Verse 1: We should be more careful to do that by which we may get and
keep a good name, than to raise or add unto a great estate. (2).
Divine Providence has so ordered it, that some are rich, and
others poor, but all are guilty before God; and at the throne of
God's grace the poor are as welcome as the rich. (3). Faith
foresees the evil coming upon sinners, and looks to Jesus Christ
as the sure refuge from the storm. (4). Where the fear of God
is, there will be humility. And much is to be enjoyed by it;
spiritual riches, and eternal life at last. (5). The way of sin
is vexatious and dangerous. But the way of duty is safe and
easy. (6). Train children, not in the way they would go, that of
their corrupt hearts, but in the way they should go; in which,
if you love them, you would have them go. As soon as possible
every child should be led to the knowledge of the Saviour. (7).
This shows how important it is for every man to keep out of
debt. As to the things of this life, there is a difference
between the rich and the poor; but let the poor remember, it is
the Lord that made the difference. (8). The power which many
abuse, will soon fail them. (9). He that seeks to relieve the
wants and miseries of others shall be blessed. (10). Profane
scoffers and revilers disturb the peace. (11). God will be the
Friend of a man in whose spirit there is no guile; this honour
have all the saints. (12). God turns the counsels and designs of
treacherous men to their own confusion. (13). The slothful man
talks of a lion without, but considers not his real danger from
the devil, that roaring lion within, and from his own
slothfulness, which kills him. (14). The vile sin of
licentiousness commonly besots the mind beyond recovery. (15).
Sin is foolishness, it is in the heart, there is an inward
inclination to sin: children bring it into the world with them;
and it cleaves close to the soul. We all need to be corrected by
our heavenly Father. (16). We are but stewards, and must
distribute what God intrusts to our care, according to his will.
(17-21). To these words, to this knowledge, the ear must be
bowed down, and the heart applied by faith and love. To live a
life of delight in God and dependence on him, is the foundation
of all practical religion. The way to know the certainty of the
word of truth, is to make conscience of our duty. (22,23). He
that robs and oppresses the poor, does so at his peril. And if
men will not appear for them, God will. (24,25). Our corrupt
hearts have so much tinder in them, that it is dangerous to have
to do with those that throw about the sparks of their passion.
(26,27). Every man ought to be just to himself, and his family;
those are not so, who, by folly or other carelessness, waste
what they have. (28). We are taught not to trespass on another
man's right. And it is hard to find a truly industrious man.
Such a man will rise. Seest thou a man diligent in the business
of religion? He is likely to excel. Let us then be diligent in
God's work.
