Verse 1: If God wounds, who can heal? The word of God warns all to
flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before us in Jesus
Christ. (2). The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their
rulers are righteous or wicked. (3). Divine wisdom best keeps us
from ruinous lusts. (4). The Lord Jesus is the King who will
minister true judgment to the people. (5). Flatterers put men
off their guard, which betrays them into foolish conduct. (6).
Transgressions always end in vexations. Righteous men walk at
liberty, and walk in safety. (7). This verse is applicable to
compassion for the distress of the poor, and the unfeeling
disregard shown by the wicked. (8). The scornful mock at things
sacred and serious. Men who promote religion, which is true
wisdom, turn away the wrath of God. (9). If a wise man dispute
with a conceited wrangler, he will be treated with anger or
ridicule; and no good is done. (10). Christ told his disciples
that they should be hated of all men. The just, whom the
blood-thirsty hate, gladly do any thing for their salvation.
(11). He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep
no counsel. (12). One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to
slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false
accusers. (13). Some are poor, others have a great deal of
deceitful riches. They meet in the business of this world; the
Lord gives to both the comforts of this life. To some of both
sorts he gives his grace. (14). The rich will look to
themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and
plead for. (15). Parents must consider the benefit of due
correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence. (16). Let not
the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase
of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience. (17).
Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do
amiss. (18). How bare does a place look without Bibles and
ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls!
That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which
humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes
holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious
truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing.
(19). Here is an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant; one
that serves not from conscience, or love, but from fear. (20).
When a man is self-conceited, rash, and given to wrangling,
there is more hope of the ignorant and profligate. (21). Good
usage to a servant does not mean indulgence, which would ruin
even a child. The body is a servant to the soul; those that
humour it, and are over-tender of it, will find it forget its
place. (22). An angry, passionate disposition makes men
provoking to one another, and provoking to God. (23). Only those
who humble themselves shall be exalted and established. (24).
The receiver is as bad as the thief. (25). Many are ashamed to
own Christ now; and he will not own them in the day of judgment.
But he that trusts in the Lord will be saved from this snare.
(26). The wisest course is, to look to God, and seek the favour
of the Ruler of rulers; for every creature is that to us which
God makes it to be. (27). The just man abhors the sins of the
wicked, and shuns their company. Christ exposed the wickedness
of men, yet prayed for the wicked when they were crucifying him.
Hatred to sin in ourselves and others, is a needful branch of
the Christian temper. But all that are unholy, have rooted
hatred to godliness.
