Verse 1: A right cause will be better pleaded with meekness than with
passion. Nothing stirs up anger like grievous words. (2). He
that has knowledge, is to use it aright, for the good of others.
(3). Secret sins, services, and sorrows, are under God's eye.
This speaks comfort to saints, and terror to sinners. (4). A
good tongue is healing to wounded consciences, by comforting
them; to sin-sick souls, by convincing them; and it reconciles
parties at variance. (5). If instruction is despised, reprove
men rather than suffer them to go on undisturbed in the way to
ruin. (6). The wealth of worldly men increases their fears and
suspicions, adds strength to their passions, and renders the
fear of death more distressing. (7). We use knowledge aright
when we disperse it; but the heart of the foolish has nothing to
disperse that is good. (8,9). The wicked put other things in the
stead of Christ's atonement, or in the place of holy obedience.
Praying graces are his gift, and the work of his Spirit, with
which he is well pleased. (10). He that hates reproof shall
perish in his sins, since he would not be parted from them.
(11). There is nothing that can be hid from the eyes of God, not
even man's thoughts. (12). A scorner cannot bear to reflect
seriously within his own heart. (13). A gloomy, impatient,
unthankful spirit, springing from pride and undue attachment to
worldly objects, renders a man uneasy to himself and others.
(14). A wise man seeks to gain more wisdom, growing in grace and
in the knowledge of Christ. But a carnal mind rests contented,
flattering itself. (15). Some are much in affliction, and of a
sorrowful spirit. Such are to be pitied, prayed for, and
comforted. And others serve God with gladness of heart, and it
prompts their obedience, yet they should rejoice with trembling.
(16,17). Believers often have enough when worldly eyes see
little; the Lord is with them, without the cares, troubles, and
temptations which are with the wealth of the wicked. (18). He
that is slow to anger, not only prevents strife, but appeases
it, if kindled. (19). Those who have no heart to their work,
pretend that they cannot do their work without hardship and
danger. And thus many live always in doubt about their state,
because always in neglect of some duty. (20). Those who treat an
aged mother or a father with contempt or neglect, show their own
folly. (21). Such as are truly wise, study that their thoughts,
words, and actions should be regular, sincere, and holy. (22).
If men will not take time and pains to deliberate, they are not
likely to bring any thing to pass. (23). Wisdom is needed to
suit our discourse to the occasions. (24). A good man sets his
affections on things above; his way leads directly thither.
(25). Pride is the ruin of multitudes. But those who are in
affliction God will support. (26). The thoughts of wicked men
offend Him who knows the heart. (27). The covetous man lets none
of his family have rest or enjoyment. And greediness of gain
often tempts to projects that bring ruin. (28). A good man is
proved to be a wise man by this; he governs his tongue well.
(29). God sets himself at a distance from those who set him at
defiance. (30). How delightful to the humbled soul to hear the
good report of salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ! (31).
Faithful, friendly reproofs help spiritual life, and lead to
eternal life. (32). Sinners undervalue their own souls;
therefore they prefer the body before the soul, and wrong the
soul to please the body. (33). The fear of the Lord will dispose
us to search the Scriptures with reverence; and it will cause us
to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit. While we humbly place
all our dependence on the grace of God, we are exalted in the
righteousness of Christ.
