Verse 1: The renewing grace of God alone prepares the heart for every
good work. This teaches us that we are not sufficient of
ourselves to think or speak any thing wise and good. (2).
Ignorance, pride, and self-flattery render us partial judges
respecting our own conduct. (3). Roll the burden of thy care
upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on him.
(4). God makes use of the wicked to execute righteous vengeance
on each other; and he will be glorified by their destruction at
last. (5). Though sinners strengthen themselves and one another,
they shall not escape God's judgments. (6). By the mercy and
truth of God in Christ Jesus, the sins of believers are taken
away, and the power of sin is broken. (7). He that has all
hearts in his hand, can make a man's enemies to be at peace with
him. (8). A small estate, honestly come by, will turn to better
account than a great estate ill-gotten. (9). If men make God's
glory their end, and his will their rule, he will direct their
steps by his Spirit and grace. 10. Let kings and judges of the
earth be just, and rule in the fear of God. (11). To observe
justice in dealings between man and man is God's appointment.
(12). The ruler that uses his power aright, will find that to be
his best security. (13). Put those in power who know how to
speak to the purpose. (14,15). Those are fools, who, to obtain
the favour of an earthly prince, throw themselves out of God's
favour. (16). There is joy and satisfaction of spirit, only in
getting wisdom. (17). A sincerely religious man keeps at a
distance from every appearance of evil. Happy is the man that
walks in Christ, and is led by the Spirit of Christ. (18). When
men defy God's judgments, and think themselves far from them, it
is a sign they are at the door. Let us not fear the pride of
others, but fear pride in ourselves. (19). Humility, though it
exposes to contempt in the world, is much better than
high-spiritedness, which makes God an enemy. He that understands
God's word shall find good. (21). The man whose wisdom dwells in
his heart, will be found more truly prudent than many who
possess shining talents. (22). As waters to a thirsty land, so
is a wise man to his friends and neighbours. (23). The wise
man's self-knowledge, always suggests something proper to be
spoken to others. (24). The word of God cures the diseases that
weaken our souls. (25). This is caution to all, to take heed of
deceiving themselves as to their souls. (26). We must labour for
the meat which endureth to everlasting life, or we must perish.
(27,28). Ungodly men bestow more pains to do mischief than would
be needful to do good. The whisperer separates friends: what a
hateful, but how common a character! (29,30). Some do all the
mischief they can by force and violence, and are blind to the
result. (31). Old people especially should be found in the way
of religion and godliness. (32). To overcome our own passions,
requires more steady management, than obtaining victory over an
enemy. (33). All the disposal of Providence concerning our
affairs, we must look upon to be the determining what we
referred to God; and we must be reconciled to them accordingly.
Blessed are those that give themselves up to the will of God;
for he knows what is good for them.
