Introduction

Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.

Verse 1

The comfort of parents much depends on their children; and this suggests to both, motives to their duties.

Verse 2-3

Though the righteous may be poor, the Lord will not suffer him to want what is needful for spiritual life.

Verse 4

Those who are fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, are likely to be rich in faith, and rich in good works.

Verse 5

Here is just blame of those who trifle away opportunities, both for here and for hereafter.

Verse 6

Abundance of blessings shall abide on good men; real blessings.

Verse 7

Both the just and the wicked must die; but between their souls there is a vast difference.

Verse 8

The wise in heart puts his knowledge in practice.

Verse 9

Dissemblers, after all their shuffling, will be exposed.

Verse 10

Trick and artifice will be no excuse for iniquity.

Verse 11

The good man's mouth is always open to teach, comfort, and correct others.

Verse 12

Where there is hatred, every thing stirs up strife. By bearing with each other, peace and harmony are preserved.

Verse 13

Those that foolishly go on in wicked ways, prepare rods for themselves.

Verse 14

Whatever knowledge may be useful, we must lay it up, that it may not be to seek when we want it. The wise gain this wisdom by reading, by hearing the word, by meditation, by prayer, by faith in Christ, who is made of God unto us wisdom.

Verse 15

This refers to the common mistakes both of rich and poor, as to their outward condition. Rich people's wealth exposes them to many dangers; while a poor man may live comfortably, if he is content, keeps a good conscience, and lives by faith.

Verse 16

Perhaps a righteous man has no more than what he works hard for, but that labour tends to life.

Verse 17

The traveller that has missed his way, and cannot bear to be told of it, and to be shown the right way, must err still.

Verse 18

He is especially a fool who thinks to hide anything from God; and malice is no better.

Verse 19

Those that speak much, speak much amiss. He that checks himself is a wise man, and therein consults his own peace.

Verse 20-21

The tongue of the just is sincere, freed from the dross of guile and evil design. Pious discourse is spiritual food to the needy. Fools die for want of a heart, so the word is; for want of thought.

Verse 22

That wealth which is truly desirable, has no vexation of spirit in the enjoyment; no grief for the loss; no guilt by the abuse of it. What comes from the love of God, has the grace of God for its companion.

Verse 23

Only foolish and wicked men divert themselves with doing harm to others, or tempting to sin.

Verse 24

The largest desire of eternal blessings the righteous can form, will be granted.

Verse 25

The course of prosperous sinners is like a whirlwind, which soon spends itself, and is gone.

Verse 26

As vinegar sets the teeth on edge, and as the smoke causes the eyes to smart, so the sluggard vexes his employer.

Verse 27-28

What man is he that loves life? Let him fear God, and that will secure to him life enough in this world, and eternal life in the other.

Verse 29

The believer grows stronger in faith, and obeys with increased delight.

Verse 30

The wicked would be glad to have this earth their home for ever, but it cannot be so. They must die and leave all their idols behind.

Verse 31-32

A good man discourses wisely for the benefit of others. But it is the sin, and will be the ruin of a wicked man, that he speaks what is displeasing to God, and provoking to those he converses with. The righteous is kept by the power of God; and nothing shall be able to separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 9

Proverbs

Proverbs 11

Proverbs 10".

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