CONTENTS.
Here are similar proverbs to what were given before; but as the title
of them observes that they were copied by the men of Hezekiah, they
are particularly marked from those we have already gone through.
Proverbs 25:1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of
Hezekiah king of J... [ Continue Reading ]
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is
to search out a matter.
God's glory is manifested to the poor sinner in secret, when he speaks
to him by his Holy Spirit, and makes him visits, like Jacob's at
Bethel. And those, who are made by him Kings and Priests to God and
t... [ Continue Reading ]
The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings
is unsearchable. Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall
come forth a vessel for the finer. Take away the wicked from before
the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
Such is the love of Christ... [ Continue Reading ]
Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in
the place of great men: For better it is that it be said unto thee,
Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence
of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
Our Lord hath sweetly set forth this grace of humble... [ Continue Reading ]
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the
end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. Debate thy
cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to
another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy
turn not away. A word fitly spok... [ Continue Reading ]
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger
to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
Who is this Messenger, this Interpreter, one among a thousand, but the
same Almighty Spirit? Job 33:23. Oh! how refreshing his doctrine! how
grateful his influenc... [ Continue Reading ]
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without
rain. By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue
breaketh the bone. Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient
for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
This last verse I beg the Reader to o... [ Continue Reading ]
Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of
thee, and so hate thee. A man that beareth false witness against his
neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. Confidence in an
unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot
out of joint. As he that t... [ Continue Reading ]
The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a
backbiting tongue. It is better to dwell in the corner of the
housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. As cold
waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
Were there ever such tidings proclaimed as t... [ Continue Reading ]
A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled
fountain, and a corrupt spring. It is not good to eat much honey: so
for men to search their own glory is not glory. He that hath no rule
over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without
walls.
All these are very pla... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS.
READER! many very blessed reflections will be found folded up in the
bosom of this chapter, and which I pray the Holy Ghost to open and
explain to you and to me. And among the many, that of the eating of
the honey comb inducing sickness is not the least. If the blessed
Spirit be the fa... [ Continue Reading ]