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1 Through desire a man hauing separated himselfe, seeketh and intermedleth with all wisedome.
2 A foole hath no delight in vnderstanding, but that his heart may discouer it selfe.
3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth also contempt, and with ignominie, reproch.
4 The words of a mans mouth, are as deepe waters, and the well-spring of wisedome as a flowing brooke.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to ouerthrowe the righteous in iudgement.
6 A fooles lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fooles mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soule.
8 The words of a tale bearer are as wounds, and they goe downe into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 Hee also that is slouthful in his worke, is brother to him that is a great waster.
10 The name of the Lord is a a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich mans wealth is his strong citie: and as an high wall in his owne conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughtie, and before honour is humilitie.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame vnto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustaine his infirmitie: but a wounded spirit who can beare?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the eare of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A mans gift maketh roome for him, & bringeth him before great men.
17 He that is first in his owne cause, seemeth iust; but his neighbour commeth and searcheth him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth betweene the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be wonne then a strong citie: and their contentions are like the barres of a castle.
20 A mans belly shall be satisfied with the fruite of his mouth; and with the increase of his lippes shall he be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that loue it shall eate the fruite thereof.
22 Who so findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and obtaineth fauour of the Lord.
23 The poore vseth intreaties, but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must shewe himselfe friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer then a brother.
1 If we would get knowledge and grace, we must try all methods of improving ourselves. #2|. Those make nothing to purpose, of learning or religion, whose only design is to have something to make a show with. #3|. As soon as sin entered, shame followed. 4|. The well-spring of wisdom in the heart of a believer, continually supplies words of wisdom. #5|. The merits of a cause must be looked to, not the person. #6,7|. What mischief bad men do to themselves by their ungoverned tongues! #8|. How base are those that sow contention! and what fatal effects may be expected from small beginnings of jealousy! #9|. Omissions of duty, and in duty, are fatal to the soul, as well as commissions of sin. #10,11|. The Divine power, made known in and through our Lord Jesus Christ, forms a strong tower for the believer, who relies on the Lord. How deceitful the defence of the rich man, who has his portion and treasure in this world! It is a strong city and a high wall only in his own conceit; for it will fail when most in need. They will be exposed to the just wrath of that Judge whom they despised as a Saviour. #12|. After the heart has been lifted up with pride, a fall comes. But honour shall be the reward of humility. #13|. Eagerness, with self-conceit, will expose to shame. #14|. Firmness of mind supports under many pains and trials. But when the conscience is tortured with remorse, no human fortitude can bear the misery; what then will hell be? #15|. We must get knowledge, not only into our heads, but into our hearts. #16|. Blessed be the Lord, who makes us welcome to come to his throne, without money and without price. May his gifts make room for him in our souls. 17|. It is well to listen to our enemies, that we may form a better judgment of ourselves. #18|. It was customary sometimes to refer matters to God, by casting lots, with solemn prayer. The profaning the lot, by using it in matters of diversion, or coveting what belongs to others, forms an objection to this now. 19|. Great care must be taken to prevent quarrels among relations and those under obligations to each other. Wisdom and grace make it easy to forgive; but corruption makes it difficult. #20|. The belly is here put for the heart, as elsewhere; and what that is filled with, our satisfaction will be accordingly, and our inward peace. #21|. Many a one has caused his own death, or the death of others, by a false or injurious tongue. #22|. A good wife is a great blessing to a man, and it is a token of Divine favour. #23|. Poverty tells men they must not order or demand. And at the throne of God's grace we are all poor, and must use entreaties. #24|. Christ Jesus never will forsake those who trust in and love him. May we be such friends to others, for our Master's sake. Having loved his own, which were in the world, he loved them unto the end; and we are his friends if we do whatever he commands us, #Joh 15:14|.
Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.