hrough the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat
beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall
find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this
book.
Verse 1: The comfort of parents much depends on their children; and
this suggests to both, motives to their duties. (2,3). Though
the righteous may be poor, the Lord will not suffer him to want
what is needful for spiritual life. (4). Those who are fervent
in spirit, serving the Lord, are likely to be rich in faith, and
rich in good works. (5). Here is just blame of those who trifle
away opportunities, both for here and for hereafter. (6).
Abundance of blessings shall abide on good men; real blessings.
(7). Both the just and the wicked must die; but between their
souls there is a vast difference. (8). The wise in heart puts
his knowledge in practice. (9). Dissemblers, after all their
shuffling, will be exposed. (10). Trick and artifice will be no
excuse for iniquity. (11). The good man's mouth is always open
to teach, comfort, and correct others. (12). Where there is
hatred, every thing stirs up strife. By bearing with each other,
peace and harmony are preserved. (13). Those that foolishly go
on in wicked ways, prepare rods for themselves. (14). Whatever
knowledge may be useful, we must lay it up, that it may not be
to seek when we want it. The wise gain this wisdom by reading,
by hearing the word, by meditation, by prayer, by faith in
Christ, who is made of God unto us wisdom. (15). This refers to
the common mistakes both of rich and poor, as to their outward
condition. Rich people's wealth exposes them to many dangers;
while a poor man may live comfortably, if he is content, keeps a
good conscience, and lives by faith. (16). Perhaps a righteous
man has no more than what he works hard for, but that labour
tends to life. (17). The traveller that has missed his way, and
cannot bear to be told of it, and to be shown the right way,
must err still. (18). He is especially a fool who thinks to hide
anything from God; and malice is no better. (19). Those that
speak much, speak much amiss. He that checks himself is a wise
man, and therein consults his own peace. (20,21). The tongue of
the just is sincere, freed from the dross of guile and evil
design. Pious discourse is spiritual food to the needy. Fools
die for want of a heart, so the word is; for want of thought.
(22). That wealth which is truly desirable, has no vexation of
spirit in the enjoyment; no grief for the loss; no guilt by the
abuse of it. What comes from the love of God, has the grace of
God for its companion. (23). Only foolish and wicked men divert
themselves with doing harm to others, or tempting to sin. (24).
The largest desire of eternal blessings the righteous can form,
will be granted. (25). The course of prosperous sinners is like
a whirlwind, which soon spends itself, and is gone. (26). As
vinegar sets the teeth on edge, and as the smoke causes the eyes
to smart, so the sluggard vexes his employer. (27,28). What man
is he that loves life? Let him fear God, and that will secure to
him life enough in this world, and eternal life in the other.
(29). The believer grows stronger in faith, and obeys with
increased delight. (30). The wicked would be glad to have this
earth their home for ever, but it cannot be so. They must die
and leave all their idols behind. (31,32). A good man discourses
wisely for the benefit of others. But it is the sin, and will be
the ruin of a wicked man, that he speaks what is displeasing to
God, and provoking to those he converses with. The righteous is
kept by the power of God; and nothing shall be able to separate
him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.
hrough the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat
beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall
find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this
book.