Notes on Proverbs

Notes on Proverbs
From the Original 1599 Geneva Bible Notes

Pr 1:1

1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

The Argument - The wonderful love of God toward his Church is declared in this book: for as much as the sum and effect of the whole Scriptures is here set forth in these brief sentences, which partly contain doctrine, and partly manners, and also exhortations to both: of which the first nine Chapters are as a preface full of grave sentences and deep mysteries, to assure the hearts of men to the diligent reading of the parables that follow: which are left as a precious jewel to the Church, of those three thousand parables mentioned in 1Ki 4:32 and were gathered and committed to writing by Solomon's servants and incited by him.

Pr 1:2

1:2 To know wisdom {a} and instruction; to perceive the words {b} of understanding;

(a) That is, what we ought to know and follow, and what we ought to refuse.
(b) Meaning, the word of God in which is the only true knowledge.

Pr 1:3

1:3 To receive the {c} instruction of wisdom, {d} justice, and judgment, and equity;

(c) To learn to submit ourselves to the correction of those who are wise.
(d) By living justly and rendering to every man that which belongs to him.

Pr 1:4

1:4 To give subtilty to the {e} simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

(e) To such as have no discretion to rule themselves.

Pr 1:5

1:5 A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of {f} understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

(f) As he shows that these parables containing the effect of religion concerning manners and doctrine, belong to the simple people: so he declares that the same is also necessary for them who are wise and learned.

Pr 1:8

1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy {g} father, and forsake not the law of thy {h} mother:

(g) He speaks this in the Name of God, who is the universal Father of all creatures, or in the name of the pastor of the Church, who is as a father.
(h) That is, of the Church, in which the faithful are begotten by the incorruptible seed of God's word.

Pr 1:10

1:10 My son, {i} if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

(i) That is, the wicked who do not have the fear of God.

Pr 1:11

1:11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for {k} blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

(k) He speaks not only of the shedding of blood with hand, but of all crafty practises which tend to the detriment of our neighbour.

Pr 1:12

1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the {l} grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

(l) As the grave is never satisfied, so the malice of the wicked and their cruelty has no end.

Pr 1:14

1:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one {m} purse:

(m) He shows how the wicked are allured to join together, because they have everyone part of the spoil of the innocent.

Pr 1:15

1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their {n} path:

(n) That is, have nothing at all to do with them.

Pr 1:18

1:18 And they lay wait for their [own] blood; they lurk privily for {o} their [own] lives.

(o) He shows that there is no reason to move these wicked to spoil the innocent, aside from their malice and cruelty.

Pr 1:19

1:19 So [are] the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; [which] taketh away {p} the life of the owners thereof.

(p) By which he concludes that the covetous man is a murderer.

Pr 1:20

1:20 {q} Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the {r} streets:

(q) This wisdom is the eternal word of God.
(r) So that no one can pretend ignorance.

Pr 1:22

1:22 How long, ye {s} simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

(s) Wisdom reproves three kinds of men, the foolish or simple who err out of ignorance, the mockers who cannot stand to be taught, and the fools who are drowned in worldly lusts and hate the knowledge of godliness.

Pr 1:26

1:26 I also will {t} laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

(t) This is spoken according to our capacity signifying that the wicked, who mock and jest at God's word, will have the just reward of their mocking.

Pr 1:27

1:27 When {u} your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

(u) That is, your destruction, which you feared.

Pr 1:28

1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not {x} find me:

(x) Because they sought not with an affection to God, but for ease of their own grief.

Pr 1:30

1:30 They would none of my counsel: they {y} despised all my reproof.

(y) Showing that without faith and obedience, we cannot call on God correctly.

Pr 1:31

1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the {z} fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

(z) They will feel what convenience their wicked life will give them.

Pr 1:32

1:32 For {a} the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

(a) That is, the prosperity and sensuality in which they delight.

Pr 2:1

2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and {a} hide my commandments with thee;

(a) That is, keep them in your heart.

Pr 2:2

2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply {b} thine heart to understanding;

(b) If you give yourself to the true knowledge of God without hypocrisy.

Pr 2:3

2:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, [and] {c} liftest up thy voice for understanding;

Pr 2:4

2:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid {d} treasures;

(d) Showing that no labour must be spared.

Pr 2:5

2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the {e} knowledge of God.

(e) This
(he says) is the true wisdom to know and fear God.

Pr 2:11

2:11 {f} Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

(f) The word of God will guide you, and teach you how to govern yourself.

Pr 2:13

2:13 Who leave the {g} paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;

(g) That is, the word of God, which is the only light, to follow their own fantasies which are darkness.

Pr 2:14

2:14 Who rejoice to do evil, [and] delight {h} in the frowardness of the wicked;

(h) When they see any given to evil as they are.

Pr 2:16

2:16 To deliver thee from the strange {i} woman, [even] from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words;

(i) Meaning, the wisdom which is the word of God, will preserve us from all vices: naming this vice of whoredom to which man is most prone.

Pr 2:17

2:17 Which forsaketh the {k} guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.

(k) That is, her husband, who is her head and guide to govern her, from whom she ought not to depart, but remain in his subjection.

Pr 2:18

2:18 For her {m} house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto {n} the dead.

(m) Her acquaintance with her spirits and they that haunt her.
(n) To them who are dead in body and soul.

Pr 2:21

2:21 For the upright shall dwell in the {o} land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

(o) They will enjoy the temporal and spiritual promises of God, as the wicked will be void of them.

Pr 3:2

3:2 For length of {a} days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

(a) Long life is the blessing of God which he gives to his, so far as it is expedient for them.

Pr 3:3

3:3 Let not {b} mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy {c} neck; write them upon the table of thine {d} heart:

(b) By mercy and truth he means the commandments of the first and second table, or else the mercy and faithfulness that we ought to use toward our neighbours.
(c) Keep them as a precious jewel.
(d) Have them ever in remembrance.

Pr 3:8

3:8 It shall be health to thy {e} navel, and marrow to thy bones.

(e) By this part he comprehends the whole body, as by health he means all the benefits promised in the law both corporal and spiritual.

Pr 3:9

3:9 {f} Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

(f) As was commanded in the law, Ex 23:19, De 26:2 and by this they acknowledged that God was the giver of all things, and that they were ready to bestow all at his commandment.

Pr 3:10

3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall {g} burst out with new wine.

(g) For the faithful distributor God gives in greater abundance.

Pr 3:16

3:16 Length of days [is] in her right hand; {h} [and] in her left hand riches and honour.

(h) Meaning, that he seeks wisdom, that is, suffers himself to be governed by the Word of God, will have all prosperity both corporal and spiritual.

Pr 3:18

3:18 She [is] a tree {i} of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is every one] that retaineth her.

(i) Which brings forth such fruit that they who eat of it have life and he alludes to the tree of life in paradise.

Pr 3:19

3:19 The LORD by wisdom hath {k} founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

(k) By this he shows that this wisdom of which he speaks is everlasting, because it was before all creatures and that all things even the whole world were made by it.

Pr 3:25

3:25 {l} Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

(l) For when God destroys the wicked he will save his as he did Lot in Sodom.

Pr 3:27

3:27 Withhold not good from {m} them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it].

(m) Not only from them to whom the possession belongs but also you shall not keep it from them who have need of the use of it.

Pr 3:29

3:29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth {n} securely by thee.

(n) That is, puts his trust in you.

Pr 3:31

3:31 {o} Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

(o) Do not wish to be like him.

Pr 3:32

3:32 For the froward [is] abomination to the LORD: but his {p} secret [is] with the righteous.

(p) That is, his covenant and fatherly affection which is hid and secret from the world.

Pr 3:34

3:34 Surely {q} he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

(q) He will show by his plagues that their scorn will turn to their own destruction, Pr 1:26.

Pr 4:1

4:1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a {a} father, and attend to know understanding.

(a) He speaks this as a preacher and minister which is as a father to the people, Pr 2:8.

Pr 4:4

4:4 He {b} taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

(b) Meaning, David his father.

Pr 4:7

4:7 {c} Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

(c) He shows that we must first begin with God's word, if we will that other things prosper with us, contrary to the judgment of the world, which make it their last study, or else care not for it at all.

Pr 4:11

4:11 I have {d} taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

(d) Solomon declares what care his father had to bring him up in the true fear of God: for this was David's protest.

Pr 4:12

4:12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be {e} straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

(e) You will walk at liberty without offence.

Pr 4:16

4:16 For they {f} sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.

(f) Meaning that to do evil is more proper and natural to the wicked than to sleep, eat or drink.

Pr 4:17

4:17 For they eat the bread of {g} wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

(g) Gotten my wicked means and cruel oppression.

Pr 4:18

4:18 But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that {h} shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

(h) Signifying that the godly increase daily in knowledge and perfection, till they come to full persecution, which is when the are joined to their head in the heavens.

Pr 4:22

4:22 For they [are] life unto those that find them, and health to all their {i} flesh.

(i) That is, they will have health of body: under which all other blessings promised in the law are contained.

Pr 4:23

4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of {k} life.

(k) For as the heart is either pure or corrupt, so is the whole course of man's life.

Pr 4:26

4:26 {l} Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

(l) Keep a measure in all your doings.

Pr 5:3

5:3 For the lips {a} of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than {b} oil:

(a) That is, a harlot who gives herself to someone other than her husband.
(b) By oil and honey he means flattering and crafty enticements.

Pr 5:5

5:5 Her {c} feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

Pr 5:6

5:6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are {d} moveable, [that] thou canst not know [them].

(d) She has always new means to allure to wickedness.

Pr 5:9

5:9 Lest thou give thine {e} honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

(e) That is, your strength and goods to her who will have no pity on you as is read of Samson and the prodigal son.

Pr 5:10

5:10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy {f} labours [be] in the house of a stranger;

(f) The goods gotten by your travel.

Pr 5:14

5:14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and {g} assembly.

(g) Although I was faithfully instructed in the truth, yet I almost fell to utter shame and destruction nonetheless, by good bringing up in the assembly of the godly.

Pr 5:15

5:15 Drink waters out of {h} thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

(h) He teaches us sobriety exhorting us to live of our own labours and to be beneficial to the godly who want.

Pr 5:17

5:17 Let them be only {i} thine own, and not strangers' with thee.

(i) Distribute them not to the wicked and infidels, but reserve them for yourself, your family and them who are of the household of faith.

Pr 5:18

5:18 Let thy {k} fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy {l} youth.

(k) Your children who will come from you in great abundance showing that God blesses marriage and curses whoredom.
(l) Who you married in your youth.

Pr 5:21

5:21 For the ways of man [are] before the {m} eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

(m) He declares that unless a man joins to his wife both in heart and in outward conversation, he will not escape the judgments of God.

Pr 5:23

5:23 He shall {n} die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

(n) Because he will not give ear to God's word and be admonished.

Pr 6:2

6:2 Thou art {a} snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

(a) He forbids us not to become surety one for another, according to the rule of charity, but that we consider for whom and after what sort, so that the creditor may not be defrauded.

Pr 6:6

6:6 Go to the {b} ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

(b) If the word of God cannot instruct you, learn from the little ant to labour for yourself and not to burden others.

Pr 6:10

6:10 [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, {c} a little folding of the hands to sleep:

(c) He expresses the nature of the sluggards, who though they sleep long, yet never have enough, but always seek opportunity for more.

Pr 6:11

6:11 So shall thy poverty come as one that {d} travelleth, and thy want as {e} an armed man.

(d) That is, suddenly, and when you do not look for it.
(e) It will come in such sort, as you are not able to resist it.

Pr 6:12

6:12 A naughty person, {f} a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

(f) He shows to what inconvenience the idle persons and sluggards come, by calling them unthrifty, or the men of Belial, and slanderous.

Pr 6:13

6:13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he {g} teacheth with his fingers;

(g) Thus all his gesture tends to wickedness,

Pr 6:18

6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, {h} feet that be swift in running to mischief,

(h) Meaning, the raging affections, which carry a man away in such sort that he cannot tell what he does.

Pr 6:21

6:21 Bind them continually upon thine {i} heart, [and] tie them about thy neck.

(i) Pr 3:3.

Pr 6:23

6:23 For the {k} commandment [is] a lamp; and the law [is] light; and {l} reproofs of instruction [are] the way of life:

(k) By the commandment, he means the word of God; and by the instruction, the preaching and declaration of the same, which is committed to the Church.
(l) And reprehensions when the word is preached bring us to life.

Pr 6:25

6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thy heart; neither let her take thee with her {m} eyelids.

(m) With her wanton looks and gesture.

Pr 6:27

6:27 {n} Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

(n) Meaning, that she will never cease till she has brought you to begging, and then seek your destruction.

Pr 6:30

6:30 [Men] do not {o} despise a thief, if he stealeth to satisfy his {p} soul when he is hungry;

(o) He does not reprove theft, showing that it is not as abominable as whoredom, for theft can be restored, but adultery is permanent, and death by the law of God.
(p) Meaning, for necessity.

Pr 6:33

6:33 A {q} wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

(q) That is, death appointed by the Law.

Pr 6:34

6:34 For jealousy [is] the rage of a man: therefore he will not {r} spare in the day of vengeance.

(r) He shows that man by nature seeks the death of he that has abused his wife, and so concludes that neither God's law nor the law of nature admits any ransom for the adultery.

Pr 7:2

7:2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the {a} apple of thy eye.

(a) By this diversity of words, he means that nothing should be so dear to us as the word of God, nor that we look on anything more nor mind anything so much.

Pr 7:6

7:6 {b} For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,

(b) Solomon uses this parable to declare their folly, who allow themselves to be abused by harlots.

Pr 7:9

7:9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the {c} black and dark night:

(c) He shows that there was almost no one so impudent that they were not afraid to be seen, their consciences accusing them and causing them to seek the night to cover their filthiness.

Pr 7:11

7:11
(She {d} [is] loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

(d) He describes certain conditions, which are peculiar to harlots.

Pr 7:14

7:14 [I have] {e} peace offerings with me; this {f} day have I paid my vows.

(e) Because in peace offerings a portion is returned to them that offered, she shows him that she has meat at home to make good cheer with or else she would use some cloak of holiness till she had gotten him in her snares.
(f) Which declares that harlots outwardly will seem holy and religious: both because they may better deceive others, and also thinking to observe ceremonies and offerings to make satisfaction for their sins.

Pr 7:22

7:22 He goeth after her quickly, as an {g} ox goeth to the slaughter, or {h} as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

(g) Which thinking he goes to the pasture goes willingly to his own destruction.
(h) Who goes cheerfully, not knowing that he will be chastised.

Pr 7:26

7:26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many {i} strong [men] have been slain by her.

(i) Neither wit nor strength can deliver them who fall into the hands of the harlot.

Pr 8:1

8:1 Doth not {a} wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

(a) Solomon declares that man is the cause of his own perdition and that he cannot pretend ignorance, for God calls all men by his word and his works to follow virtue and flee from vice.

Pr 8:3

8:3 She crieth at {b} the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors.

(b) Where the people resorted most and which was the place of justice.

Pr 8:9

8:9 They [are] all {c} plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

(c) Meaning that the word of God is easy to all that have a desire for it and are not blinded by the prince of this world.

Pr 8:12

8:12 I wisdom dwell with {d} prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion.

(d) That is, unless a man has wisdom, which is the true knowledge of God, he can be neither a prudent nor good counsellor.

Pr 8:13

8:13 The fear of the LORD [is] to hate {e} evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the perverse mouth, do I hate.

(e) So that he who does not hate evil, does not fear God.

Pr 8:15

8:15 By me {f} kings reign, and princes decree justice.

(f) By which he declares that honours, dignities or riches do not come from man's wisdom or industry, but by the providence of God.

Pr 8:17

8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me {g} early shall find me.

(g) That is, study the word of God diligently, and with a desire to profit.

Pr 8:18

8:18 Riches and honour [are] with me; {h} durable riches and righteousness.

(h) Signifying that he chiefly means the spiritual treasures and heavenly riches.

Pr 8:20

8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of {i} judgment:

(i) For there can be no true justice or judgment, which is not rejected by this wisdom.

Pr 8:22

8:22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, {k} before his works of old.

(k) He declares by this the divinity and eternity of this wisdom, which he magnifies and praises through this book: meaning by this the eternal Son of God, Jesus Christ our Saviour, whom John calls the Word that was in the beginning Joh 1:1.

Pr 8:23

8:23 {l} I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

(l) He declares the eternity of the Son of God, who was before all time, and ever present with the father.

Pr 8:30

8:30 Then I was by him, {m} [as] one brought up [with him]: and I was daily [his] delight, rejoicing always before him;

(m) Some read, a chief worker signifying that this wisdom, Christ Jesus, was equal with God his father, and created, preserves and still works with him, as in Joh 5:17.

Pr 8:31

8:31 {n} Rejoicing in the habitable part of {o} his earth; and my delights [were] with the sons of men.

(n) By which is declared that the work of the creation was no pain, but a solace to the wisdom of God.
(o) By earth he means men, which is the work of God in whom wisdom took pleasure: in that as for man's sake the divine wisdom took man's nature, and dwelt among us, and filled us with unspeakable treasures, and this is the solace and pastime of which is here spoken.

Pr 9:1

9:1 Wisdom hath built her {a} house, she hath hewn out her {b} seven pillars:

(a) Christ has prepared him a Church.
(b) That is, many chief supports and principal parts of his Church, as were the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, pastors and teachers.

Pr 9:2

9:2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mixed her wine; she hath also {c} furnished her table.

Pr 9:3

9:3 She hath sent forth her {d} maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

(d) Meaning, true preachers, who are not infected with man's wisdom.

Pr 9:4

9:4 Whoever [is] {e} simple, let him turn in here: [as for] him that lacketh understanding, she saith to him,

(e) He who knows his own ignorance, and is void of malice.

Pr 9:5

9:5 Come, eat of my {f} bread, and drink of the wine [which] I have mixed.

(f) By meat and drink is meant the word of God, and the ministration of the sacraments, by which God nourishes his servants in his house which is the Church.

Pr 9:7

9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a {g} blot.

(g) For the wicked will contemn him and labour to defame him.

Pr 9:8

9:8 Reprove not a {h} scorner, lest he shall hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

(h) Meaning them who are incorrigible, which Christ calls dogs and swine: or he speaks this in comparison, not that the wicked should not be rebuked, but he shows their malice, and the small hope of the profit.

Pr 9:10

9:10 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One [is] {i} understanding.

(i) He shows what true understanding is, to know the will of God in his word which is meant by holy things.

Pr 9:12

9:12 If thou art wise, thou shalt be wise for {k} thyself: but [if] thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear [it].

(k) You will have the chief profit and convenience of it.

Pr 9:13

9:13 A {l} foolish woman [is] clamorous: [she is] simple, and knoweth nothing.

(l) By the foolish woman, some understand the wicked preachers, who counterfeit the word of God: as appears in Pr 9:16 which were the words of the true preachers as in Pr 9:4 but their doctrine is as stolen waters: meaning that they are men's traditions, which are more pleasant to the flesh than the word of God, and therefore they themselves boast of it.

Pr 10:2

10:2 Treasures of {a} wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

(a) That is, wickedly gotten.

Pr 10:3

10:3 The LORD will {b} not allow the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

(b) Though he permits the just to want for a time, yet he will send him comfort in due season.

Pr 10:6

10:6 Blessings [are] upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of {c} the wicked.

Pr 10:7

10:7 The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall {d} perish.

(d) Shall be vile and abhorred both by God and man, contrary to their own expectation, who think to make their name immortal.

Pr 10:10

10:10 He that {e} winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a {f} prating fool shall fall.

(e) That bears a fair countenance and imagines mischief in his heart, as in Pr 6:13.
(f) For the corruption of his heart is known by his talk.

Pr 10:13

10:13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but {g} a rod [is] for the back of him that is void of understanding.

(g) That is, God will find him out to punish him.

Pr 10:15

10:15 The rich man's wealth [is] his {h} strong city: the destruction of the poor [is] their poverty.

(h) And so makes him bold to do evil, while poverty bridles the poor from many evil things.

Pr 10:21

10:21 The lips of the righteous {i} feed many: but fools die for lack of wisdom.

(i) For they speak truth and edify many by exhortations, admonition and counsel.

Pr 10:22

10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth {k} no sorrow with it.

(k) Meaning that all worldly things bring care and sorrow, where as they who feel the blessings of God have none.

Pr 10:26

10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so [is] the sluggard to them that {l} send him.

(l) He is trouble and grief to him about any business.

Pr 10:27

10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked {m} shall be shortened.

(m) The time of their prosperity will be short because of their great fall, though they seem to live long.

Pr 10:30

10:30 The righteous shall {n} never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

(n) They enjoy in this life by faith and hope, their everlasting life.

Pr 11:1

11:1 A false {a} balance [is] abomination to the LORD: but a just weight [is] his delight.

(a) Under this word he condemns all false weights, measures and deceit.

Pr 11:2

11:2 [When] pride cometh, then cometh {b} shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom.

(b) When man so gets himself, and thinks to be exalted above his calling then God brings him to confusion.

Pr 11:8

11:8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his {c} stead.

Pr 11:9

11:9 An {d} hypocrite with [his] mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

(d) A deceiver who pretends friendship, but privately is an enemy.

Pr 11:10

11:10 When the righteous prosper, the city {e} rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting.

(e) The country is blessed, where there are godly men, and they ought to rejoice when the wicked are taken away.

Pr 11:12

11:12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding {f} holdeth his peace.

(f) Will not make light report of others.

Pr 11:14

11:14 Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of {g} counsellors [there is] safety.

(g) Where God gives store of men of wisdom and counsel.

Pr 11:15

11:15 He that is surety for a {h} stranger shall smart [for it]: and he {i} that hateth suretiship is secure.

(h) He who does not without judgment and consideration of the circumstances put himself in danger, as in Pr 6:1.
(i) He who does not co-sign loans for others is very wise.

Pr 11:17

11:17 The merciful man {k} doeth good to his own soul: but [he that is] cruel troubleth his own flesh.

(k) Rewards both himself and others.

Pr 11:21

11:21 {l} [Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

(l) Though they make many friends, or think themselves sure, yet they will not escape.

Pr 11:23

11:23 The desire of the righteous [is] only good: [but] the expectation of the wicked {m} [is] wrath.

(m) They can look for nothing but God's vengeance.

Pr 11:24

11:24 There is that scattereth, {n} and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more {o} than is right, but [it tendeth] to poverty.

(n) Meaning they who give liberally, whom God blesses.
(o) That is, the miser.

Pr 11:26

11:26 He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him: but blessing [shall be] upon the head of him that {p} selleth [it].

(p) That provides for the use of them who are in need.

Pr 11:29

11:29 He that troubleth his own {q} house shall inherit the wind: and the fool [shall be] {r} servant to the wise of heart.

(q) The covetous men who spare their riches to the hinderance of their families, will be deprived of it miserably.
(r) For though the wicked are rich, yet they are only slaves to the godly, who are the true possessors of the gifts of God.

Pr 11:30

11:30 The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that {s} winneth souls [is] wise.

(s) That is, brings them to the knowledge of God.

Pr 11:31

11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be {t} recompensed upon the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

(t) Will be punished as he deserves, 1Pe 4:18.

Pr 12:3

12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the {a} root of the righteous shall not be moved.

(a) They are so grounded in the favour of God, that their root will prosper continually.

Pr 12:6

12:6 The words of the wicked [are] to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall {b} deliver them.

(b) As their conscience is upright, so will they be able to speak for themselves against their accusers.

Pr 12:9

12:9 [He that is] despised, {c} and hath a servant, [is] better than he that honoureth himself, and is destitute of bread.

Pr 12:10

12:10 A righteous [man] {d} regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel.

(d) Is merciful, even to the very beast who does him service.

Pr 12:12

12:12 The wicked desireth the {e} net of evil [men]: but the {f} root of the righteous yieldeth [fruit].

(e) Continually imagines ways to harm others.
(f) Meaning, their heart within, which is upright, and does good to all.

Pr 12:15

12:15 The way of a fool [is] {g} right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth to counsel [is] wise.

(g) He stands in his own conceit, and condemns all others in respect to himself.

Pr 12:16

12:16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but {h} a prudent [man] covereth shame.

(h) Who bridles his affections.

Pr 12:18

12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of {i} a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.

(i) Which seek nothing more then to provoke others to anger.

Pr 12:25

12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man weigheth it down: but a {k} good word maketh it glad.

(k) That is, words of comfort, or a cheerful mind which is declared by his words, rejoices a man, as a covetous mind kills him.

Pr 12:26

12:26 The righteous {l} [is] more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

(l) That is, more liberal in giving.

Pr 12:27

12:27 The slothful [man] roasteth not that which he {m} took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man [is] precious.

(m) Although he gets much by unlawful means, yet he will not spend it on himself.

Pr 13:2

13:2 A man shall eat good by the fruit {a} of [his] mouth: but the soul of the transgressors [shall eat] violence.

(a) If he uses his tongue to God's glory, and the profit of his neighbour, God will bless him.

Pr 13:4

13:4 The soul of the sluggard {b} desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

(b) He always desires, but takes no pains to get anything.

Pr 13:8

13:8 The ransom of a man's life [is] his riches: but the poor {c} heareth not rebuke.

Pr 13:10

13:10 Only by pride {d} cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.

(d) When as every man contends to have preeminence, and will not give place to another.

Pr 13:11

13:11 {e} Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth {f} by labour shall increase.

(e) That is, goods evil gotten.
(f) That is, with his own labour.

Pr 13:13

13:13 Whoever despiseth {g} the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

(g) Meaning the word of God, by which he is admonished of his duty.

Pr 13:17

13:17 A wicked messenger falleth {h} into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health.

(h) Brings many inconveniences both to himself and to others.

Pr 13:20

13:20 He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be {i} destroyed.

(i) As he is partaker of their wickedness, and bears with their vices, so will he be punished alike as they are.

Pr 13:22

13:22 A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the {k} wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.

(k) Read Job 27:16,17.

Pr 13:23

13:23 Much food [is in] the fallow ground of the {l} poor: but there is [that is] destroyed for lack of judgment.

(l) God blesses the labour of the poor, and consumes their goods who are negligent, because they think they have enough.

Pr 14:1

14:1 Every wise woman {a} buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

(a) That is, takes pains to profit her family, and to do that which concerns her duty in her house.

Pr 14:2

14:2 He that walketh in his {b} uprightness feareth the LORD: but [he that is] perverse in his ways despiseth him.

(b) That is, in uprightness of heart, and without hypocrisy.

Pr 14:3

14:3 In the mouth of the foolish [is] a {c} rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

Pr 14:4

14:4 Where no {d} oxen [are], the crib [is] clean: but much increase [is] by the strength of the ox.

(d) By the ox is meant labour, and by the crib the barn, meaning, without labour there is no profit.

Pr 14:5

14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but {e} a false witness will utter lies.

(e) For the maintenance of his own ambition, and not for God's glory, as Simon Magus.

Pr 14:9

14:9 Fools make a mock at {f} sin: but among the righteous [there is] favour.

(f) Does not know the grievousness of it, nor God's judgments against the same.

Pr 14:10

14:10 The heart knoweth its own {g} bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with its joy.

(g) As a man's conscience is witness to his own grief, so another cannot feel the joy and comfort which a man feels in himself.

Pr 14:13

14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; {h} and the end of that mirth [is] heaviness.

(h) He shows the allurement to sin, that it seems sweet, but the end of it is destruction.

Pr 14:14

14:14 The backslider in heart {i} shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man [shall be satisfied] from himself.

(i) He who forsakes God will be punished, and made weary of his sins, in which he delighted.

Pr 14:19

14:19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked {k} at the gates of the righteous.

(k) If this come not daily to pass, we must consider that it is because of our sins, which hinder God's workings.

Pr 14:28

14:28 In the multitude of {l} people [is] the king's honour: but in the lack of people [is] the destruction of the prince.

(l) That is, the strength of a king stands in many people.

Pr 14:33

14:33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but [that which is] {m} in the midst of fools is made known.

(m) Forasmuch as they are convicted by it, and silenced.

Pr 15:6

15:6 In the house of the righteous [is] much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is {a} trouble.

(a) For though they have much yet it is full of trouble and care.

Pr 15:8

15:8 The {b} sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.

(b) That thing is abominable before God, which the wicked think to be most excellent, and by which they think most to be accepted.

Pr 15:10

15:10 Correction [is] grievous to him that {c} forsaketh the way: [and] he that hateth reproof shall die.

Pr 15:11

15:11 {d} Hell and destruction [are] before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

(d) There is nothing so deep or secret that can be hid from the eyes of God, much less man's thoughts.

Pr 15:19

15:19 The way of the slothful [man is] as an hedge of {e} thorns: but the way of the righteous [is] made plain.

(e) That is, he always finds some hinderance or stay, and dares not go forward.

Pr 15:22

15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but {f} in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

(f) Read Pr 11:14.

Pr 15:23

15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] {g} in due season, how good [it is]!

(g) If we will that our talk be comfortable, we must wait for time and season.

Pr 15:26

15:26 The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the LORD: but [the words] of the pure [are] {h} pleasant words.

(h) That is, wholesome and profitable to the hearers.

Pr 15:31

15:31 The ear that heareth the {i} reproof of life abideth among the wise.

(i) That suffers himself to be admonished by God's word, which brings life: and so amends.

Pr 15:33

15:33 The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] {k} humility.

(k) Meaning, that God exalts no one but them that are truly humbled.

Pr 16:1

16:1 The {a} preparations of the heart belong to man, and the answer of the tongue, [are] from the LORD.

(a) He derides the presumption of man, who dares to attribute anything to himself, as to prepare his heart or such like, seeing that he is not able to speak a word unless God gives it to him.

Pr 16:2

16:2 All the ways of a man [are] {b} clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

(b) He shows by it that man flatters himself in his doings, calling that virtue, which God terms vice.

Pr 16:4

16:4 The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of {c} evil.

Pr 16:6

16:6 By {d} mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.

(d) Their upright and repenting life will be a token that their sins are forgiven.

Pr 16:9

16:9 A {e} man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

(e) He shows the folly of man who thinks that his ways are in his own hand, and yet is not able to move one foot unless God gives force.

Pr 16:11

16:11 A just weight and balance [are] the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag [are] his {f} work.

(f) If they are true and just, they are God's work, and he delights in it, but otherwise if they are false, they are the work of the devil, and to their condemnation that use them.

Pr 16:12

16:12 [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established {g} by righteousness.

(g) They are appointed by God to rule according to equity and justice.

Pr 16:14

16:14 The wrath of a king [is as] {h} messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

(h) That is, he finds many ways to execute his wrath.

Pr 16:15

16:15 In the light of a king's countenance [is] life; and his favour [is] {i} as a cloud of the latter rain.

(i) Which is most comfortable to the dry ground.

Pr 16:21

16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the {k} sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

(k) The sweet words of consolation which come from a godly heart.

Pr 16:22

16:22 Understanding [is] a wellspring of life to him that hath it: but the {l} instruction of fools [is] folly.

(l) Either that which the wicked teach others, or else it is folly to teach them who are malicious.

Pr 16:27

16:27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips [there is] as a {m} burning fire.

(m) For he consumes himself and others.

Pr 16:30

16:30 {n} He shutteth his eyes to devise perverse things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

(n) With his whole endeavour he labours to bring his wickedness to pass.

Pr 16:31

16:31 The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it is found in the way of {o} righteousness.

(o) That is, when it is joined with virtue, or else the older that the wicked are, the more they are to be abhorred.

Pr 16:33

16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but its whole disposing [is] {p} from the LORD.

(p) So that there is nothing that ought to be attributed to fortune: for all things are determined in the counsel of God which will come to pass.

Pr 17:1

17:1 Better [is] a dry morsel, and quietness with it, than an house full of {a} sacrifices [with] strife.

(a) For where there were many sacrifices, there were many portions given to the people, with which they feasted.

Pr 17:2

17:2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the {b} inheritance among the brethren.

(b) That is, will be made governor over the children.

Pr 17:8

17:8 A bribe [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: wherever it {c} turneth, it prospereth.

Pr 17:9

17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth [very] {d} friends.

(d) He that admonishes the prince of his fault makes him his enemy.

Pr 17:11

17:11 An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel {e} messenger shall be sent against him.

(e) By the messenger is meant such means as God uses to punish the rebels.

Pr 17:12

17:12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than {f} a fool in his folly.

(f) By which he means the wicked in his rage, who has no fear of God.

Pr 17:16

17:16 Why [is there] a {g} price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]?

(g) What good does it do the wicked to be rich, seeing he does not set his mind to wisdom?

Pr 17:17

17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a {h} brother is born for adversity.

(h) So that he is more than a friend, even a brother that helps in time of adversity.

Pr 17:18

17:18 A man void of understanding {i} striketh hands, [and] becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

(i) Read Pr 6:1.

Pr 17:19

17:19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: [and] he that exalteth his {k} gate seeketh destruction.

(k) Lifts up himself above his degree.

Pr 17:23

17:23 A wicked [man] taketh a bribe out of the {l} bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

(l) That is, secretly and out of the bosom of the rich.

Pr 17:24

17:24 Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool [are] in the {m} ends of the earth.

(m) That is, wander to and fro, and seek not after wisdom.

Pr 17:26

17:26 Also to punish the just [is] not good, [nor] to strike princes {n} for equity.

(n) For their well doing.

Pr 18:1

18:1 Through desire a man, having {a} separated himself, seeketh [and] intermeddleth with all wisdom.

(a) He who loves wisdom will separate himself from all impediments, and give himself wholly to seek it.

Pr 18:2

18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may {b} reveal itself.

(b) That is, that he may talk licentiously of whatever comes to mind.

Pr 18:3

18:3 When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also {c} contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

Pr 18:4

18:4 The words of a man's mouth [are as] deep {d} waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.

(d) Which can never be drawn empty, but always bring profit.

Pr 18:5

18:5 [It is] not good to {e} accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

(e) That is, to favour him and support him.

Pr 18:8

18:8 The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the {f} innermost parts of the belly.

(f) They are soon believed and enter most deeply.

Pr 18:10

18:10 The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth {g} into it, and is safe.

(g) He shows the refuge of the godly against all trouble.

Pr 18:14

18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but {h} a wounded spirit who can bear?

(h) The mind can well bear the infirmity of the body, but when the spirit is wounded, it is hard to sustain.

Pr 18:16

18:16 A man's gift {i} maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

(i) Gets him liberty to speak, and the favour of them that are esteemed.

Pr 18:17

18:17 {k} [He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

(k) He who speaks first, is best heard from the wicked judge, but when his adversary enquires out the matter it turns to his shame.

Pr 18:18

18:18 The lot {l} causeth contentions to cease, and {m} parteth between the mighty.

(l) If a controversy cannot otherwise be decided, it is best to cast lots to know whose the thing will be.
(m) Appeases their controversy, who are so stout that they cannot otherwise be pacified.

Pr 18:19

18:19 A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city: and [their] contentions [are] like the {n} bars of a castle.

(n) Which for the strength of it will not bow or yield.

Pr 18:21

18:21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that {o} love it shall eat the fruit of it.

(o) By the using the tongue well or evil, comes the fruit of it either good or bad.

Pr 18:22

18:22 [Whoever] findeth a {p} wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour from the LORD.

(p) He who is joined with a virtuous woman in marriage is blessed by the Lord, as in Pr 19:14.

Pr 18:24

18:24 A man [that hath] friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer {q} than a brother.

(q) That is, often such are found who are more ready to do pleasure, than he that is more bound by duty.

Pr 19:7

19:7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth [them {a} with] words, [yet] they [are] lacking [to him].

(a) To have comfort from them.

Pr 19:8

19:8 He that getteth wisdom {b} loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

(b) He that is upright in judgment finds favour from God.

Pr 19:10

19:10 {c} Delight is not proper for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

Pr 19:11

19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory {d} to pass over a transgression.

(d) That is, to cover it by charity, and to do in it as may most serve to God's glory.

Pr 19:13

19:13 A foolish son [is] the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife [are] a continual {e} dropping.

(e) As rain that drops and rots the house.

Pr 19:19

19:19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou {f} deliver [him], yet thou must do it again.

(f) Though for a time he gives place to counsel, yet soon after will he give place to his raging affections.

Pr 19:21

19:21 [There are] many devices in a {g} man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

(g) Man's device will not have success, unless God governs it, whose purpose is unchangeable.

Pr 19:22

19:22 The desire of a man [is] his {h} kindness: and a poor man [is] better than a liar.

(h) That is, that he be honest: for the poor man who is honest is to be esteemed above the rich who is not virtuous.

Pr 19:25

19:25 Smite a scorner, and the {i} simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge.

(i) That is, the simple and ignorant men learn when they see the wicked punished.

Pr 19:28

19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked {k} devoureth iniquity.

(k) Takes a pleasure and delight in it, as gluttons and drunkards in delicate meats and drinks.

Pr 20:1

20:1 {a} Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whoever is deceived by it is not wise.

(a) By wine here is meant him that is given to wine, and so by strong drink.

Pr 20:2

20:2 The fear of a king [is] as the roaring of a lion: [whoever] provoketh him to anger {b} sinneth [against] his own soul.

(b) Puts his life in danger.

Pr 20:5

20:5 Counsel in the heart of {c} man [is like] deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

(c) It is hard to find out: for it is as deep waters, whose bottom cannot be found: yet the wise man will know a man either by his words or manners.

Pr 20:8

20:8 A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment {d} scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

(d) Where righteous judgment is executed, there sin ceases, and vice dare not appear.

Pr 20:10

20:10 Differing weights, [and] differing measures, both of {e} them [are] alike abomination to the LORD.

(e) Read Pr 16:11.

Pr 20:16

20:16 Take his {f} garment that is surety [for] a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

(f) Teach him wit, that he cast not himself rashly into danger.

Pr 20:25

20:25 [It is] a snare to the man [who] {g} devoureth [that which is] holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

(g) That is, to apply or take for his own use, that which was appointed to God's and then ask how he may be exempted from the fault.

Pr 20:26

20:26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the {h} wheel over them.

(h) Which was a kind of punishment then used.

Pr 20:27

20:27 The {i} spirit of man [is] the lamp of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

(i) The word of God gives life to man and causes us to see and try the secret of our dark hearts, He 4:12.

Pr 20:30

20:30 {k} The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so [do] stripes the inward parts of the belly.

(k) Sharp punishment that pierces even the inward parts is profitable for the wicked to bring them to amendment.

Pr 21:1

21:1 The {a} king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it wherever he will.

(a) Though kings seem to have all things at commandment, they are not able to bring their own purposes to pass unless God has appointed: much less are the inferiors able.

Pr 21:4

21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the {b} plowing of the wicked, [is] sin.

(b) That is, the thing by which he is guided or which he brings forth as the fruit of his work.

Pr 21:5

21:5 The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of {c} every one [that is] hasty only to want.

Pr 21:7

21:7 The {d} robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

(d) He means this chiefly of judges and princes who leave that calling, to which God has called them, and impoverish their subjects to maintain their lusts.

Pr 21:11

21:11 {e} When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

(e) Read Pr 19:25.

Pr 21:12

21:12 The righteous [man] wisely {f} considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness.

(f) Though the godly admonish them both by words and example of life, yet the wicked will not amend, till God destroys them.

Pr 21:14

21:14 A {g} gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

(g) To do a pleasure to the angry man pacifies him.

Pr 21:18

21:18 The {h} wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

(h) God will cause that to fall on their own heads, which they intended against the just by delivering the just, and putting the wicked in their places.

Pr 21:20

21:20 [There is] a treasure to be desired and {i} oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

(i) Meaning, abundance of all things.

Pr 21:22

21:22 A {k} wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of its confidence.

(k) Wisdom overcomes strength and confidence in worldly things.

Pr 21:25

21:25 The desire of the slothful {l} killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

(l) He thinks to live by wishing and desiring all things, but will make no effort to get anything.

Pr 21:28

21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth {m} speaketh constantly.

(m) He may boldly testify the truth that he has heard.

Pr 22:1

22:1 A [good] name [is] rather to be chosen than great riches, [and] {a} loving favour rather than silver and gold.

(a) Which comes by well doing.

Pr 22:2

22:2 The rich and poor {b} meet together: the LORD [is] the maker of them all.

(b) Live together, and have need the one of the other.

Pr 22:3

22:3 A prudent [man] {c} foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Pr 22:6

22:6 Train up a child {d} in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

(d) Bring him up virtuously and he will continue so.

Pr 22:8

22:8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the {e} rod of his anger shall fail.

(e) His authority by which he oppressed others, will be taken from him.

Pr 22:9

22:9 He that hath a bountiful {f} eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

(f) He that is merciful and liberal.

Pr 22:11

22:11 He that loveth pureness of heart, [for] the grace of his lips the {g} king [shall be] his friend.

(g) He shows that princes should use their familiarity, whose conscience is good, and their talk wise and godly.

Pr 22:12

22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve {h} knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

(h) Favour them that love knowledge.

Pr 22:13

22:13 The slothful [man] saith, {i} [There is] a lion outside, I shall be slain in the streets.

(i) He derides them that invent vain excuses, because they would not do their duty.

Pr 22:14

22:14 The mouth of strange women [is] a deep pit: he that is abhorred by the LORD {k} shall fall in it.

(k) So God punishes one sin by another, when he suffers the wicked to fall into the acquaintance of a harlot.

Pr 22:15

22:15 Foolishness [is] bound {l} in the heart of a child; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

(l) He is naturally given to it.

Pr 22:19

22:19 That thy trust may be in {m} the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

(m) He shows what the end of wisdom is: that is, to direct us to the Lord.

Pr 22:20

22:20 Have not I written to thee {n} excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

(n) That is, various times.

Pr 22:24

22:24 Make {o} no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

(o) Have nothing to do with him that is not able to rule his affections: for he would hurt you by his evil conversation.

Pr 22:26

22:26 Be not thou [one] of them that {p} strike hands, [or] of them that are sureties for debts.

(p) Who rashly put themselves in danger for others, as in Pr 6:2.

Pr 23:1

23:1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, {a} consider diligently what [is] before thee:

(a) Eat with sobriety.

Pr 23:2

23:2 {b} And put a knife to thy throat, if thou [art] a man given to appetite.

(b) Bridle your appetite, as if by force and violence.

Pr 23:3

23:3 Be not desirous of his dainties: {c} for they [are] deceitful food.

(c) For often the rich when they bid their inferiors to their tables, it is not for the love they bear them, but for their own secret purposes.

Pr 23:4

23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thy own {d} wisdom.

(d) Bestow not the gifts that God has given you, to get worldly riches.

Pr 23:6

23:6 Eat thou not the bread of [him that hath] an {e} evil eye, neither desire thou his delicacies:

(e) That is, covetous, as contrary a good eye is taken for liberal as in Pr 22:9.

Pr 23:8

23:8 The {f} morsel [which] thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

(f) He will not cease till he has done you some harm, and his flattering words will come to no use.

Pr 23:14

23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from {g} hell.

(g) That is, from destruction.

Pr 23:18

23:18 For surely there is an end; {h} and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

(h) The prosperity of the wicked will not continue.

Pr 23:19

23:19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thy heart in the {i} way.

(i) In the observation of God's commandments.

Pr 23:23

23:23 Buy {k} the truth, and sell [it] not; [also] wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

(k) Spare no cost for truths sake, neither depart from it for any gain.

Pr 23:26

23:26 My son, give me {l} thy heart, and let thy eyes observe my ways.

(l) Give yourself wholly to wisdom.

Pr 23:28

23:28 She also lieth in wait as [for] a prey, {m} and increaseth the transgressors among men.

(m) She seduces many and causes them to offend God.

Pr 23:30

23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go {n} to seek mixed wine.

(n) Who by art make wine stronger and more pleasant.

Pr 23:33

23:33 Thy {o} eyes shall behold strange women, and thy heart shall utter perverse things.

(o) That is, drunkenness will bring you to whoredom.

Pr 23:34

23:34 And thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the {p} sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

(p) In such great danger will you be.

Pr 23:35

23:35 They have stricken me, [shalt thou say, and] I was not sick; they have beaten me, [and] I felt [it] not: when shall I awake? I will {q} seek it yet again.

(q) Though drunkenness makes them more insensible then beasts, yet they can not refrain.

Pr 24:7

24:7 Wisdom [is] too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the {a} gate.

(a) In the place where wisdom should be shown.

Pr 24:10

24:10 [If] thou {b} faintest in the day of adversity, thy strength [is] small.

(b) Man has no trial of his strength till he is in trouble.

Pr 24:11

24:11 If thou refraineth to deliver [them that are] drawn to {c} death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;

Pr 24:13

24:13 My son, eat thou {d} honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste:

(d) As honey is sweet and pleasant to the taste, so wisdom is to the soul.

Pr 24:16

24:16 For a just [man] {e} falleth seven times, and riseth again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

(e) He is subject to many perils, but God delivers him.

Pr 24:18

24:18 Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath {f} from him.

(f) To be avenged on you.

Pr 24:22

24:22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them {g} both?

(g) Meaning, either of the wicked and seditious, as in Pr 24:19,21 or of them who do not fear God or obey their king.

Pr 24:27

24:27 Prepare thy work outside, and make it fit for thyself in the field; {h} and afterwards build thy house.

(h) Be sure of the means how to compass it, before you take any enterprise in hand.

Pr 24:29

24:29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I {i} will render to the man according to his work.

(i) He shows what is the nature of the wicked, to revenge wrong for wrong.

Pr 24:32

24:32 Then I saw, [and] considered [it] well: I looked upon [it, and] received {k} instruction.

(k) That I might learn by another man's fault.

Pr 24:33

24:33 [Yet] a little sleep, {l} a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

(l) Read Geneva "Pr 6:10"

Pr 25:1

25:1 These [are] also proverbs of Solomon, which the {a} men of Hezekiah king of Judah {b} copied out.

(a) Whom Hezekiah appointed for this purpose.
(b) That is, gathered out of various books of Solomon.

Pr 25:2

25:2 [It is] the glory of God to {c} conceal a thing: but the honour of {d} kings [is] to search out a matter.

(c) God does not reveal the cause of his judgments to man.
(d) Because the king rules by the revealed word of God, the cause of his doings must appear, and therefore he must use diligence in trying causes.

Pr 25:3

25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of {e} kings [is] unsearchable.

(e) He shows that it is too hard for man to attain the reason of all the secret doings of the king, even when he is upright and does his duty.

Pr 25:4

25:4 Take away the {f} dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the refiner.

(f) When vice is removed from a king, he is a meet vessel for the Lord's use.

Pr 25:5

25:5 Take {g} away the wicked [from] before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

(g) It is not enough that he is pure himself, but that he put away others who are corrupted.

Pr 25:10

25:10 Lest he that heareth [it] put thee to shame, and thy infamy {h} turn not away.

(h) Lest while you think by this means to have an end of the matter, it put you to further trouble.

Pr 25:13

25:13 As the cold of snow {i} in the time of harvest, [so is] a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

(i) In the time of great heat, when men desire cold.

Pr 25:14

25:14 Whoever boasteth himself of a false gift [is like] {k} clouds and wind without rain.

(k) Which have an outward appearance, and are nothing within.

Pr 25:15

25:15 By long {l} forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the {m} bone.

(l) By not creating opportunity to provoke him further.
(m) That is, the heart that is bent to anger, as in Pr 15:1.

Pr 25:16

25:16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is {n} sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled with it, and vomit it.

(n) Use moderately the pleasures of this world.

Pr 25:20

25:20 [As] he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, [and as] vinegar upon {o} soda, so [is] he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

(o) Which melts it, and consumes it.

Pr 25:22

25:22 For thou shalt heap {p} coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

(p) You will, as if by force, overcome him, in so much that his own conscience will move him to acknowledge the benefits, and his heart will be inflamed.

Pr 25:28

25:28 He that [hath] no rule over his own spirit [is like] a city [that is] {q} broken down, [and] without walls.

(q) And so is in extreme danger.

Pr 26:4

26:4 Answer not a fool {a} according to his folly, lest thou also be like him.

(a) Consent not to him in his doings.

Pr 26:5

26:5 Answer a fool {b} according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

(b) Reprove him as the matter requires.

Pr 26:6

26:6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off {c} the feet, {d} [and] drinketh damage.

Pr 26:9

26:9 [As] a thorn goeth {e} up into the hand of a drunkard, so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.

(e) By which he hurts both himself and others.

Pr 26:10

26:10 {f} The great [God] that formed all [things] both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

(f) Meaning God.

Pr 26:12

26:12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] {g} more hope of a fool than of him.

(g) For the fool would rather be counselled than he: also the fool sins out of ignorance, and the other out of malice.

Pr 26:13

26:13 The slothful [man] saith, {h} [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets.

(h) Read Pr 22:13.

Pr 26:19

26:19 So [is] the man [that] deceiveth {i} his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

(i) Who disguises himself to be that which he is not.

Pr 26:23

26:23 Burning lips and {k} a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross.

(k) They will soon break out and utter themselves.

Pr 26:25

26:25 When he speaketh kindly, believe him not: for [there are] {l} seven abominations in his heart.

(l) Meaning many: he uses a certain number for the uncertain.

Pr 26:26

26:26 [Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be revealed before the [whole] {m} congregation.

(m) In the assembly of the godly.

Pr 27:1

27:1 Boast not thyself of to {a} morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

(a) Do not delay the time, but take the opportunity when it is offered.

Pr 27:4

27:4 Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous; but who [is] able to stand before {b} envy?

(b) For the envious are obstinate, and cannot be reconciled.

Pr 27:6

27:6 Faithful [are] the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy [are] {c} deceitful.

Pr 27:10

27:10 Thy own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's {d} house in the day of thy calamity: [for] better [is] a neighbour [that is] near than a brother far off.

(d) Do not trust any worldly help in the day of your trouble.

Pr 27:12

27:12 {e} A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, [and] hideth himself; [but] the simple pass on, [and] are punished.

(e) Read Geneva "Pr 22:3"

Pr 27:14

27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising {f} early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

(f) Hastily and without cause.

Pr 27:17

27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a {g} man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

(g) One hasty man provokes another to anger.

Pr 27:19

27:19 As in water face [answereth] to face, {h} so the heart of man to man.

(h) There is no difference between men by nature, only the grace of God makes the difference.

Pr 27:21

27:21 [As] the refining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so [is] a man to his {i} praise.

(i) That is, he is either known to be ambitious and glorious, or humble and modest.

Pr 27:26

27:26 The {k} lambs [are] for thy clothing, and the goats [are] the price of the field.

(k) This declares the great goodness of God towards man, and the diligence that he requires from him for the preservation of his gifts.

Pr 28:1

28:1 The wicked {a} flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

(a) Because their own conscience accuses them.

Pr 28:2

28:2 For the transgression of a land {b} many [are] its princes: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge [its] state shall be prolonged.

(b) The state of the commonwealth is often changed.

Pr 28:8

28:8 He that by interest and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather {c} it for him that will pity the poor.

Pr 28:9

28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] {d} abomination.

(d) Because it is not of faith which is grounded on God's word or law which the wicked contemn.

Pr 28:11

28:11 The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit; but the poor man that hath understanding searcheth {e} him out.

(e) And judge that he is not wise.

Pr 28:12

28:12 When righteous [men] rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man {f} is hidden.

(f) He is known by his doings to be wicked.

Pr 28:14

28:14 Happy [is] the man that {g} feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

(g) Which stands in awe of God, and is afraid to offend him.

Pr 28:15

28:15 [As] a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; [so is] {h} a wicked ruler over the poor people.

(h) For he can never be satisfied but always oppresses and spoils.

Pr 28:17

28:17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man {i} sustain him.

(i) No one will be able to deliver him.

Pr 28:21

28:21 To have respect of persons [is] not good: for for a piece of {k} bread [that] man will transgress.

(k) He will be abused for nothing.

Pr 28:22

28:22 He that hasteneth to be rich [hath] an evil {l} eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

(l) Meaning, he that is covetous.

Pr 28:25

28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made {m} fat.

(m) Will have all things in abundance.

Pr 29:5

29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour {a} spreadeth a net for his feet.

(a) He who gives ear to the flatterer is in danger as the bird is before the fowler.

Pr 29:6

29:6 In the transgression of an evil man [there is] a {b} snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

(b) He is always ready to fall into the snare that he lays for others.

Pr 29:9

29:9 [If] a wise man contendeth with {c} a foolish man, whether he rageth or laugheth, [there is] no rest.

Pr 29:18

29:18 {d} Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.

(d) Where there are not faithful ministers of the word of God.

Pr 29:19

29:19 A {e} servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understandeth he will not answer.

(e) He who is of a servile and rebellious nature.

Pr 29:25

29:25 The fear of man bringeth a {f} snare: but he who putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

(f) He who fears man more than God falls into a snare and is destroyed.

Pr 29:26

29:26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but [every] man's {g} judgment [cometh] from the LORD.

(g) He does not need to flatter the ruler, for what God has appointed will come to him.

Pr 30:1

30:1 The words of {a} Agur the son of Jakeh, [even] the prophecy: the man spoke to Ithiel, even to {b} Ithiel and Ucal,

(a) Who was an excellent man in virtue and knowledge in the time of Solomon.
(b) Who were Agur's scholars or friends.

Pr 30:2

30:2 Surely I [am] more {c} senseless than [any] man, and have not the understanding of a man.

Pr 30:4

30:4 Who hath ascended into {d} heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name, and what [is] his son's name, if thou canst tell?

(d) Meaning, to know the secrets of God, as though he would say, "None".

Pr 30:7

30:7 Two {e} [things] have I required of thee; deny [them] not to me before I die:

(e) He makes this request to God.

Pr 30:9

30:9 Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, {f} Who [is] the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain].

(f) Meaning, that they who put their trust in their riches forget God and that by too much wealth men have an opportunity to the same.

Pr 30:10

30:10 Accuse not a servant to his master, lest he curse thee, {g} and thou be found guilty.

(g) In accusing him without cause.

Pr 30:15

30:15 The horseleach hath two {h} daughters, [crying], Give, give. There are three [things that] are never satisfied, [yea], four [things] say not, [It is] enough:

(h) The leach has two forks in her tongue, which here he calls her two daughters, by which she sucks the blood, and is never satisfied: even so, the covetous extortioners are insatiable.

Pr 30:17

30:17 The eye [that] mocketh at [its] father, and despiseth to obey [its] mother, the ravens {i} of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

(i) Which hunt in the valley for carrion.

Pr 30:20

30:20 Such [is] the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and {k} wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

(k) She has her desires, and later counterfeits as though she were an honest woman.

Pr 30:22

30:22 For {l} a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with food;

(l) These commonly abuse the state to which they are called.

Pr 30:23

30:23 For an odious [woman] when she is married; and an handmaid that is {m} heir to her mistress.

(m) Who is married to her master after the death of her mistress.

Pr 30:24

30:24 There are four [things which are] little upon the earth, but they [are] very {n} wise:

(n) They contain great doctrine and wisdom.

Pr 30:28

30:28 The spider taketh hold {o} with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

(o) If man is not able to compass these common things by his wisdom, we cannot attribute wisdom to man, but folly.

Pr 30:32

30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, [lay] thy hand {p} upon thy mouth.

(p) Make a stay and continue not in doing evil.

Pr 31:1

31:1 The words of king {a} Lemuel, the {b} prophecy that his mother taught him.

(a) That is, of Solomon who was called Lemuel, that is, of God, because God had ordained him to be king over Israel.
(b) The doctrine which his mother Bathsheba taught him.

Pr 31:2

31:2 What, my son? and what, the son of {c} my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

Pr 31:3

31:3 Give not thy strength to women, {d} nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

(d) Meaning, that women are the destruction of kings, if they hunt them.

Pr 31:4

31:4 [It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, [it is] not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes {e} strong drink:

(e) That is, the king must not give himself to wantonness, and neglect of his office, which is to execute judgment.

Pr 31:7

31:7 Let him drink, and forget {f} his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

(f) For wine comforts the heart as in Ps 104:15.

Pr 31:8

31:8 Open thy mouth for the {g} dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

(g) Defend their cause that are not able to help themselves.

Pr 31:11

31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of {h} spoil.

(h) He will not need to use any unlawful means to gain his living.

Pr 31:15

31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth food to her household, and a {i} portion to her maidens.

(i) She prepares their food early.

Pr 31:16

31:16 She considereth a field, and {k} buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

(k) She purchases it with the gains of her travail.

Pr 31:23

31:23 Her husband is known in the {l} gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

(l) In the assemblies and places of judgment.

Pr 31:25

31:25 {m} Strength and honour [are] her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

(m) After he had spoken of the apparel of the body, he now declares the apparel of the spirit.

Pr 31:26

31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and on her tongue [is] the {n} law of kindness.

(n) Her tongue is a book by which one might learn many good things: for she delights to talk of the word of God.

Pr 31:28

31:28 Her children rise up, and {o} call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her.

(o) That is, do her reverence.

Pr 31:31

31:31 Give {p} her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the {q} gates.

(p) Confess her diligent labours, and commend her therefore.
(q) Forasmuch as the most honourable are clad in the apparel that she made.

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