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wn soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his wn flesh. 18. The wicked worketh a sceitful (i) work: but to him that soweth ghteousness ball be a sure reward. 9. As righteousness tendeth to life so he hat pursueth evil pursueth it to his own. eath. 20. They that are of a froward eart are abomination to the LORD: but uch as are upright in their way are his elight. 21. Though hand join in hand, the vicked shall not be unpunished: but the ged of the righteous shall be delivered. 2. As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, (k) is a fair woman which is without disretion. 23. The desire of the righteous only good but the expectation of the vicked is wrath. 24. There is that scatereth (1), and yet increaseth; and there is hat withholdeth more than is meet, but tendeth to poverty. 25. The liberal soul hall be made fat: and he that watereth hall be watered also himself. 26. He hat withholdeth corn, the people shall urse him but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. 27. He that Jiligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. 28. He that trusteth in his riches, shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. 29 He that troubleth his own house, shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. 30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of ife; and he that winneth souls, is wise. 31. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

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(1) v. 24:

"Scattereth," ie. "in charity and good works." His generosity, instead of diminishing his substance, causes its increase: according to verse 25. he, as being a liberal soul, is made fat, (i. e. rich), and from watering, (i. e. conferring upon others), he is watered also himself, his riches are made to increase.

(m) v.I. "Loveth knowledge," i. e. "is "wise." "Brutish," i. e. "foolish."

(n) v. 9. "Is despised," i. e. " makes no outward shew to attract attention:" "ho

CHAP. XII.

knowledge (m): but he that hateth

THOSO loveth instruction, loveth

reproof, is brutish (m). 2. A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. 3. A man shall not be established by wickedness but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed, is as rottenness in his bones. 5. The thoughts of the righteous are right but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 6. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. 7. The wicked are overthrown, and are not but the house of the righteous shall stand. 8. A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. 9. He that is despised (n) and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth (#) himself, and lacketh bread. 10. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel (0). that tilleth his land (p) shall be satisfied with bread but he that followeth (p) vain perfons, is void of understanding. 12. The wicked desireth (q) the net (q) of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. 13. The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. 14. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth (r), and the recompense of a man's hands shall be

11. He

"noureth himself," by assuming importance, and displaying external pomp. He, who has all the comforts of life, but makes no display, is better off than he who sacrifices all his comforts to appearance.

(0) v. 1o. " Are cruel." A strong way of expressing that they have no mercy.

(p) v. 11. "Tilleth his land," i. e. " is in"dustrious." "Followeth vain persons," i. e.

gives up his time to idleness and vain pursuits."

(q) v. 12. "Desireth," without obtaining it. See Prov. xiii. 4. The contrast is, between the uncertainty of the gains of the wicked, and the certainty of thofe of the good. "The net of evil men," i. e. " the pro"fits they sometimes make."

(r) v. 14. "The fruit of his mouth," i. c.

rendered unto him.

15. The way of a fool is right (s) 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 (t). 17. He that speaketh truth, sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness, deceit. 18. There is that speaketh like the piercings (u) of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health (x). 19. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment (y). 2c. Deceit (z) 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 (a). 22. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. 23. A prudent man concealeth (b) knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth (6) foolishness. 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 (c) maketh it glad. 26. The righteous is more excellent than his neigh

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CHAP. XIII.

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Wise son heareth (g) his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth n rebuke. 2. A man shall eat good by t fruit of his mouth (b): but the soul of transgressor shall eat violence. 3. He the keepeth his mouth (i) keepeth his life: he that openeth wide his lips, shall have destruction. 4. The soul of the sluggard desireth (k), and hath nothing but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. 5. A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. 6. Righteousness keepeth (1) that is upright in the way: but wickednes overthroweth the sinner. 7. There is th maketh himself rich (m), yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet b

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(d) v. 26." Seduceth them," i. e. (probably) "is seducing, attractive;""better appearance than the way of the righteous." (e) v. 27. "Roasteth not, &c." i. e. " doer not enjoy; derives no benefit from what h "has taken extraordinary pains to obtain." (ƒ). · v. 27. "Precious," i. e. « useful." : "serviceable." The diligent making the mest of what he gets, and the slothful turning it to

no account.

(g) v.1. "Heareth," i. e. willingly, cher. fully; listens to it.

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(b) v.2. By the fruit of his mouth,"is by the goodness which proceeds from t See ante, Prov. xii. 14.

(i) v. 3. "Keepeth his mouth," i. e. "a "cautious what he says." The opposite of him, who "openeth wide his lips."

(k) v.4. "Desireth," is occupied in wishing, not in doing.

(1) v. 6. "Keepeth," į. e. " preserveth,” in opposition to "overthroweth."

(m) v.7. "Maketh himself rich," i.&. "pretends to great wealth." Patr. Grot. cr the reference may be to the use of riches: on who has but little, almost nothing, being equ to a rich man, by the prudent use of what be

great riches. 8. The ransom (n) of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. 9. The light of the righteous rejoiceth (0) but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 10. Only by pride cometh contention: but with the welladvised (p) is wisdom. 11. Wealth gotten by vanity (y) shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour, shall increase. 12. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick but when the desire (r) cometh, it is a tree of life. 13. Whoso despiseth the word (s) shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment (s), shall be rewarded. 14. The law of the wise is a fountain (t) of life, to depart () from the snares of death. 15. Good understanding giveth (x) favour: but the way of transgressors is hard (x). 16. Every prudent man dealeth 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 (y) to fools to depart

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(0) v.9. Rejoiceth," i. e. " is bright; "burneth clear."

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(p) v.to. "Well advised," "those who are not too proud to take advice."

(q) v. 11. Vanity," i. e. " undue means," not by labour.”

(r). v. 12. "The desire," i. e. " what was wished."

() v. 13. "The word," and "the com"mandment," i. e. probably," of God."

(t) v. 14. "Is a fountain, &c." The same is said Prov. xiv. 27. of “The fear of the "Lord." See the next page.

(u) v. 14. Depart," or "deter," "re

move."

(x) v. 15. "Giveth," or "" procureth ;" " is hard," rather " dislike, or ill will."

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(y) v. 19. "It is an abomination to fools, &c." so that they cannot expect to have

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 childrens children (z): 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 (a) for want of judgment. 24. He that spareth his rod, hateth his son but he that loveth him, chasteneth him betimes. 25. The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

CHAP. XIV.

OVERY wise woman buildeth her

E house (b) 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. 3. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride (c): but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 4. Where no oxen (d) are, the crib (d) is clean: but much increase (e) is by the strength of the

their desires accomplished, because that accomplishment must come from God.

(x) v. 22. "Children's children." The meaning probably is, that a good man's riches continue long in his family, a wicked man's are foon gone.

(a) v. 23. "There is that is destroyed." v.23. The meaning probably is that "The tillage "and industry of the poor supplies him with "abundance: whilst want of judgment or in"discretion sweeps away the riches of the "wealthy, and brings him to destruction." The contrast is between industry in the one, and idleness and folly in the other.

(b) v. 1. "Buildeth her house," i. e. "at"tends to its concerns," advances its welfare.

(c) 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."

(d) v. 4. "No oxen," i. e. " no agriculture 66 or industry." "The crib is clean," or "the "barn or granary is empty," in a state of famine.

(e) v. 4. Increase," i. e. " profit." Neglect of agriculture or idleness causes poverty; attention to it or industry, wealth.

ox. 5. A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. 6. A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not (f): but knowledge is easy unto (g) him that understandeth. 7. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. 8. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way but the folly (b) of fools is deceit. 9. Fools make a mock at sin (i) : but among the righteous there is favour (i). 10. The heart (k) knoweth his own bitterness; and a 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 (1) 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 (m). 17. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly : and a man of wicked devices is hated. 18. The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

(f) v. 6. " Findeth it not," because he doth not seek it at the proper time or in a proper manner if he wait till fear cometh as desolation and destruction as a whirlwind, ante, Prov. i. 27. he seeks it too late; and if he seeks it without giving up his scornful habits he does not seek it in a proper temper.

(g) v. 6. "Easy unto," i. e. " easily found "by."

(b) v.8." Folly," i. e. "study." The wise study of the one (i.e. his wisdom) contrasted with the foolish and wicked study of the other (i. e. his folly.)

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(i) v. 9. "Make a mock at sin," i. e. (perhaps) injure others out of sport; make "malevolence a diversion." "Favour," i. e. (perhaps) 66 an inclination to do acts of kind

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19. The evil bow before the good: and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20. The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich bath many friends. 21. He that despiseth his neighbour sin neth 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 the lips (n) tendeth only to penury. 24. The crown (o) of the wise is their riches: the foolishness of fools is folly. 25.1 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 r fuge. 27. The fear of the LORD is a fourtain of life, to depart (p) from the sures 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. Ha that is slow to wrath is of great understanding but he that is hasty of spint exalteth (q) folly. 30. A sound hear ( the life of the flesh: but envy the rotten ness of the bones. 31. He that oppres seth the poor reproacheth his maker: bat he that honoureth him (s) hath mercy the poor. 32. The wicked is driven away (t) in his wickedness: but the righte

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ous hath hope in his death. 33. Wisdom resteth (u) in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. 34. Righte ousness 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.

CHAP. XV.

A SOFT answer turneth away wrath

but grievous words stir up (x) anger. 2. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth 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 in the spirit (y). 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 trouble. 7. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doth not so. 8. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the 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 is grievous unto him that forsaketh (z) the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. 11. Hell and déstruction 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 go unto the wise. 13. A

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merry (a) heart maketh a chearful 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 (b) afflicted 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 (c) where love is, than a stalled (c) 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 (d): but the way of the righteous is made plain. 20. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth (e) his mother. 21. Folly (f) 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 (g) the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! 24. The way of life is above (b) to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. 25. The 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 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 to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth (k) out evil

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