Verse 1: Those who have grace, will delight in the instructions given
them. Those that stifle their convictions, are like brutes. (2).
The man who covers selfish and vicious designs under a
profession of religion or friendship, will be condemned. (3).
Though men may advance themselves by sinful arts, they cannot
settle and secure themselves. But those who by faith are rooted
in Christ, are firmly fixed. (4). A wife who is pious, prudent,
and looks well to the ways of her household, who makes
conscience of her duty, and can bear crosses; such a one is an
honour and comfort to her husband. She that is the reverse of
this, preys upon him, and consumes him. (5). Thoughts are not
free; they are under the Divine knowledge, therefore under the
Divine command. It is a man's shame to act with deceit, with
trick and design. (6). Wicked people speak mischief to their
neighbours. A man may sometimes do a good work with one good
word. (7). God's blessing is often continued to the families of
godly men, while the wicked are overthrown. (8). The apostles
showed wisdom by glorying in shame for the name of Christ. (9).
He that lives in a humble state, who has no one to wait upon
him, but gets bread by his own labour, is happier than he that
glories in high birth or gay attire, and wants necessaries.
(10). A godly man would not put even an animal to needless pain.
But the wicked often speak of others as well used, when they
would not endure like treatment for a single day. (11). It is
men's wisdom to mind their business, and follow an honest
calling. But it is folly to neglect business; and the grace of
God teaches men to disdain nothing but sin. (12). When the
ungodly see others prosper by sin, they wish they could act in
the same way. But the root of Divine grace, in the heart of the
righteous, produces other desires and purposes. (13). Many a man
has paid dear in this world for the transgression of his lips.
(14). When men use their tongues aright, to teach and comfort
others, they enjoy acceptance through Christ Jesus; and the
testimony of their conscience, that they in some measure answer
the end of their being. (15). A fool, in the sense of Scripture,
means a wicked man, one who acts contrary to the wisdom that is
from above. His rule is, to do what is right in his own eyes.
(16). A foolish man is soon angry, and is hasty in expressing
it; he is ever in trouble and running into mischief. It is
kindness to ourselves to make light of injuries and affronts,
instead of making the worst of them. (17). It is good for all to
dread and detest the sin of lying, and to be governed by
honesty. (18). Whisperings and evil surmises, like a sword,
separate those that have been dear to each other. The tongue of
the wise is health, making all whole. (19). If truth be spoken,
it will hold good; whoever may be disobliged, still it will keep
its ground. (20). Deceit and falsehood bring terrors and
perplexities. But those who consult the peace and happiness of
others have joy in their own minds. (21). If men are sincerely
righteous, the righteous God has engaged that no evil shall
happen to them. But they that delight in mischief shall have
enough of it. (22). Make conscience of truth, not only in words,
but in actions. (23). Foolish men proclaim to all the folly and
emptiness of their minds. (24). Those who will not take pains in
an honest calling, living by tricks and dishonesty, are paltry
and beggarly. (25). Care, fear, and sorrow, upon the spirits,
deprive men of vigour in what is to be done, or courage in what
is to be borne. A good word from God, applied by faith, makes
the heart glad. (26). The righteous is abundant; though not in
this world's goods, yet in the graces and comforts of the
Spirit, which are the true riches. Evil men vainly flatter
themselves that their ways are not wrong. (27). The slothful man
makes no good use of the advantages Providence puts in his way,
and has no comfort in them. The substance of a diligent man,
though not great, does good to him and his family. He sees that
God gives it to him in answer to prayer. (28). The way of
religion is a straight, plain way; it is the way of
righteousness. There is not only life at the end, but life in
the way; all true comfort.
