Proverbs 22-24

We should be more careful to do that by which we may get and keep a good name, than to raise or add unto a great estate.

Divine Providence has so ordered it, that some are rich, and others poor, but all are guilty before God; and at the throne of God's grace the poor are as welcome as the rich.

Faith foresees the evil coming upon sinners, and looks to Jesus Christ as the sure refuge from the storm.

Where the fear of God is, there will be humility. And much is to be enjoyed by it; spiritual riches, and eternal life at last.

The way of sin is vexatious and dangerous. But the way of duty is safe and easy.

Train children, not in the way they would go, that of their corrupt hearts, but in the way they should go; in which, if you love them, you would have them go. As soon as possible every child should be led to the knowledge of the Saviour.

This shows how important it is for every man to keep out of debt. As to the things of this life, there is a difference between the rich and the poor; but let the poor remember, it is the Lord that made the difference.

The power which many abuse, will soon fail them.

He that seeks to relieve the wants and miseries of others shall be blessed.

Profane scoffers and revilers disturb the peace.

God will be the Friend of a man in whose spirit there is no guile; this honour have all the saints.

God turns the counsels and designs of treacherous men to their own confusion.

The slothful man talks of a lion without, but considers not his real danger from the devil, that roaring lion within, and from his own slothfulness, which kills him.

The vile sin of licentiousness commonly besots the mind beyond recovery.

Sin is foolishness, it is in the heart, there is an inward inclination to sin: children bring it into the world with them; and it cleaves close to the soul. We all need to be corrected by our heavenly Father.

We are but stewards, and must distribute what God intrusts to our care, according to his will.

To these words, to this knowledge, the ear must be bowed down, and the heart applied by faith and love. To live a life of delight in God and dependence on him, is the foundation of all practical religion. The way to know the certainty of the word of truth, is to make conscience of our duty.

He that robs and oppresses the poor, does so at his peril. And if men will not appear for them, God will.

Our corrupt hearts have so much tinder in them, that it is dangerous to have to do with those that throw about the sparks of their passion.

Every man ought to be just to himself, and his family; those are not so, who, by folly or other carelessness, waste what they have.

We are taught not to trespass on another man's right. And it is hard to find a truly industrious man. Such a man will rise. Seest thou a man diligent in the business of religion? He is likely to excel. Let us then be diligent in God's work.

God's restraints of the appetite only say, Do thyself no harm.

Be not of those that will be rich. The things of this world are not happiness and a portion for a soul; those that hold them ever so fast, cannot hold them always, cannot hold them long.

Do not make thyself burdensome to any, especially those not sincere. When we are called by God to his feast, and to let our souls delight themselves, Isa 25:6; 55:2, we may safely partake of the Bread of life.

It is our duty to take all fit occasions to speak of Divine things; but if what a wise man says will not be heard, let him hold his peace.

The fatherless are taken under God's special protection. He is their Redeemer, who will take their part; and he is mighty, almighty.

Here is a parent instructing his child to give his mind to the Scriptures. Here is a parent correcting his child: accompanied with prayer, and blessed of God, it may prove a means of preventing his destruction. Here is a parent encouraging his child, telling him what would be for his good. And what a comfort it would be, if herein he answered his expectation!

The believer's expectation shall not be disappointed; the end of his trials, and of the sinner's prosperity, is at hand.

The gracious Saviour who purchased pardon and peace for his people, with all the affection of a tender parent, counsels us to hear and be wise, and is ready to guide our hearts in his way. Here we have an earnest call to young people, to attend to the advice of their godly parents. If the heart be guided, the steps will be guided. Buy the truth, and sell it not; be willing to part with any thing for it. Do not part with it for pleasures, honours, riches, or any thing in this world. The heart is what the great God requires. We must not think to divide the heart between God and the world; he will have all or none. Look to the rule of God's word, the conduct of his providence, and the good examples of his people. Particular cautions are given against sins most destructive to wisdom and grace in the soul. It is really a shame to make a god of the belly. Drunkenness stupifies men, and then all goes to ruin. Licentiousness takes away the heart that should be given to God. Take heed of any approaches toward this sin, it is very hard to retreat from it. It bewitches men to their ruin.

Solomon warns against drunkenness. Those that would be kept from sin, must keep from all the beginnings of it, and fear coming within reach of its allurements. Foresee the punishment, what it will at last end in, if repentance prevent not. It makes men quarrel. Drunkards wilfully make woe and sorrow for themselves. It makes men impure and insolent. The tongue grows unruly; the heart utters things contrary to reason, religion, and common civility. It stupifies and besots men. They are in danger of death, of damnation; as much exposed as if they slept upon the top of a mast, yet feel secure. They fear no peril when the terrors of the Lord are before them; they feel no pain when the judgments of God are actually upon them. So lost is a drunkard to virtue and honour, so wretchedly is his conscience seared, that he is not ashamed to say, I will seek it again. With good reason we were bid to stop before the beginning. Who that has common sense would contract a habit, or sell himself to a sin, which tends to such guilt and misery, and exposes a man every day to the danger of dying insensible, and awaking in hell? Wisdom seems in these chapters to take up the discourse as at the beginning of the book. They must be considered as the words of Christ to the sinner.

Envy not sinners. And let not a desire ever come into thy mind, Oh that I could shake off restraints!

Piety and prudence in outward affairs, both go together to complete a wise man. By knowledge the soul is filled with the graces and comforts of the spirit, those precious and pleasant riches. The spirit is strengthened for the spiritual work and the spiritual warfare, by true wisdom.

A weak man thinks wisdom is too high for him, therefore he will take no pains for it. It is bad to do evil, but worse to devise it. Even the first risings of sin in the heart are sin, and must be repented of. Those that strive to make others hateful, make themselves so.

Under troubles we are apt to despair of relief. But be of good courage, and God shall strengthen thy heart.

If a man know that his neighbour is in danger by any unjust proceeding, he is bound to do all in his power to deliver him. And what is it to suffer immortal souls to perish, when our persuasions and example may be the means of preventing it?

We are quickened to the study of wisdom by considering both the pleasure and the profit of it. All men relish things that are sweet to the palate; but many have no relish for the things that are sweet to the purified soul, and that make us wise unto salvation.

The sincere soul falls as a traveller may do, by stumbling at some stone in his path; but gets up, and goes on his way with more care and speed. This is rather to be understood of falls into affliction, than falls into actual sin.

The pleasure we are apt to take in the troubles of an enemy is forbidden.

Envy not the wicked their prosperity; be sure there is no true happiness in it.

The godly in the land, will be quiet in the land. There may be cause to change for the better, but have nothing to do with them that are given change.

The wisdom God giveth, renders a man fit for his station. Every one who finds the benefit of the right answer, will be attached to him that gave it.

We must prefer necessaries before conveniences, and not go in debt.

There are three defaults in a witness pointed out.

See what a blessing the husbandman's calling is, and what a wilderness this earth would be without it. See what great difference there is in the management even of worldly affairs. Sloth and self-indulgence are the bane of all good. When we see fields overgrown with thorns and thistles, and the fences broken down, we see an emblem of the far more deplorable state of many souls. Every vile affection grows in men's hearts; yet they compose themselves to sleep. Let us show wisdom by doubling our diligence in every good thing.

A good name--(Job 30:8, Hebrew); "good" is supplied here from Ec 7:1. loving favour--kind regard, that is, of the wise and good.

Before God all are on the same footing (Pr 14:31; 17:5).

are punished--that is, for their temerity; for the evil is not necessarily punitive, as the prudent might otherwise be its objects.

humility and the fear of the Lord--are in apposition; one produces the other. On the results, compare Pr 3:16; 8:18.

he that ... them--Those who properly watch over their own souls are thus preserved from the dangers which attend the way of perverse men (Pr 16:17).

Train--initiate, or early instruct. the way--literally, "his way," that selected for him in which he should go; for early training secures habitual walking in it.

The influence of wealth sets aside moral distinctions is implied, and, of course, disapproved (compare Pr 19:6; 21:14, &c.).

(Compare Pr 11:18; Ps 109:16-20; Ga 6:7, 8). the rod ... fail--His power to do evil will be destroyed.

a bountiful eye--that is, a beneficent disposition. for he giveth ... poor--His acts prove it.

Cast out--or drive away. Scorners foster strife by taunts and revilings.

(Compare Margin). pureness of heart--and gentle, kind words win favor, even from kings.

preserve--or guard. knowledge--its principles and possessors. overthroweth--utterly confounds and destroys the wicked.

Frivolous excuses satisfy the indolent man's conscience.

The mouth--or flattering speeches (Pr 5:3; 7:5) ensnare man, as pits, beasts. God makes their own sin their punishment.

is bound--or firmly fixed. Chastisement deters from crime and so leads to reformation of principle.

These two vices pertain to the same selfish feeling. Both are deservedly odious to God and incur punishment.

Here begins another division of the book, marked by those encouragements to the pursuit of wisdom, which are found in the earlier chapters. It will be observed that at Pr 22:22-24:12, the proverbs are generally expressed in two verses instead of one (see Introduction).

These lessons must be laid up in the mind, and fitted--or better, "fixed" in the lips so as to be ever ready.

That ... Lord--This is the design of the instruction.

excellent things--or probably of former times. counsels and knowledge--both advice and instruction.

Specially he desires to secure accuracy, so that his pupil may teach others.

Here follow ten precepts of two verses each. Though men fail to defend the poor, God will (Pr 17:5; Ps 12:5). in the gate--place of public gathering (Job 5:4; Ps 69:12).

(Compare Pr 2:12-15; 4:14).

a snare ... soul--The unsuspecting are often misled by bad company.

(Compare Pr 6:1; 17:18).

should he take, &c.--that is, the creditor.

(Compare Pr 23:10). Do not entrench on others (De 19:14; 27:17).

Success rewards diligence (Pr 10:4; 21:5).

Avoid the dangers of gluttony.

put a knife--an Eastern figure for putting restraint on the appetite.

are deceitful meat--though well tasted, injurious.

(Compare 1Ti 6:9, 10). thine own wisdom--which regards riches intrinsically as a blessing.

Wilt ... eyes--As the eyes fly after or seek riches, they are not, that is, either become transitory or unsatisfying; fully expressed by their flying away. 6-8. Beware of deceitful men, whose courtesies even you will repent of having accepted. evil eye--or purpose (Pr 22:9; De 15:9; Mt 6:23).

The morsel ... words--that is, disgusted with his true character, all pleasant intercourse will be destroyed.

(Compare Pr 9:8). "Cast not your pearls before swine" (Mt 7:6).

(Compare Pr 22:22, 23).

redeemer--or avenger (Le 25:25, 26; Nu 35:12), hence advocate (Job 19:25). plead ... thee--(Compare Job 31:21; Ps 35:1; 68:5).

Here begins another series of precepts.

While there is little danger that the use of the "divine ordinance of the rod" will produce bodily harm, there is great hope of spiritual good.

The pleasure afforded the teacher by the pupil's progress is a motive to diligence.

my reins--(Compare Ps 7:9).

(Compare Margin). The prosperity of the wicked is short.

an end--or, "hereafter," another time, when apparent inequalities shall be adjusted (compare Ps 37:28-38). 19-21. guide ... way--or direct thy thoughts to a right course of conduct (compare Pr 4:4; 9:6).

riotous ... flesh--prodigal, or eating more than necessary. Instead of "their flesh" (compare Margin), better, "flesh to them," that is, used for pleasure.

drowsiness--the dreamy sleep of the slothful.

Hearken--that is, obey (Pr 1:8; Eph 6:1). despise ... old--Adults revere the parents whom, as children, they once obeyed.

Buy--literally, "get" (Pr 4:5). truth--generally and specially as opposed to errors of all kinds.

(Compare Pr 10:1; 17:21, 25). 26-35. A solemn warning against whoredom and drunkenness (Ho 4:11). give me--This is the address of that divine wisdom so often presented (Pr 8:1; 9:3, &c.). heart--confidence. observe--keep. my ways--such as I teach you (Pr 3:17; 9:6).

deep ditch--a narrow pit, out of which it is hard to climb. lieth in wait--to ensnare men into the pit, as hunters entrap game (compare Pr 22:14).

increaseth ... transgressors--(Pr 5:8-10). The vice alluded to is peculiarly hardening to the heart.

This picture is often sadly realized now. mixed wine--(Compare Pr 9:2; Isa 5:11).

when ... red--the color denoting greater strength (compare Ge 49:11; De 32:14). giveth ... cup--literally, "gives its eye," that is, sparkles. moveth ... aright--Perhaps its foaming is meant.

The acute miseries resulting from drunkenness contrasted with the temptations.

The moral effects: it inflames passion (Ge 19:31, 35), lays open the heart, produces insensibility to the greatest dangers, and debars from reformation, under the severest sufferings.

awake--that is, from drunkenness (Ge 9:24). This is the language rather of acts than of the tongue.

(Compare Pr 23:3, 17; Ps 37:1).

studieth--meditateth. talk ... mischief--Their expressed purposes are to do evil.

(Compare Pr 14:1; Isa 54:14). house--including the family.

by knowledge ... riches--(Pr 8:18; 21:20).

The general statement (Ec 9:16, 18) is specially illustrated (compare Pr 21:22; Ps 144:1).

(Compare Pr 14:16). in the gate--(Compare Pr 22:22).

So called even if he fails to do evil.

Same thought varied.

Literally, "If thou fail in the day of straits (adversity), strait (or, small) is thy strength," which is then truly tested.

Neglect of known duty is sin (Jas 4:17). ready--literally, "bowing down" to be slain--that is, unjustly. God's retributive justice cannot be avoided by professed ignorance.

As delicious food whets the appetite, so should the rewards of wisdom excite us to seek it.

reward--literally, "after part," the proper result (compare Pr 23:18; Ps 37:37, 38).

The plots of the wicked against the good, though partially, shall not be fully successful (Ps 37:24); while the wicked, falling under penal evil, find no help.

seven times--often, or many (Pr 6:16, 31; 9:1).

Yet let none rejoice over the fate of evildoers, lest God punish their wrong spirit by relieving the sufferer (compare Pr 17:5; Job 31:29).

(Ps 37:1, 38; 18:28).

candle--or, "prosperity"; it shall come to an end (Pr 13:9; 20:20).

A warning against impiety and resistance to lawful rule (Ro 13:1-7; 1Pe 2:17). meddle ... change--(Compare Margin), literally, "mingle not yourself," avoid the society of restless persons.

their calamity, &c.--either what God and the king inflict, or what changers and their company suffer; better the first.

These ... wise--literally, "are of the wise," as authors (compare "Psalms of David," Hebrew). "These" refers to the verses following, Pr 24:24-34. to have respect--literally, "to discern faces," show partiality,

of which an example is justifying the wicked, to which is opposed, rebuking him, which has a blessing.

kiss his lips--love and obey, do homage (Ps 2:12; So 8:1). right answer--literally, "plain words" (compare Pr 8:9), opposed to deceptive, or obscure.

Prepare ... in the field--Secure, by diligence, a proper support, and then build; provide necessaries, then comforts, to which a house rather pertained, in a mild climate, permitting the use of tents.

Do not speak even truth needlessly against any, and never falsehood.

Especially avoid retaliation (Mt 5:43-45; Ro 12:17).

A striking picture of the effects of sloth. 32-34. From the folly of the sluggard learn wisdom (Pr 6:10, 11).