Verse 1: Sin makes men cowards. Whatever difficulties the righteous
meet in the way of duty, they are not daunted. (2). National
sins disturb the public repose. (3). If needy persons get
opportunities of oppressing, their extortion will be more severe
than that of the more wealthy. (4). Wicked people strengthen one
another in wicked ways. (5). If a man seeks the Lord, it is a
good sign that he understands much, and it is a good means of
understanding more. (6). An honest, godly, poor man, is better
than a wicked, ungodly, rich man; has more comfort in himself,
and is a greater blessing to the world. (7). Companions of
riotous men not only grieve their parents, but shame them. (8).
That which is ill got, though it may increase much, will not
last long. Thus the poor are repaid, and God is glorified. (9).
The sinner at whose prayers God is angry, is one who obstinately
refuses to obey God's commands. (10). The success of ungodly men
is their own misery. (11). Rich men are so flattered, that they
think themselves superior to others. (12). There is glory in the
land when the righteous have liberty. (13). It is folly to
indulge sin, and excuse it. He who covers his sins, shall not
have any true peace. He who humbly confesses his sins, with true
repentance and faith, shall find mercy from God. The Son of God
is our great atonement. Under a deep sense of our guilt and
danger, we may claim salvation from that mercy which reigns
through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our
Lord. (14). There is a fear which causes happiness. Faith and
love will deliver from the fear of eternal misery; but we should
always fear offending God, and fear sinning against him. (15). A
wicked ruler, whatever we may call him, this scripture calls a
roaring lion, and a ranging bear. (16). Oppressors want
understanding; they do not consult their own honour, ease, and
safety. (17). The murderer shall be haunted with terrors. None
shall desire to save him from deserved punishment, nor pity him.
(18). Uprightness will give men holy security in the worst
times; but the false and dishonest are never safe. (19). Those
who are diligent, take the way to live comfortably. (20). The
true way to be happy, is to be holy and honest; not to raise an
estate suddenly, without regard to right or wrong. (21).
Judgment is perverted, when any thing but pure right is
considered. (22). He that hastens to be rich, never seriously
thinks how quickly God may take his wealth from him, and leave
him in poverty. (23). Upon reflection, most will have a better
opinion of a faithful reprover than of a soothing flatterer.
(24). Here is the wickedness of those who think it no sin to rob
their parents, by wheedling them or threatening them, or by
wasting what they have, and running into debt. (25). Those make
themselves always easy, that live in continual dependence upon
God and his grace, and live by faith. (26). A fool trusts to his
own strength, merit, and righteousness. And trusts to his own
heart, which is not only deceitful above all things, but which
has often deceived him. (27). A selfish man not only will not
look out for objects of compassion, but will look off from those
that call for his attention. (28). When power is put into the
hands of the wicked, wise men decline public business. If the
reader will go diligently over this and the other chapters, in
many places where at first he may suppose there is least of
Christ, still he will find what will lead to him.
