_The proverbs of Solomon._ THE BOOK OF PROVERBS 1. The book does not consist of proverbs entirely. Much of it is the language of pious exhortation and spiritual precept. 2. The book contains many worldly precepts. Some have a selfish, secular sound. But-- (1) It is well to inquire whether the su... [ Continue Reading ]
_To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding._ WISDOM AND INSTRUCTION Wisdom is here taken for the theoretical part, to know the truth of things, as appears by the opposition of manners in the next verse. It may be meant of wisdom in general, knowledge of the truth; for m... [ Continue Reading ]
_To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment and equity._ JUDGMENT AND EQUITY “Judgment” is used for discerning right from wrong; for the law, manner, or rule of it; for punishment or execution of judgment. “Equity” in Hebrew means, straight ways, that go on foreright, and even, li... [ Continue Reading ]
_To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion._ SUBTILTY FOR THE SIMPLE The word is sometimes taken in an ill sense, for a crafty wit to deceive others. Sometimes in a good sense, for understanding to prevent dangers that crafty men might bring upon us. So it is taken... [ Continue Reading ]
_A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels._ THE INCREASE OF KNOWLEDGE I. No man is so wise but he may learn more. And that both in theoretical and practical knowledge, how to think better, and how to do better. Be not content with... [ Continue Reading ]
_The words of the wise and their dark sayings._ THE WORDS OF THE WISE Nothing can give a deeper insight into the character and genius of people than their household words--those current maxims and sayings which influence their everyday life, the popular proverbs which pass from mouth to mouth. Thes... [ Continue Reading ]
_The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge._ THE FIRST RUDIMENTS OF KNOWLEDGE The fear of the Lord is an abiding and reverent sense of the presence of God and of accountableness to Him: For this to exist God must be that real, personal Being which we have every reason to believe God has r... [ Continue Reading ]
_Hear the instruction of thy father._ THE FAMILY The first and great commandment is the fear of God, and the second, which is next to it and like to it, is obedience to parents. Wherever the root is planted this is the first fruit which it bears. God honours His own ordinance, the family. He gives... [ Continue Reading ]
_For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head._ FILIAL LOVE AN ORNAMENT OF BEAUTY It seems an instinct of humanity to put ornaments upon the person. It does not rank high among the exercises of the human faculties, yet it is quite above the reach of all inferior creatures. Ornaments on the... [ Continue Reading ]
_My son, if sinners entice thee._ REASONS FOR RESISTING THE ENTICEMENTS OF SINNERS By sinners is meant all persons who are not true Christians. Three reasons why we should not consent when sinners entice us: 1. Because when we begin to sin it is hard to stop. 2. Because it is dangerous. 3. Beca... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wisdom crieth without _ THE VOICE OF TRUE WISDOM The Lord Jesus Christ is the true Wisdom which speaks to the sons of men. The ancients were accustomed to speak of their religion as wisdom or philosophy, and therefore the Greeks represented Minerva as the goddess of wisdom, saying that she had p... [ Continue Reading ]
_Because I have called, and ye refused._ THE REJECTED CALL OF WISDOM I. The manner in which it has called upon you--in which the appeals of Wisdom and of religion have been made. In the manner, the variety, the intensity, the tenderness, the unwearied nature, and the sleepless watchfulness of appe... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer._ SOWING DISOBEDIENCE, REAPING JUDGMENT One of the marvellous reasonings of the Judge with the criminal is recorded here. I. God in mercy visits a rebellious generation. 1. The call. It is in the earthquake and in the storm. Day unto day procl... [ Continue Reading ]
_Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way._ GOD’S METHOD OF PUNISHMENT It is to let us punish ourselves. In this way man is led by bitter experience to see his own folly and God’s wisdom. When we will not be guided by God He grants all our wishes and desires to show us how foolish and... [ Continue Reading ]
The prosperity of fools shall destroy them. PROSPERITY DANGEROUS TO VIRTUE By “fools” are here represented all wicked and vicious persons. The misery of such persons is, that when God gives them what they most love, they perish in the embraces of it. The reasons for this are three. I. Because eve... [ Continue Reading ]