mh_parser/vol_split/20 - Proverbs/Chapter 14.xml

<div2 id="Prov.xv" n="xv" next="Prov.xvi" prev="Prov.xiv" progress="79.08%" title="Chapter XIV">
<h2 id="Prov.xv-p0.1">P R O V E R B S</h2>
<h3 id="Prov.xv-p0.2">CHAP. XIV.</h3>
<h4 id="Prov.xv-p0.3">Wisdom and Folly.</h4>
<scripCom id="Prov.xv-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14" parsed="|Prov|14|0|0|0" passage="Pr 14" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Prov.xv-p0.5" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.1" parsed="|Prov|14|1|0|0" passage="Pr 14:1" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.1">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p1">1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the
foolish plucketh it down with her hands.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p2">Note, 1. A good wife is a great blessing to
a family. By a fruitful wife a family is multiplied and replenished
with children, and so built up. But by a prudent wife, one that is
pious, industrious, and considerate, the affairs of the family are
made to prosper, debts are paid, portions raised, provision made,
the children well educated and maintained, and the family has
comfort within doors and credit without; thus is the house built.
She looks upon it as her own to take care of, though she knows it
is her husband's to bear rule in, <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p2.1" osisRef="Bible:Esth.1.22" parsed="|Esth|1|22|0|0" passage="Es 1:22">Esth.
i. 22</scripRef>. 2. Many a family is brought to ruin by ill
housewifery, as well as by ill husbandry. A <i>foolish</i> woman,
that has no fear of God nor regard to her business, that is wilful,
and wasteful, and humoursome, that indulges her ease and appetite,
and is all for jaunting and feasting, cards and the play-house,
though she come to a plentiful estate, and to a family beforehand,
she will impoverish and waste it, and will as certainly be the ruin
of her house as if she <i>plucked it down with her hands;</i> and
the husband himself, with all his care, can scarcely prevent
it.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p2.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.2" parsed="|Prov|14|2|0|0" passage="Pr 14:2" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.2">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p3">2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Prov.xv-p3.1">Lord</span>: but <i>he that is</i> perverse
in his ways despiseth him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p4">Here are, 1. Grace and sin in their true
colours. Grace reigning is a reverence of God, and gives honour to
him who is infinitely great and high, and to whom all honour is
due, than which what is more becoming or should be more pleasing to
the rational creature? Sin reigning is no less than a contempt of
God. In <i>this,</i> more than in any thing, sin appears
exceedingly sinful, that it despises God, whom angels adore. Those
that despise God's precepts, and will not be ruled by them, his
promises, and will not accept of them, despise God himself and all
his attributes. 2. Grace and sin in their true light. By this we
may know a man that has grace, and the fear of God, reigning in
him, <i>he walks in his uprightness,</i> he makes conscience of his
actions, is faithful both to God and man, and every stop he makes,
as well as every step he takes, is by rule; here is one that
honours God. But, on the contrary, <i>he that is perverse in his
ways,</i> that wilfully follows his own appetites and passions,
that is unjust and dishonest and contradicts his profession in his
conversation, however he may pretend to devotion, he is a wicked
man, and will be reckoned with as a despiser of God himself.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.3" parsed="|Prov|14|3|0|0" passage="Pr 14:3" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.3">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p5">3 In the mouth of the foolish <i>is</i> a rod of
pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p6">See here, 1. A proud fool exposing himself.
Where there is pride in the heart, and no wisdom in the head to
suppress it, it commonly shows itself in the words: <i>In the mouth
there is pride,</i> proud boasting, proud censuring, proud
scorning, proud commanding and giving law; this is the <i>rod,</i>
or branch, <i>of pride;</i> the word is used only here and
<scripRef id="Prov.xv-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Isa.11.1" parsed="|Isa|11|1|0|0" passage="Isa 11:1">Isa. xi. 1</scripRef>. It grows from
that root of bitterness which is in the heart; it is a rod from
that stem. The root must be plucked up, or we cannot conquer this
branch, or it is meant of a smiting beating rod, a <i>rod of
pride</i> which strikes others. The proud man with his tongue lays
about him and deals blows at pleasure, but it will in the end be a
rod to himself; the proud man shall come under an ignominious
correction by the words of his own mouth, not cut as a soldier, but
caned as a servant; and herein he will be beaten with his own rod,
<scripRef id="Prov.xv-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.64.8" parsed="|Ps|64|8|0|0" passage="Ps 64:8">Ps. lxiv. 8</scripRef>. 2. A humble
wise man saving himself and consulting his own good: <i>The lips of
the wise shall preserve them</i> from doing that mischief to others
which proud men do with their tongues, and from bringing that
mischief on themselves which haughty scorners are often involved
in.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.4" parsed="|Prov|14|4|0|0" passage="Pr 14:4" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.4">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p7">4 Where no oxen <i>are,</i> the crib <i>is</i>
clean: but much increase <i>is</i> by the strength of the ox.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p8">Note, 1. The neglect of husbandry is the
way to poverty: <i>Where no oxen are,</i> to till the ground and
tread out the corn, <i>the crib</i> is empty, <i>is clean;</i>
there is no straw for the cattle, and consequently no bread for the
service of man. Scarcity is represented by <i>cleanness of
teeth,</i> <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Amos.4.6" parsed="|Amos|4|6|0|0" passage="Am 4:6">Amos iv. 6</scripRef>.
<i>Where no oxen are</i> there is nothing to be done at the ground,
and then nothing to be had out of it; <i>the crib</i> indeed <i>is
clean</i> from dung, which pleases the neat and nice, that cannot
endure husbandry because there is so much dirty work in it, and
therefore will sell their oxen to keep the crib clean; but then not
only the labour, but even the dung of the ox is wanted. This shows
the folly of those who addict themselves to the pleasures of the
country, but do not mind the business of it, who (as we say) keep
more horses than kine, more dogs than swine; their families must
needs suffer by it. 2. Those who take pains about their ground are
likely to reap the profit of it. Those who keep that about them
which is for use and service, not for state and show, more
husbandmen than footmen, are likely to thrive. <i>Much increase is
by the strength of the ox;</i> that is made for our service, and is
profitable alive and dead.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.5" parsed="|Prov|14|5|0|0" passage="Pr 14:5" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.5">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p9">5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false
witness will utter lies.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p10">In the administration of justice much
depends upon the witnesses, and therefore it is necessary to the
common good that witnesses be principled as they ought to be; for,
1. A witness that is conscientious will not dare to give in a
testimony that is in the least untrue, nor, for good-will or
ill-will, represent a thing otherwise than according to the best of
his knowledge, whoever is pleased or displeased, and then judgment
runs down like a river. 2. But a witness that will be bribed, and
biassed, and browbeaten, <i>will utter lies</i> (and not stick nor
startle at it), with as much readiness and assurance as if what he
said were all true.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.6" parsed="|Prov|14|6|0|0" passage="Pr 14:6" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.6">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p11">6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and <i>findeth
it</i> not: but knowledge <i>is</i> easy unto him that
understandeth.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p12">Note, 1. The reason why some people seek
wisdom, and do not find it, is because they do not seek it from a
right principle and in a right manner. They are scorners, and it is
in scorn that they ask instruction, that they may ridicule what is
told them and may cavil at it. Many put questions to Christ,
tempting him, and that they might have whereof to accuse him, but
they were never the wiser. No marvel if those who seek wisdom, as
Simon Magus sought the gifts of the Holy Ghost, to serve their
pride and covetousness, do not find it, for they seek amiss. Herod
desired to see a miracle, but he was a scorner, and therefore it
was denied him, <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Luke.23.8" parsed="|Luke|23|8|0|0" passage="Lu 23:8">Luke xxiii.
8</scripRef>. Scorners speed not in prayer. 2. To those who
understand aright, who <i>depart from evil</i> (for <i>that is
understanding</i>), the <i>knowledge</i> of God and of his will
<i>is easy.</i> The parables which harden scorners in their
scorning, and make divine things more difficult to them, enlighten
those who are willing to learn, and make the same things more
plain, and intelligible, and familiar to them, <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:Matt.13.11 Bible:Matt.13.15 Bible:Matt.13.16" parsed="|Matt|13|11|0|0;|Matt|13|15|0|0;|Matt|13|16|0|0" passage="Mt 13:11,15,16">Matt. xiii. 11, 15, 16</scripRef>. The same word
which to the scornful <i>is a savour of death unto death</i> to the
humble and serious <i>is a savour of life unto life.</i> He <i>that
understands,</i> so as to <i>depart from evil</i> (for <i>that is
understanding</i>), to quit his prejudices, to lay aside all
corrupt dispositions and affections, will easily apprehend
instruction and receive the impressions of it.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.7" parsed="|Prov|14|7|0|0" passage="Pr 14:7" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.7">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p13">7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when
thou perceivest not <i>in him</i> the lips of knowledge.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p14">See here, 1. How we may discern a fool and
discover him, a wicked man, for he is <i>a foolish man.</i> If we
<i>perceive not in him the lips of knowledge,</i> if we find there
is no relish or savour of piety in his discourse, that his
communication is all corrupt and corrupting, and nothing in it
<i>good and to the use of edifying,</i> we may conclude the
treasure is bad. 2. How we must decline such a one and depart from
him: <i>Go from his presence,</i> for <i>thou perceivest</i> there
is no good to be gotten by his company, but danger of getting hurt
by it. Sometimes the only way we have of reproving wicked discourse
and witnessing against it is by leaving the company and going out
of the hearing of it.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.8" parsed="|Prov|14|8|0|0" passage="Pr 14:8" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.8">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p15">8 The wisdom of the prudent <i>is</i> to
understand his way: but the folly of fools <i>is</i> deceit.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p16">See here, 1. The good conduct of a wise and
good man; he manages himself well. It is not the wisdom of the
learned, which consists only in speculation, that is here
recommended, but <i>the wisdom of the prudent,</i> which is
practical, and is of use to direct our counsels and actions.
Christian prudence consists in a right <i>understanding of our
way;</i> for we are travellers, whose concern it is, not to spy
wonders, but to get forward towards their journey's end. It <i>is
to understand our own way,</i> not to be critics and busybodies in
other men's matters, but to look well to ourselves and <i>ponder
the path of our feet,</i> to understand the directions of our way,
that we may observe them, the dangers of our way, that we may avoid
them, the difficulties of our way, that we may break through them,
and the advantages of our way, that we may improve them—to
understand the rules we are to walk by and the ends we are to walk
towards, and walk accordingly. 2. The bad conduct of a bad man; he
puts a cheat upon himself. He does not rightly understand his way;
he thinks he does, and so misses his way, and goes on in his
mistake: <i>The folly of fools is deceit;</i> it cheats them into
their own ruin. The folly of him that built on the sand was
deceit.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.9" parsed="|Prov|14|9|0|0" passage="Pr 14:9" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.9">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p17">9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the
righteous <i>there is</i> favour.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p18">See here, 1. How wicked people are hardened
in their wickedness: they <i>make a mock at sin.</i> They make a
laughing matter of the sins of others, making themselves and their
companions merry with that for which they should mourn, and they
make a light matter of their own sins, both when they are tempted
to sin and when they have committed it; they <i>call evil good and
good evil</i> (<scripRef id="Prov.xv-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:Isa.5.20" parsed="|Isa|5|20|0|0" passage="Isa 5:20">Isa. v. 20</scripRef>),
turn it off with a jest, rush into sin (<scripRef id="Prov.xv-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:Jer.8.6" parsed="|Jer|8|6|0|0" passage="Jer 8:6">Jer. viii. 6</scripRef>) and say they shall have peace
though they go on. They care not what mischief they do by their
sins, and laugh at those that tell them of it. They are advocates
for sin, and are ingenious at framing excuses for it. <i>Fools make
a mock at the sin-offering</i> (so some); those that make light of
sin make light of Christ. Those are fools that make light of sin,
for they make light of that which God complains of (<scripRef id="Prov.xv-p18.3" osisRef="Bible:Amos.2.13" parsed="|Amos|2|13|0|0" passage="Am 2:13">Amos ii. 13</scripRef>), which lay heavily upon
Christ, and which they themselves will have other thoughts of
shortly. 2. How good people are encouraged in their goodness:
<i>Among the righteous there is favour;</i> if they in any thing
offend, they presently repent and obtain the favour of God. They
have a goodwill one to another; and among them, in their societies,
there is mutual charity and compassion in cases of offences, and no
mocking.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p18.4" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.10" parsed="|Prov|14|10|0|0" passage="Pr 14:10" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.10">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p19">10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a
stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p20">This agrees with <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.2.11" parsed="|1Cor|2|11|0|0" passage="1Co 2:11">1 Cor. ii. 11</scripRef>, <i>What man knows the things
of a man,</i> and the changes of his temper, <i>save the spirit of
a man?</i> 1. Every man feels most from his own burden, especially
that which is a burden upon the spirits, for that is commonly
concealed and the sufferer keeps it to himself. We must not censure
the griefs of others, for we know not what they feel; their stroke
perhaps is heavier than their groaning. 2. Many enjoy a secret
pleasure, especially in divine consolations, which others are not
aware of, much less are sharers in; and, as the sorrows of a
penitent, so the joys of a believer are such as a <i>stranger does
not intermeddle with</i> and therefore is no competent judge
of.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.11" parsed="|Prov|14|11|0|0" passage="Pr 14:11" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.11">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p21">11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown:
but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p22">Note, 1. Sin is the ruin of great families:
<i>The house of the wicked,</i> though built ever so strong and
high, <i>shall be overthrown,</i> shall be brought to poverty and
disgrace, and at length be extinct. His hope for heaven, the house
on which he leans, shall not stand, but fail in the storm; the
deluge that comes will sweep it away. 2. Righteousness is the rise
and stability even of mean families: Even <i>the tabernacle of the
upright,</i> though movable and despicable as a tent, <i>shall
flourish,</i> in outward prosperity if Infinite Wisdom see good, at
all events in graces and comfort, which are true riches and
honours.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p22.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.12" parsed="|Prov|14|12|0|0" passage="Pr 14:12" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.12">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p23">12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a
man, but the end thereof <i>are</i> the ways of death.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p24">We have here an account of the way and end
of a great many self-deluded souls. 1. Their way is seemingly fair:
It <i>seems right</i> to themselves; they please themselves with a
fancy that they are as they should be, that their opinions and
practices are good, and such as will bear them out. The way of
ignorance and carelessness, the way of worldliness and
earthly-mindedness, the way of sensuality and flesh-pleasing, seem
right to those that walk in them, much more the way of hypocrisy in
religion, external performances, partial reformations, and blind
zeal; this they imagine will bring them to heaven; they flatter
themselves in their own eyes that all will be well at last. 2.
Their end is really fearful, and the more so for their mistake: It
is <i>the ways of death,</i> eternal death; their iniquity will
certainly be their ruin, and they will perish with a lie in their
right hand. Self-deceivers will prove in the end
self-destroyers.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p24.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.13" parsed="|Prov|14|13|0|0" passage="Pr 14:13" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.13">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p25">13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and
the end of that mirth <i>is</i> heaviness.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p26">This shows the vanity of carnal mirth, and
proves what Solomon said of laughter, that <i>it is mad;</i> for,
1. There is sadness under it. Sometimes when sinners are under
convictions, or some great trouble, they dissemble their grief by a
forced mirth, and put a good face on it, because they will not seem
to yield: they cry not when he binds them. Nay, when men really are
merry, yet at the same time there is some alloy or other to their
mirth, something that casts a damp upon it, which all their gaiety
cannot keep from their heart. Their consciences tell them they have
no reason to be merry (<scripRef id="Prov.xv-p26.1" osisRef="Bible:Hos.9.1" parsed="|Hos|9|1|0|0" passage="Ho 9:1">Hos. ix.
1</scripRef>); they cannot but see the vanity of it. Spiritual joy
is seated in the soul; the joy of the hypocrite is but from the
teeth outward. See <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p26.2" osisRef="Bible:John.16.22 Bible:2Cor.6.10" parsed="|John|16|22|0|0;|2Cor|6|10|0|0" passage="Joh 16:22,2Co 6:10">John xvi.
22; 2 Cor. vi. 10</scripRef>. 2. There is worse after it: <i>The
end of that mirth is heaviness.</i> It is soon over, like the
crackling of thorns under a pot; and, if the conscience be awake,
all sinful and profane mirth will be reflected upon with
bitterness; if not, the heaviness will be so much the greater when
<i>for all these things God shall bring the</i> sinner <i>into
judgment.</i> The sorrows of the saints will end in everlasting
joys (<scripRef id="Prov.xv-p26.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.126.5" parsed="|Ps|126|5|0|0" passage="Ps 126:5">Ps. cxxvi. 5</scripRef>), but
the laughter of fools will end in endless weeping and wailing.</p>
<h4 id="Prov.xv-p26.4">The Righteous and the Wicked
Contrasted.</h4>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p26.5" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.14" parsed="|Prov|14|14|0|0" passage="Pr 14:14" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.14">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p27">14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with
his own ways: and a good man <i>shall be satisfied</i> from
himself.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p28">Note, 1. The misery of sinners will be an
eternal surfeit upon their sins: The <i>backslider in heart,</i>
who for fear of suffering, or in hope of profit or pleasure,
forsakes God and his duty, shall be <i>filled with his own
ways;</i> God will give him enough of them. They would not leave
their brutish lusts and passions, and therefore they shall stick by
them, to their everlasting terror and torment. <i>He that is filthy
shall be filthy still. "Son, remember,</i>" shall <i>fill them with
their own ways,</i> and set their sins in order before them.
Backsliding begins in the heart; it is the evil heart of unbelief
that departs from God; and of all sinners backsliders will have
most terror when they reflect on <i>their own ways,</i> <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p28.1" osisRef="Bible:Luke.11.26" parsed="|Luke|11|26|0|0" passage="Lu 11:26">Luke xi. 26</scripRef>. 2. The happiness of the
saints will be an eternal satisfaction in their graces, as tokens
of and qualifications for God's peculiar favour: <i>A good man
shall be</i> abundantly <i>satisfied from himself,</i> from what
God has wrought in him. He has <i>rejoicing in himself alone,</i>
<scripRef id="Prov.xv-p28.2" osisRef="Bible:Gal.6.3" parsed="|Gal|6|3|0|0" passage="Ga 6:3">Gal. vi. 3</scripRef>. As sinners never
think they have sin enough till it brings them to hell, so saints
never think they have grace enough till it brings them to
heaven.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p28.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.15" parsed="|Prov|14|15|0|0" passage="Pr 14:15" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.15">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p29">15 The simple believeth every word: but the
prudent <i>man</i> looketh well to his going.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p30">Note, 1. It is folly to be credulous, to
heed every flying report, to give ear to every man's story, though
ever so improbable, to take things upon trust from common fame, to
depend upon every man's profession of friendship and give credit to
every one that will promise payment; those are <i>simple</i> who
thus <i>believe every word,</i> forgetting that all men, in some
sense, are liars in comparison with God, all whose words we are to
believe with an implicit faith, for he cannot lie. 2. It is wisdom
to be cautious: <i>The prudent man</i> will try before he trusts,
will weigh both the credibility of the witness and the probability
of the testimony, and then give judgment as the thing appears or
suspend his judgment till it appears. <i>Prove all things,</i> and
<i>believe not every spirit.</i></p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p30.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.16" parsed="|Prov|14|16|0|0" passage="Pr 14:16" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.16">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p31">16 A wise <i>man</i> feareth, and departeth from
evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p32">Note, 1. Holy fear is an excellent guard
upon every holy thing, and against every thing that is unholy. It
is wisdom to depart <i>from evil,</i> from the evil of sin, and
thereby from all other evil; and therefore it is wisdom to fear,
that is, to be jealous over ourselves with a godly jealousy, to
keep up a dread of God's wrath, to be afraid of coming near the
borders of sin or dallying with the beginnings of it. A wise man,
for fear of harm, keeps out of harm's way, and starts back in a
fright when he finds himself entering into temptation. 2.
Presumption is folly. He who, when he is warned of his danger,
<i>rages and is confident,</i> furiously pushes on, cannot bear to
be checked, bids defiance to the wrath and curse of God, and,
fearless of danger, persists in his rebellion, makes bold with the
occasions of sin, and plays upon the precipice, he is a fool, for
he acts against his reason and his interest, and his ruin will
quickly be the proof of his folly.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p32.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.17" parsed="|Prov|14|17|0|0" passage="Pr 14:17" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.17">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p33">17 <i>He that is</i> soon angry dealeth
foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p34">Note, 1. Passionate men are justly laughed
at. Men who are peevish and touchy, and are <i>soon angry</i> upon
every the least provocation, <i>deal foolishly;</i> they say and do
that which is ridiculous, and so expose themselves to contempt;
they themselves cannot but be ashamed of it when the heat is over.
The consideration of this should engage those especially who are in
reputation for wisdom and honour with the utmost care to bridle
their passion. 2. Malicious men are justly dreaded and detested,
for they are much more dangerous and mischievous to all societies:
<i>A man of wicked devices,</i> who stifles his resentments till he
has an opportunity of being revenged, and is secretly plotting how
to wrong his neighbour and to do him an ill turn, as Cain to kill
Abel, such a man as this is hated by all mankind. The character of
an angry man is pitiable; through the surprise of a temptation he
disturbs and disgraces himself, but it is soon over, and he is
sorry for it. But that of a spiteful revengeful man is odious;
there is no fence against him nor cure for him.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p34.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.18" parsed="|Prov|14|18|0|0" passage="Pr 14:18" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.18">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p35">18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are
crowned with knowledge.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p36">Note, 1. Sin is the shame of sinners:
<i>The simple,</i> who love simplicity, get nothing by it; they
<i>inherit folly.</i> They have it <i>by inheritance,</i> so some.
This corruption of nature is derived from our first parents, and
all the calamities that attend it we have by kind; it was the
inheritance they transmitted to their degenerate race, an
hereditary disease. They are as fond of it as a man of his
inheritance, hold it as fast, and are as loth to part with it. What
they value themselves upon is really foolish; and what will be the
issue of their simplicity but folly? They will for ever rue their
own foolish choice. 2. Wisdom is the honour of the wise: <i>The
prudent crown</i> themselves <i>with knowledge,</i> they look upon
it as their brightest ornament, and there is nothing they are so
ambitious of; they bind it to their heads as a crown, which they
will by no means part with; they press towards the top and
perfection of knowledge, which will crown their beginnings and
progress. They shall have the praise of it; wise heads shall be
respected as if they were crowned heads. They <i>crown
knowledge</i> (so some read it); they are a credit to their
profession. Wisdom is not only justified, but glorified, of all her
children.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p36.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.19" parsed="|Prov|14|19|0|0" passage="Pr 14:19" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.19">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p37">19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked
at the gates of the righteous.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p38">That is, 1. The wicked are oftentimes
impoverished and brought low, so that they are forced to beg, their
wickedness having reduced them to straits; while good men, by the
blessing of God, are enriched, and enabled to give, and do give,
even to the evil; for where God grants life we must not deny a
livelihood. 2. Sometimes God extorts, even from bad men, an
acknowledgement of the excellency of God's people. The evil ought
always to <i>bow before the good,</i> and sometimes they are made
to do it and <i>to know that God has loved them,</i> <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p38.1" osisRef="Bible:Rev.3.9" parsed="|Rev|3|9|0|0" passage="Re 3:9">Rev. iii. 9</scripRef>. They desire their favour
(<scripRef id="Prov.xv-p38.2" osisRef="Bible:Esth.7.7" parsed="|Esth|7|7|0|0" passage="Es 7:7">Esth. vii. 7</scripRef>), their
prayers, <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p38.3" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.12" parsed="|2Kgs|3|12|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:12">2 Kings iii. 12</scripRef>.
3. There is a day coming when the upright shall have the dominion
(<scripRef id="Prov.xv-p38.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.49.14" parsed="|Ps|49|14|0|0" passage="Ps 49:14">Ps. xlix. 14</scripRef>), when the
foolish virgins shall come begging to the wise for oil, and shall
knock in vain at that gate of the Lord at which the righteous
entered.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p38.5" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.20" parsed="|Prov|14|20|0|0" passage="Pr 14:20" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.20">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p39">20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour:
but the rich <i>hath</i> many friends.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p40">This shows, not what should be, but what is
the common way of the world—to be shy of the poor and fond of the
rich. 1. Few will give countenance to those whom the world frowns
upon, though otherwise worthy of respect: <i>The poor,</i> who
should be pitied, and encouraged, and relieved, <i>is hated,</i>
looked strange upon, and kept at a distance, even <i>by his own
neighbour,</i> who, before he fell into disgrace, was intimate with
him and pretended to have a kindness for him. Most are
swallow-friends, that are gone in winter. It is good having God our
friend, for he will not desert us when we are poor. 2. Every one
will make court to those whom the world smiles upon, though
otherwise unworthy: <i>The rich have many friends,</i> friends to
their riches, in hope to get something out of them. There is little
friendship in the world but what is governed by self-interest,
which is no true friendship at all, nor what a wise man will either
value himself on or put any confidence in. Those that make the
world their God idolize those that have most of its good things,
and seek their favour as if indeed they were Heaven's
favourites.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p40.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.21" parsed="|Prov|14|21|0|0" passage="Pr 14:21" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.21">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p41">21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but
he that hath mercy on the poor, happy <i>is</i> he.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p42">See here how men's character and condition
are measured and judged of by their conduct towards their poor
neighbours. 1. Those that look upon them with contempt have here
assigned them a bad character, and their condition will be
accordingly: <i>He that despises his neighbour</i> because he is
low in the world, because he is of a mean extraction, rustic
education, and makes but a mean figure, that thinks it below him to
take notice of him, converse with him, or concern himself about
him, and sets him with the dogs of his flock, <i>is a sinner,</i>
is guilty of a sin, is in the way to worse, and shall be dealt with
as a sinner; unhappy is he. 2. Those that look upon them with
compassion are here said to be in a good condition, according to
their character: <i>He that has mercy on the poor,</i> is ready to
do all the good offices he can to him, and thereby puts an honour
upon him, <i>happy is he;</i> he does that which is pleasing to
God, which he himself will afterwards reflect upon with great
satisfaction, for which the loins of the poor will bless him, and
which will be abundantly recompensed in the resurrection of the
just.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p42.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.22" parsed="|Prov|14|22|0|0" passage="Pr 14:22" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.22">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p43">22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy
and truth <i>shall be</i> to them that devise good.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p44">See here, 1. How miserably mistaken those
are that not only do evil, but devise it: <i>Do they not err?</i>
Yes, certainly they do; every one knows it. They think that by
sinning with craft and contrivance, and carrying on their intrigues
with more plot and artifice than others, they shall make a better
hand of their sins than others do, and come off better. But they
are mistaken. God's justice cannot be out-witted. Those that devise
evil against their neighbours greatly err, for it will certainly
turn upon themselves and end in their own ruin, a fatal error! 2.
How wisely those consult their own interest that not only do good
but devise it: <i>Mercy and truth</i> shall be to them, not a
reward of debt (they will own that they merit nothing), but a
reward of mercy, mere mercy, mercy according to the promise, mercy
and truth, to which God is pleased to make himself a debtor. Those
that are so liberal as to devise liberal things, that seek
opportunities of doing good, and contrive how to make their charity
most extensive and most acceptable to those that need it, <i>by
liberal things they shall stand,</i> <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p44.1" osisRef="Bible:Isa.32.8" parsed="|Isa|32|8|0|0" passage="Isa 32:8">Isa. xxxii. 8</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p44.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.23" parsed="|Prov|14|23|0|0" passage="Pr 14:23" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.23">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p45">23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk
of the lips <i>tendeth</i> only to penury.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p46">Note, 1. Working, without talking, will
make men rich: <i>In all labour</i> of the head, or of the hand,
<i>there is profit;</i> it will turn to some good account or other.
Industrious people are generally thriving people, and where there
is something done there is something to be had. <i>The stirring
hand gets a penny.</i> It is good therefore to keep in business,
and to keep in action, and what our hand finds to do to do it with
all our might. 2. Talking, without working, will make men poor.
Those that love to boast of their business and make a noise about
it, and that waste their time in tittle-tattle, in telling and
hearing new things, like the Athenians, and, under pretence of
improving themselves by conversation, neglect the work of their
place and day, they waste what they have, and the course they take
<i>tends to penury,</i> and will end in it. It is true in the
affairs of our souls; those that take pains in the service of God,
that strive earnestly in prayer, will find profit in it. But if
men's religion runs all out in talk and noise, and their praying is
only the labour of the lips, they will be spiritually poor, and
come to nothing.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p46.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.24" parsed="|Prov|14|24|0|0" passage="Pr 14:24" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.24">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p47">24 The crown of the wise <i>is</i> their riches:
<i>but</i> the foolishness of fools <i>is</i> folly.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p48">Observe, 1. If men be wise and good, riches
make them so much the more honourable and useful: <i>The crown of
the wise is their riches;</i> their riches make them to be so much
the more respected, and give them the more authority and influence
upon others. Those that have wealth, and wisdom to use it, will
have a great opportunity of honouring God and doing good in the
world. <i>Wisdom is good</i> without <i>an inheritance,</i> but
better <i>with</i> it. 2. If men be wicked and corrupt, their
wealth will but the more expose them: <i>The foolishness of
fools,</i> put them in what condition you will, <i>is folly,</i>
and will show itself and shame them; if they have riches, they do
mischief with them and are the more hardened in their foolish
practices.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p48.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.25" parsed="|Prov|14|25|0|0" passage="Pr 14:25" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.25">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p49">25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a
deceitful <i>witness</i> speaketh lies.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p50">See here, 1. How much praise is due to a
faithful witness: He <i>delivers the souls</i> of the innocent, who
are falsely accused, and their good names, which are as dear to
them as their lives. A man of integrity will venture the
displeasure of the greatest, to bring truth to light and rescue
those who are injured by falsehood. A faithful minister, who truly
witnesses for God against sin, is thereby instrumental to deliver
souls from eternal death. 2. How little regard is to be had to a
false witness. He forges <i>lies,</i> and yet pours them out with
the greatest assurance imaginable for the destruction of the
innocent. It is therefore the interest of a nation by all means
possible to detect and punish false-witness-bearing, yea, and lying
in common conversation; for truth is the cement of society.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p50.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.26-Prov.14.27" parsed="|Prov|14|26|14|27" passage="Pr 14:26-27" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.26-Prov.14.27">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p51">26 In the fear of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Prov.xv-p51.1">Lord</span> <i>is</i> strong confidence: and his
children shall have a place of refuge.   27 The fear of the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Prov.xv-p51.2">Lord</span> <i>is</i> a fountain of life,
to depart from the snares of death.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p52">In these two verses we are invited and
encouraged to live in the fear of God by the advantages which
attend a religious life. The <i>fear of the Lord</i> is here put
for all gracious principles, producing gracious practices. 1. Where
this reigns it produces a holy security and serenity of mind. There
is in it a <i>strong confidence;</i> it enables a man still to hold
fast both his purity and his peace, whatever happens, and gives him
boldness before God and the world. <i>I know that I shall be
justified—None of these things move me;</i> such is the language
of this confidence. 2. It entails a blessing upon posterity. The
children of those that by faith make God their confidence shall be
encouraged by the promise that God will be a God to believers and
to their seed to flee to him as their refuge, and they shall find
shelter in him. The children of religious parents often do the
better for their parents' instructions and example and fare the
better for their faith and prayers. "<i>Our fathers trusted in
thee,</i> therefore we will." 3. It is an over-flowing ever-flowing
spring of comfort and joy; it is <i>a fountain of life,</i>
yielding constant pleasure and satisfaction to the soul, joys that
are pure and fresh, are life to the soul, and quench its thirst,
and can never be drawn dry; it is a <i>well of living water,</i>
that is springing up to, and is the earnest of, eternal life. 4. It
is a sovereign antidote against sin and temptation. Those that have
a true relish of the pleasures of serious godliness will not be
allured by the baits of sin to swallow its hook; they know where to
obtain better things than any it can pretend to offer, and
therefore it is easy to them <i>to depart from the snares of
death</i> and to keep their foot from being taken in them.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p52.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.28" parsed="|Prov|14|28|0|0" passage="Pr 14:28" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.28">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p53">28 In the multitude of people <i>is</i> the
king's honour: but in the want of people <i>is</i> the destruction
of the prince.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p54">Here are two maxims in politics, which
carry their own evidence with them:—1. That it is much for the
honour of a king to have a populous kingdom; it is a sign that he
rules well, since strangers are hereby invited to come and settle
under his protection and his own subjects live comfortably; it is a
sign that he and his kingdom are under the blessing of God, the
effect of which is being fruitful and multiplying. It is his
strength, and makes him considerable and formidable; happy is the
king, the father of his country, who has his <i>quiver full of
arrows;</i> he <i>shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with his
enemy in the gate,</i> <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p54.1" osisRef="Bible:Ps.127.4-Ps.127.5" parsed="|Ps|127|4|127|5" passage="Ps 127:4,5">Ps. cxxvii.
4, 5</scripRef>. It is therefore the wisdom of princes, by a mild
and gentle government, by encouraging trade and husbandry, and by
making all easy under them, to promote the increase of their
people. And let all that wish well to the kingdom of Christ, and to
his honour, do what they can in their places that many may be added
to his church. 2. That when the people are lessened the prince is
weakened: <i>In the want of people is the leanness of the
prince</i> (so some read it); trade lies dead, the ground lies
untilled, the army wants to be recruited, the navy to be manned,
and all because there are not hands sufficient. See how much the
honour and safety of kings depend upon their people, which is a
reason why they should rule by love, and not with rigour. Princes
are corrected by those judgments which abate the number of the
people, as we find, <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p54.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.24.13" parsed="|2Sam|24|13|0|0" passage="2Sa 24:13">2 Sam. xxiv.
13</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p54.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.29" parsed="|Prov|14|29|0|0" passage="Pr 14:29" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.29">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p55">29 <i>He that is</i> slow to wrath <i>is</i> of
great understanding: but <i>he that is</i> hasty of spirit exalteth
folly.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p56">Note, 1. Meekness is wisdom. <i>He</i>
rightly understands himself, and his duty and interest, the
infirmities of human nature, and the constitution of human society,
who <i>is slow to anger,</i> and knows how to excuse the faults of
others as well as his own, how to adjourn his resentments, and
moderate them, so as by no provocation to be put out of the
possession of his own soul. A mild patient man is really to be
accounted an intelligent man, one that learns of Christ, who is
Wisdom itself. 2. Unbridled passion is folly proclaimed: <i>He that
is hasty of spirit,</i> whose heart is tinder to every spark of
provocation, that is all fire and tow, as we say, he thinks hereby
to magnify himself and make those about stand in awe of him,
whereas really he <i>exalts his own folly;</i> he makes it known,
as that which is lifted up is visible to all, and he submits
himself to it as to the government of one that is exalted.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p56.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.30" parsed="|Prov|14|30|0|0" passage="Pr 14:30" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.30">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p57">30 A sound heart <i>is</i> the life of the
flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p58">The foregoing verse showed how much our
reputation, this how much our health, depends on the good
government of our passions and the preserving of the temper of the
mind. 1. A healing spirit, made up of love and meekness, a hearty,
friendly, cheerful disposition, is <i>the life of the flesh;</i> it
contributes to a good constitution of body; people grow fat with
good humour. 2. A fretful, envious, discontented spirit, is its own
punishment; it consumes the flesh, preys upon the animal spirits,
makes the countenance pale, and is the <i>rottenness of the
bones.</i> Those that see the prosperity of others and are grieved,
let them <i>gnash with their teeth and melt away,</i> <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p58.1" osisRef="Bible:Ps.112.10" parsed="|Ps|112|10|0|0" passage="Ps 112:10">Ps. cxii. 10</scripRef>.</p>
<verse id="Prov.xv-p58.2">
<l class="t1" id="Prov.xv-p58.3">Rumpatur, quisquis rumpitur invidia.</l>
<l class="t1" id="Prov.xv-p58.4"/>
<l class="t1" id="Prov.xv-p58.5">Whoever bursts for envy, let him burst.</l>
</verse>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p58.6" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.31" parsed="|Prov|14|31|0|0" passage="Pr 14:31" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.31">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p59">31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his
Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p60">God is here pleased to interest himself
more than one would imagine in the treatment given to the poor. 1.
He reckons himself affronted in the injuries that are done them.
Whosoever he be that wrongs a poor man, taking advantage against
him because he is poor and cannot help himself, let him know that
he puts an affront upon his Maker. God made him, and gave him his
being, the same that is the author of our being; we have all one
Father, one Maker; see how Job considered this, <scripRef id="Prov.xv-p60.1" osisRef="Bible:Job.31.15" parsed="|Job|31|15|0|0" passage="Job 31:15">Job xxxi. 15</scripRef>. God made him poor, and
appointed him his lot, so that, if we deal hardly with any because
they are poor, we reflect upon God as dealing hardly with them in
laying them low, that they might be trampled upon. 2. He reckons
himself honoured in the kindnesses that are done them; he takes
them as done to himself, and will show himself accordingly pleased
with them. <i>I was hungry, and you gave me meat.</i> Those
therefore that have any true honour for God will show it by
compassion to the poor, whom he has undertaken in a special manner
to protect and patronise.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p60.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.32" parsed="|Prov|14|32|0|0" passage="Pr 14:32" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.32">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p61">32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness:
but the righteous hath hope in his death.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p62">Here is, 1. The desperate condition of a
wicked man when he goes out of the world: He <i>is driven away in
his wickedness.</i> He cleaves so closely to the world that he
cannot find in his heart to leave it, but is driven away out of it;
his soul is required, is forced from him, And sin cleaves so
closely to him that it is inseparable; it goes with him into
another world; he <i>is driven away in his wickedness,</i> dies in
his sins, under the guilt and power of them, unjustified,
unsanctified. His wickedness is the storm in which he is hurried
away, as chaff before the wind, chased out of the world. 2. The
comfortable condition of a godly man when he finishes his course:
He <i>has hope in his death</i> of a happiness on the other side
death, of better things in another world than ever he had in this.
<i>The righteous</i> then have the grace of hope in them; though
they have pain, and some dread of death, yet they have hope. They
have before them the good hoped for, even the blessed hope which
God, who cannot lie, has promised.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p62.1" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.33" parsed="|Prov|14|33|0|0" passage="Pr 14:33" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.33">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p63">33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath
understanding: but <i>that which is</i> in the midst of fools is
made known.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p64">Observe, 1. Modesty is the badge of wisdom.
He that is truly wise hides his treasure, so as not to boast of it
(<scripRef id="Prov.xv-p64.1" osisRef="Bible:Matt.13.44" parsed="|Matt|13|44|0|0" passage="Mt 13:44">Matt. xiii. 44</scripRef>), though he
does not hide his talent, so as not to trade with it. His <i>wisdom
rests in his heart;</i> he digests what he knows, and has it ready
to him, but does not unseasonably talk of it and make a noise with
it. The heart is the seat of the affections, and there wisdom must
rest in the practical love of it, and not swim in the head. 2.
Openness and ostentation are a mark of folly. If fools have a
little smattering of knowledge, they take all occasions, though
very foreign, to produce it, and bring it in by head and shoulders.
Or the folly that <i>is in the midst of fools is made known</i> by
their forwardness to talk. Many a foolish man takes more pains to
show his folly than a wise man thinks it worth his while to take to
show his wisdom.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p64.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.34" parsed="|Prov|14|34|0|0" passage="Pr 14:34" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.34">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p65">34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin
<i>is</i> a reproach to any people.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p66">Note, 1. Justice, reigning in a nation,
puts an honour upon it. A righteous administration of the
government, impartial equity between man and man, public
countenance given to religion, the general practice and profession
of virtue, the protecting and preserving of virtuous men, charity
and compassion to strangers (<i>alms</i> are sometimes called
<i>righteousness</i>), these <i>exalt a nation;</i> they uphold the
throne, elevate the people's minds, and qualify a nation for the
favour of God, which will make them high, as a <i>holy nation,</i>
<scripRef id="Prov.xv-p66.1" osisRef="Bible:Deut.26.19" parsed="|Deut|26|19|0|0" passage="De 26:19">Deut. xxvi. 19</scripRef>. 2. Vice,
reigning in a nation, puts disgrace upon it: <i>Sin is a reproach
to any</i> city or kingdom, and renders them despicable among their
neighbours. The people of Israel were often instances of both parts
of this observation; they were great when they were good, but when
they forsook God all about them insulted them and trampled on them.
It is therefore the interest and duty of princes to use their power
for the suppression of vice and support of virtue.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Prov.xv-p66.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.14.35" parsed="|Prov|14|35|0|0" passage="Pr 14:35" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Prov.14.35">
<p class="passage" id="Prov.xv-p67">35 The king's favour <i>is</i> toward a wise
servant: but his wrath is <i>against</i> him that causeth
shame.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Prov.xv-p68">This shows that in a well-ordered court and
government smiles and favours are dispensed among those that are
employed in public trusts according to their merits; Solomon lets
them know he will go by that rule, 1. That those who behave
themselves wisely shall be respected and preferred, whatever
enemies they may have that seek to undermine them. No man's
services shall be neglected to please a party or a favourite. 2.
That those who are selfish and false, who betray their country,
oppress the poor, and sow discord, and thus <i>cause shame,</i>
shall be displaced and banished the court, whatever friends they
may make to speak for them.</p>
</div></div2>