Verses 1-3: God needs not search into any thing; nothing can be hid
from him. But it is the honour of rulers to search out matters,
to bring to light hidden works of darkness. (4,5). For a prince
to suppress vice, and reform his people, is the best way to
support his government. (6,7). Religion teaches us humility and
self-denial. He who has seen the glory of the Lord in Christ
Jesus, will feel his own unworthiness. (8-10). To be hasty in
beginning strife, will bring into difficulties. War must at
length end, and might better be prevented. It is so in private
quarrels; do all thou canst to settle the matter. (11,12). A
word of counsel, or reproof, rightly spoken, is especially
beautiful, as fine fruit becomes still more beautiful in silver
baskets. (13). See what ought to be the aim of him that is
trusted with any business; to be faithful. A faithful minister,
Christ's messenger, should be thus acceptable to us. (14). He
who pretends to have received or given that which he never had,
is like the morning cloud, that disappoints those who look for
rain. (15). Be patient to bear a present hurt. Be mild to speak
without passion; for persuasive language is the most effectual
to prevail over the hardened mind. (16). God has given us leave
to use grateful things, but we are cautioned against excess.
(17). We cannot be upon good terms with our neighbours, without
discretion as well as sincerity. How much better a Friend is God
than any other friend! The oftener we come to him, the more
welcome. (18). A false testimony is dangerous in every thing.
(19). Confidence in an unfaithful man is painful and vexatious;
when we put any stress on him, he not only fails, but makes us
feel for it. (20). We take a wrong course if we think to relieve
those in sorrow by endeavouring to make them merry. (21,22). The
precept to love even our enemies is an Old Testament
commandment. Our Saviour has shown his own great example in
loving us when we were enemies. (23). Slanders would not be so
readily spoken, if they were not readily heard. Sin, if it
receives any check, becomes cowardly. (24). It is better to be
alone, than to be joined to one who is a hinderance to the
comfort of life. (25). Heaven is a country afar off; how
refreshing is good news from thence, in the everlasting gospel,
which signifies glad tidings, and in the witness of the Spirit
with our spirits that we are God's children! (26). When the
righteous are led into sin, it is as hurtful as if the public
fountains were poisoned. (27). We must be, through grace, dead
to the pleasures of sense, and also to the praises of men. (28).
The man who has no command over his anger, is easily robbed of
peace. Let us give up ourselves to the Lord, and pray him to put
his Spirit within us, and cause us to walk in his statutes.
