WHOSO LOVETH INSTRUCTION— Or, according to others, _correction,_ or _reproof._ It is well observed, that if a man cannot endure to be told of his faults, it is a shrewd sign that he is in the way to be undone, and has not yet approached so much as to the gates of wisdom.... [ Continue Reading ]
A VIRTUOUS WOMAN— _A strong woman,_ in the Hebrew, _a woman of diligence or oeconomy._ Solomon seems to intend by his appellation, a woman who has all the perfections of her sex; wisdom, modesty, prudence, virtue, and oeconomy and good management: and by her _who maketh ashamed,_ he means the contra... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT IS DESPISED, AND HATH A SERVANT, &C.— The passage may be understood; "It is better to be in lowliness and obscurity, and to cultivate one's own little heritage, than to want the necessaries of life, through a foolish vanity, which refuses to labour." It is not labour, but idleness which ough... [ Continue Reading ]
A RIGHTEOUS MAN REGARDETH THE LIFE OF HIS BEAST— Lord Bacon observes upon this verse, that there is implanted in man's nature [by Divine grace] a noble and excellent affection of pity and compassion, called here _mercy_ (for the word rendered _righteous,_ signifies _mild, clement, merciful_), which... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT TILLETH, &C.— The LXX add to this verse, _He that taketh a pleasure in taverns, shall leave disgrace in his own fortresses._... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WICKED DESIRETH, &C.— _The wicked earnestly desireth the hunting of evil._ Schultens. Houbigant reads it very differently, _A tempest shall shake the device of the wicked: the root of the just shall be firm._... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WICKED IS SNARED BY THE TRANSGRESSION OF HIS _LIPS_— i.e. A wicked man is himself ensnared by his prevarications.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WAY OF A FOOL, &C.— The danger of self-love and self-conceit is here represented; which have ever this effect, that they make men slight, if not reject, good counsel, out of a vain opinion that none can advise them better than themselves; which is, to follow the direction of a fool: for it is as... [ Continue Reading ]
A FOOL'S WRATH IS PRESENTLY KNOWN, &C.— Solomon does not approve those who disguise and conceal their resentment till they find a proper opportunity to avenge themselves; but he condemns those who have not the power to repress the first motions of their passions. They who moderate the first heat of... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LIP OF TRUTH SHALL BE ESTABLISHED— The LXX read, _True lips establish testimony; but a hasty witness hath an unrighteous tongue._ Houbigant renders it, _Perpetuity is in the lip of truth; the tongue of falsehood is for a point of time._... [ Continue Reading ]
LYING LIPS ARE ABOMINATION TO THE LORD— "The Lord (says Melancthon on this verse) recommends to us the love and care of truth, both in doctrines concerning himself, and in arts, and all honest covenants and contracts: for truth being among the chiefest and most conspicuous virtues, therefore the con... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SLOTHFUL MAN ROASTETH NOT, &C.— Schultens thinks this verse parallel to the 4th verse of the 10th chapter; and he renders it, _A self-deceiving sloth will not even hunt; but the opulence of a diligent man is great._ See his note. The LXX render the last clause, _A pure man is a precious acquisit... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE PATH-WAY THEREOF THERE IS NO DEATH— Or, _There is immortality._ The LXX read the clause, _But the way of the revengeful is to death:_ and Houbigant, after the Vulgate, _But a devious way leadeth to death._... [ Continue Reading ]