Verse 1: The believer, perceiving that the Lord rules every heart as
he sees fit, like the husbandman who turns the water through his
grounds as he pleases, seeks to have his own heart, and the
hearts of others, directed in his faith, fear, and love. (2). We
are partial in judging ourselves and our actions. (3). Many
deceive themselves with a conceit that outward devotions will
excuse unrighteousness. (4). Sin is the pride, the ambition, the
glory, the joy, and the business of wicked men. (5). The really
diligent employ foresight as well as labour. (6). While men seek
wealth by unlawful practices, they seek death. (7). Injustice
will return upon the sinner, and will destroy him here and for
ever. (8). The way of mankind by nature is froward and strange.
(9). It is best to shun bitter contention by pouring out the
heart before God. For by prudence and patience, with constant
prayer, the cross may be removed. (10). The evil desires of a
wicked man's heart, lead to baseness in his conduct. (11). The
simple may be made wise by punishments on the wicked, and by
instructions to those who are willing to be taught. (12). Good
men envy not the prosperity of evil-doers; they see there is a
curse on them. (13). Such as oppress the poor by beating down
wages, such as will not relieve according to their ability those
in distress, and those in authority who neglect to do justice,
stop their ears at the cry of the poor. But doubtless care is to
be used in the exercise of charity. (14). If money can conquer
the fury of the passions, shall reason, the fear of God, and the
command of Christ, be too weak to bridle them? (15). There is
true pleasure only in the practice of religion. (16). Of all
wanderers in the ways of sin, those are in the most dangerous
condition who turn aside into the ways of darkness. Yet there is
hope even for them in the all-sufficient Saviour; but let them
flee to him without delay. (17). A life of worldly pleasure
brings ruin on men. (18). The righteous is often delivered out
of trouble, and the wicked comes in his stead, and so seems as a
ransom for him. (19). Unbridled passions spoil the comfort of
all relations. (20). The plenty obtained by prudence, industry,
and frugality, is desirable. But the foolish misspend what they
have upon their lusts. (21). True repentance and faith will lead
him that relies on the mercy of God in Christ, to follow after
righteousness and mercy in his own conduct. (22). Those that
have wisdom, often do great things, even against those confident
of their strength. (23). It is our great concern to keep our
souls from being entangled and disquieted. (24). Pride and
haughtiness make men passionate; such continually deal in wrath,
as if it were their trade to be angry. (25,26). Here is the
misery of the slothful; their hands refuse to labour in an
honest calling, by which they might get an honest livelihood;
yet their hearts cease not to covet riches, pleasures, and
honours, which cannot be obtained without labour. But the
righteous and industrious have their desires satisfied. (27).
When holiness is pretended, but wickedness intended, that
especially is an abomination. (28). The doom of a false witness
is certain. (29). A wicked man bids defiance to the terrors of
the law and the rebukes of Providence. But a good man asks, What
does God require of me? (30,31). Means are to be used, but,
after all, our safety and salvation are only of the Lord. In our
spiritual warfare we must arm ourselves with the whole armour of
God; but our strength must be in the Lord, and in the power of
his might.
