Verse 1: It seems hard to believe that men of the greatest abilities,
as well as the ignorant, should render themselves fools and
madmen, merely for the taste or excitement produced by strong
liquors. (2). How formidable kings are to those who provoke
them! how much more foolish then is it to provoke the King of
kings! (3). To engage in quarrels is the greatest folly that can
be. Yield, and even give up just demands, for peace' sake. (4).
He who labours and endures hardship in his seed-time for
eternity, will be properly diligent as to his earthly business.
(5). Though many capable of giving wise counsel are silent, yet
something may be drawn from them, which will reward those who
obtain it. (6). It is hard to find those that have done, and
will do more good than they speak, or care to hear spoken of.
(7). A good man is not liable to uneasiness in contriving what
he shall do, or in reflecting on what he has done, as those who
walk in deceit. And his family fare better for his sake. (8). If
great men are good men, they may do much good, and prevent very
much evil. (9). Some can say, Through grace, we are cleaner than
we have been; but it was the work of the Holy Spirit. (10). See
the various deceits men use, of which the love of money is the
root. The Lord will not bless what is thus gotten. (11). Parents
should observe their children, that they may manage them
accordingly. (12). All our powers and faculties are from God,
and are to be employed for him. (13). Those that indulge
themselves, may expect to want necessaries, which should have
been gotten by honest labour. (14). Men use arts to get a good
bargain, and to buy cheap; whereas a man ought to be ashamed of
a fraud and a lie. (15). He that prefers true knowledge to
riches, follows the ways of religion and happiness. If we really
believed this truth, the word of God would be valued as it
deserves, and the world would lose its tempting influence. (16).
Those ruin themselves who entangle themselves in rash
suretiship. Also those who are in league with abandoned women.
Place no confidence in either. (17). Wealth gotten by fraud may
be sweet, for the carnal mind takes pleasure in the success of
wicked devices; but it will be bitter in the reflection. (18).
Especially we need advice in spiritual warfare. The word and
Spirit of God are the best counsellors in every point. (19).
Those dearly buy their own praise, who put confidence in a man
because he speaks fairly. (20). An undutiful child will become
very miserable. Never let him expect any peace or comfort. (21).
An estate suddenly raised, is often as suddenly ruined. (22).
Wait on the Lord, attend his pleasure, and he will protect thee.
(23). A bargain made by fraud will prove a losing bargain in the
end. (24). How can we form plans, and conduct business,
independently of the Lord? (25). The evasions men often use with
their own consciences show how false and deceitful man is. (26).
Justice should crush the wicked, and separate them from the
virtuous. (27). The rational soul and conscience are as a lamp
within us, which should be used in examining our dispositions
and motives with the revealed will of God. (28). Mercy and truth
are the glories of God's throne. (29). Both young and old have
their advantages; and let neither despise or envy the other.
(30). Severe rebukes sometimes do a great deal of good. But such
is the corruption of nature, that men are loth to be rebuked for
their sins. If God uses severe afflictions, to purify our hearts
and fit us for his service, we have cause to be very thankful.
