Proverbs 19-21

A poor man who fears God, is more honourable and happy, than a man without wisdom and grace, however rich or advanced in rank.

What good can the soul do, if without knowledge? And he sins who will not take time to ponder the path of his feet.

Men run into troubles by their own folly, and then fret at the appointments of God.

Here we may see how strong is men's love of money.

Those that tell lies in discourse, are in a fair way to be guilty of bearing false-witness.

We are without excuse if we do not love God with all our hearts. His gifts to us are past number, and all the gifts of men to us are fruits of his bounty.

Christ was left by all his disciples; but the Father was with him. It encourages our faith that he had so large an experience of the sorrows of poverty.

Those only love their souls aright that get true wisdom.

Lying is a damning, destroying sin.

A man that has not wisdom and grace, has no right or title to true joy. It is very unseemly for one who is a servant to sin, to oppress God's free-men.

He attains the most true glory who endeavours most steadily to overcome evil with good.

Christ is a King, whose wrath against his enemies will be as the roaring of a lion, and his favour to his people as the refreshing dew.

It shows the vanity of the world, that we are liable to the greatest griefs where we promise ourselves the greatest comfort.

A discreet and virtuous wife is more valuable than house and riches.

A sluggish, slothful disposition makes men poor; it brings them to want. And this applies both to the present life and that which is to come.

If we keep God's word, God's word will keep us from every thing really hurtful. We abuse the doctrine of free grace, if we think that it does away the necessity and advantage of obedience. Those that live at random must die. This truth is clearly taught in words enough to alarm the stoutest sinner.

God has chosen the poor of this world, to be rich in faith, and heirs of his kingdom.

When parents keep under foolish tenderness, they do their best to render children a comfort to them, and happy in themselves.

The spared and spoiled child is likely to become a man of great wrath.

Those that would be wise in their latter end, must be taught and ruled when young.

What should we desire, but that all our purposes may agree with God's holy will?

It is far better to have a heart to do good, and want ability for it, than to have ability for it, and want a heart to it.

Those that live in the fear of God, shall get safety, satisfaction, and true and complete happiness.

Indolence, when indulged, so grows upon people, that they have no heart to do the most needful things for themselves.

A gentle rebuke goes farthest with a man of understanding.

The young man who wastes his father's substance, or makes his aged mother destitute, is hateful, and will come to disgrace.

It is the wisdom of young men to dread hearing such talk as puts loose and evil principles into the mind.

Those are the worst of sinners, who are glad of an opportunity to sin.

The unbelief of man shall not make God's threatenings of no effect. Christ himself, when bearing sins not his own, was not spared. Justice and judgment took hold of our blessed Surety; and will God spare obstinate sinners?

It seems hard to believe that men of the greatest abilities, as well as the ignorant, should render themselves fools and madmen, merely for the taste or excitement produced by strong liquors.

How formidable kings are to those who provoke them! how much more foolish then is it to provoke the King of kings!

To engage in quarrels is the greatest folly that can be. Yield, and even give up just demands, for peace' sake.

He who labours and endures hardship in his seed-time for eternity, will be properly diligent as to his earthly business.

Though many capable of giving wise counsel are silent, yet something may be drawn from them, which will reward those who obtain it.

It is hard to find those that have done, and will do more good than they speak, or care to hear spoken of.

A good man is not liable to uneasiness in contriving what he shall do, or in reflecting on what he has done, as those who walk in deceit. And his family fare better for his sake.

If great men are good men, they may do much good, and prevent very much evil.

Some can say, Through grace, we are cleaner than we have been; but it was the work of the Holy Spirit.

See the various deceits men use, of which the love of money is the root. The Lord will not bless what is thus gotten.

Parents should observe their children, that they may manage them accordingly.

All our powers and faculties are from God, and are to be employed for him.

Those that indulge themselves, may expect to want necessaries, which should have been gotten by honest labour.

Men use arts to get a good bargain, and to buy cheap; whereas a man ought to be ashamed of a fraud and a lie.

He that prefers true knowledge to riches, follows the ways of religion and happiness. If we really believed this truth, the word of God would be valued as it deserves, and the world would lose its tempting influence.

Those ruin themselves who entangle themselves in rash suretiship. Also those who are in league with abandoned women. Place no confidence in either.

Wealth gotten by fraud may be sweet, for the carnal mind takes pleasure in the success of wicked devices; but it will be bitter in the reflection.

Especially we need advice in spiritual warfare. The word and Spirit of God are the best counsellors in every point.

Those dearly buy their own praise, who put confidence in a man because he speaks fairly.

An undutiful child will become very miserable. Never let him expect any peace or comfort.

An estate suddenly raised, is often as suddenly ruined.

Wait on the Lord, attend his pleasure, and he will protect thee.

A bargain made by fraud will prove a losing bargain in the end.

How can we form plans, and conduct business, independently of the Lord?

The evasions men often use with their own consciences show how false and deceitful man is.

Justice should crush the wicked, and separate them from the virtuous.

The rational soul and conscience are as a lamp within us, which should be used in examining our dispositions and motives with the revealed will of God.

Mercy and truth are the glories of God's throne.

Both young and old have their advantages; and let neither despise or envy the other.

Severe rebukes sometimes do a great deal of good. But such is the corruption of nature, that men are loth to be rebuked for their sins. If God uses severe afflictions, to purify our hearts and fit us for his service, we have cause to be very thankful.

The believer, perceiving that the Lord rules every heart as he sees fit, like the husbandman who turns the water through his grounds as he pleases, seeks to have his own heart, and the hearts of others, directed in his faith, fear, and love.

We are partial in judging ourselves and our actions.

Many deceive themselves with a conceit that outward devotions will excuse unrighteousness.

Sin is the pride, the ambition, the glory, the joy, and the business of wicked men.

The really diligent employ foresight as well as labour.

While men seek wealth by unlawful practices, they seek death.

Injustice will return upon the sinner, and will destroy him here and for ever.

The way of mankind by nature is froward and strange.

It is best to shun bitter contention by pouring out the heart before God. For by prudence and patience, with constant prayer, the cross may be removed.

The evil desires of a wicked man's heart, lead to baseness in his conduct.

The simple may be made wise by punishments on the wicked, and by instructions to those who are willing to be taught.

Good men envy not the prosperity of evil-doers; they see there is a curse on them.

Such as oppress the poor by beating down wages, such as will not relieve according to their ability those in distress, and those in authority who neglect to do justice, stop their ears at the cry of the poor. But doubtless care is to be used in the exercise of charity.

If money can conquer the fury of the passions, shall reason, the fear of God, and the command of Christ, be too weak to bridle them?

There is true pleasure only in the practice of religion.

Of all wanderers in the ways of sin, those are in the most dangerous condition who turn aside into the ways of darkness. Yet there is hope even for them in the all-sufficient Saviour; but let them flee to him without delay.

A life of worldly pleasure brings ruin on men.

The righteous is often delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his stead, and so seems as a ransom for him.

Unbridled passions spoil the comfort of all relations.

The plenty obtained by prudence, industry, and frugality, is desirable. But the foolish misspend what they have upon their lusts.

True repentance and faith will lead him that relies on the mercy of God in Christ, to follow after righteousness and mercy in his own conduct.

Those that have wisdom, often do great things, even against those confident of their strength.

It is our great concern to keep our souls from being entangled and disquieted.

Pride and haughtiness make men passionate; such continually deal in wrath, as if it were their trade to be angry.

Here is the misery of the slothful; their hands refuse to labour in an honest calling, by which they might get an honest livelihood; yet their hearts cease not to covet riches, pleasures, and honours, which cannot be obtained without labour. But the righteous and industrious have their desires satisfied.

When holiness is pretended, but wickedness intended, that especially is an abomination.

The doom of a false witness is certain.

A wicked man bids defiance to the terrors of the law and the rebukes of Providence. But a good man asks, What does God require of me?

Means are to be used, but, after all, our safety and salvation are only of the Lord. In our spiritual warfare we must arm ourselves with the whole armour of God; but our strength must be in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

(Compare Pr 28:6). "Rich" for fool here. Integrity is better than riches (Pr 15:16, 17; 16:8).

The last illustrates the first clause. Rashness, the result of ignorance, brings trouble.

perverteth ... way--turns him back from right (Pr 13:6; Jas 1:13); and he blames God for his failures.

(Compare Pr 14:20). Such facts are often adduced with implied disapprobation.

Compare Pr 19:9, where perish explains not escape here (compare Ps 88:9, 10).

(Compare Margin; Pr 15:32). loveth ... soul--or, "himself," which he evinces by regarding his best interests. keepeth--or, "regards."

(Compare Pr 17:7). The fool is incapable of properly using pleasure as knowledge, yet for him to have it is less incongruous than the undue elevation of servants. Let each abide in his calling (1Co 7:20).

(Compare Pr 14:29; 16:32). This inculcation of a forgiving spirit shows that true religion is always the same (Mt 5:22-24).

(Compare Pr 16:14, 15; 20:2). A motive to submission to lawful authority.

calamity--literally, "calamities," varied and many. continual dropping--a perpetual annoyance, wearing out patience.

A contrast of men's gifts and God's, who, though author of both blessings, confers the latter by His more special providence. and--or, "but," implying that the evils of Pr 19:13 are only avoided by His care.

a deep sleep--a state of utter indifference. idle soul--or, "person" (compare Pr 10:4; 12:24).

(Compare Pr 10:17; 13:13). despiseth ... ways--opposed to keeping or observing, neglects (Pr 16:17) (as unworthy of regard) his moral conduct.

(Compare Pr 14:21; Ps 37:26). hath pity--shown by acts (compare Margin).

(Compare Pr 13:24; 23:13). let not ... spare--literally, "do not lift up thy soul" (Ps 24:4; 25:1), that is, do not desire to his death; a caution to passionate parents against angry chastisement.

Repeated efforts of kindness are lost on ill-natured persons.

(Compare Pr 13:18-20). latter end--(Pr 5:11). In youth prepare for age.

(Compare Pr 16:1, 9; Ps 33:10, 11). The failure of man's devices is implied.

desire--that is, to do good, indicates a kind disposition (Pr 11:23); and the poor thus affected are better than liars, who say and do not.

The fear ... life--(Compare Pr 3:2). abide--or, "remain contented" (1Ti 4:8). not visited with evil--(Pr 10:3; Ps 37:25), as a judgment, in which sense visit is often used (Ps 89:32; Jer 6:15).

bosom--literally, a wide dish in which the hand was plunged in eating (Mt 26:23). Compare Pr 26:15, the sentiment expressed with equal irony and less exaggeration.

Such is the benefit of reproof; even the simple profit, much more the wise.

Unfilial conduct often condemned (Pr 17:21-25; 20:20; De 21:18, 21).

Avoid whatever leads from truth.

ungodly witness--(Compare Margin), one false by bad principles (compare Pr 6:12). scorneth judgment--sets at naught the dictates of justice. devoureth--literally, "swalloweth," as something delightful.

Their punishment is sure, fixed, and ready (compare Pr 3:34; 10:13).

mocker--scorner. Such men are made by wine. strong drink--made by spicing wine (compare Isa 5:11, 22); and it may include wine. raging--or boisterous as a drunkard. deceived--literally, "erring," or reeling.

(Compare Pr 19:12). Men who resist authority injure themselves (Ro 13:2).

to cease from strife--or, better, "to dwell from or without strife," denoting the habit of life. fool ... meddling--(Pr 17:14).

shall ... beg--literally, "ask" (in this sense, Ps 109:10).

Counsel ... water--that is, deeply hidden (Pr 18:4; Ps 13:2). The wise can discern well.

Boasters are unreliable. goodness--or, "kind disposition."

The conduct of good men proclaims their sound principles. God's covenant and their good example secure blessing to their children (Pr 4:26; Ps 112:1, 2).

As in Pr 14:35; 16:10, 15, this is the character of a good king, not of all kings.

The interrogation in the affirmative strengthens the implied negation (compare Job 15:14; Ec 7:20).

Various measures, implying that some are wrong (compare Pr 11:1; 16:11).

The conduct of children even is the best test of principle (compare Mt 7:16).

Hence, of course, God will know all you do (Ps 94:9).

Activity and diligence contrasted with sloth (Pr 6:9; 10:11). lest ... poverty--literally, "be deprived of inheritance."

when ... his way--implying that he goes about boasting of his bargains.

The contrast denotes the greater value of knowledge (compare Pr 3:14-16).

Take his garment--implies severe exaction, justified by the surety's rashness. a strange woman--by some readings "strangers," but the former here, and in Pr 27:13, is allowable, and strengthens the sense. The debauchee is less reliable than the merely careless.

Bread ... sweet--either as unlawfully (Pr 9:17) or easily obtained. mouth ... gravel--well expresses the pain and grief given at last.

(Compare Pr 15:22). Be careful and considerate in important plans.

Those who love to tell news will hardly keep secrets. flattereth ... lips--(compare Margin; Pr 1:10). meddle ... him--literally, "join," or "associate with."

his lamp--(Compare Pr 13:9; 24:20).

gotten hastily--contrary to God's providence (Pr 28:20), implying its unjust or easy attainment; hence the man is punished, or spends freely what he got easily (compare Pr 20:17).

(Compare Ps 27:14; Ro 12:17-19).

(Compare Pr 20:10; 11:1).

Man's goings--literally, "Stately steppings of a strong man." a man--any common man. understand--or, "perceive."

devoureth ... holy--or, better, "who rashly speaks promises," or "devotes what is holy," consecrating any thing. This suits better the last clause, which expresses a similar view of the results of rashly vowing.

(Compare Pr 20:8). bringeth ... over them--The wheel was used for threshing grain. The figure denotes severity (compare Am 1:3).

The spirit ... Lord--Men's minds are God's gifts, and thus able to search one another (compare Pr 20:5; Pr 18:8, 17; 1Co 2:11).

(Compare Pr 3:3; 16:6, 12).

The glory of young men ... the beauty of old men--Each age has its peculiar excellence (Pr 16:31).

blueness--literally, "joining," the process of uniting the edges of a wound throws off purulent matter. stripes ... belly--So punishment provides healing of soul (Pr 18:8), by deterring from evil courses.

rivers--irrigating channels (Ps 1:3), whose course was easily turned (compare De 11:10). God disposes even kings as He pleases (Pr 16:9; Ps 33:15).

(Compare Pr 14:2; 16:2-25).

(Compare Ps 50:7-15; Isa 1:11, 17).

high look--(Compare Margin; Ps 131:1). proud heart--or, "heart of breadth," one that is swollen (compare Ps 101:5). ploughing--better "lamp," a frequent figure for prosperity (Pr 20:20); hence joy or delight.

The contrast is between steady industry and rashness (compare Pr 19:2).

The getting--or, "what is obtained" (compare Job 7:2; Jer 22:13, Hebrew). vanity ... to and fro--as fleeting as chaff or stubble in the wind (compare Pr 20:17-21; Ps 62:10). Such gettings are unsatisfactory. them ... death--act as if they did (Pr 8:36; 17:19).

robbery--or, "destruction," especially oppression, of which they are authors. shall destroy--literally, "cut with a saw" (1Ki 7:9), that is, utterly ruin them. Their sins shall be visited on them in kind. to do judgment--what is just and right.

of man--any one; his way is opposed to truth, and also estranged from it. The pure proves himself such by his right conduct.

corner--a turret or arbor on the roof. brawling--or contentious. wide house--literally, "house of fellowship," large enough for several families.

So strongly does he desire to do evil (Ps 10:3; Ec 8:11), that he will not even spare his friend if in his way.

(Compare Pr 19:25). That which the simple learn by the terrors of punishment, the wise learn by teaching.

(Compare Ps 37:35-38; 73:17, 20). house--family or interests. overthroweth--either supply "God" (compare Pr 10:24), or the word is used impersonally.

The principles of retribution, often taught (compare Ps 18:26; Mt 7:1-12).

The effect of bribery (Pr 17:23) is enhanced by secrecy, as the bribed person does not wish his motives made known.

But the just love right and need no bribes. The wicked at last meet destruction, though for a time happy in concealing corruption.

the way of understanding--(Compare Pr 12:26; 14:22). remain--that is, rest as at a journey's end; death will be his unchanging home.

Costly luxuries impoverish.

(Compare Pr 11:8). By suffering what they had devised for the righteous, or brought on them, the wicked became their ransom, in the usual sense of substitutes (compare Jos 7:26; Es 7:9).

(Compare Pr 21:9). wilderness--pasture, though uninhabitable ground (Ps 65:12).

The wise, by diligence and care, lay up and increase wealth, while fools spend--literally, "swallow it up," greedily.

He who tries to act justly and kindly (Ps 34:14) will prosper and obtain justice and honor.

"Wisdom is better than strength" (Ec 7:19; 9:15). strength ... thereof--that in which they confide.

(Compare Pr 13:2, 3; Jas 3:6-10).

The reproachful name is deserved by those who treat others with anger and contempt.

desire--that is, of ease and idleness brings him to starvation.

The sin of covetousness marks the sluggard, as the virtue of benevolence the righteous.

God regards the heart, and hypocrisy is more odious than open inconsistency. wicked mind--or, "design" (Pr 1:4).

(Compare Pr 19:5). that heareth--or heeds instruction, and so grows wise. speaketh constantly--or sincerely (compare Hab 1:5), and hence is believed (Pr 12:19; Jas 1:19).

hardeneth his face--is obstinate. directeth ... way--considers it, and acts advisedly.

Men's best devices and reliances are vain compared with God's, or without His aid (Pr 19:21; Ps 20:7; 33:17).