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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1710)
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<HR>
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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. XIII.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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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>Moral Maxims.</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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<A NAME="Pr13_1"> </A>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 A wise son <I>heareth</I> his father's instruction: but a scorner
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heareth not rebuke.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Among the children of the same parents it is no new thing for some to
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be hopeful and others the contrary; now here we are taught to
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distinguish.
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1. There is great hope of those that have a reverence for their
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parents, and are willing to be advised and admonished by them. He is
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<I>a wise son,</I> and is in a far way to be wiser, that <I>hears his
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father's instruction,</I> desires to hear it, regards it, and complies
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with it, and does not merely give it the hearing.
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2. There is little hope of those that will not so much as <I>hear
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rebuke</I> with any patience, but scorn to submit to government and
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scoff at those that deal faithfully with them. How can those mend a
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fault who will not be told of it, but count those their enemies who do
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them that kindness?</P>
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<A NAME="Pr13_2"> </A>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of <I>his</I> mouth: but the
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soul of the transgressors <I>shall eat</I> violence.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Note,
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1. If that which comes from within, out of the heart, be good, and from
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a good treasure, it will return with advantage. Inward comfort and
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satisfaction will be daily bread; nay, it will be a continual feast to
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those who delight in that communication which is <I>to the use of
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edifying.</I>
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2. Violence done will recoil in the face of him that does it: <I>The
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soul of the transgressors</I> that harbours and plots mischief, and
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vents it by word and deed, <I>shall eat violence;</I> they shall have
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their belly full of it. <I>Reward her as she has rewarded thee,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+18:6">Rev. xviii. 6</A>.
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Every man shall drink as he brews, eat as he speaks; for by our words
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we must be justified or condemned,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+12:37">Matt. xii. 37</A>.
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As our fruit is, so will our food be,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+6:21,22">Rom. vi. 21, 22</A>.</P>
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<A NAME="Pr13_3"> </A>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: <I>but</I> he that
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openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Note,
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1. A guard upon the lips is a guard to the soul. He that is cautious,
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that thinks twice before he speaks once, that, if he have <I>thought
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evil, lays his hand upon his mouth</I> to suppress it, that keeps a
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strong bridle on his tongue and a strict hand on that bridle, he
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<I>keeps his soul</I> from a great deal both of guilt and grief and
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saves himself the trouble of many bitter reflections on himself and
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reflections of others upon him.
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2. There is many a one ruined by an ungoverned tongue: <I>He that opens
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widely his lips,</I> to let our <I>quod in buccam venerit--whatever
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comes uppermost,</I> that loves to bawl, and bluster, and make a noise,
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and affects such a liberty of speech as bids defiance both to God and
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man, he <I>shall have destruction.</I> it will be the destruction of
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his reputation, his interest, his comfort, and his soul for ever,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+3:6">Jam. iii. 6</A>.</P>
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<A NAME="Pr13_4"> </A>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and <I>hath</I> nothing: but
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the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Here is,
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1. The misery and shame of the slothful. See how foolish and absurd
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they are; they desire the gains which the diligent get, but they hate
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the pains which the diligent take; they covet every thing that is to be
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coveted, but will do nothing that is to be done; and therefore it
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follows, They have nothing; for he that will not labour let him hunger,
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and let him not <I>eat,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Th+3:10">2 Thess. iii. 10</A>.
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<I>The desire of the slothful,</I> which should be his excitement, is
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his torment, which should make him busy, makes him always uneasy, and
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is really a greater toil to him than labour would be.
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2. The happiness and honour of the diligent: Their <I>soul shall be
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made fat;</I> they shall have abundance, and shall have the comfortable
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enjoyment of it, and the more for its being the fruit of their
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diligence. This is especially true in spiritual affairs. Those that
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rest in idle wishes know not what the advantages of religion are;
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whereas those that take pains in the service of God find both the
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pleasure and profit of it.</P>
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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 Righteous Exclusively Happy.</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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<A NAME="Pr13_5"> </A>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>5 A righteous <I>man</I> hateth lying: but a wicked <I>man</I> is
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loathsome, and cometh to shame.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Note,
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1. Where grace reigns sin is loathsome. It is the undoubted character
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of every <I>righteous man</I> that he <I>hates lying</I> (that is, all
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sin, for every sin is a lie, and particularly all fraud and falsehood
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in commerce and conversation), not only that he will not tell a lie,
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but he abhors lying, from a rooted reigning principle of love to truth
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and justice, and conformity to God.
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2. Where sin reigns the <I>man is loathsome.</I> If his eyes were
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opened, and his conscience awakened, he would be so to himself, he
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would <I>abhor himself and repent in dust and ashes;</I> however, he is
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so to God and all good men; particularly, he makes himself so by lying,
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than which there is nothing more detestable. And, though he may think
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to face it out awhile, yet he will <I>come to shame</I> and contempt at
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last and will blush to show his face,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+12:2">Dan. xii. 2</A>.</P>
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<A NAME="Pr13_6"> </A>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>6 Righteousness keepeth <I>him that is</I> upright in the way: but
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wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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See here,
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1. Saints secured from ruin. Those that are <I>upright in their
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way,</I> that mean honestly in all their actions, adhere
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conscientiously to the sacred and eternal rules of equity, and deal
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sincerely both with God and man, their integrity will keep them from
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the temptations of Satan, which shall not prevail over them, the
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reproaches and injuries of evil men, which shall not fasten upon them,
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to do them any real mischief,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+25:21">Ps. xxv. 21</A>.</P>
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<CENTER>
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<TABLE BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD>Hic murus aheneus esto, nil conscire sibi.
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<BR>
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<BR>Be this thy brazen bulwark of defence,
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<BR>Still to preserve thy conscious innocence.</TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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</CENTER>
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<P>
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2. Sinners secured for ruin. Those that are wicked, even their
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wickedness will be their overthrow at last, and they are held in the
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cords of it in the mean time. Are they corrected, destroyed? It is
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their own wickedness that corrects them, that destroys them; they alone
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shall bear it.</P>
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<A NAME="Pr13_7"> </A>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet <I>hath</I> nothing: <I>there
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is</I> that maketh himself poor, yet <I>hath</I> great riches.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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This observation is applicable,</P>
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<P>
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I. To men's worldly estate. The world is a great cheat, not only the
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things of the world, but the men of the world. <I>All men are
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liars.</I> Here is an instance in two sore evils under the sun:--
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1. Some that are really poor would be thought to be rich and are
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thought to be so; they trade and spend as if they were rich, make a
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great bustle and a great show as if they had hidden treasures, when
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perhaps, if all their debts were paid, they are not worth a groat. This
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is sin, and will be shame; many a one hereby ruins his family and
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brings reproach upon his profession of religion. Those that thus live
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above what they have choose to be subject to their own pride rather
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than to God's providence, and it will end accordingly.
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2. Some that are really rich would be thought to be poor, and are
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thought to be so, because they sordidly and meanly live below what God
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has given them, and choose rather to bury it than to use it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+6:1,2">Eccl. vi. 1, 2</A>.
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In this there is an ingratitude to God, injustice to the family and
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neighbourhood, and uncharitableness to the poor.</P>
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<P>
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II. To their spiritual state. Grace is the riches of the soul; it is
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true riches; but men commonly misrepresent themselves, either
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designedly or through mistake and ignorance of themselves.
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1. There are many presuming hypocrites, that are really poor and empty
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of grace and yet either think themselves rich, and will not be
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convinced of their poverty, or pretend themselves rich, and will not
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own their poverty.
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2. There are many timorous trembling Christians, that are spiritually
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rich, and full of grace, and yet think themselves poor, and will not be
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persuaded that they are rich, or, at least, will not own it; by their
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doubts and fears, their complaints and griefs, they <I>make themselves
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poor.</I> The former mistake is destroying at last; this is disquieting
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in the mean time.</P>
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<A NAME="Pr13_8"> </A>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>8 The ransom of a man's life <I>are</I> his riches: but the poor
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heareth not rebuke.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We are apt to judge of men's blessedness, at least in this world, by
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their wealth, and that they are more or less happy accordingly as they
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have more or less of this world's goods; but Solomon here shows what a
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gross mistake it is, that we may be reconciled to a poor condition, and
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may neither covet riches ourselves nor envy those that have abundance.
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1. Those that are rich, if by some they are respected for their riches,
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yet, to balance that, by others they are envied and struck at, and
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brought in danger of their lives, which therefore they are forced to
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ransom with their riches. <I>Slay us not, for we have treasures in the
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field,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+41:8">Jer. xli. 8</A>.
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Under some tyrants, it has been crime enough to be rich; and how little
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is a man beholden to his wealth when it only serves to redeem that life
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which otherwise would not have been exposed!
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2. Those that are poor, if by some, that should be their friends, they
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are despised and overlooked, yet, to balance that, they are also
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despised and overlooked by others that would be their enemies if they
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had any thing to lose: <I>The poor hear not rebuke,</I> are not
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censured, reproached, accused, nor brought into trouble, as the rich
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are; for nobody thinks it worth while to take notice of them. When the
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rich Jews were carried captives to Babylon <I>the poor of the land were
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left,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+25:12">2 Kings xxv. 12</A>.
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Welcome nothing, once in seven years. <I>Cantabit vacuus coram latrone
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viator</I>--<I>When a traveller is met by a robber he will rejoice at
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not having much property about him.</I></P>
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<A NAME="Pr13_9"> </A>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the
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wicked shall be put out.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Here is,
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1. The comfort of good men flourishing and lasting: <I>The light of the
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righteous rejoices,</I> that is, it increases, and makes them glad.
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Even their outward prosperity is their joy, and much more those gifts,
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graces, and comforts, with which their souls are illuminated; these
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<I>shine more and more,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+4:18"><I>ch.</I> iv. 18</A>.
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The Spirit is their light, and he gives them a fulness of joy, and
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<I>rejoices to do them good.</I>
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2. The comfort of bad men withering and dying: <I>The lamp of the
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wicked</I> burns dimly and faint; it looks melancholy, like a taper in
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an urn, and it will shortly <I>be put out</I> in utter darkness,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+50:11">Isa. l. 11</A>.
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The light of the righteous is as that of the sun, which may be eclipsed
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and clouded, but will continue; that of the wicked is as a lamp of
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their own kindling, which will presently go out and is easily put
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out.</P>
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<A NAME="Pr13_10"> </A>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised
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<I>is</I> wisdom.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Note,
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1. Foolish pride is the great make-bate. Would you know <I>whence come
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wars and fightings?</I> They come from this root of bitterness.
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Whatever hand other lusts may have in contention (passion, envy,
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covetousness), pride has the great hand; it is its pride that it will
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itself sow discord and needs no help. Pride makes men impatient of
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contradiction in either their opinions or their desires, impatient of
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competition and rivalship, impatient of contempt, or any thing that
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looks like a slight, and impatient of concession, and receding, from a
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conceit of certain right and truth on their side; and hence arise
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quarrels among relations and neighbours, quarrels in states and
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kingdoms, in churches and Christian societies. Men will be revenged,
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will not forgive, because they are proud.
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2. Those that are humble and peaceable are wise and <I>well
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advised.</I> Those that will ask and take advice, that will consult
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their own consciences, their Bibles, their ministers, their friends,
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and will do nothing rashly, are wise, as in other things, so in this,
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that they will humble themselves, will stoop and yield, to preserve
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quietness and prevent quarrels.</P>
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<A NAME="Pr13_11"> </A>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>11 Wealth <I>gotten</I> by vanity shall be diminished: but he that
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gathereth by labour shall increase.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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This shows that riches wear as they are won and woven.
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1. That which is won ill will never wear well, for a curse attends it
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which will waste it, and the same corrupt dispositions which incline
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men to the sinful ways of getting well incline them to the like sinful
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ways of spending: <I>Wealth gotten by vanity</I> will be bestowed upon
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vanity, and then it <I>will be diminished.</I> That which is got by
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such employments as are not lawful, or not becoming Christians, such as
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only serve to feed pride and luxury, that which is got by gaming or by
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the stage, may as truly be said to be <I>gotten by vanity</I> as that
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which is got by fraud and lying, and <I>will be diminished. De male
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quæsitis vix gaudet tertius hæres--Ill-gotten wealth will
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scarcely be enjoyed by the third generation.</I>
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2. That which is got by industry and honesty will grow more, instead of
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growing less; it will be a maintenance; it will be an inheritance; it
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will be an abundance. <I>He that labours, working with his hands,
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shall</I> so <I>increase</I> as that he shall <I>have to give to him
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that needs</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:28">Eph. iv. 28</A>);
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and, when it comes to that, it will increase yet more and more.</P>
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<A NAME="Pr13_12"> </A>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but <I>when</I> the desire
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cometh, <I>it is</I> a tree of life.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Note,
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1. Nothing is more grievous than the disappointment of a raised
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|
expectation, though not in the thing itself by a denial, yet in the
|
|
time of it by a delay: <I>Hope deferred makes the heart sick</I> and
|
|
languishing, fretful and peevish; but hope quite dashed kills the
|
|
heart, and the more high the expectation was raised the more cutting is
|
|
the frustration of it. It is therefore our wisdom not to promise
|
|
ourselves any great matters from the creature, not to feed ourselves
|
|
with any vain hopes from this world, lest we lay up matter for our own
|
|
vexation; and what we do hope for let us prepare to be disappointed in,
|
|
that, if it should prove so, it may prove the easier; and let us not be
|
|
hasty.
|
|
|
|
2. Nothing is more grateful than to enjoy that, at last, which we have
|
|
long wished and waited for: <I>When the desire does come</I> it puts
|
|
men into a sort of paradise, a garden of pleasure, for <I>it is a tree
|
|
of life.</I> It will aggravate the eternal misery of the wicked that
|
|
their hopes will be frustrated; and it will make the happiness of
|
|
heaven the more welcome to the saints that it is what they have
|
|
earnestly longed for as the crown of their hopes.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Pr13_13"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that
|
|
feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here is,
|
|
|
|
1. The character of one that is marked for ruin: He that <I>despises
|
|
the word</I> of God, and has no regard to it, no veneration for it, nor
|
|
will be ruled by it, certainly he <I>shall be destroyed,</I> for he
|
|
slights that which is the only means of curing a destructive disease
|
|
and makes himself obnoxious to that divine wrath which will certainly
|
|
be his destruction. Those that prefer the rules of carnal policy before
|
|
divine precepts, and the allurements of the world and the flesh before
|
|
God's promises and comforts, despise his word, giving the preference to
|
|
those things that stand in competition with it; and it is to their own
|
|
just destruction: they would not take warning.
|
|
|
|
2. The character of one that is sure to be happy: <I>He that fears the
|
|
commandment,</I> that stands in awe of God, pays a deference to his
|
|
authority, has a reverence for his word, is afraid of displeasing God
|
|
and incurring the penalties annexed to the commandment, shall not only
|
|
escape destruction, but <I>shall be rewarded</I> for his godly fear.
|
|
<I>In keeping the commandment there is great reward.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Pr13_14"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>14 The law of the wise <I>is</I> a fountain of life, to depart from
|
|
the snares of death.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
By <I>the law of the wise</I> and righteous, here, we may understand
|
|
either the principles and rules by which they govern themselves or
|
|
(which comes all to one) the instructions which they give to others,
|
|
which ought to be as a law to all about them; and if they be so,
|
|
|
|
1. They will be constant springs of comfort and satisfaction, as <I>a
|
|
fountain of life,</I> sending forth streams of living water; the closer
|
|
we keep to those rules the more effectually we secure our own peace.
|
|
|
|
2. They will be constant preservatives from the temptations of Satan.
|
|
Those that follow the dictates of this law will keep at a distance from
|
|
the snares of sin, and so escape <I>the snares of death</I> which those
|
|
run into that forsake <I>the law of the wise.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Pr13_15"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of
|
|
transgressors <I>is</I> hard.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
If we compare not only the end, but the way, we shall find that
|
|
religion has the advantage; for,
|
|
|
|
1. The way of saints is pleasant and agreeable: <I>Good
|
|
understanding</I> gains <I>favour</I> with God and man; our Saviour
|
|
grew in that favour when he <I>increased in wisdom.</I> Those that
|
|
conduct themselves prudently, and order their conversation aright in
|
|
every thing, that <I>serve Christ in righteousness, and peace, and joy
|
|
in the Holy Ghost,</I> are <I>accepted of God and approved of men,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+14:17,18">Rom. xiv. 17, 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
And how comfortably will that man pass through the world who is well
|
|
understood and is therefore well accepted!
|
|
|
|
2. The way of sinners is rough and uneasy, and, for <I>this</I> reason,
|
|
unpleasant to themselves, because unacceptable to others. It is
|
|
<I>hard,</I> hard upon others, who complain of it, hard to the sinner
|
|
himself, who can have little enjoyment of himself while he is doing
|
|
that which is disobliging to all mankind. The service of sin is perfect
|
|
slavery, and the road to hell is strewed with the thorns and thistles
|
|
that are the products of the curse. Sinners labour in the very
|
|
fire.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Pr13_16"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>16 Every prudent <I>man</I> dealeth with knowledge: but a fool
|
|
layeth open <I>his</I> folly.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Note,
|
|
|
|
1. It is wisdom to be cautious. <I>Every prudent</I> discreet
|
|
<I>man</I> does all <I>with knowledge</I> (considering with himself and
|
|
consulting with others), acts with deliberation and is upon the
|
|
reserve, is careful not to meddle with that which he has not some
|
|
knowledge of, not to launch out into business which he has not
|
|
acquainted himself with, will not <I>deal with</I> those that he has
|
|
not some <I>knowledge</I> of, whether they may be confided in. He is
|
|
still dealing in knowledge, that he may increase the stock he has.
|
|
|
|
2. It is folly to be rash, as the <I>fool</I> is, who is forward to
|
|
talk of things he knows nothing of and undertake that which he is no
|
|
way fit for, and so <I>lays open his folly</I> and makes himself
|
|
ridiculous. He <I>began to build and was not able to finish.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Pr13_17"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful
|
|
ambassador <I>is</I> health.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here we have,
|
|
|
|
1. The ill consequences of betraying a trust. <I>A wicked
|
|
messenger,</I> who, being sent to negotiate any business, is false to
|
|
him that employed him, divulges his counsels, and so defeats his
|
|
designs, cannot expect to prosper, but will certainly <I>fall into</I>
|
|
some <I>mischief</I> or other, will be discovered and punished, since
|
|
nothing is more hateful to God and man than the treachery of those that
|
|
have a confidence reposed in them.
|
|
|
|
2. The happy effects of fidelity: An <I>ambassador</I> who
|
|
<I>faithfully</I> discharges his trust, and serves the interests of
|
|
those who employ him, <I>is health;</I> he is health to those by whom
|
|
and for whom he is employed, heals differences that are between them,
|
|
and preserves a good understanding; he is health to himself, for he
|
|
secures his own interest. This is applicable to ministers, Christ's
|
|
messengers and ambassadors; those that are wicked and false to Christ
|
|
and the souls of men do mischief and <I>fall into mischief,</I> but
|
|
those that are faithful will find sound words to be healing words to
|
|
others and themselves.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Pr13_18"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>18 Poverty and shame <I>shall be to</I> him that refuseth
|
|
instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Note,
|
|
|
|
1. He that is so proud that he scorns to be taught will certainly be
|
|
abased. He that <I>refuses</I> the good <I>instruction</I> offered him,
|
|
as if it were a reflection upon his honour and an abridgment of his
|
|
liberty, <I>poverty and shame shall be to him:</I> he will become a
|
|
beggar and live and die in disgrace; every one will despise him as
|
|
foolish, and stubborn, and ungovernable.
|
|
|
|
2. He that is so humble that he takes it well to be told of his faults
|
|
shall certainly be exalted: <I>He that regards a reproof,</I> whoever
|
|
gives it to him, and will mend what is amiss when it is shown him,
|
|
gains respect as wise and candid; he avoids that which would be a
|
|
disgrace to him and is in a fair way to make himself considerable.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Pr13_19"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but <I>it is</I>
|
|
abomination to fools to depart from evil.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
This shows the folly of those that refuse instruction, for they might
|
|
be happy and will not.
|
|
|
|
1. They might be happy. There are in man strong desires of happiness;
|
|
God has provided for the accomplishment of those desires, and that
|
|
would be <I>sweet to the soul,</I> whereas the pleasures of sense are
|
|
grateful only to the carnal appetite. <I>The desire</I> of good men
|
|
towards the favour of God and spiritual blessings brings that which
|
|
<I>is sweet to their souls;</I> we know those that can say so by
|
|
experience,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+4:6,7">Ps. iv. 6, 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. Yet they will not be happy; for <I>it is</I> an <I>abomination
|
|
to</I> them <I>to depart from evil,</I> which is necessary to their
|
|
being happy. Never let those expect any thing truly sweet to their
|
|
souls that will not be persuaded to leave their sins, but that roll
|
|
them under their tongues as a sweet morsel.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Pr13_20"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>20 He that walketh with wise <I>men</I> shall be wise: but a
|
|
companion of fools shall be destroyed.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Note,
|
|
|
|
1. Those that would be good must keep good company, which is an
|
|
evidence for them that they would be good (men's character is known by
|
|
the company they choose) and will be a means of making them good, of
|
|
showing them the way and of quickening and encouraging them in it. He
|
|
that would be himself wise must walk with those that are so, must
|
|
choose such for his intimate acquaintance, and converse with them
|
|
accordingly; must ask and receive instruction from them, and keep up
|
|
pious and profitable talk with them. <I>Miss not the discourse of the
|
|
elders, for they also learned of their fathers,</I>
|
|
|
|
<U>Ecclesiasticus viii. 9.</U>
|
|
|
|
And
|
|
|
|
(<U>Ecclesiasticus vi. 35</U>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Be willing to hear every godly discourse, and let not the parables
|
|
of understanding escape thee.</I>
|
|
|
|
2. Multitudes are brought to ruin by bad company: <I>A companion of
|
|
fools shall be broken</I> (so some), <I>shall be known</I> (so the
|
|
LXX.), known to be a fool; <I>noscitur ex socio--he is known by his
|
|
company.</I> He <I>will be like them</I> (so some), <I>will be made
|
|
wicked</I> (so others); it comes all to one, for all those, and those
|
|
only, that make themselves wicked, will <I>be destroyed,</I> and those
|
|
that associate with evil-doers are debauched, and so undone, and at
|
|
last ascribe their death to it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Pr13_21"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be
|
|
repayed.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here see,
|
|
|
|
1. How unavoidable the destruction of sinners is; the wrath of God
|
|
pursues them, and all the terrors of that wrath: <I>Evil pursues</I>
|
|
them closely wherever they go, as the avenger of blood pursued the
|
|
manslayer, and they have no city of refuge to flee to; they attempt an
|
|
escape, but in vain. Whom God pursues he is sure to overtake. They may
|
|
prosper for a while and grow very secure, but their damnation slumbers
|
|
not, though they do.
|
|
|
|
2. How indefeasible the happiness of the saints is; the God that cannot
|
|
lie has engaged that <I>to the righteous good shall be repaid.</I> They
|
|
shall be abundantly recompensed for all the good they have done, and
|
|
all the ill they have suffered, in this world; so that, though many
|
|
have been losers for their righteousness, they shall not be losers by
|
|
it. Though the recompence do not come quickly, it will come in the day
|
|
of payment, in the world of retribution; and it will be an abundant
|
|
recompence.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Pr13_22"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>22 A good <I>man</I> leaveth an inheritance to his children's
|
|
children: and the wealth of the sinner <I>is</I> laid up for the just.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
See here,
|
|
|
|
1. How <I>a good man's</I> estate lasts: He <I>leaves an inheritance to
|
|
his children's children.</I> It is part of his praise that he is
|
|
thoughtful for posterity, that he does not lay all out upon himself,
|
|
but is in care to do well for those that come after him, not by
|
|
withholding more than is meet, but by a prudent and decent frugality.
|
|
He trains up his children to this, that they may leave it to their
|
|
children; and especially he is careful, both by justice and charity, to
|
|
obtain the blessing of God upon what he has, and to entail that
|
|
blessing upon his children, without which the greatest industry and
|
|
frugality will be in vain: <I>A good man,</I> by being good and doing
|
|
good, by honouring the Lord with his substance and spending it in his
|
|
service, secures it to his posterity; or, if he should not leave them
|
|
much of this world's goods, his prayers, his instructions, his good
|
|
example, will be the best entail, and the promises of the covenant will
|
|
be an inheritance to his <I>children's children,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+103:17">Ps. ciii. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. How it increases by the accession of <I>the wealth of the sinner</I>
|
|
to it, for that <I>is laid up for the just.</I> If it be asked, How
|
|
should good men grow so rich, who are not so eager upon the world as
|
|
others are and who commonly suffer for their well-doing? It is here
|
|
answered, God, in his providence, often brings into their hands that
|
|
which wicked people had laid up for themselves. <I>The innocent shall
|
|
divide the silver,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+27:16,17">Job xxvii. 16, 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Israelites shall spoil the Egyptians
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+12:36">Exod. xii. 36</A>)
|
|
|
|
and <I>eat the riches of the Gentiles,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+61:6">Isa. lxi. 6</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Pr13_23"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>23 Much food <I>is in</I> the tillage of the poor: but there is
|
|
<I>that is</I> destroyed for want of judgment.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
See here,
|
|
|
|
1. How a small estate may be improved by industry, so that a man, by
|
|
making the best of every thing, may live comfortably upon it: <I>Much
|
|
food is in the tillage of the poor,</I> the poor farmers, that have but
|
|
a little, but take pains with that little and husband it well. Many
|
|
make it an excuse for their idleness that they have but a little to
|
|
work on, a very little to be doing with; but the less compass the field
|
|
is of the more let the skill and labour of the owner be employed about
|
|
it, and it will turn to a very good account. Let him dig, and he needs
|
|
not beg.
|
|
|
|
2. How a great estate may be ruined by indiscretion: <I>There is
|
|
that</I> has a great deal, but it <I>is destroyed</I> and brought to
|
|
nothing <I>for want of judgment,</I> that is, prudence in the
|
|
management of it. Men over-build themselves or over-buy themselves,
|
|
keep greater company, or a better table, or more servants, than they
|
|
can afford, suffer what they have to go to decay and do not make the
|
|
most of it; by taking up money themselves, or being bound for others,
|
|
their estates are sunk, their families reduced, and all <I>for want of
|
|
judgment.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Pr13_24"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth
|
|
him chasteneth him betimes.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Note,
|
|
|
|
1. To the education of children in that which is good there is
|
|
necessary a due correction of them for what is amiss; every child of
|
|
ours is a child of Adam, and therefore has that foolishness bound up in
|
|
its heart which calls for rebuke, more or less, the rod and reproof
|
|
which give wisdom. Observe, It is <I>his</I> rod that must be used, the
|
|
rod of a parent, directed by wisdom and love, and designed for good,
|
|
not the rod of a servant.
|
|
|
|
2. It is good to begin betimes with the necessary restraints of
|
|
children from that which is evil, before vicious habits are confirmed.
|
|
The branch is easily bent when it is tender.
|
|
|
|
3. Those really hate their children, though they pretend to be fond of
|
|
them, that do not keep them under a strict discipline, and by all
|
|
proper methods, severe ones when gentle ones will not serve, make them
|
|
sensible of their faults and afraid of offending. They abandon them to
|
|
their worst enemy, to the most dangerous disease, and therefore hate
|
|
them. Let this reconcile children to the correction their good parents
|
|
give them; it is from love, and for their good,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+12:7-9">Heb. xii. 7-9</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Pr13_25"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the
|
|
belly of the wicked shall want.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Note,
|
|
|
|
1. It is the happiness of the righteous that they shall have enough and
|
|
that they know when they have enough. They desire not to be surfeited,
|
|
but, being moderate in their desires, they are soon satisfied. Nature
|
|
is content with a little and grace with less; enough is as good as a
|
|
feast. Those that feed on the bread of life, that feast on the
|
|
promises, meet with abundant satisfaction of soul there, eat, and are
|
|
filled.
|
|
|
|
2. It is the misery of the wicked that, through the insatiableness of
|
|
their own desires, they are always needy; not only their souls shall
|
|
not be satisfied with the world and the flesh, but even their <I>belly
|
|
shall want;</I> their sensual appetite is always craving. In hell they
|
|
shall be denied a drop of water.</P>
|
|
|
|
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