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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [Proverbs XXXI].</TITLE>
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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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<h3><a href="http://www.biblesnet.com" target="_blank">Back to Biblesnet.com Home Page</a>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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[<A HREF="MHC20030.HTM">Previous</A>]
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<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1710)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>P R O V E R B S</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XXXI.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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This chapter is added to Solomon's proverbs, some think because it is
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of the same author, supposing king Lemuel to be king Solomon; others
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only because it is of the same nature, though left in writing by
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another author, called Lemuel; however it be, it is a prophecy, and
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therefore given by inspiration and direction of God, which Lemuel was
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under in the writing of it, and putting it into this form, as his
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mother was in dictating to him the matter of it. Here is,
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I. An exhortation to Lemuel, a young prince, to take heed of the sins
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he would be tempted to and to do the duties of the place he was called
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to,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:1-9">ver. 1-9</A>.
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II. The description of a virtuous woman, especially in the relation of
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a wife and the mistress of a family, which Lemuel's mother drew up, not
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as an encomium of herself, though, no doubt, it was her own true
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picture, but either as an instruction to her daughters, as the
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foregoing verses were to her son, or as a direction to her son in the
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choice of a wife; she must be chaste and modest, diligent and frugal,
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dutiful to her husband, careful of her family, discreet in her
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discourse, and in the education of her children, and, above all,
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conscientious in her duty to God: such a one as this, if he can find
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her, will make him happy,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:10-31">ver. 10-31</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Pr31_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Maternal Counsels to King Lemuel.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1> <! -- Date --> </FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught
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him.
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2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son
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of my vows?
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3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which
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destroyeth kings.
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4 <I>It is</I> not for kings, O Lemuel, <I>it is</I> not for kings to
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drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
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5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment
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of any of the afflicted.
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6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine
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unto those that be of heavy hearts.
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7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his
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misery no more.
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8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are
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appointed to destruction.
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9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the
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poor and needy.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Most interpreters are of opinion that Lemuel is Solomon; the name
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signifies one that is <I>for God,</I> or <I>devoted to God;</I> and so
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it agrees well enough with that honourable name which, by divine
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appointment, was given to Solomon
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+12:25">
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2 Sam. xii. 25</A>),
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<I>Jedediah--beloved of the Lord.</I> Lemuel is supposed to be a
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pretty, fond, endearing name, by which his mother used to call him; and
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so much did he value himself upon the interest he had in his mother's
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affections that he was not ashamed to call himself by it. One would the
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rather incline to think it is Solomon that here tells us what <I>his
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mother taught him</I> because he tells us
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+4:4"><I>ch.</I> iv. 4</A>)
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what his father taught him. But some think (and the conjecture is not
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improbable) that Lemuel was a prince of some neighbouring country,
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whose mother was a daughter of Israel, perhaps of the house of David,
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and taught him these good lessons. Note,
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1. It is the duty of mothers, as well as fathers, to teach their
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children what is good, that they may do it, and what is evil, that they
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may avoid it; when they are young and tender they are most under the
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mother's eye, and she has then an opportunity of moulding and
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fashioning their minds well, which she ought not to let slip.
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2. Even kings must be catechised; the greatest of men is less than the
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least of the ordinances of God.
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3. Those that have grown up to maturity should often call to mind, and
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make mention of, the good instructions they received when they were
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children, for their own admonition, the edification of others, and the
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honour of those who were the guides of their youth.</P>
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<P>
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Now, in this mother's (this queen mother's) catechism, observe,</P>
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<P>
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I. Her expostulation with the young prince, by which she lays hold of
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him, claims an interest in him, and awakens his attention to what she
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is about to say
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>):
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"<I>What! my son?</I> What shall I say to thee?" She speaks as one
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considering what advice to give him, and choosing out words to reason
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with him; so full of concern is she for his welfare! Or, <I>What is it
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that thou doest?</I> It seems to be a chiding question. She observed,
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when he was young, that he was too much inclined to women and wine, and
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therefore she found it necessary to take him to task and deal roundly
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with him. "<I>What! my son?</I> Is this the course of life thou
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intendest to lead? Have I taught thee no better than thus? I must
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reprove thee, and reprove thee sharply, and thou must take it well,
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for,"
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1. "Thou art descended from me; thou art <I>the son of my womb,</I> and
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therefore what I say comes from the authority and affection of a parent
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and cannot be suspected to come from any ill-will. Thou art a piece of
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myself. I bore thee with sorrow, and I expect no other return for all
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the pains I have taken with thee, and undergone for thee, than this, Be
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wise and good, and then I am well paid."
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2. "Thou art devoted to my God; thou art <I>the son of my vows,</I> the
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son I prayed to God to give me and promised to give back to God, and
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did so" (thus Samuel was the son of Hannah's vows); "Thou art the son I
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have often prayed to God to give his grace to
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+72:1">Ps. lxxii. 1</A>),
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and shall a child of so many prayers miscarry? And shall all my hopes
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concerning thee be disappointed?" Our children that by baptism are
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dedicated to God, for whom and in whose name we covenanted with God,
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may well be called <I>the children of our vows;</I> and, as this may be
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made a good plea with God in our prayers for them, so it may be made a
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good plea with them in the instructions we give them; we may tell them
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they are baptized, are <I>the children of our vows,</I> and it is at
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their peril if they break those bonds in sunder which in their infancy
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they were solemnly brought under.</P>
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<P>
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II. The caution she gives him against those two destroying sins of
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<I>uncleanness</I> and <I>drunkenness,</I> which, if he allowed himself
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in them, would certainly be his ruin.
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1. Against uncleanness
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>):
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<I>Give not thy strength unto women,</I> unto strange women. He must
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not be soft and effeminate, nor spend that time in a vain conversation
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with the ladies which should be spent in getting knowledge and
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despatching business, nor employ that wit (which is the strength of the
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soul) in courting and complimenting them which he should employ about
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the affairs of his government. "Especially shun all adultery,
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fornication, and lasciviousness, which waste the strength of the body,
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and bring into it dangerous diseases. <I>Give not thy ways,</I> thy
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affections, thy conversation, <I>to that which destroys kings,</I>
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which has destroyed many, which gave such a shock to the kingdom even
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of David himself, in the matter of Uriah. Let the sufferings of others
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be thy warnings." It lessens the honour of kings and makes them mean.
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Are those fit to govern others that are themselves slaves to their own
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lusts? It makes them unfit for business, and fills their court with the
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basest and worst of animals. Kings lie exposed to temptations of this
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kind, having wherewith both to please the humours and to bear the
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charges of the sin, and therefore they ought to double their guard;
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and, if they would preserve their people from the unclean spirit, they
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must themselves be patterns of purity. Meaner people may also apply it
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to themselves. Let none give their strength <I>to that which destroys
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souls.</I>
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2. Against drunkenness,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:4,5"><I>v.</I> 4, 5</A>.
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He must not <I>drink wine</I> or <I>strong drink</I> to excess; he must
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never sit to drink, as they used to do <I>in the day of their king,</I>
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when <I>the princes made him sick with bottles of wine,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+7:7">Hos. vii. 7</A>.
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Whatever temptation he might be in from the excellency of the wine, or
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the charms of the company, he must deny himself, and be strictly sober,
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considering,
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(1.) The indecency of drunkenness in a king. However some may call it a
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fashionable accomplishment and entertainment, <I>it is not for kings, O
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Lemuel! it is not for kings, to</I> allow themselves that liberty; it
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is a disparagement to their dignity, and profanes their crown, by
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confusing the head that wears it; that which for the time unmans them
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does for the time unking them. Shall we say, <I>They are gods?</I> No,
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they are <I>worse than the beasts that perish.</I> All Christians are
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<I>made to our God kings and priests,</I> and must apply this to
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themselves. <I>It is not for</I> Christians, <I>it is not for</I>
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Christians, <I>to drink</I> to excess; they debase themselves if they
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do; it ill becomes the heirs of the kingdom and the spiritual priests,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+10:9">
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Lev. x. 9</A>.
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(2.) The ill consequences of it
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>):
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<I>Lest they drink</I> away their understandings and memories, <I>drink
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and forget the law</I> by which they are to govern; and so, instead of
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doing good with their power, do hurt with it, <I>and pervert</I> or
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<I>alter the judgment of all the sons of affliction,</I> and, when they
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should right them, wrong them, and add to their affliction. It is a sad
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complaint which is made of the priests and prophets
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+28:7">Isa. xxviii. 7</A>),
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that <I>they have erred through wine, and through strong drink they are
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out of the way;</I> and the effect is as bad in kings, who when they
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are drunk, or intoxicated with the love of wine, cannot but stumble in
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judgment. Judges must have clear heads, which those cannot have who so
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often make themselves giddy, and incapacitate themselves to judge of
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the most common things.</P>
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<P>
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III. The counsel she gives him to do good.
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1. He must do good with his wealth. Great men must not think that they
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have their abundance only that out of it they may <I>made provision for
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the flesh, to fulfil the lusts of it,</I> and may the more freely
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indulge their own genius; no, but that with it they may relieve such as
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are in distress,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:6,7"><I>v.</I> 6, 7</A>.
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"Thou hast wine or strong drink at command; instead of doing thyself
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hurt with it, do others good with it; let those have it that need it."
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Those that have wherewithal must not only give bread to the hungry and
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water to the thirsty, but they must <I>give strong drink to him that is
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ready to perish</I> through sickness or pain <I>and wine to those
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that</I> are melancholy and <I>of heavy heart;</I> for it was appointed
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to cheer and revive the spirits, and <I>make glad the heart</I> (as it
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does where there is need of it), not to burden and oppress the spirits,
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as it does where there is no need of it. We must deny ourselves in the
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gratifications of sense, that we may have to spare for the relief of
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the miseries of others, and be glad to see our superfluities and
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dainties better bestowed upon those whom they will be a real kindness
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to than upon ourselves whom they will be a real injury to. Let those
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that are <I>ready to perish</I> drink soberly, and it will be a means
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so to revive their drooping spirits that they will <I>forget their
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poverty</I> for the time <I>and remember their misery no more,</I> and
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so they will be the better able to bear it. The Jews say that upon this
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was grounded the practice of giving a stupifying drink to condemned
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prisoners when they were going to execution, as they did to our
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Saviour. But the scope of the place is to show that wine is a cordial,
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and therefore to be used for want and not for wantonness, by those only
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that need cordials, as Timothy, who is advised to <I>drink a little
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wine,</I> only <I>for his stomach's sake and his often infirmities,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+5:23">1 Tim. v. 23</A>.
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2. He must do good with his power, his knowledge, and interest, must
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administer justice with care, courage, and compassion,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:8,9"><I>v.</I> 8, 9</A>.
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(1.) He must himself take cognizance of the causes his subjects have
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depending in his courts, and inspect what his judges and officers do,
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that he may support those that do their duty, and lay those aside that
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neglect it or are partial.
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(2.) He must, in all matters that come before him, <I>judge
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righteously,</I> and, without fear of the face of man, boldly pass
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sentence according to equity: <I>Open thy mouth,</I> which denotes the
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liberty of speech that princes and judges ought to use in passing
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sentence. Some observe that only wise men <I>open</I> their mouths, for
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fools have their mouths always open, are full of words.
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(3.) He must especially look upon himself as obliged to be the patron
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of oppressed innocency. The inferior magistrates perhaps had not zeal
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and tenderness enough to <I>plead the cause of the poor and needy;</I>
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therefore the king himself must interpose, and appear as an advocate,
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[1.] For those that were unjustly charged with capital crimes, as
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Naboth was, that were <I>appointed to destruction,</I> to gratify the
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malice either of a particular person or of a party. It is a case which
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it well befits a king to appear in, for the preserving of innocent
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blood.
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[2.] For those that had actions unjustly brought against them, to
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defraud them of their right, because they were <I>poor and needy,</I>
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and unable to defend it, not having wherewithal to fee counsel; in such
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a case also kings must be advocates for the poor. Especially,
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[3.] For those that were <I>dumb,</I> and knew not how to speak for
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themselves, either through weakness or fear, or being over-talked by
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the prosecutor or over-awed by the court. It is generous to speak for
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those that cannot speak for themselves, that are absent, or have not
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words at command, or are timorous. Our law appoints the judge to be of
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counsel for the prisoner.</P>
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<A NAME="Pr31_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_14"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_15"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_16"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_17"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_18"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_19"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_20"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_21"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_22"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_23"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_24"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_25"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_26"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_27"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_28"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_29"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_30"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_31"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_32"> </A>
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<A NAME="Pr31_33"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Virtuous Woman.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1> <! -- Date --> </FONT></TD></TR>
|
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
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</TABLE>
|
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price <I>is</I> far above
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rubies.
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11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that
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he shall have no need of spoil.
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12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
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13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her
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hands.
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14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from
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afar.
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15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to
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her household, and a portion to her maidens.
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16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of
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|
her hands she planteth a vineyard.
|
|
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her
|
|
arms.
|
|
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise <I>is</I> good: her candle
|
|
goeth not out by night.
|
|
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the
|
|
distaff.
|
|
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth
|
|
forth her hands to the needy.
|
|
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her
|
|
household <I>are</I> clothed with scarlet.
|
|
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing <I>is</I>
|
|
silk and purple.
|
|
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the
|
|
elders of the land.
|
|
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth <I>it;</I> and delivereth
|
|
girdles unto the merchant.
|
|
25 Strength and honour <I>are</I> her clothing; and she shall
|
|
rejoice in time to come.
|
|
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue <I>is</I>
|
|
the law of kindness.
|
|
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth
|
|
not the bread of idleness.
|
|
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband
|
|
<I>also,</I> and he praiseth her.
|
|
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them
|
|
all.
|
|
30 Favour <I>is</I> deceitful, and beauty <I>is</I> vain: <I>but</I> a woman
|
|
<I>that</I> feareth the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, she shall be praised.
|
|
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works
|
|
praise her in the gates.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
This description of the <I>virtuous woman</I> is designed to show what
|
|
wives the women should make and what wives the men should choose; it
|
|
consists of twenty-two verses, each beginning with a letter of the
|
|
Hebrew alphabet in order, as some of the <I>Psalms,</I> which makes
|
|
some think it was no part of the lesson which Lemuel's mother taught
|
|
him, but a poem by itself, written by some other hand, and perhaps had
|
|
been commonly repeated among the pious Jews, for the ease of which it
|
|
was made alphabetical. We have the abridgment of it in the New
|
|
Testament
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+2:9,10,1Pe+3:1-6">1 Tim. ii. 9, 10; 1 Pet. iii. 1-6</A>),
|
|
|
|
where the duty prescribed to wives agrees with this description of a
|
|
good wife; and with good reason is so much stress laid upon it, since
|
|
it contributes as much as any one thing to the keeping up of religion
|
|
in families, and the entail of it upon posterity, that the mothers be
|
|
wise and good; and of what consequence it is to the wealth and outward
|
|
prosperity of a house every one is sensible. He that will thrive must
|
|
ask his wife leave. Here is,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. A general enquiry after such a one
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
where observe,
|
|
|
|
1. The person enquired after, and that is <I>a virtuous woman--a woman
|
|
of strength</I> (so the word is), though the weaker vessel, yet made
|
|
strong by wisdom and grace, and the fear of God: it is the same word
|
|
that is used in the character of good judges
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+18:21">Exod. xviii. 21</A>),
|
|
|
|
that they are <I>able men,</I> men qualified for the business to which
|
|
they are called, <I>men of truth, fearing God.</I> So it follows, <I>A
|
|
virtuous woman</I> is a woman of spirit, who has the command of her own
|
|
spirit and knows how to manage other people's, one that is pious and
|
|
industrious, and a help meet for a man. In opposition to this strength,
|
|
we read of the weakness of the heart <I>of an imperious whorish
|
|
woman,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+16:30">Ezek. xvi. 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>A virtuous woman</I> is a woman of resolution, who, having espoused
|
|
good principles, is firm and steady to them, and will not be frightened
|
|
with winds and clouds from any part of her duty.
|
|
|
|
2. The difficulty of meeting with such a one: <I>Who can find</I> her?
|
|
This intimates that good women are very scarce, and many that seem to
|
|
be so do not prove so; he that thought he had found a <I>virtuous
|
|
woman</I> was deceived; <I>Behold, it was Leah,</I> and not the Rachel
|
|
he expected. But he that designs to marry ought to seek diligently for
|
|
such a one, to have this principally in his eye, in all his enquiries,
|
|
and to take heed that he be not biassed by beauty or gaiety, wealth or
|
|
parentage, dressing well or dancing well; for all these may be and yet
|
|
the woman not be virtuous, and there is many a woman truly virtuous who
|
|
yet is not recommended by these advantages.
|
|
|
|
3. The unspeakable worth of such a one, and the value which he that
|
|
has such a wife ought to put upon her, showing it by his thankfulness
|
|
to God and his kindness and respect to her, whom he must never think he
|
|
can do too much for. <I>Her price is far above rubies,</I> and all the
|
|
rich ornaments with which vain women adorn themselves. The more rare
|
|
such good wives are the more they are to be valued.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. A particular description of her and of her excellent
|
|
qualifications.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. She is very industrious to recommend herself to her husband's esteem
|
|
and affection. Those that are good really will be good relatively. A
|
|
good woman, if she be brought into the marriage state, will be a good
|
|
wife, and make it her business to <I>please her husband,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+7:34">1 Cor. vii. 34</A>.
|
|
|
|
Though she is a woman of spirit herself, yet <I>her desire is to her
|
|
husband,</I> to know his mind, that she may accommodate herself to it,
|
|
and she is willing that <I>he should rule over her.</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) She conducts herself so that he may repose an entire confidence in
|
|
her. He trusts in her chastity, which she never gave him the least
|
|
occasion to suspect or to entertain any jealousy of; she is not morose
|
|
and reserved, but modest and grave, and has all the marks of virtue in
|
|
her countenance and behaviour; her husband knows it, and therefore his
|
|
<I>heart doth safely trust in her;</I> he is easy, and makes her so. He
|
|
trusts in her conduct, that she will speak in all companies, and act in
|
|
all affairs, with prudence and discretion, so as not to occasion him
|
|
either damage or reproach. He trusts in her fidelity to his interests,
|
|
and that she will never betray his counsels nor have any interest
|
|
separate from that of his family. When he goes abroad, to attend the
|
|
concerns of the public, he can confide in her to order all his affairs
|
|
at home, as well as if he himself were there. She is a good wife that
|
|
is fit to be trusted, and he is a good husband that will leave it to
|
|
such a wife to manage for him.
|
|
|
|
(2.) She contributes so much to his content and satisfaction <I>that he
|
|
shall have no need of spoil;</I> he needs not be griping and scraping
|
|
abroad, as those must be whose wives are proud and wasteful at home.
|
|
She manages his affairs so that he is always before-hand, has such
|
|
plenty of his own that he is in no temptation to prey upon his
|
|
neighbours. He thinks himself so happy in her that he envies not those
|
|
who have most of the wealth of this world; he needs it not, he has
|
|
enough, having such a wife. Happy the couple that have such a
|
|
satisfaction as this in each other!
|
|
|
|
(3.) She makes it her constant business to <I>do him good,</I> and is
|
|
afraid of doing any thing, even through inadvertency, that may turn to
|
|
his prejudice,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
She shows her love to him, not by a foolish fondness, but by prudent
|
|
endearments, accommodating herself to his temper, and not crossing him,
|
|
giving him good words, and not bad ones, no, not when he is out of
|
|
humour, studying to make him easy, to provide what is fit for him both
|
|
in health and sickness, and attending him with diligence and tenderness
|
|
when any thing ails him; nor would she, no, not for the world, wilfully
|
|
do any thing that might be a damage to his person, family, estate, or
|
|
reputation. And this is her care <I>all the days of her life;</I> not
|
|
at first only, or now and then, when she is in a good humour, but
|
|
perpetually; and she is not weary of the good offices she does him:
|
|
<I>She does him good,</I> not only all the days of <I>his</I> life, but
|
|
<I>of her own</I> too; if she survive him, still she is doing him good
|
|
in her care of his children, his estate, and good name, and all the
|
|
concerns he left behind him. We read of kindness shown, not only <I>to
|
|
the living,</I> but <I>to the dead,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ru+2:20">Ruth ii. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
(4.) She adds to his reputation in the world
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Her husband is known in the gates,</I> known to have a good wife. By
|
|
his wise counsels, and prudent management of affairs, it appears that
|
|
he has a discreet companion in his bosom, by conversation with whom he
|
|
improves himself. By his cheerful countenance and pleasant humour it
|
|
appears that he has an agreeable wife at home; for many that have not
|
|
have their tempers strangely soured by it. Nay, by his appearing clean
|
|
and neat in his dress, every thing about him decent and handsome, yet
|
|
not gaudy, one may know he has a good wife at home, that takes care of
|
|
his clothes.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. She is one that takes pains in the duty of her place and takes
|
|
pleasure in it. This part of her character is much enlarged upon here.
|
|
|
|
(1.) She hates to sit still and do nothing: <I>She eats not the bread
|
|
of idleness,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
Though she needs not work for her bread (she has an estate to live
|
|
upon), yet she will not eat it in idleness, because she knows that we
|
|
were none of us sent into this world to be idle, that when we have
|
|
nothing to do the devil will soon find us something to do, and that it
|
|
is not fit that those who <I>will not labour</I> should <I>eat.</I>
|
|
Some eat and drink because they can find themselves nothing else to do,
|
|
and needless visits must be received with fashionable entertainments;
|
|
these are eating the bread of idleness, which she has no relish for,
|
|
for she neither gives nor receives idle visits nor idle talk.
|
|
|
|
(2.) She is careful to fill up time, that none of that be lost. When
|
|
day-light is done, she does not then think it time to lay by her work,
|
|
as those are forced to do whose business lies abroad in the fields
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+104:23">Ps. civ. 23</A>),
|
|
|
|
but her business lying within-doors, and her work worth candle-light,
|
|
with that she lengthens out the day; and <I>her candle goes not out by
|
|
night,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is a mercy to have candle-light to supply the want of day-light, and
|
|
a duty, having that advantage, to improve it. We say of an elaborate
|
|
piece, It smells of the lamp.
|
|
|
|
(3.) <I>She rises</I> early, <I>while it is yet night</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
to give her servants their breakfast, that they may be ready to go
|
|
cheerfully about their work as soon as the day breaks. She is none of
|
|
those who sit up playing at cards, or dancing, till midnight, till
|
|
morning, and then lie in bed till noon. No; the <I>virtuous woman</I>
|
|
loves her business better than her ease or her pleasure, is in care to
|
|
be found in the way of her duty every hour of the day, and has more
|
|
true satisfaction in having <I>given meat to her household</I> betimes
|
|
in the morning than those can have in the money they have won, much
|
|
more in what they have lost, who sat up all night at play. Those that
|
|
have a family to take care of should not love their bed too well in a
|
|
morning.
|
|
|
|
(4.) She applies herself to the business that is proper for her. It is
|
|
not in a scholar's business, or statesman's business, or husbandman's
|
|
business, that she employs herself, but in women's business: <I>She
|
|
seeks wool and flax,</I> where she may have the best of each at the
|
|
best hand, and cheapest; she has a stock of both by her, and every
|
|
thing that is necessary to the carrying on both of the woollen and the
|
|
linen manufacture
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
and with this she does not only set the poor on work, which is a very
|
|
good office, but does herself work, <I>and work willingly, with her
|
|
hands;</I> she <I>works with the counsel or delight of her hands</I>
|
|
(so the word is); she goes about it cheerfully and dexterously, lays
|
|
not only her hand, but her mind to it, and goes on in it without
|
|
weariness in well-doing. <I>She lays her</I> own <I>hands to the
|
|
spindle,</I> or spinning-wheel, <I>and her hands hold the distaff</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
and she does not reckon it either an abridgment of her liberty or a
|
|
disparagement to her dignity, or at all inconsistent with her repose.
|
|
The spindle and the distaff are here mentioned as her honour, while the
|
|
ornaments of the daughters of Zion are reckoned up to their reproach,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+2:18">Isa. ii. 18</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c.
|
|
|
|
(5.) She does what she does with all her might, and does not trifle in
|
|
it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>She girds her loins with strength and strengthens her arms;</I> she
|
|
does not employ herself in sitting work only, or in that which is only
|
|
the nice performance of the fingers (there are works that are scarcely
|
|
one remove from doing nothing); but, if there be occasion, she will go
|
|
through with work that requires all the strength she has, which she
|
|
will use as one that knows it is the way to have more.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. She is one that makes what she does to turn to a good account, by
|
|
her prudent management of it. She does not toil all night and catch
|
|
nothing; no, she herself <I>perceives that her merchandise is good</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>);
|
|
|
|
she is sensible that <I>in all</I> her <I>labour there is profit,</I>
|
|
and that encourages her to go on in it. She perceives that she can make
|
|
things herself better and cheaper than she can buy them; she finds by
|
|
observation what branch of her employment brings in the best returns,
|
|
and to that she applies herself most closely.
|
|
|
|
(1.) She brings in provisions of all things necessary and convenient
|
|
for her family,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
No <I>merchants' ships,</I> no, not Solomon's navy, ever made a more
|
|
advantageous return than her employments do. Do they bring in foreign
|
|
commodities with the effects they export? So does she with the fruit of
|
|
her labours. What her own ground does not produce she can furnish
|
|
herself with, if she have occasion for it, by exchanging her own goods
|
|
for it; and so <I>she brings her food from afar.</I> Not that she
|
|
values things the more for their being far-fetched, but, if they be
|
|
ever so far off, if she must have them she knows how to come by them.
|
|
|
|
(2.) She purchases lands, and enlarges the demesne of the family
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>She considers a field, and buys it.</I> She considers what an
|
|
advantage it will be to the family and what a good account it will turn
|
|
to, and therefore she buys it; or, rather, though she have ever so much
|
|
mind to it she will not buy it till she has first considered it,
|
|
whether it be worth her money, whether she can afford to take so much
|
|
money out of her stock as must go to purchase it, whether the title be
|
|
good, whether the ground will answer the character given of it, and
|
|
whether she has money at command to pay for it. Many have undone
|
|
themselves by buying without considering; but those who would make
|
|
advantageous purchases must consider, and then buy. <I>She</I> also
|
|
<I>plants a vineyard,</I> but it is <I>with the fruit of her hands;</I>
|
|
she does not take up money, or run into debt, to do it, but she does it
|
|
with what she can spare out of the gains of her own housewifery. Men
|
|
should not lay out any thing upon superfluities, till, by the blessing
|
|
of God upon their industry, they have got before-hand, and can afford
|
|
it; and <I>then</I> the fruit of the vineyard is likely to be doubly
|
|
sweet, when it is the fruit of honest industry.
|
|
|
|
(3.) She furnishes her house well and has good clothing for herself and
|
|
her family
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>She makes herself coverings of tapestry</I> to hang her rooms, and
|
|
she may be allowed to use them when they are of her own making.
|
|
<I>Her</I> own <I>clothing</I> is rich and fine: it is <I>silk and
|
|
purple,</I> according to her place and rank. Though she is not so vain
|
|
as to spend much time in dressing herself, nor makes the putting on of
|
|
apparel her adorning, nor values herself upon it, yet she has rich
|
|
clothes and puts them on well. The senator's robes which her husband
|
|
wears are of her own spinning, and they look better and wear better
|
|
than any that are bought. She also gets good warm clothing for her
|
|
children, and her servants' liveries. She needs not fear the cold of
|
|
the most pinching winter, for she and her family are well provided with
|
|
clothes, sufficient to keep out cold, which is the end chiefly to be
|
|
aimed at in clothing: <I>All her household are clothed in scarlet,</I>
|
|
strong cloth and fit for winter, and yet rich and making a good
|
|
appearance. They are <I>all double clothed</I> (so some read it), have
|
|
change of raiment, a winter suit and a summer suit.
|
|
|
|
(4.) She trades abroad. She makes more than she and her household have
|
|
occasion for; and therefore, when she has sufficiently stocked her
|
|
family, <I>she sells fine linen and girdles to the merchants</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
who carry them to Tyre, the mart of the nations, or some other trading
|
|
city. Those families are likely to thrive that sell more than they
|
|
buy; as it is well with the kingdom when abundance of its home
|
|
manufactures are exported. It is no disgrace to those of the best
|
|
quality to sell what they can spare, nor to deal in trade and send
|
|
ventures by sea.
|
|
|
|
(5.) She lays up for hereafter: <I>She shall rejoice in time to
|
|
come,</I> having laid in a good stock for her family, and having good
|
|
portions for her children. Those that take pains when they are in their
|
|
prime will have the pleasure and joy of it when they are old, both in
|
|
reflecting upon it and in reaping the benefit of it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. She takes care of her family and all the affairs of it, <I>gives
|
|
meat to her household</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
to every one <I>his portion of meat in due season,</I> so that none of
|
|
her servants have reason to complain of being kept short or faring
|
|
hard. She gives also <I>a portion</I> (an allotment of work, as well as
|
|
meat) <I>to her maidens;</I> they shall all of them know their business
|
|
and have their task. <I>She looks well to the ways of her household</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>);
|
|
|
|
she inspects the manners of all her servants, that she may check what
|
|
is amiss among them, and oblige them all to behave properly and do
|
|
their duty to God and one another, as well as to her; as Job, who put
|
|
away iniquity far from his tabernacle, and David, who would suffer no
|
|
wicked thing in his house. She does not intermeddle in the concerns of
|
|
other people's houses; she thinks it enough for her to look well to her
|
|
own.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
5. She is charitable <I>to the poor,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
She is as intent upon giving as she is upon getting; she often serves
|
|
the poor with her own hand, and she does if freely, cheerfully, and
|
|
very liberally, with an out-stretched hand. Nor does she relieve her
|
|
poor neighbours only, and those that are nigh at hand, but <I>she
|
|
reaches forth her hands to the needy</I> that are at a distance,
|
|
seeking opportunities <I>to do good and to communicate,</I> which is as
|
|
good housewifery as any thing she does.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
6. She is discreet and obliging in all her discourse, not talkative,
|
|
censorious, nor peevish, as some are, that know how to take pains; no,
|
|
<I>she opens her mouth with wisdom;</I> when she does speak, it is with
|
|
a great deal of prudence and very much to the purpose; you may perceive
|
|
by every word she says how much she governs herself by the rules of
|
|
wisdom. She not only takes prudent measures herself, but gives prudent
|
|
advice to others; and this not as assuming the authority of a dictator,
|
|
but with the affection of a friend and an obliging air: <I>In her
|
|
tongue is the law of kindness;</I> all she says is under the government
|
|
of that law. The law of love and kindness is written in the heart, but
|
|
it shows itself in the tongue; if we are <I>kindly affectioned one to
|
|
another,</I> it will appear by affectionate expression. It is called a
|
|
<I>law of kindness,</I> because it gives law to others, to all she
|
|
converses with. Her wisdom and kindness together put a commanding power
|
|
into all she says; they command respect, they command compliance. How
|
|
forcible are right words! <I>In her tongue is the law of grace,</I> or
|
|
<I>mercy</I> (so some read it), understanding it of the word and law of
|
|
God, which she delights to talk of among her children and servants. She
|
|
is full of pious religious discourse, and manages it prudently, which
|
|
shows how full her heart is of another world even when her hands are
|
|
most busy about this world.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
7. That which completes and crowns her character is that she <I>fears
|
|
the Lord,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
With all those good qualities she lacks not that <I>one thing
|
|
needful;</I> she is truly pious, and, in all she does, is guided and
|
|
governed by principles of conscience and a regard to God; this is that
|
|
which is here preferred far before <I>beauty;</I> that <I>is vain and
|
|
deceitful;</I> all that are wise and good account it so, and value
|
|
neither themselves nor others on it. Beauty recommends none to God, nor
|
|
is it any certain indication of wisdom and goodness, but it has
|
|
deceived many a man who has made his choice of a wife by it. There may
|
|
be an impure deformed soul lodged in a comely and beautiful body; nay,
|
|
many have been exposed by their beauty to such temptations as have been
|
|
the ruin of their virtue, their honour, and their precious souls. It
|
|
is a fading thing at the best, and therefore <I>vain</I> and
|
|
<I>deceitful.</I> A fit of sickness will stain and sully it in a little
|
|
time; a thousand accidents may blast this flower in its prime; old age
|
|
will certainly wither it and death and the grave consume it. But the
|
|
fear of God reigning in the heart is the beauty of the soul; it
|
|
recommends those that have it to the favour of God, and is, in his
|
|
sight, of great price; it will last for ever, and bid defiance to death
|
|
itself, which consumes the beauty of the body, but consummates the
|
|
beauty of the soul.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The happiness of this virtuous woman.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. She has the comfort and satisfaction of her virtue in her own mind
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Strength and honour are her clothing,</I> in which she wraps
|
|
herself, that is, enjoys herself, and in which she appears to the
|
|
world, and so recommends herself. She enjoys a firmness and constancy
|
|
of mind, has spirit to bear up under the many crosses and
|
|
disappointments which even the wise and virtuous must expect to meet
|
|
with in this world; and this is her clothing, for defence as well as
|
|
decency. She deals honourably with all, and she has the pleasure of
|
|
doing so, <I>and shall rejoice in time to come;</I> she shall reflect
|
|
upon it with comfort, when she comes to be old, that she was not idle
|
|
or useless when she was young. In the day of death it will be a
|
|
pleasure to her to think that she has lived to some good purpose. Nay,
|
|
<I>she shall rejoice in an eternity to come;</I> she shall be
|
|
recompensed for her goodness with <I>fulness of joy and pleasures for
|
|
evermore.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. She is a great blessing to her relations,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>Her children</I> grow up in her place, <I>and</I> they <I>call
|
|
her blessed.</I> They give her their good word, they are themselves a
|
|
commendation to her, and they are ready to give great commendations of
|
|
her; they pray for her, and bless God that they had such a good mother.
|
|
It is a debt which they owe her, a part of that honour which the fifth
|
|
commandment requires to be paid to father and mother; and it is a
|
|
double honour that is due to a good father and a good mother.
|
|
|
|
(2.) <I>Her husband</I> thinks himself so happy in her that he takes
|
|
all occasions to speak well of her, as one of the best of women. It is
|
|
no indecency at all, but a laudable instance of conjugal love, for
|
|
husbands and wives to give one another their due praises.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. She gets the good word of all her neighbours, as Ruth did, whom
|
|
<I>all the city of her people knew</I> to be <I>a virtuous woman,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ru+3:11">Ruth iii. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Virtue will have its praise,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+4:8">Phil. iv. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
A woman that fears the Lord, shall have praise <I>of God</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+2:29">Rom. ii. 29</A>)
|
|
|
|
and of men too. It is here shown,
|
|
|
|
(1.) That she shall be highly praised
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Many have done virtuously.</I> Virtuous women, it seems, are
|
|
precious jewels, but not such rare jewels as was represented
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
There have been many, but such a one as this cannot be paralleled.
|
|
<I>Who can find</I> her equal? <I>She excels them all.</I> Note, Those
|
|
that are good should aim and covet to excel in virtue. <I>Many
|
|
daughters,</I> in their father's house, and in the single state,
|
|
<I>have done virtuously, but</I> a good wife, if she be virtuous,
|
|
<I>excels them all,</I> and does more good in her place than they can
|
|
do in theirs. Or, as some explain it, A man cannot have his house so
|
|
well kept by good daughters, as by a good wife.
|
|
|
|
(2.) That she shall be incontestably praised, without contradiction,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+31:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>.
|
|
|
|
Some are praised above what is their due, but those that praise her do
|
|
but <I>give her of the fruit of her hands;</I> they give her that which
|
|
she has dearly earned and which is justly due to her; she is wronged if
|
|
she have it not. Note, Those ought to be praised the fruit of whose
|
|
hands is praise-worthy. The tree is known by its fruits, and therefore,
|
|
if the fruit be good, the tree must have our good word. If her children
|
|
be dutiful and respectful to her, and conduct themselves as they ought,
|
|
they then <I>give her the fruit of her hands;</I> she reaps the benefit
|
|
of all the care she has taken of them, and thinks herself well paid.
|
|
Children must thus study to <I>requite their parents,</I> and this is
|
|
<I>showing piety at home,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+5:4">1 Tim. v. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
But, if men be unjust, the thing will speak itself, <I>her own
|
|
works</I> will <I>praise her in the gates,</I> openly before all the
|
|
people.
|
|
|
|
[1.] She leaves it to her own works to praise her, and does not court
|
|
the applause of men. Those are none of the truly virtuous women that
|
|
love to hear themselves commended.
|
|
|
|
[2.] <I>Her own works</I> will <I>praise her;</I> if her relations and
|
|
neighbours altogether hold their peace, her good works will proclaim
|
|
her praise. The widows gave the best encomium of Dorcas when they
|
|
<I>showed the coats and garments she had made for the poor,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+9:39">Acts ix. 39</A>.
|
|
|
|
[3.] The least that can be expected from her neighbours is that they
|
|
should <I>let her own works praise her,</I> and do nothing to hinder
|
|
them. Those that <I>do that which is good,</I> let them <I>have praise
|
|
of the same</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+13:3">
|
|
Rom. xiii. 3</A>)
|
|
|
|
and let us not enviously say, or do, any thing to the diminishing of
|
|
it, but be provoked by it to a holy emulation. Let none have an ill
|
|
report from us, that have <I>a good report</I> even <I>of the truth
|
|
itself.</I> Thus is shut up this looking-glass for ladies, which they
|
|
are desired to open and dress themselves by; and, if they do so, their
|
|
adorning will be found to praise, and honour, and glory, at the
|
|
appearing of Jesus Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=150>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
Twenty chapters of the book of <I>Proverbs</I> (beginning with
|
|
<I>ch.</I> x. and ending with <I>ch.</I> xxix.), consisting mostly of
|
|
entire sentences in each verse, could not well be reduced to proper
|
|
heads, and the contents of them gathered; I have therefore here put the
|
|
contents of all these chapters together, which perhaps may be of some
|
|
use to those who desire to see at once all that is said of any one head
|
|
in these chapters. Some of the verses, perhaps, I have not put under
|
|
the same heads that another would have put them under, but the most of
|
|
them fall (I hope) naturally enough to the places I have assigned them.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<TABLE BORDER=0>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
1.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of the comfort, or grief, parents have in their children, according
|
|
as they are wise or foolish, godly or ungodly,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+10:1,15:20,17:21,25,19:13,26,23:15,16,24,25">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> x. 1; xv. 20; xvii. 21, 25; xix. 13, 26; xxiii. 15, 16, 24, 25</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+27:11; xxix. 3">
|
|
xxvii. 11; xxix. 3</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
2.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of the world's insufficiency, and religion's sufficiency,
|
|
to make us happy
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+10:2,3,11:4"><I>ch.</I> x. 2, 3; xi. 4</A>)
|
|
|
|
and the preference to be therefore given to the gains of virtue above
|
|
those of this world,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+15:16,17,16:8,16,17:1,19:1,28:6,11">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xv. 16, 17; xvi. 8, 16; xvii. 1; xix. 1; xxviii. 6, 11</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
3.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of slothfulness and diligence,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+10:4,26,12:11,24,27,13:4,23,15:19,16:26">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> x. 4, 26; xii. 11, 24, 27; xiii. 4, 23; xv. 19; xvi. 26</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+18:9,19:15,24,20:4,13,21:5,25,26,22:13,29">
|
|
xviii. 9; xix. 15, 24; xx. 4, 13; xxi. 5, 25, 26; xxii. 13, 29</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+24:30-34,26:13-16,27:18,23,27,28:19">
|
|
xxiv. 30-34; xxvi. 13-16; xxvii. 18, 23, 27; xxviii. 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
Particularly the improving or neglecting opportunities,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+6:6,10:5">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> vi. 6; x. 5</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
4.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>The happiness of the righteous, and the misery of the wicked,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+10:6,9,16,24,25,27-30,11:3,5-8,18-21,31">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> x. 6, 9, 16, 24, 25, 27-30; xi. 3, 5-8, 18-21, 31</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+12:2,3,7,13,14,21,26,28,13:6,9,14,15,21,22,25">
|
|
xii. 2, 3, 7, 13, 14, 21, 26, 28; xiii. 6, 9, 14, 15, 21, 22, 25</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+14:11,14,19,32,15:6,8,9,24,26,29,20:7">
|
|
xiv. 11, 14, 19, 32; xv. 6, 8, 9, 24, 26, 29; xx. 7</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+21:12,15,16,18,21,22:12,28:10,18,29:6">
|
|
xxi. 12, 15, 16, 18, 21; xxii. 12; xxviii. 10, 18; xxix. 6</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
5.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of honour and dishonour,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+10:7,12:8,9,18:3,26:1,27:21">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> x. 7; xii. 8, 9; xviii. 3; xxvi. 1; xxvii. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
And of vain-glory,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+25:14,27,27:2">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xxv. 14, 27; xxvii. 2</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
6.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>The wisdom of obedience, and folly of disobedience,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+10:8,17,12:1,15,13:1,13,18,15:5,10,12,31,32">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> x. 8, 17; xii. 1, 15; xiii. 1, 13, 18; xv. 5, 10, 12, 31, 32</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+19:16,28:4,7,9">
|
|
xix. 16; xxviii. 4, 7, 9</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
7.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of mischievousness and usefulness,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+10:10,23,11:9-11,23,27,12:5,6,12,18,20,13:2">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> x. 10, 23; xi. 9-11, 23, 27; xii. 5, 6, 12, 18, 20; xiii. 2</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+14:22,16:29,30,17:11,21:10,24:8,26:23,27">
|
|
xiv. 22; xvi. 29, 30; xvii. 11; xxi. 10; xxiv. 8; xxvi. 23, 27</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
8.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>The praise of wise and good discourse, and the hurt and
|
|
shame of an ungoverned tongue,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+10:11,13,14,20,21,31,32,11:30,14:3">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> x. 11, 13, 14, 20, 21, 31, 32; xi. 30; xiv. 3</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+15:2,4,7,23,28,16:20,23,24,17:7,18:4,7,20,21">
|
|
xv. 2, 4, 7, 23, 28; xvi. 20, 23, 24; xvii. 7; xviii. 4, 7, 20, 21</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+20:15,21:23,23:9,24:26,25:11">
|
|
xx. 15; xxi. 23; xxiii. 9; xxiv. 26; xxv. 11</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
9.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of love and hatred, peaceableness and contention,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+10:12,15:17,17:1,9,14,19,18:6,17-19,20:3">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> x. 12; xv. 17; xvii. 1, 9, 14, 19; xviii. 6, 17-19; xx. 3</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+25:8,26:17,21,29:9">
|
|
xxv. 8; xxvi. 17, 21; xxix. 9</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
10.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of the rich and poor,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+10:5,22,11:28,13:7,8,14:20,24,18:11,23">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> x. 5, 22; xi. 28; xiii. 7, 8; xiv. 20, 24; xviii. 11, 23</A>;
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+19:1,4,7,22,22:2,7,28:6,11,29:13">
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xix. 1, 4, 7, 22; xxii. 2, 7; xxviii. 6, 11; xxix. 13</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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11.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of lying, fraud, and dissimulation, and of truth and sincerity,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+10:18,12:17,19,22,13:5,17:4,20:14,17">
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<I>ch.</I> x. 18; xii. 17, 19, 22; xiii. 5; xvii. 4; xx. 14, 17</A>;
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+26:18,19,24-26,28">
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xxvi. 18, 19, 24-26, 28</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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12.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of slandering,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+10:18,16:27,25:23">
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<I>ch.</I> x. 18; xvi. 27; xxv. 23</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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13.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of talkativeness and silence,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+10:19,11:12,12:23,13:3,17:27,28,29:11,20">
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<I>ch.</I> x. 19; xi. 12; xii. 23; xiii. 3; xvii. 27, 28; xxix. 11, 20</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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14.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of justice and injustice,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+11:1,13:16,16:8,11,17:15,26,18:5,20:10,23">
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<I>ch.</I> xi. 1; xiii. 16; xvi. 8, 11; xvii. 15, 26; xviii. 5; xx. 10, 23</A>;
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+22:28,23:10,11,29:24">
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xxii. 28; xxiii. 10, 11; xxix. 24</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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15.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of pride and humility,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+11:2,13:10,15:25,33,16:5,18,19,18:12,21:4">
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<I>ch.</I> xi. 2; xiii. 10; xv. 25, 33; xvi. 5, 18, 19; xviii. 12; xxi. 4</A>;
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+25:6,7,28:25,29:23">
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xxv. 6, 7; xxviii. 25; xxix. 23</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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16.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of despising and respecting others,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+11:12,14:21">
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<I>ch.</I> xi. 12; xiv. 21</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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17.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of tale-bearing,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+11:13,16:28,18:8,20:19,26:20,22">
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<I>ch.</I> xi. 13; xvi. 28; xviii. 8; xx. 19; xxvi. 20, 22</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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18.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of rashness and deliberation,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+11:14,15:22,18:13,19:2,20:5,18,21:29,22:3,25:8-10">
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<I>ch.</I> xi. 14; xv. 22; xviii. 13; xix. 2; xx. 5, 18; xxi. 29; xxii. 3; xxv. 8-10</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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19.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of suretiship,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+11:15,17:18,20:16,22:26,27,27:13">
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<I>ch.</I> xi. 15; xvii. 18; xx. 16; xxii. 26, 27; xxvii. 13</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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20.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of good and bad women, or wives,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+11:16,22,12:4,14:1,18:22,19:13,14">
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<I>ch.</I> xi. 16, 22; xii. 4; xiv. 1; xviii. 22; xix. 13, 14</A>;
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+21:9,19,25:24,27:15,16">
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xxi. 9, 19; xxv. 24; xxvii. 15, 16</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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21.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of mercifulness and unmercifulness,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+11:17; xii. 10,14:21,19:17,21:13">
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<I>ch.</I> xi. 17; xii. 10; xiv. 21; xix. 17; xxi. 13</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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22.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of charity to the poor, and uncharitableness,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+11:24-26,14:31,17:5,22:9,16,22,23,28:27,29:7">
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<I>ch.</I> xi. 24-26; xiv. 31; xvii. 5; xxii. 9, 16, 22, 23; xxviii. 27; xxix. 7</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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23.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of covetousness and contentment,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+11:29,15:16,17,27,23:4,5">
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|
<I>ch.</I> xi. 29; xv. 16, 17, 27; xxiii. 4, 5</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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24.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of anger and meekness,
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+12:16,14:17,29,15:1,18,16:32,17:12,26">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xii. 16; xiv. 17, 29; xv. 1, 18; xvi. 32; xvii. 12, 26</A>;
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+19:11,19,22:24,25,25:15,28,26:21,29:22">
|
|
xix. 11, 19; xxii. 24, 25; xxv. 15, 28; xxvi. 21; xxix. 22</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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25.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of melancholy and cheerfulness,
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+12:25,14:10,13,15:13,15,17:22,18:14,25:20,25">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xii. 25; xiv. 10, 13; xv. 13, 15; xvii. 22; xviii. 14; xxv. 20, 25</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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26.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of hope and expectation,
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+13:12,19">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xiii. 12, 19</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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27.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of prudence and foolishness,
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+13:16,14:8,18,33,15:14,21,16:21,22,17:24">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xiii. 16; xiv. 8, 18, 33; xv. 14, 21; xvi. 21, 22; xvii. 24</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+18:2,15,24:3-7,7:27,26:6-11,28:5">
|
|
xviii. 2, 15; xxiv. 3-7; vii. 27; xxvi. 6-11; xxviii. 5</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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28.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of treachery and fidelity,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+13:17,25:13,19">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xiii. 17; xxv. 13, 19</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
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|
29.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of good and bad company,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+13:20,14:7,28:7,29:3">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xiii. 20; xiv. 7; xxviii. 7; xxix. 3</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
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|
30.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of the education of children,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+13:24,19:18,20:11,22:6,15,23:12,14:14,29:15,17">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xiii. 24; xix. 18; xx. 11; xxii. 6, 15; xxiii. 12; xiv. 14; xxix. 15, 17</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
31.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of the fear of the Lord,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+14:2,26,27,15:16,33,16:6,19:23,22:4,23:17,18">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xiv. 2, 26, 27; xv. 16, 33; xvi. 6; xix. 23; xxii. 4; xxiii. 17, 18</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
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|
|
32.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of true and false witness-bearing,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+14:5,25,19:5,9,28,21:28,24:28,25:18">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xiv. 5, 25; xix. 5, 9, 28; xxi. 28; xxiv. 28; xxv. 18</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
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|
33.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of scorners,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+14:6,9,21:24,22:10,24:9,29:9">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xiv. 6, 9; xxi. 24; xxii. 10; xxiv. 9; xxix. 9</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
34.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of credulity and caution,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+14:15,16,27:12">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xiv. 15, 16; xxvii. 12</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
35.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of kings and their subjects,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+14:28,34,35,16:10,12-15,19:6,12,20:2,8,26,28">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xiv. 28, 34, 35; xvi. 10, 12-15; xix. 6, 12; xx. 2, 8, 26, 28</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+22:11,24:23-25,30:2-5,28:2,3,15,16,29:5,12,14,26">
|
|
xxii. 11; xxiv. 23-25; xxx. 2-5; xxviii. 2, 3, 15, 16; xxix. 5, 12, 14, 26</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
36.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of envy, especially envying sinners,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+14:30,23:17,18,24:1,2,19,20,27:4">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xiv. 30; xxiii. 17, 18; xxiv. 1, 2, 19, 20; xxvii. 4</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
37.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of God's omniscience, and his universal providence,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+15:3,11,16:1,4,9,33,17:3,19:21,20:12,24">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xv. 3, 11; xvi. 1, 4, 9, 33; xvii. 3; xix. 21; xx. 12, 24</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+21:1,30,31,29:26">
|
|
xxi. 1, 30, 31; xxix. 26</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
38.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of a good and ill name,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+15:30,22:1">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xv. 30; xxii. 1</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
39.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of men's good opinion of themselves,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+14:12,16:2,25,20:6,21:2,26:12,28:26">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xiv. 12; xvi. 2, 25; xx. 6; xxi. 2; xxvi. 12; xxviii. 26</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
40.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of devotion towards God, and dependence on him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+16:3,18:10,23:26,27:1,28:25,29:25">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xvi. 3; xviii. 10; xxiii. 26; xxvii. 1; xxviii. 25; xxix. 25</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
41.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of the happiness of God's favour,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+16:7,29:26">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xvi. 7; xxix. 26</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
42.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Excitements to get wisdom,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+16:16,18:1,19:8,20,22:17-21,23:15,16,22-25">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xvi. 16; xviii. 1; xix. 8, 20; xxii. 17-21; xxiii. 15, 16, 22-25</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+24:13,14,27:11">
|
|
xxiv. 13, 14; xxvii. 11</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
43.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Cautions against temptations,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+16:17,29:27">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xvi. 17; xxix. 27</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
44.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of old age and youth,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+16:31,17:6,20:29">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xvi. 31; xvii. 6; xx. 29</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
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|
45.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of servants,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+17:2,19:10,29:19,21">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xvii. 2; xix. 10; xxix. 19, 21</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
46.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of bribery,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+17:8,23,18:16,21:14,28:21">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xvii. 8, 23; xviii. 16; xxi. 14; xxviii. 21</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
47.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of reproof and correction,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+17:10,19:25,29,20:30,21:11,25:12,26:3">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xvii. 10; xix. 25, 29; xx. 30; xxi. 11; xxv. 12; xxvi. 3</A>;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+27:5,6,22,28:23,29:1">
|
|
xxvii. 5, 6, 22; xxviii. 23; xxix. 1</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
48.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of ingratitude,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+17:13">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xvii. 13</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
|
|
49.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of friendship,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+17:17,18:24,27:9,10,14,17">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xvii. 17; xviii. 24; xxvii. 9, 10, 14, 17</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
|
|
|
<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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50.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of sensual pleasures,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+21:17,23:1-3,6-8,19-21,27:7">
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<I>ch.</I> xxi. 17; xxiii. 1-3, 6-8, 19-21; xxvii. 7</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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51.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of drunkenness,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+20:1,23:23,29-35">
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<I>ch.</I> xx. 1; xxiii. 23, 29-35</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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52.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of the universal corruption of nature,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+20:9">
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<I>ch.</I> xx. 9</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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53.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of flattery,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+20:19,26:28,28:23,29:5">
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<I>ch.</I> xx. 19; xxvi. 28; xxviii. 23; xxix. 5</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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54.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of undutiful children,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+20:20,28:24">
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<I>ch.</I> xx. 20; xxviii. 24</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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55.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of the short continuance of what is ill-gotten,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+20:21,21:6,7,22:8,28:8">
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<I>ch.</I> xx. 21; xxi. 6, 7; xxii. 8; xxviii. 8</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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56.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of revenge,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+20:22,24:17,18,29">
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<I>ch.</I> xx. 22; xxiv. 17, 18, 29</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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57.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of sacrilege,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+20:25">
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<I>ch.</I> xx. 25</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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58.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of conscience,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+20:27,27:19">
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<I>ch.</I> xx. 27; xxvii. 19</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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59.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of the preference of moral duties before ceremonial,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+15:8,21:3,27">
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<I>ch.</I> xv. 8; xxi. 3, 27</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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60.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of prodigality and wastefulness,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+21:20">
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<I>ch.</I> xxi. 20</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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61.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>The triumphs of wisdom and godliness,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+21:22,24:15,16">
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<I>ch.</I> xxi. 22; xxiv. 15, 16</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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62.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of frowardness and tractableness,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+22:5">
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<I>ch.</I> xxii. 5</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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63.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of uncleanness,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+22:14,23:27,28">
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<I>ch.</I> xxii. 14; xxiii. 27, 28</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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64.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of fainting in affliction,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+24:10">
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<I>ch.</I> xxiv. 10</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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65.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of helping the distressed,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+14:11,12">
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<I>ch.</I> xiv. 11, 12</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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66.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of loyalty to the government,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+24:21,22">
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<I>ch.</I> xxiv. 21, 22</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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67.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of forgiving enemies,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+25:21,22">
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<I>ch.</I> xxv. 21, 22</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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68.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of causeless curse,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+26:2">
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<I>ch.</I> xxvi. 2</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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69.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of answering fools,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+26:4,5">
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<I>ch.</I> xxvi. 4, 5</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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70.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of unsettledness and unsatisfiedness,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+27:8,20">
|
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<I>ch.</I> xxvii. 8, 20</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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71.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of cowardliness and courage,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+28:1">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xxviii. 1</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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72.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>The people's interest in the character of their rulers,
|
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+28:12,28,29:2,16,11:10,11">
|
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<I>ch.</I> xxviii. 12, 28; xxix. 2, 16; xi. 10, 11</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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73.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>The benefit of repentance and holy fear,
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+28:13,14">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xxviii. 13, 14</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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74.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>The punishment of murder,
|
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|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+28:17">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xxviii. 17</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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75.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>Of hastening to be rich,
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+28:20,22">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xxviii. 20, 22</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
|
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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76.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>The enmity of the wicked against the godly,
|
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+29:10,27">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xxix. 10, 27</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TR><TD VALIGN=TOP ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>
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77.</FONT></TD> <TD><FONT SIZE=-1>The necessity of the means of grace,
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+29:18">
|
|
<I>ch.</I> xxix. 18</A>.</FONT></TD></TR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1710)
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