Verse 1: However men may make light of giving short weight or measure,
and however common such crimes may be, they are an abomination
to the Lord. (2). Considering how safe, and quiet, and easy the
humble are, we see that with the lowly is wisdom. (3). An honest
man's principles are fixed, therefore his way is plain. (4).
Riches will stand men in no stead in the day of death. (5,6).
The ways of wickedness are dangerous. And sin will be its own
punishment. (7). When a godly man dies, all his fears vanish;
but when a wicked man dies, his hopes vanish. (8). The righteous
are often wonderfully kept from going into dangerous situations,
and the ungodly go in their stead. (9). Hypocrites delude men
into error and sin by artful objections against the truths of
God's word. (10,11). Nations prosper when wicked men are cast
down. (12). A man of understanding does not judge of others by
their success. (13). A faithful man will not disclose what he is
trusted with, unless the honour of God and the real good of
society require it. (14). We shall often find it to our
advantage to advise with others. (15). The welfare of our
families, our own peace, and our ability to pay just debts, must
not be brought into danger. But here especially let us consider
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in becoming Surety even for
enemies. (16). A pious and discreet woman will keep esteem and
respect, as strong men keep possession of wealth. (17). A cruel,
froward, ill-natured man, is vexatious to those that are, and
should be to him as his own flesh, and punishes himself. (18).
He that makes it his business to do good, shall have a reward,
as sure to him as eternal truth can make it. (19). True holiness
is true happiness. The more violent a man is in sinful pursuits,
the more he hastens his own destruction. (20). Nothing is more
hateful to God, than hypocrisy and double dealing, which are
here signified. God delights in such as aim and act with
uprightness. (21). Joining together in sin shall not protect the
sinners. (22). Beauty is abused by those who have not discretion
or modesty with it. This is true of all bodily endowments. (23).
The wicked desire mischief to others, but it shall return upon
themselves. (24). A man may grow poor by not paying just debts,
not relieving the poor, not allowing needful expenses. Let men
be ever so saving of what they have, if God appoints, it comes
to nothing. (25). Both in temporal and spiritual things, God
commonly deals with his people according to the measure by which
they deal with their brethren. (26). We must not hoard up the
gifts of God's bounty, merely for our own advantage. (27).
Seeking mischief is here set against seeking good; for those
that are not doing good are doing hurt, even to themselves.
(28). The true believer is a branch of the living Vine. When
those that take root in the world wither, those who are grafted
into Christ shall be fruitful. (29). He that brings trouble upon
himself and his family, by carelessness, or by wickedness, shall
be unable to keep and enjoy what he gets, as a man is unable to
hold the wind, or to satisfy himself with it. (30). The
righteous are as trees of life; and their influence upon earth,
like the fruits of that tree, support and nourish the spiritual
life in many. (31). Even the righteous, when they offend on
earth, shall meet with sharp corrections; much more will the
wicked meet the due reward of their sins. Let us then seek those
blessings which our Surety purchased by his sufferings and
death; let us seek to copy his example, and to keep his
commandments.
