"her house inclineth unto death, and "her paths unto the dead; 19. None "that go unto her return (r) again, "neither take (s) they hold of the "paths of life ;) 20. That thou (t) 66 mayest walk in the way of good men, "and keep the paths of the righteous. "21. For the upright shall dwell in "the land, and the perfect shall remain ❝ in it. 22. But the wicked shall be "cut off from the earth, and the trans

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gressors shall be rooted out of it."

CHAP. III.

My son, forget not my law; but let "thine heart keep my commandments: "2. For length of days, and long life, "and peace shall they add to thee. "3. Let not mercy and truth forsake "thee: bind them about thy neck, "write them upon the table of thine "heart. 4. So shalt thou find favour "and good understanding in the sight "of God and man. 5. Trust in the "LORD with all thine heart; and lean "not unto (u) thine own understand

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lighteth. 13. Happy is the man that "findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14. For the " merchandize of it is better than the "merchandize of silver, and the gain "thereof than fine gold. 15. She is "more precious than rubies: and all "the things thou canst desire, are not "to be compared unto her. 16. Length "of days is in her right hand: and in "her left hand riches and honour. "17. Her ways are ways of pleasant

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ness, and all her paths are peace. "18. She is a tree of life to them that "lay hold upon her; and happy is

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every one that retaineth her. 19. The "LORD by wisdom bath founded the "earth; by understanding hath be "established the heavens. 20. By his "knowledge the depths are broken up, "and the clouds drop down the dew. "21. My son, let not them (y) depart "from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom "and discretion. 22. So shall they be "life unto thy soul, and grace to thy "neck. 23. Then shalt thou walk in "thy way safely, and thy foot shall not "stumble. 24. When thou liest down, "thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou "shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be "sweet. 25. Be (2) not afraid of sud"den fear, neither of the desolation of "the wicked, when it cometh. 26. For "the LORD shall be thy confidence, and "shall keep thy foot from being taken. "27. Withhold not good from them "to whom it is due, when it is in the "power of thine hand to do it. 28. Say "not unto thy neighbour, "Go and

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come again, and to-morrow I will "give;" when thou hast it by thee. "29. Devise not evil against thy neigh

(u) v. 5. "Unto," or "on," Wils. Hebr. Gr. 101.

(x) v. 12. "Even, &c." or, "and scourg "eth every son whom he accepteth. Wils. 103." See Hebr. xii. 6.

(y) v. 21. "Them," i. e. "sound wis "dom and discretion;" as if the sentences, "let, &c." and "keep, &c." were transposed.

(≈) v. 25. “Be not, &c." or, "thou shalt not, &c."

"bour, seeing (a) he dwelleth se"curely (b) by thee. 30. Strive not "with a man without cause, if he have "done thee no harm. 31. Envy thou "not the oppressor, and choose none "of his ways. 32. For the froward is

❝ abomination to the LORD: but his se"cret (c) is with the righteous. 33. The "curse of the LORD is in the house of "the wicked: but he blesseth the ha"bitation of the just. 34. Surely he "scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. 35. The wise "shall inherit glory, but shame shall "be the promotion (d) of fools."

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CHAP. XI.

A FALSE balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. 2. When pride cometh, then cometh shame but with the lowly is (e) wisdom. 3. The integrity of the upright shall guide (g) them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy (g) them. 4. Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. 5. The righteousness of the perfect shall direct (h) his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 6. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in (i) their

(a) v. 29. “ Seeing, &c." or even him "that dwelleth securely by thee." (6) "Securely," i. e. "quietly and with"out suspicion;" doing thee no wrong, and expecting none from thee.

(c) v. 32. Secret," or "protection." (d) v. 35. "The promotion;" "the only "distinction they shall obtain."

(e) v. 2. "Wisdom;" and, consequently, "reputation." See Prov. xii. 8. "A man "shall be commended according to his "wisdom."

(g) v. 3. “Guide," i. e. "into safety;" "destroy," i. e. "lead into destruction.' (h) " Direct," i. e. " make safe."

(i) v. 6. "In," or "by." "Their own "sins shall make them perish; their own "devices shall insnare them."

(k) v. 7. "His expectation, &c." The meaning probably is, "The wicked can "have no hope (fear he may) after death." All his hopes must be confined to this life. (1) v. 8. "In his stead;" "into his "trouble and distress."

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own naughtiness. 7. When a wicked man dieth, his expectation (4) shall perish and the hope of unjust men perish. eth. 8. The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in (1) his stead. 9. An hypocrite (m with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. 10. When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. 11. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 12. He that is void of wisdom despiseth (n) his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. 13. A talebearer revealeth secrets but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. 14. Where no

counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety, 15. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretyship is sure. 16. A (0) gracious woman retaineth honour and strong men retain riches. 17. The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. 18. The wicked worketh a deceitful (p) work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure re

(m) v. 9. "An hypocrite, &c." i. e. "whatever slanders the, hypocrite may "attempt, the wisdom and prudence of "the just shall frustrate."

(n) v. 12. "Despiseth," or " revileth;" "reproacheth."

(o) v. 16. Dr. Kennicott reads, “A "gracious woman bringeth honour to her "husband, but she that hateth righteous"ness, reproach. The rich, if slothful, "shall come to poverty; but the industri"ous shall retain his wealth." He observes that this is warranted by the Greek, Arabic, and Syriac; and thinks the verse as it now stands has no antithesis. See 1 Kennic. Diss. 508. May not the meaning however be, "A gracious woman will "exert herself to retain her honour, as "much as a strong man would to retain "his riches; her struggle will equal his."?

(p) v. 18. “Deceitful;"" what will bring "him no recompence, will disappoint his "expectations."

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ward. 19. As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. 20. They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. 21. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. 22. As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so (q) is a fair woman which is without discretion. 23. The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 24. There is that scattereth (r), and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. 25. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. 26. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. 27. He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. 28. He that trusteth in his riches, shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. 29. He that troubleth his own house, shall inherit the (s) wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. 30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls, is wise. 31. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

(q) v. 22. "So, &c." i. e. "beauty in "such a woman is as much misplaced, as "a jewel in a swine's snout.

(r) v. 24. "Scattereth," i. e. "in charity "and good works." His generosity, instead of diminishing his substance, causes its increase: according to v. 25. he, as being a liberal soul, is made fat, (i. e. rich), and from watering, (i. e. conferring upon others), is watered also himself; his riches are made to increase.

(s) v. 29. "Inherit the wind," probably a proverb. "Shall have nothing for his in"heritance but what is troublesome, and "without fruit or profit.

(t) v. 1. "Loveth knowledge," i. e. "is "wise." "Brutish," i. e. "foolish."

(u) v. 7. "Are not," i. e. " perish.” (x) v. 9. "Is despised," i. e. "because "he makes no outward shew to attract

СНАР. ХІІ.

WHOSO loveth instruction, loveth knowledge (t): but he that hateth reproof, is brutish (t). 2. A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. 3. A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed, is as rottenness in his bones. 5. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 6. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. 7. The wicked are overthrown, and are (u) not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. 8. A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. 9. H that is despised (r) and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth (1) himself, and lacketh bread. 10. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel (y). 11. He that tilleth his land (z) shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth (~) vain persons, void of understanding. 12. The wicked desireth (a) the net (a) of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. 13. The wicked is snared by the

is

"attention:" "honoureth himself,” “by "assuming importance, and displaying ex"ternal pomp." He, who has all the comforts of life, but makes no display, is better off than he who sacrifices all his comforts to appearance. Comfort without shew, better than shew without comfort.

(y) v. 10. " Are cruel." A strong way of expressing that they have no mercy.

(z) v. 11. "Tilleth his land," i. e. “is "industrious." "Followeth vain persons, i. e. "gives up his time to idleness and "vain pursuits."

(a) v. 12. "Desireth," without obtain ing it. See Prov. xiii. 4. The contrast is between the uncertainty of the gains of the wicked, and the certainty of those of the good. "The net of evil men,” i, e. "the profits they sometimes make."

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transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. 14. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth (b), and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. 15. The way of a fool is right (c) in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel, is wise. 16. A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame (d). 17. He that speaketh truth, sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness, deceit. 18. There is that speaketh like the piercings (e) of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health (g). 19. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment (h). 20. Deceit (i) is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace, is joy. 21. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief (k). 22. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. 23. A prudent man concealeth (1) knowledge: but the

an affront;" pretends not to see it. (e) v. 18. "The piercings, &c." So Prov. xviii. 8. "The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds; and they go down into the "innermost parts of the belly:" "not 66 merely external, but reach the vitals. See 2 Barrow's Serm. 69.

(g)

"Health," i. e. "invigorating, doeth good."

(h) v. 19. "But for a moment." So soon exposed, 1 Tillots. 43.

(i) v. 20. "Deceit," or "heaviness." (k) v. 21. "Mischief," or "distress;" trouble;" " misery." The contrast is between what shall happen to the just, and what to the wicked.

(4) v. 23. "Concealeth, &c." i. e. "is "not forward to make even sensible re"marks." "Proclaimeth," cannot resist obtruding his, however simple.

heart of fools proclaimeth (?) foolishness. 24. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. 25. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word (m) maketh it glad. 26. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them (n). 27. The slothful man roasteth not (o) that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious (p). 28. In the way of righteousness is life, and in the path-way thereof there is no death.

CHAP. XIII.

A WISE son heareth (q) his father's in

struction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. 2. A man shall eat good by the (r) fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressor shall eat violence. 3. He that keepeth (s) his mouth keepeth his life but he that openeth wide his lips, shall have destruction. 4. The soul of the sluggard desireth (t), and hath nothing: but the soul of the dili

(m) v. 25. "A good word, &c." i. e. "however the heart may be depressed, "kind words will raise it."

(n) v. 26. "Seduceth them," i. e. (probably) "is seducing, attractive;" "better "to appearance than the way of the " righteous."

(o) v. 27. "Roasteth not, &c." i. e. "does not enjoy; derives no benefit from "what he has taken extraordinary pains "to obtain." *

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(p) "Precious," i. e. “useful,” "viceable." The diligent making the most of what he gets, the slothful turning it to no account.

(g) v. 1. "Heareth," i. e. "regardeth." The antithesis is not between instruction and rebuke, but between hearing and hearing not; the one a mark of wisdom, the other of folly. See post, 616. Prov. xv. 5. "A fool despiseth his father's instruction: "but he that regardeth reproof is prudent." (r) v. 2. "The fruit." See ante, note on Prov. xii. 14.

(s) v. 3. "Keepeth his mouth," i. e. "is "cautious what he says." The opposite of him, who "openeth wide his lips."

(t) v. 4. "Desireth," is occupied in wishing, not in doing. See note on Prov. xii. 12.

gent shall be made fat. 5. A righteous man hateth lying but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. 6. Righteousness keepeth (u) him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. 7. There is that maketh himself rich (x), yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. 8. The ransom (y) of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. 9. The light of the righteous rejoiceth (z): but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. io. Only by pride cometh

contention but with the well-advised (a) is wisdom. 11. Wealth gotten by vanity (b) shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour, shall increase. 12. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick but when the desire (c) cometh, it is a tree of life. 13. Whoso despiseth the word (d) shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment (d) shall be rewarded. 14. The law of the wise is

(u) v. 6. "Keepeth," i. e. "preserveth," in opposition to "overthroweth."

(x) v. 7. Maketh himself rich," i. e. (probably) "heapeth up riches," as a miser. The contrast probably is, between the use and abuse of wealth; between him who amasses and does not use, and him who employs well the whole of what he has. See ante, Prov. xi. 24.

(y) v.8. "The ransom, &c." i. e. (probably) "his wealth brings upon him many "attacks, because he is known to have the "means of buying them off:, whilst the poor "are left unmolested, because from them

nothing can be got." The object is to shew the disadvantages of great wealth, the advantages of moderate poverty: the former exposing to constant attacks from envy, malice, dishonesty, and power; the latter perfectly secure. "Reus ille fere est, quo victoria lucro esse potest; inopis

"de

"vindice facta carent."

(z) v. 9. "Rejoiceth," i. e. " is bright; "burneth clear.'

(a) v. 10. "Well advised," "those who " are not too proud to take advice." The antithesis is between pride and humility; the former involving the possessor in disputes, the latter producing wisdom, and its consequences.

(b) v. 11. "Vanity," i. e. " undue "nicans," "dishonesty."

a fountain (e) of life, to depart (g) from the snares of death. 15. Good understanding giveth (h) favour: but the way of transgressors is hard (i). 16. Every prudent man dealeth (k) with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. 17. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. 18. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof, shall be honoured. 19. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomin ation (1) to fools to depart from evil. 20. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. be destroyed. 21. Evil pursueth sinners but to the righteous, good shall be repayed. 22. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's chil dren (m): and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. 23. Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed (n) for want of judg

(c) v. 12. "The desire," i. e. what "was wished."

(d) v. 13. "The word," and "the com "mandment;" i. e. (probably)" of God."

(e) v. 14. "Is a fountain, &c." The same is said (Prov. xiv. 27. post, 616.) of

"the fear of the Lord."

(g) "Depart," i. e. " to cause to depart, "to turn, deter."

(h) v. 15. "Giveth," or "procureth." (i)" Hard" neither shewing favour, nor obtaining it.

(k) v. 16." Dealeth with," i. e. “manages, is not hasty to let out what he "knows." The same sentiment as Prov. xiv. 33. "Wisdom resteth in the heart of him "that hath understanding."

() v. 19. "It is an abomination to "fools, &c." So that they cannot expect to have their desires accomplished, be cause that accomplishment must come from God.

(m) v. 22. "Children's children." The meaning probably is, a good man's riches continue long in his family, a wicked man's are soon exhausted.

(n) v. 23. "There is that is destroyed." The meaning probably is, that "the tillage "and industry of the poor supplies him "with abundance; whilst want of judg

the

ment or indiscretion sweeps away "riches of the wealthy, and brings him to