: - transgression of his lips: but the just | heart of fools proclaimeth (1) foolish shall come out of trouble. 14. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth (b), and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto at him. 15. The way of a fool is right (c) in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth ⚫unto counsel, is wise. 16. A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame (d). 17. He that speaketh truth, sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness, deceit. 18. There is that speaketh like the piercings (e) of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health (g). 19. The lip of truth shall be established for ever : but a lying tongue is but for a moment (h). 20. Deceit (i) is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace, is joy. 21. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief (k). 22. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. 23. A prudent man concealeth (1) knowledge: but the ما (6) v. 14. "The fruit of his mouth," i. e. "the goodness which proceeds from it; "the prudence and wisdom of his words." In Heb. xiii. 15. "the sacrifice of praise " to God," is called "the fruit of the lips." See post, Is. lvii. 19. note. (c) v. 15. "Right, &c." He disdains to take advice. (d) v. 16. “Covereth shame," i. e. (perhaps)" is not hasty to notice what may be "" an affront;" pretends not to see it. (e) v. 18. "The piercings, &c." So Prov. xviii. 8. "The words of a tale-bearer are " as wounds; and they go down into the " innermost parts of the belly:" "not " merely external, but reach the vitals. ■ See 2 Barrow's Serm. 69. (g) "Health," i. e. "invigorating, doeth " good." (h) v. 19. " But for a moment." So soon exposed, 1 Tillots. 43. (1) τ. 20. “ Deceit," or "heaviness." (k) v. 21. " Mischief," or " distress;" "trouble;" " misery." The contrast is between what shall happen to the just, and what to the wicked. 23 .ס. )1( "Concealeth, &c." i. e. " is "not forward to make even sensible re"marks." "Proclaimeth," cannot resist obtruding his, however simple. ness. 24. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. 25. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word (m) maketh it glad. 26. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them (n). 27. The slothful man roasteth not (0) that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious (p). 28. In the way of righteousness is life, and in the path-way thereof there is no death. A CHAP. XIII. WISE son heareth (q) his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. 2. A man shall eat good by the (r) fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressor shall eat violence. 3. He that keepeth (s) his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips, shall have destruction. 4. The soul of the sluggard desireth (t), and hath nothing: but the soul of the dili (m) v. 25. "A good word, &c." i. e. "however the heart may be depressed, "kind words will raise it." (n) v. 26. "Seduceth them," i. e. (probably) " is seducing, attractive;" "better "to appearance than the way of the " righteous." (0) v. 27. "Roasteth not, &c." i. e. "does not enjoy; derives no benefit from "what he has taken extraordinary pains "to obtain." (p) "Precious," i. e. " useful," "ser"viceable." The diligent making the most of what he gets, the slothful turning it to no account. (q) v. 1. "Heareth," i. e. "regardeth." The antithesis is not between instruction and rebuke, but between hearing and hearing not; the one a mark of wisdom, the other of folly. See post, 616. Prov. xv. 5. "A fool despiseth his father's instruction: " but he that regardeth reproof is prudent." (r) v. 2. "The fruit." See ante, note on Prov. xii. 14. (s) v. 3. "Keepeth his mouth," i. e. " is " cautious what he says." The opposite of him, who "openeth wide his lips.' (t) v. 4. " Desireth," is occupied in wishing, not in doing. See note on Prov. xii. 12. gent shall be made fat. 5. A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. 6. Righteousness keepeth (u) him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. 7. There is that maketh himself rich (x), yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. 8. The ransom (y) of a man's life are his riches : but the poor heareth not rebuke. 9. The light of the righteous rejoiceth (z): but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 10. Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well-advised (a) is wisdom. 11. Wealth gotten by vanity (6) shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour, shall increase. 12. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire (c) cometh, it is a tree of life. 13. Whoso despiseth the word (d) shall be destroyed : but he that feareth the commandment (d) shall be rewarded. 14. The law of the wise is (u) v. 6. "Keepeth," i. e. " preserveth," in opposition to "overthroweth." (x) v. 7. Maketh himself rich," i. e. (probably) "heapeth up riches," as a miser. The contrast probably is, between the use and abuse of wealth; between him who amasses and does not use, and him who employs well the whole of what he has. See ante, Prov. xi. 24. (y) v.8. "The ransom, &c." i. e. (probably) "his wealth brings upon him many "attacks, because he is known to have the " means of buying them off: whilst the poor " are left unmolested, because from them nothing can be got." The object is to shew the disadvantages of great wealth, the advantages of moderate poverty: the former exposing to constant attacks from envy, malice, dishonesty, and power; the latter perfectly secure. "Reus ille fere est, de quo victoria lucro esse potest; inopis "vindice facta carent." (z) v. 9. "Rejoiceth," i. e. " is bright; "burneth clear." (a) v. 10. "Well advised," " those who " are not too proud to take advice." The antithesis is between pride and humility; the former involving the possessor in disputes, the latter producing wisdom, and a fountain (e) of life, to depart (g) from the snares of death. 15. Good understanding giveth (h) favour: but the way of transgressors is hard (i). 16. Every prudent man dealeth (4) with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. 17. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. 18. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof, shall be honoured. 19. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination (1) to fools to depart from evil. 20. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. 21. Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous, good shall be repayed. 22. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children (m): and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. 23. Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed (n) for want of judg (c) v. 12. "The desire," i. e. "what " was wished." (d) v. 13. "The word," and "the com" mandment;" i.e. (probably) " of God." (e) v. 14. "Is a fountain, &c." The same is said (Prov. xiv. 27. post, 616.) of "the fear of the Lord." (g) "Depart," i. e. " to cause to depart, "to turn, deter." (h) v. 15. "Giveth," or "procureth." (1) "Hard;" neither shewing favour, nor obtaining it. (k) v. 16. "Dealeth with," i. e. "m " nages, is not hasty to let out what he " knows." The same sentiment as Prov. xiv. 33. "Wisdom resteth in the heart of bin " that hath understanding." (1) v. 19. "It is an abomination to "fools, &c." So that they cannot expect to have their desires accomplished, because that accomplishment must come from God. (m) v. 22. " Children's children." The meaning probably is, a good man's riches continue long in his family, a wicked man's are soon exhausted. (n) v. 23. "There is that is destroyed." The meaning probably is, that "the tillage " and industry of the poor supplies him " with abundance; whilst want of judg "ment or indiscretion sweeps away the " riches of the wealthy, and brings him to .ment. 24. He that spareth his rod, hateth his son: but he that loveth him, chasteneth him betimes. 25. The righteous eateth (o) to the satisfying of his soul but the belly of the wicked shall want. CHAP. XIV. EVERY wise woman buildeth her house (p): but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. 2. He that walketh in his uprightness, feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways, despiseth him. 8. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride (q): but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 4. Where no oxen (r) are, the crib (r) is clean: but much increase (s) is by the strength of the ox. 5. A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. 6. A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not (t): but knowledge is easy unto (u) him that understandeth. 7. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou per✓ ceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. 8. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is (x) deceit. 9. Fools make a mock at sin (y): but among the righteous there is favour (y). 10. The heart (z) knoweth his own bitterness; and a "destruction." The contrast is between industry in the one, and idleness and folly in the other. (ο) υ. 25. "Eateth," hath wherewithal to eat; abundance. So Prov. xii. 23. Prove xv. 2. VA(p) v. 1. "Buildeth her house," i. e. attends to its concerns," " advances its " welfare." (9) v.3. "A rod of pride," " what shall "punish their pride." The same idea as Ps. lxiv. 8. "Their own tongues shall make "them fall." (r) v. 4. "No oxen," i. e. " no agricul"ture or industry." "The crib is clean," or the barn or granary empty," in a state of famine. (s) " Increase," i. e. "profit." Neglect of agriculture or idleness causes poverty: attention to it, or industry, wealth. (t) v. 6. "Findeth it not." Why? because he is a scorner: because without giving up his scornful, habits he does not seek it in a proper temper. stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. 11. The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. 12. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death. 13. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. 14. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. 15. The simple believeth (a) every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. 16. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth and is confident (6). 17. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. 18. The simple inherit folly (c): but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19. The evil bow before the good: and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20. The poor is (d) hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. 21. He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. 22. Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. 23. In all labour there is profit: but the talk of (u) " Easy unto," i. e. " easily found by." (x) v. 8. "Deceit;" in contrast with " understanding his way." The wise man, weighing well the tendency of all his actions, obtains what he expects; the fool, from not doing so, is disappointed. (y) v. 9. “Make a mock at sin," i. e. (perhaps) "injure others out of sport; "make malevolence "vour," i. e. "kindness." a diversion." "Fa (z) v. 10. "The heart, &c." i. e. "none " but himself can know exactly a man's " inward feelings: the misery he endures, " or the happiness he enjoys." (α) ν. 15. "Believeth, &c." i. e. "is " easily imposed upon; has no caution." (6) ν. 16. "Rageth and is confident," i. e. " has no fear, and madly ventures on." (c) v. 18. "Folly:" "they obtain no " other inheritance." (d) v. 20. "Is hated, &c." Not that this ought to be, but that in fact it often is, the case: and then the next verse censures this conduct. the lips (e) tendeth only to penury. 24. The crown (g) of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. 25. A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. 26. In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart (h) from the snares of death. 28. In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. 29. He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth (i) folly. 30. A sound heart (k) is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. 31. He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him (1) hath mercy on the poor. 32. The wicked is driven away (m) in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. 33. Wisdom resteth (n) in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. 34. Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. 35. The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame. (e) v. 23. "The talk of the lips," i. e. " wasting time in useless talk; idleness." (g) v. 24. "The crown, &c." i. e. (probably) "the use they make of their wealth " brings honour: the use fools make of it " disgrace." (h) v. 27. "To depart," i. e. "to cause " to depart, to turn." See Prov. xiii. 14. (i) v. 29. "Exalteth," i. e. " makes it " conspicuous." (k) v. 30. “A sound heart, &c." i. e. " content and benevolence prolong life: envy shortens it, as much as rottenness, " &c." " A sound heart" is put in contrast with "envy." (1) v. 31. "Him," i. e. "his Maker." (m) v. 32. " Driven away," i. e. " in de"spair:" when distress or death come upon him, he has nothing to look up to; he is without hope. (n) v. 33. Resteth," i. e. " remains quiet," without making an idle and unseasonable display: the same sentiment as CHAP. XV. A SOFT answer turneth away wrath: but grievous (o) words stir up (p) anger. 2. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth (q) out foolishness. 3. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 4. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a breach (r) in the spirit. 5. A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 6. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is (s) trouble. 7. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doth not so. 8. The (t) sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the (t) prayer of the upright is his delight. 9. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. 10. Correction (u) is grievous unto him that forsaketh (r) the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. 11. Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? 12. A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he Prov. xii. 23. " A prudent man concealeth " knowledge, &c. &c." So Prov. xiii. 16. (0) ข. 1. " Grievous," i. e. " irritating." (p) " Stir up," i. e. " increase." (q) v. 2. " Poureth out." See note on verse 28. (r) v. 4. " Is a breach in," or "de"stroyeth;" " is a destruction of:" it stands in opposition to " a tree of life." (8) v. 6. "Trouble," something to em. bitter them. (t) v. 8. "Sacrifice" and " prayer" contrasted: the former, however costly, when coming from the wicked, hated; the latter, when coming from the good, highly esteemed. (u) v. 10. " Correction, &c." or "griev. " ous correction is unto him, &c.:" and then it corresponds with what is the parallel in the latter branch of the sentence, viz. " shall die." (x) "That forsaketh the way," i.e "the wicked." - go unto the wise. 13. A merry (y) heart | may depart from hell beneath. 25. The maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 15. All the days of the afflicted (z) are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. 16. Better is - little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith. > 17. Better is a dinner of herbs (a) where love is, than a stalled (a) ox and hatred therewith. 18. A wrathful man stirreth -up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. 19. The way of the - slothful man is as an hedge of thorns (6): but the way of the righteous is made plain. 20. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth (c) his mother. 21. Folly (d) is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. 22. Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. 23. A man hath joy by (e) the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! 24. The way of life is above (g) to the wise, that he (y) v. 13. 15. “Merry," or "contented." (z) v. 15. "Afflicted," or " discon"tented." (α) v. 17. "A dinner of herbs," i. e. "the meanest fare." "A stalled ox," i. e. " the richest repast." (6) v. 19. "As an hedge of thorns." " Full of difficulties and obstructions: he "has always something to impede his progress. (c) v. 20. Despiseth," or "dis "tresseth." (d) v. 21. " Folly," or " sin." "He "delights in sin as much as a wise man " does in righteousness." (e) v. 23. " By," or "according to." " His joy is in proportion to the sense and "propriety of what he says." (g) v. 24. " Above, &c." i. e. "in view, " never out of sight;" " the wise has God " in all his thoughts: he regulates his "conduct by God's laws: he is always " looking up to the way of life." LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. 26. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant (h) words. 27. He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts (i) shall live. 28. The heart of the righteous studieth (k) to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth (1) out evil things. 29. The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. 30. The (m) light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. 31. The ear that heareth (n) the reproof of life abideth among the wise. 32. He that refuseth instruction despiseth (0) his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. 33. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom (p); and before (p) honour is humility. CHAP. XVI. THE preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 2. All (q) the ways of man (i) v. 27. "Gifts," i. e. " bribes; what " is improperly acquired." (k) v. 28. "Studieth;" weighing well what he is to say. (1) "Poureth out." Without consideration; without waiting to think; without " studying to answer.' (m) v. 30. "The light of the eyes," i. e. (probably) "the favour and countenance "shewn by others." - See Prov. xvi. 15. And then it answers to "a good report" in the next part of the verse; the one meaning "countenance," the other "cha"racter." (n) v. 31. "Heareth," i. e. " attendeth "to." (ο) τ. 32. “Despiseth," i. e. " disre"gardeth; treats contemptuously." "Before (p) v. 33. "The instruction of wisdom," i. e. "what wisdom teaches." "honour," i. e. "the way to honour." (g) v. 2. " All, &c." However man may impose upon others, or even upon (h) v. 26. " Pleasant," i. e. "acceptable | himself, he cannot impose upon God. "to God." |