomplishment whereof is manifested both his mercie and truth and he will moue men also in truth and mercie to deale with them Vers 23. In all labor vz. which a man taketh vpon him in his ordinary calling vnderstanding by labor diligent
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
but for all their scorning and cunning speaches iudgements i. punishments and the plurall number noteth the variety and multitude of them are prepared i. not onely appoynted but euen in a readynes to be executed eyther by the Magistrate or els by the Lord himselfe eyther in this life or in the life to come or both for the scorners i. for such as scorne at God and all goodnes and stripes for the back of fooles hee meaneth that which hee spake before expressing it vnder other termes vnderstanding hereby not onely bodily punishments in this life but also eternal in the life to come Do. Vers 1. Teacheth vs that the godlie poore estate is not the worst also Do. that we should not giue our lippes leaue to runne at randome Vers 2. Teacheth vs that sounde knowledge is the informer of the minde also that we should bridle the partes and members of our bodies from wickednes Vers 3. Teacheth vs that lacke of sound iudgement is the very mother of all the corruptions which we commit against God or man Verse 4. Teacheth vs that wee should not regarde a man for his riches onely nor despise him for his pouertie but respect rather his good or his euill dealing towards God and men Vers 5. Teacheth vs to abhorre false witnes bearing and and lying Vers 6. Teacheth vs rightly to esteeme great personages and to practise liberalitie as a vertue which doth much commend vs to GOD and men Vers 7. Teacheth vs that pouertie dooth many times estrange the hearts of frends and kinsfolkes from such as fall into it Vers 8. Teacheth vs that heauenlie wisdome is the meane to preserue vs both in this life and in the life to come Vers 9. Teacheth vs to flee from false witnes bearing and lying Ver. 10. Teacheth vs that things vncomely are not to be allowed of Ver. 11. Teacheth vs to bridle the rage of our angrie affections and to be readie to forgiue offences committed against vs. Vers 12. Sheweth what great difference there is betweene the grace and displeasure of Princes and mightie men Vers 13. Setteth out the miseries that come by euill children and wicked wiues Vers 14. Sheweth what a great blessing and that from the Lorde a good wife is Vers 15. Teacheth vs to auoide idlenes on the one side and deceit on the other side Vers 16. Setteth out the good that commeth by obedience of Gods lawe and the miserie that insueth vpon carelesnesse of holie conuersation Vers 17. Teacheth vs pittie and liberalitie towards the poore Vers 18. Teacheth parents to giue moderate and due correction to their offending children or seruants Vers 19. Setteth out the great miserie that commeth by giuing our anger the reynes Vers 20. Teacheth vs alwaies to receaue good counsell Vers 21. Sheweth as the varietie of mans minde and the inconstancie of all his deuices so the assurednes of the Lordes purposes Verse 22. Teacheth vs that this is the especiall marke wee shoulde shoote at in this life euen goodnes and wel doing and neuer to refuse a man for his pouertie but for his lying Vers 23. Setteth out the effectes and fruites of the feare of God Vers 24. Teacheth vs to shunne idlenes Vers 25. Teacheth vs that reproofes can neuer be vttered in vaine but that it shall doo good though perhappes not to the partie reprooued yet to others which are by Vers 26. Teacheth men to auoide all vnnaturalnes towards their parents Vers 27. Teacheth vs not to giue eare towards that will prouoke to sinne Vers 28. Doth liuelie painte out the nature of the wicked and vngodlie Vers 29. Teacheth vs that they shall not escape vnpunished for the same CHAP. 20. Co. IN the other Chapter and last end thereof he taught men for feare of punishment to take heede how they gaue themselues ouer to any wickednes and namelie to false witnes bearing And now in the beginning of this Chapter hee willeth them for the inconuenience that may insue thereof to beware of dronkennes and the meanes of that vice and so proceedeth to deliuer other doctrines and exhortations Di. Di. 1 THe Chapter may be diuided into three parts The first reacheth from vers 1. to the end of the 10. Wherein he intreateth of dronkennes of a kings wrath of contention of idlenes of the depth of mans heart of boasting of fond dealing of a good King and his duetie of naturall corruption and of false weights and measures The second reacheth from verse 11. to Di. 2 the end of the 20. wherein he speaketh of good or euill workes of the right vse of the eye and eare of sleeping or idlenes of craft and deceit of the excellencie of knowledge of sureties and their estate of aduice or counsell of slandering and flatterie of vnnaturalnes towards parents The third reacheth Di. 3 from verse 1. to the end of the Chapter wherein he speaketh of ill gotten goods of patience of false weights of Gods prouidence of the right vse of holie things of a good King or Prince of the power and force of Gods word of mercie and iustice the two props of all kingdomes of yong men and old persons and of corrections Se. Vers 1. WIne vz. taken and receiued immoderatly is a mocker i. a deceiuer of him that so vseth it for where as he vainely supposed that it was swéete and pleasant vnto him it is become hurtfull and strong drinke the Hebrue word importeth euery drinke that may make men dronken is raging i. it carrieth those men that excessiuely vse it into outrage and violence against others and whosoeuer vz. of what state or condition soeuer he be is deceiued thereby i. is ouertaken therewith is not wise i. sheweth thereby that he hath not as yet tasted of the heauenlie wisedome I allowe not the note in the Geneua bible which referreth it to the persons Vers 2. The feare of the King vz. being once angrie against a man meaning by feare that terror with his wrath or anger striketh into men with whom he is offended is like the roring of a lyon i. is very fearefull and terrible see Chap. 19.12 Also Chap. 16.14 he vz. how great soeuer he be that prouoketh vz. by his ill demeanour him i. the King to anger vz. against himselfe sinneth against his owne soule i. putteth his life in very great danger for the Kings wrath shall bee towards him that is lewd Chap. 14.35 Vers 3. It is a mans honor i. it is a glorious and very honorable thing for a man see Chap. 19.11 to cease vz. what in him lieth and as much as is possible from strife vz. with al other men see Rom. 12.18 but euery foole i. euery one that is foolish not rightly taught of God will be medling vz. busilie with other men and their matters which is indéede the mother and nurse of all contention Vers 4. The slothfull vz. man or person will not plow i. diligently and faithfully followe his calling for by one which is
of color light ruddie with holes like a spunge it is of some corruptibly taken for salte peeter or like him that singeth songes to a heauie heart vz. who is so farre off from being comforted thereby that he rather hath his griefe increased This may be a sense but I approoue his text and sence rather that readeth it thus as hee that putteth vpon him a garment in the time of cold vz. doth thereby depell and put back cold or vineger vpon niter vz. doth thereby dissolue and waste it and that very easily because it is most cold for that this is the nature of niter which is a certaine workmanship of the earth made thick by a dry heat as Aristotle sheweth lib. 4. Meteoro cap. 6 7. so is he that singeth songes vz. of mirth and ioy to a heauie heart i. to one that is distressed and oppressed with heauines q d. as garments put backe the force of cold and vineger dissolue niter so dooth musick or singing put away sadnes and heauines of heart see examples hereof in Saule 1. Samuel 16.23 in Elisha 2. King 3.14 15. in Darius Daniel 6.18 Vers 21. If he that hate thee be hungrie i. be distressed any manner of way hee putteth one kinde of distresse for all giue him bread to eate i. relieue him and succor him and if he be thirstie i. distressed any manner of waie as before in the word hungrie giue him water to drinke i. relieue and comfort him what in thee lyeth by hunger and thirst hee meaneth any miserie whatsoeuer by bread and water he vnderstandeth all kind of vitaile yea euery good turne whereby a man may helpe another q.d. do good to them that hate and persecute you Matt. 5.44 see also Rom. 12.20 Exod. 23.4 5. Ver. 22. For this verse conteyneth a double reason why we should doo good to our enemies the one taken from their persons the other from Gods large liberalitie thou shalt lay coales vpon his head i. by that meanes thou shalt so mooue him that laying downe his hatred he shall become thy frend for thy benefits bestowed vpon him shall be euen as light burning coales shewing the earnestnes of thine affection towards him and the lord shall recompence thee vz. that kindnes that thou hast done vnto him q.d. though he should bee vngratefull and would not acknowledge thy loue yet the Lord will requite that vnto thee that thou hast bestowed vpon him Vers 23. As the north winde driueth away the raine vz. out of that quarter especiallie not meaning that it dooth alwaies so but sometimes it doth so doth an angrie countenance vz. either of a man or magistrate into whose presence slanderers and backbiters come putting also the signe of displeasure for displeasure it self the slandering tongue i. him that with his tongue is giuen to slander and backbite other the reason is because that when hee seeth his tales are not regarded hee will bee quicklie trudging Vers 24. It is better vz by many degrees to dwell vz. solitarie and alone in a corner of the house toppe i. in a very narrowe straite and incommodious place than with a contentious woman i. one giuen to brawling and chiding in a wide house i. in a most large and commodious house see before chap. 19.13 yea the very same sentence and words chap. 21.9 Vers 25. As are the cold waters i. as cold waters are pleasant and profitable to a wearie soule i. to a person or man wearied with labor and by that meanes also waxen dry for so much I think the word wil beare properly signifying wearie and yet because drought cleaueth to them that are wearie including them also so is good newes vz. brought from a farre countrey vz. either concerning any thing he hath there or any friend of his not meaning also but that good newes brought from a more nigh place is profitable also Vers 26. A righteous man falling downe i. humbling himselfe or otherwise cast downe thorowe aflictions before the wicked vz. or vngodly man is like a troubled well i. is disgraced and defaced as the clearenes and sweetenes of the well is by the grauell or other thinges in it when they are stirred vp and a corrupt spring i. like a spring of water which of it selfe is good yet by the accesse of other hurtful waters is marred he meaneth hereby not onely that it is against all right and reason that the wicked trouble the good but also that the good themselues are by such meanes much disturbed yea and many times vnles God wonderfully kéepe them greatly corrupted Vers 27. It is not good i. it is hurtfull see Chap. 18.5 also Chap. 24.23 to eate much honie vz least thou surfet through the sweetenes thereof and be driuen to vomit thereby see vers 16. of this Chap. so vz. for men or for any man to searche their owne glorie i. to seeke prayse glory commendation vnto themselues is not glory vz. but shame and confusion rather yea a dishonest and wicked thing see Iohn 5.44 Vers 28. A man that refraineth not his appetite vz. euen by all the meanes that possiblie he can of which see before chap. 23.2 is like a citie which is broken downe vz. by the enemies that besieged it or else by inward factions and stirres in it selfe meaning that he is in a dangerous and desperate case and without walls and therefore the enemie may more easilie enter meaning thereby that he hath not onely been once conquered but that he is subiect dayly and howrely euen at the will of the enemie to a new spoyle Do. Vers 1. Teacheth vs to haue a care to reserue monuments and coppies of good things Verse 2. Teacheth vs what is the duetie of good Princes vz. to search into all causes Verse 3. Doth not onely confute the Astronomers that will measure the height of the skie but sheweth that the imaginations of mens hearts cannot be searched out Verse 4 5. Teach kings and princes this that they are to remoue from about them wicked and vngodlie persons Verse 6. Teacheth vs to beware of pride vaineglorie and boasting Verse 7. Teacheth that humilitie is the way to come to honor Verse 8. Teacheth vs quicklie to cut off the occasions of strife and contentions Verse 9. Teacheth vs two things first in matters of controuersie to vse charitable conference one of vs with another secondlie faithfullie to conceale matters committed to our credit Verse 10. Teacheth vs to labour to preuent and put away shame and ignominie amongst men Vers 11 12 13 14. Doo by excellent similitudes teach vs first to speake wiselie and seasonablie secondlie to reproue others charitablie and discreetlie thirdlie to deale faithfullie in the matters or messages committed vnto vs and lastlie to beware of boasting when we haue no cause Verse 15. Teacheth vs to represse wrath and to vse curteous and gentle words Verse 16. Teacheth vs to beware of surfetting specially in those things that are sweet and pleasant and drawe
manifested by word or deede shewing it selfe when neede is Ver. 6. The woundes i. the graue and sharpe reprehensions which seeme for the time euen as it were to wound of a louer i. of one that dooth vnfeynedly loue and beare good affection are faithfull i. such as a man may trust because they proceede from a louing and faithfull heart but the kisses of an enemie i. the fayre and flattering countenances or behauior of one that hateth a man In the woord kisses he alludeth to the manner vsed in the Eastern countries who did vse to kisse one another are pleasant i. seeme to be so but indeede are bitter and therefore to bee shunned looke in Ioabs example 2. Samuel 3.27 also 2. Samuel 20.9 And for reproofe see Psal 14.4 5. Vers 7. The person that is full i. hath meate and drinke at his wil and that in all abundance despiseth a honie combe i. al delicate and sweete meates but vnto the hungrie soule i. to him that is indeede pinched with hunger and wants euerie bitter thing is sweete i. he alloweth and liketh of most meane and base fare Vers 8. As a bird vz. is in great danger that wandereth vz. without good cause from hir nest vz. wherein hir yong ones are or she hir selfe resteth so is a man vz. in great danger that wandreth from his owne place i. that strayeth from the standing or place wherein God hath placed him q.d. he that rashly changeth his dwelling place and stayeth not in the state wherein God hath set him but enterpriseth newe things and that not being well assured of Gods wil and his owne calling is no wiser or better stayed than a bird that fluttereth hither and thether Vers 9. As oyntment vz. applyed outwardly to the bodie and perfume vz. being put into the fire by their sweete sauor and smel reioyce the heart i. euen affect and pearce the inward partes and that to their great good and delight so dooth the sweetnes of a mans frend vz. much delight and reioyce him speciallie when it is declared by hartie counsell i. by sounde and sincere aduise in euerie thing and by mutuall conference and communication speciallie of the best matters see Psal 55.14 Vers 10. Thine owne frend i. one whome thou haste had triall of to be frendlie to thee and thy fathers frend i. hee that hath continued frendship to thy father also forsake not i. cast him not off at any hand nor breake not friendship with him he willeth men to continue friendship with those whom they haue had good triall of In which respect one saith well forsake not an old friend for the new shall not be like him a newe friend is as new wine when it is olde thou shalt drinke it with pleasure neither enter into thy brothers house i. thinke to haue as little succour from thy brother and the things that he hath as may be for all the brethren of the poore hate him Chapter 19.7 in the day of thy calamitie i. when thou art distressed and in pouertie for better i. more comfortable and profitable is a neighbour i. any friend or acquaintance whatsoeuer that is neere vz. not onely in respect of place but good will the reason of this is because a friend loueth alwaies Chap. 17.17 see also 18.24 Vers 11. My sonne see Chap. 1.8 10. be wise i. striue by all the meanes thou canst to obtaine and get wisedome and reioyce mine heart i. make me glad by thy wisedome and by thy godly conuersation as a fruit of the same by which thinges indéede parents are made glad as Chap. 10.1 also Chap. 23.24 25. that I may answer vz. boldly and truely him i. any man that reprocheth me vz. either for lacke of doing my duetie towards thee or for thy euill behauiour or for any other cause q.d. let thy life and conuersation approue how faithfully I haue performed the duetie of a good parent see Psal 127.3 4 5. Vers 12. A prudent man i. one that is inlightened with holie and heauenly wisedome seeth the plague vz. approching or drawing néere vnderstanding by plague calamities and afflictions of all sorts sent from God and hideth himselfe vz. from it meaning that he laboureth by all meanes to put it from him and to escape it but the foolish i. the wicked and vngodlie goe on still vz. forward in their sinne and naughtines and are punished vz. iustly for the same q.d. God doth iustly afflict them seeing they will not be reclaimed see this very sentence Chap. 22.3 Vers 13. Take his garment c. This verse is also word for word put downe before Chap. 20.16 where you may see it also wholly expounded Vers 14. He vz. whosoeuer he be that praiseth his friend vz. with a flattering minde and fauning words I suppose the Hebrue word would better stand here it selfe and the sense also be more plaine thus He that blesseth his friend i. wisheth wel vnto him in words only not in heart and that to this end that he may be seene of men with a loud voyce i. so that he may bee heard of others and by that lewd meanes purchase fauour from the partie rising early in the morning vz. for to doo it and that before others it shall be counted to him as a curse i. it shall be so farre off this kind of dealing of his from being esteemed as a blessing or good wishing that it shall bée taken rather as a certaine kind of cursing because it sauoureth of flatterie not that he forbiddeth vs either to salute or to commend our friends iustly but alwaies to haue an eye to auoide flatterie and ostentation in the same q.d. the false flatterer which maketh a shewe as though he did at all times his duetie is rather cursed of God and men than well liked of Vers 15. A continuall dropping vz. into a mans house or vpon the goods in the same in the day of raine i. when it raineth much and a contentious woman i. a woman giuen either altogether or very much to brauling and chiding are a like vz. both dangerous and discommodious for as the raine rotteth the things it falleth vpon and consumeth in time the same so doth contentions and braulings a man and his familie see Chap. 19.13 Also Chap. 21.9 Vers 16. He that hideth her i. he that laboureth to keepe close her braulings and iarres hideth the winde i. laboureth as much in vaine as if he would goe about to couer keepe close or shut vp in a place the winde it selfe she is the oyle in his right hand that vttereth it selfe vz. by the smell and sauour thereof though perhappes it may not bee seene by reason it is kept close or hidden in some vessell q.d. her rage can be restrained by no meanes no not by shame amongst people but spread abroad it will be for a man may sooner keepe the winde in his hand or represse the sauour of ointment that other should not smell it than stoppe her in
than secret loue Verse 6. Teacheth vs not to condemne our friends reprehensions nor to regard of our foes flatteries Verse 7. Teacheth vs to beware that we be not ouertaken with excesse and that hunger is the best sawce Verse 8. Teacheth vs to stand in the callings wherein God hath set vs. Verse 9. Teacheth vs what an excellent thing holie friendship and sound aduise is Verse 10. Teacheth vs not to forsake old friends for newe Verse 11. Teacheth children to striue to all goodnes Vers 12. Teacheth vs to labour to preuent Gods iudgement and to take heede of continuance and growth in sinne Verse 13. Teacheth vs to beware of rash and hastie suretiship Verse 14. Teacheth vs to beware of flattering or fanning vppon any speciallie without good cause Verse 15. Declareth what a continuall consumer a contentious woman is Verse 16. Teacheth vs that the rage of women will hardlie if at all bee kept vnder Verse 17. Teacheth vs that presence and conference of friends is a great meane to increase loue Verse 18. Teacheth vs that as the diligent reape profite by increase of their fruites so doth the painfull seruant promotion by obedience and diligence to his master Verse 19. Teacheth vs that a man many times either by his owne experience or other mens behauiours may enter deeplie into other men Verse 20. Teacheth vs that the sight and concupiscence of a man is vnsatiable Verse 21. Teacheth vs that men are to be esteemed according to the good things that God hath bestowed vpon them Vers 22. Teacheth vs that some men are so hardned in their sinne that there is no hope of their amendement Verse 23. Teacheth men to haue a prouident eye to the things wherewith God hath blessed them Verse 24. Teacheth vs the instabilitie and vncertaintie of riches Verse 25 26. Shewe that God giueth all his creatures for mans vse and great good Verse 27. Teacheth vs the moderate and sober vse thereof CHAP. 28. Co. THe holy Ghost in the beginning of this Chapter passeth from oeconomicall and houshold affaires which hee had dealt in in the latter ende of the other Chapter to more generall poynts as to the euill conscience of the wicked and the bold perswasion of the righteous and to speake of euill and good Magistrates c. Di. THis Chapter may be diuided into fowre partes In the first he speaketh Di. 1 of a good and euill conscience of godly and wicked magistrates of oppressors of godly and vngodly persons and of their seueral qualities of the godlie poore man and the wicked rich from vers 1. to the end of the 7. In the second he speaketh against vsurers contemners of Gods worde deuisers Di. 2 of wicked practises vngodly rich men also against keeping close of sinnes and against hardning of mens hearts in their iniquitie from vers 8. to the end of the 14. In the third he dealeth with wicked magistrates violent and froward people idle and slothfull men couetous and partiall persons Di. 3 and sheweth by the contrarie what good fruites come of vpright walking painefulnes faithfulnes c. from vers 15. to the end of the 21. In the fourth he intreateth of making haste to be rich of rebukes or reproofes of Di. 4 leud children of pride and hautines of heart of liberalitie towards the poore and of the exaltation and perishing of the wicked from vers 22. to the end of the Chapter Se. Vers 1. THe wicked i. euerie one of the wicked for hee vseth a nominatiue case singular with a verbe plurall as though hee would declare that one of the wicked flying the rest followe after flee i. indeuor to escape by all the meanes that they can when none pursueth vz. them except it be the testimonie of their owne conscience sée Psalm 53.5 And this seemeth to be taken from the great threatning which is pronounced in Gods lawe against the wicked Leuit. 26.36 but the righteous are bold vz. not with any trust in themselues but by the faith they haue in God and that in all their afflictions how great or how little so euer they be as a Lyon i. fearing nothing for as a Lyon feareth no other beasts so shal not they dread any tempests whatsoeuer Vers 2. For the transgression of the land i. for the sinnes that the people inhabiting the land doo commit there are many princes i. rulers and gouernors of it not at one time as some haue thought though that be a great confusion but by often changing euery one of them raigning but a small season but by a man of vnderstanding and knowledge i. by wise men and magistrates specially such as feare God he putteth one for many a realme likewise indureth long i. a kingdome on the contrarie side is preserued a great while see Hosea 13.11 The holy ghost meaneth that whereas in any common wealth or kingdome either the princes or the people or both departe from their duetie there are often changes but where either both states or any one of them yea some wise man amongst them dooth by his authoritie guide and gouerne the whole or some parte of them in vprightnes there the state is durable and florishing see 2. Samuel 20.16 c. Vers 3. A poore man i. a man of a meane estate if he oppresse vz. either by fraude or by force by bargayning or otherwise the poore vz such as he himselfe is whose cause he should tender and pittie because in them hee is put in minde of his owne estate is like a raging rayne i. is like great riuers and floods which arise by abundance of rayne or els like a great storme and tempest of rayne that leaueth vz. remayning vpon the land or behind it no foode vz. for cattel or men to liue vpon whereupon must followe of necessitie great famine Vers 4. They that forsake the lawe vz. of God and will not haue it to be the rule of their life prayse vz. very highly the wicked vz. man or men euen such as are like themselues but they that seeke the Lord vz. earnestly and with an vnfeined heart striue to performe it set themselues vz. both in word and déed against them i. against such notorious wicked persons Vers 5. Wicked men i. giuen to wickednes vnderstand not iudgement i. knowe not or regarde not to performe their dueties to God and man but they that seeke the Lord vz. earnestly and with an vnfeigned heart vnderstand all things i. knowe and indeuor to performe the dueties which they owe both to God and man see 1. Corinth 2.15 Vers 6. Better vz. by many degrees is the poore vz. man that walketh i. leadeth a life and conuersation in his vprightnes i. vprightly and it is called his vprightnes not because he hath it of himselfe but because the Lord hath giuen it him than he vz. whosoeuer hee bee that peruerteth his waies vz. from the light and trueth of the word of God which is the onely way of righteousnes though he be