Vers. 1. THe Parables [i. Se. the figuratiue and darke kinde of speaches (sée Psal. 49.4. also 78.2. sée also Matth. 13, 3.10, 11.34, 35.) True it is, that the Hebrue word signifieth all kinde of figura­tiue speaches whatsoeuer; of which sorte wee shall sée manie in this Booke: somtimes expres­sed by similitudes, sometimes by Allegories, sometimes by Metaphores, and sometimes by one meanes, and sometimes by another: and yet I thinke it may verie wel be taken for sentences, words or speaches, which as they are grauelie & shortlie vttered, so doo notwith­standing containe in them plentie of good matter.] of Salomon, [Here we sée [Page] who was the pen-man & vtterer of these graue sentences: sée 1. King. 4.32. and when he saith of Salomon, he meaneth, that Salomon spake them: and these I take as also all that follow, to be Salomons owne words speaking of himselfe in the third person] the sonne of Dauid [vz. who was a man accord­ing vnto Gods owne heart; and this serueth both for the commendation of Salomon and of his Booke. So that we sée in this verse the work to be com­mended: first, for the excellencie of it, vnder the word Parables: secondly, of the Writer, vz. Salomon the wisest man that euer was: thirdlie, of the Wri­ters Parents, vz. Dauid a verie godlie man: & lastly, of the state & condition wherin either the Father or y^e Writer or both were, vz. King of Jsrael: [i. ru­ler & gouernor of the people, y^t was called by the name of their great grand­father Iaakob. And though this word King of Israel, may séeme to be refer­red both to Dauid and Salomon, because they were both Kings ouer that people, yet I take it, that it ought chieflie and onelie in this place to be refer­red 2 to Dauid.] Vers. 2. To know [vnderstand héere thus much; which pa­rables and graue sentences were written to this end, that men might learne and know] wisedome, [i. absolute, stedfast and effectuall knowledge both of heauenlie and worldlie things,] and instruction [vz. concerning men & their duties, to the ende that they that by nature are rude and vnskilfull, may by this doctrine be reclaimed to a better trade and course of life,] to vnderstand [q. d. whereby also a man may vnderstand] the words of knowledge, [i. such spéeches and sentences, as are with skill, knowledge and iudgement vttered and spoken. Some thinke that there are thrée sorts of knowledge set down in this verse, which may be obteined by the reading of this Booke: vnder­standing by wisedome, the certaine and assured knowledge of euerie thing: by instruction, the waies and meanes to attaine to that knowledge, which héere is set after it, because the other in dignitie and worthinesse goeth before it: and by vnderstanding the words of knowledge, he vnderstandeth prudence; as when by the helpe of wisedome and knowledge, a man obteineth abilitie 3 to iudge of matters, and to perceiue one thing by another.] Vers. 3. To receiue [vz. from the mouth of thy teacher, if thou be a scholler and learner: for in this verse he sheweth the profite that it will bring to learners, and in the next verse how it will inable teachers.] instruction [sée vers. 2. meaning also by instruction, good rules, holie counsell, and right order:] to doo wiselie, [vz. in all the waies that thou shalt walke, and all the things that thou shalt attempt,] by iustice, and iudgement, and equitie. [This place is turned, as though these things were meanes & instruments of a good mans wise dea­ling: whereas I suppose it should be turned thus, as also some doo turne it] To receaue the instruction of vnderstanding, [i. wise and skilfull instruction] of iustice, iudgement, and euerie right thing. [vnderstanding by iustice, iust, holie, and good workes; by iudgement, that sentence whereby euerie man hath his owne yéelded him; and by equitie, or in the plurall number (as it is in the Hebrue text) equities, (which also maketh some to turne it euerie right [Page 2] thing) vpright & equall dealing one with another.] Vers. 4. To giue [vz. 4 by the meanes of the master and teacher] vnto the simple [i. to him that not onelie hath little knowledge, and is (as a man would saie) vnskilled, but though he haue some iudgement, is notwithstanding easilie and in a mo­ment (as it were) induced to beleeue anie thing; and is carried (as it were) hether and thether, from the waie of trueth: see Prouerb. 14.15. where the same word in our English text is turned, foolish] sharpnesse of wit, [he vnder­standeth hereby, not onelie quicknesse of sight to perceaue the subtilties of the enemies; but also soundnesse of iudgement, that he be no more carried awaie, as he hath been.] and to the childe [i. vnto him that is vnaduised, and wanteth discretion it giueth] knowledge, [i. sound iudgement,] and discreti­on, [viz. how and after what sort to behaue himselfe, and to walke: see Eph. 4.14.] Vers. 5. A wise man [q.d. These things profite not the simple and 5 vnlearned onelie, but euen they that haue attained some measure of light and knowledge, shall both be confirmed and increased in iudgement] shall heare [vz. these things: vnderstanding by hearing, not onelie the bending of the outward eares, but also the inclining of the minde thereto] & increase [vz. thereby] in learning: [i. in all maner of knowledge: q.d. he shalbe more wise and learned than he was before.] and a man of vnderstanding [i. he that by experience (as it were) hath attained to a more measure of knowledge and iudgement than others: see ver. 2. of this chap.] shall attaine [vz. by this meanes, meaning also by attayning, not only the getting, but the posses­sing, keeping, and vsing,] vnto wise counsels [vz. not only in himselfe, but shall bee able to profite others thereby.] Vers. 6. To vnderstand [vz. by 6 meanes of the holie and wholesome rules propounded in this booke] a para­ble [see vers. 1. of this chapter.] and the interpretation: [vz. of parables, or of any fine, or eloquent speech whatsoeuer.] the words of the wise [yea, though they speake neuer so wisely] and their darke sayings. [q.d. yea, though they speake neuer so darklie also. And all these profites, the holie Ghost allead­geth, not only to shewe the excellencie of the booke, but also to drawe men to the loue and liking of his doctrine.] Vers. 7. The feare of the Lord [i. a re­uerence 7 of Gods maiestie in mens hearts, with an acknowledgement that wee onely trust in him, and a care and a conscience, being loth and fearefull to displease him] is the beginning of knowledge: [i. is not onely the first meane and way to attayne the sound knowledge of God and all goodnesse, but is as it were the fountaine and foundation of all good things. Salomon in this followed his father Dauid, as may appeare Psalme 111.10.] but fooles [i. wicked and vngodlie persons: as generallie throughout this booke, and more particularlie Psalme 14.1.] despise [vz. either proudlie, or care­leslie, but yet both wayes to their owne hurt] wisedome and instruction. [see vers. 2. of this chapter.] Vers. 8. My sonne [Salomon speaketh this to 8 euerie one that is willing to learn, as the teacher being great either in yeres or credit, may speake to the partie that is to be instructed: see Psalme 34. [Page] 12.] heare [vz. attentiuelie and diligentlie, sée also vers. 5. of this Chapter] thy fathers instruction, [i. the instruction and good counsell that thy father giueth thée] and forsake not [vz. at anie time, but kéepe carefullie with thée] thy mothers teaching: [i. those thinges which thy mother shall instruct and teach thée: he maketh mention of mother, because he had before spoken of fa­ther, meaning by both together, the counsels and commandements of their parents: and yet because mothers admonitions & perswasions, are of great force in their children, while they are young, he speaketh also particularlie 9 of them.] Ver. 9. For they [i. the instructions and doctrines of thy parents, if they be rightlie receiued on thy behalfe] shall be a comely ornament vnto thy head, and as chaines for thy necke, [i. they shall garnish and decke thee verie excellentlie, euen as a Crowne set vpon the head, or a chaine about the neck adorneth a man, meaning that they shall make him gracious and acceptable both before God & men. And this is a reason of his exhortation, hauing re­spect therein, to the very maners & affections of children, who are much mo­ued with gifts, & sundrie sorts of ornaments: euen so men should be drawne to the obedience of Gods will, by his great & large promises.] V. 10. My 10 sonne, [see vers. 8. of this chapt.] if sinners [1. notorious wicked men, as Psal. 1.1, 5.] doo intise thee [vz. to any manner of wickednesse whatsoeuer, their intisements he rehearseth afterwards, vers. 11, 12, 13, 14.] consent thou not [vz. at any hand, to those their vngodlie prouocations, much lesse doo the 11 euill.] Vers. 11. If they [i. those wicked ones] saie [vz. either openlie or closelie, and that either by word or deede, for a mans gestures and actions, speake after a sort,] come, [vz. and go with vs, that is, be a companion with vs in the mischiefe we will performe.] we will lay waite [vz. closely and craf­telie] for bloud, [i. for mens liues to take them away, meaning that they would commit murther, and all manner of outrage to other mens hurt: see Esay. 1.15. also Psalm. 5.6. also Psalm. 51.14. and sundrie other places.] and lie priuelie [vz. in waite: see Psalm. 10.8.9.10.] for the innocent [vz. to catch and snare him: see Psalm. 141.9.] without a cause [vz. on their behalfe gi­uen, to practise so against them: see Psalm. 119.161. and these may bee ei­ther the wicked mens words, who in the testimonie of their owne conscience say, they persecute the godlie without any cause at all, or els the words of the holie Ghost iustifying the good; but I incline rather to the former. And note, that as in this verse they bragge, what mischiefe they will closelie and craftelie performe against them, so in the next verse, they doo shamefullie 12 vaunt, what open mischiefe they will commit.] Vers. 12. Wee [vz. in the pride and crueltie of our owne hearts] will swallow them vp [i. will quite and cleane destroy the godlie] aliue [i. being either in good health and sound, or els florishing in glorie, wealth, &c. but the former is the better, though the Rabbins allow of the latter.] like a graue [i. euen as a graue doth receiue and take in dead corpses, and neuer is satisfied: see Prouerb. 30.15, 16. so will they destroy the good, and neuer leaue off.] euen whole [i. wee will spare no [Page 3] part or peece of them, neither skinne, flesh, nor bones] as those that go downe into the pit. [i. as those that are buried whole, so shall these bee destroyed whole.] Vers. 13. Wee shall finde [i. not only certainlie finde, but assuredlie 13 also obteyne and possesse] all precious riches, [i. all manner of precious and rich things: and this perswasion is drawne from profite.] and fill our hou­ses [i. we shall haue great store and aboundance] with spoyle [vz. of the good people: meaning that they should haue, as a plentifull pray, all manner of rich and precious things.] Vers. 14. Cast in thy lot amongst vs, [i. haue a 14 portion and a part with vs, and ioyne thy selfe vnto vs in these things. But I would rather reade it in the future tense, q.d. Looke what part wee haue, thou shalt haue the same: and we looke for none but good, therefore thy por­tion shall be plentifull.] we will all haue one purse. [this is another intisement of the wicked: q.d. we will be share and share like, and as we put all into one bagge; so we will haue it equallie diuided, and none shall be preferred before another.] Vers. 15. My sonne, [see vers. 8. of this Chapter.] walke not 15 thou in the way with them, [i. be not conuersant with them at any hand, nei­ther haue any fellowship or dealing with them, either openly nor priuately.] refraine thy foote from their path, [i. walke not in their wicked waies, least thou bee partaker with them, as of the same sinnes, so of the same punish­ments.] Vers. 16. For their feete runne to euill [i. they are swift to commit 16 iniquitie] and make hast to shed bloud: [i. to murther and kill men, and to take away their liues: see vers. 11. of this Chapter: and this is a rea­son, why the godlie should not hearken to the intisements of the wicked.] Vers. 17. and 18. as they are read in the Geneua text, seeme to carrie with 17 them this sense: that as the Fowler hath no cause giuen him on the be­halfe of the bird to catch the bird, and yet notwithstanding doth take the same: so the wicked lye closelie in waite, to destroye the good, though the godlie haue giuen them no occasion so to doo. But others varieth both in sense and reading thus.] for in vayne [i. to no purpose at all.] is the net [vz. of the Fowler] spread before the eyes [i. openlie and in the sight] of all that hath wing, [i. of euerie birde and fowle, q.d. though these men make an account, as though they had gotten the praie, yet they can no more certainlie saie that they can bring to passe their counsels and purposes, than an vnskilfull fowler (which laieth his snares & grinns openlie) can cer­tainlie affirme, that he will catch the birds that flie by, and obserue his nets: and so it is as another reason; that as before hee had perswaded them not to yeeld to the inticements of the wicked, because all things they did tended to iniustice and crueltie: so here he disswadeth them, because they can looke for no certeine euent of their purposes.] Vers. 18. Moreouer, [q.d. this is an 18 other reason, why you should not yeelde to their prouocations,] they them­selues [i. the wicked and vngodlie] laie waite for their owne blood: [i. worke mischiefe, euen to the destruction of themselues] in that they hide themselues: [vz. thinking thereby to catch and insnare others:] it is against their owne [Page] soules, [i. it is hurtfull to themselues: sée to this end Psal. 7.14, 15, 16. And so here is a third argument, taken from the heauie destruction of the wicked, 19 which they purchase vnto themselues by their own wicked doings] V. 19. Such [i. so dangerous and deadlie] are the waies [i. the purposes and practi­ses] of euerie one [i. of what state or condition soeuer he or they be of] that is greedie of gaine, [i. that is giuen to it, and gapeth after vniust gaine,] he [i. the wicked] would take awaie [vz. for the satisfying of his owne greedie and couetous desire] the life of the owners thereof. [i. of such gaine or good things as other men haue and they desire. Some readeth it otherwise, & make an o­ther sense of the latter part of the verse thus;] in such state [vz. both for wic­ked purposes and great dangers] are the companies [i. the societies, fellow­ships, or corporations (as a man would saie): for he seemeth to allude to that which was spoken before vers. 14. see Gen. 37.25. where mention is made of a companie of Ishmaelitish marchants also,] of all that are giuen to gaine. [i. to vniust gaine: and in that terme also he sheweth, that none of them can escape death and destruction; because the iudgement which God will laie vpon them cannot be auoided.] Gaine [i. vniust gaine] taketh awaie the soule of them [i. the life of them] that are giuen theretoo. [vz. greedelie and aboue measure. This is it (as I take it) that the holie Ghost dooth sententiouslie conclude, that the wicked shall not escape vnpunished: and all this is done, to draw the godlie that they consent not to their wicked allurements.] Ve. 20 20. Wisedom [It is in the Hebrue text in the plural number, by which he no­teth most high & excellent wisedom, vz. euen the eternall wisedome of God (Iesus Christ) of whom see afterward chapt. 8. and in whome are hid all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge Coloss. 2.3.] crieth [vz. earnest­lie and continuallie: by which he setteth out his great loue to the conuersion of men.] without, [i. abroad and openlie,] she vttereth her voice [i. she spea­keth freelie and plainlie] in the streetes: [vz. of the Citie: both these layde together, sound q.d. both openlie and priuatelie, in the citie and in the fields, 21 wisedome ceaseth not to call men to amendement.] Vers. 21. She calleth [vz. men to amendment] in the high streate among the prease, [q.d. she is in the great assemblie and concourse of people, taking thereby the greatest and best opportunitie of well dooing.] in the entring of the gates, [vz. whether people were wont to repaire for matters of iustice and iudgement: as Gen. 34.20. Ruth 4.1. q.d. both in the market place and in the iudgement place, wisedome seeketh to draw men vnto her,] and vttereth her words [vz. ve­rie plainlie and sensiblie, that all may vnderstande] in the citie, [i. in euerie place and quarter of the citie: see Psalm. 55.9, 10, 11.] saying: [vz. vnto the 22 wicked and vngodlie:] Vers. 22. O ye foolish, [or simple rather, as ver. 4. of this chapter: for he vseth one and the selfe same wordes in both places.] how long will ye loue foolishnesse? [q.d. will ye neuer leaue off this sheepish­nesse and simplenesse?] and the scornfull, [of these see Psalm. 1.1. who turne all things into scoffes, the wickedst people that can be] take their pleasure in [Page 4] scorning? [i. how long wil you delight in it, to your own hurt and destruction in the end, vnlesse you repent?] & the fooles [this word doth not onlie com­prehend such as are spoken of before vers. 7. of this chapter, who are giuen to false opinions, and follow waies directlie contrarie to wisedome; but also want wisedome, and giue not their mindes thereto] hate knowledge? [vz. offered them. Marke how in this verse he passeth sodainlie from the seconde person to the third.] Vers. 23. Turne you [vz. from your euil waies: nei­ther 23 speaketh he this, as though they had either will or power to doo it with­out God; but to shew that now the meane was offered them, which if they refused, it would be a greater iudgement against them.] at my correction, [i. now that I doo by words and speaches labor to correct and amend you,] loe [q.d. if you will doo this, see what benefites you shall draw and pull to your selfe.] J will powre out my minde vnto you, [i. I wil make you plentifullie ac­quainted with the fulnesse of all good things which dwell in me,] and make you vnderstand my words. [i. the words which I shall speake for your amēd­ment: q.d. till I giue you vnderstanding thereof, they can be no otherwise to you, but as a sealed or closed booke.] Vers. 24. Because I haue called 24 [vz. earnestlie vnto you, for your amendement and good] and ye refused; [vz. to hearken and yeelde obedience vnto my voyce.] J haue stretched out mine hand, [q.d. I haue beckened vnto you with my hand, and giuen you signes and tokens of my calling and protection,] and none [vz. amongest you] would regard. [vz. these testimonies and tokens of my loue towardes you.] Vers. 25. But [q.d. moreouer and besides all this] ye haue despised, 25 all my counsell, [i. through your rebellion you haue contemptuouslie cast frō you, all that I purposed and offered vnto you for your good:] and would none of my correction. [i. would not accept or regard anie meane that I vsed, either of word or chastisement for your bettering and amendment. In these two verses, he reckoneth vp their sinnes, in the next followeth their iudge­ments.] Vers. 26. I will also laugh (i. I will not care for you or regarde 26 you. Laughter attributed to God according to man: see Psalm. 2.4.] at your destruction, [The word properlie signifieth a vapor, exhalation, or clowde; but here by a Metaphore it is taken for calamitie or miserie, which bringeth destruction vpon men; and that in a double respect, because as clowdes and vapors darken the daie, so calamitie and miserie make dark manie times the glorie and renowme of men: againe, as vapors and exhalations arise sodain­lie, and sodainlie depart againe: so dooth the glorie of the wicked when the tempest of miserie beginneth once to blowe vpon it.] and mocke [vz you in your miserie: and this is spoken of God according to mans capacitie] when your feare cōmeth [vz. sodainly, as in the next verse vpon you: vnderstanding by feare, not only the things which the wicked feare, but also the time of their calamitie, in which they shall be in great feare & doubting; yea the very an­guish & griefe of their hart also.] Ver. 27. When your feare [see ve. 26. com­meth 27 [vz. vpon you, and that certainlie and assuredlie, which he signifieth by [Page] speaking in the present tense.] like sodaine desolation, [i. like such destruction and wasting, as for the sodainnes of it, can neither be easely borne, nor well preuented. That word which is here turned desolation, dooth properly signi­fie, a sodaine and furious breach or destruction of any thing, breaking and o­uerthrowing euery thing that it méeteth with.] and your destruction [i. the destruction which is appoynted for you] shall come [vz. vppon you] like a whirlewind, [i. both sodainlie and with great violence: he expresseth one thing vnder sundrie termes] when affliction and anguish [i. when trouble and griefe, either outward in the bodie, or inward in the minde] shall come vppon you [vz. iustly from God: q.d. I will not only then laugh at your destruction, 28 but you your selfe shall pray and not be heard.] Vers. 28. Then [i. in the time of their trouble and sorrowe] shall they [i. the wicked: marke the so­daine change of the person, from the second to the third] call vpon me [i. pray vnto me, as Psalme 50.15.] but I will not answere: [i. graunt them their re­questes: yea, by with-holding the thinges they pray for, I will testifie my wrath against them,] they shall seeke me earely [i. very diligently, carefully, and as it were incessantly: q.d. they shall spare no paines, yea they shall breake their sleepes in the morning.] but shall not finde me, [vz. gracious and merciful vnto them in their griefes, because God wil be found of none but of such as seeke him according to his will reuealed in his word, and that 29 with the same affection of heart, which he in the same requireth.] Vers. 29 Because they hated knowledge, [see vers. 22. of this Chapter, he doth here a­gaine repeate the causes of the ruine and destruction of the wicked.] and did not chuse [vz. when it was graciouslie tendred and offered them.] the feare 30 of the Lord] see vers. 7. of this Chapter.] Vers. 30. They would none of my counsell, but despised all my correction. [see vers. 25. of this Chapter. He mea­neth that in the pride of their owne hearts, they were set, to contemne and 31 despise whatsoeuer God would do for them.] Vers. 31. Therefore [vz. for this their great contempt and rebellion] shall they eate [vz. in al aboundance, plentie and fulnes] of the fruite of their owne way [i. they shall bee satisfied, with their wicked counsels, and haue iust punishments layd vpon them for the same, euen the wickednesse which they haue sowne, they shall reape with all fulnes: see Chapter 22.8.] and be filled with their owne deuices: [i. with the punishments and mischiefes, which they themselues had deuised against 32 others.] Vers. 32. For ease [i. not only the peace and quietnesse which they here inioy, but their stubbornnes and setlednes in euill, wherein they please themselues, and promise vnto themselues all prosperitie: see Ieremiah 48.11. Zephani. 1.12.] slaieth the foolish [i. the simple, which knowe not how to vse it, as vers. 22. of this Chapter] and the prosperitie of fooles [i. that prospe­ritie which fooles and wicked persons enioy] destroyeth them [i. plungeth 33 them daylie more and more into destruction.] Vers. 33. But he that obeieth mee [vz. in doing the things which I command him] shall dwell safelie [vz. from all naughtie men, or any mischiefe they can imagine against him: see [Page 5] Psalm. 4.8.] and be quiet from feare of euill [i. not only, no euill it selfe, but no suspition or feare of it shall go to his heart, he shall bee so strengthened through Gods promises, and defended by his almightie power.

Se.

Vers. 1. MY sonne [see chapt. 1.8.] if thou wilt receaue [i. e­uen as it were gréedelie, earnestlie, reuerentlie & rightlie] my words, [i. the matters that I shall propound and speake vnto thée] and hide [vz. as most precious and deare things: see Psalm. 119 11.] my commandements, [i. the things & words which I command thee] within thee: [vz. in thy heart; yet so that they may be expressed also in thy outward conuersation.] 2 Vers. 2. And cause thine eares [vz. both of thy bodie and of thy minde] to hearken [vz. reuerentlie, attentiuelie, and diligentlie] vnto wisedome: [vz. that speaketh so often & so openly vnto thee, as chapt. 1. ver. 20. &c.] and in­cline [vz. willinglie and vnfeinedlie] thine heart [vz. whollie & altogether] to vnderstanding. [i. to obtaine & get sound knowledge of Gods will reuea­led 3 in his word.] Vers. 3. For [this word would be better turned yea: q.d. [Page 6] if thou addest this further, that thou hast a minde to praie for wisedome.] if thou callest after knowledge [i. bend thy speach towards her, that thou maist (as it were) call her vnto thee, as when one calleth another, and so by that meanes she may become familiar and acquainted with thee.] and criest [vz. aloud and earnestly: by which he noteth care and diligence] for vnderstan­ding. [i. for the obteining of it: as men when some are going apace frō them crie aloud that they may be heard. Some read this verse thus] Yea if thou call vpon wisedome, [i. reuerentlie call vpon God for the obteining of wise­dome, as Salomon did 1. King. 3.6.] and criest aloud to vnderstanding, [i. prayest earnestlie to God, as God himselfe commandeth Iam. 1.5. And in­deed I take this to be the better sense, by reason of that which foloweth ver. 6. of this chapter.] Ver. 4. If thou seekest her [vz. as diligentlie and payn­fullie] 4 as siluer, [i. as thou thy self wouldest or any other man seeke siluer lost or hidden,] and searchest for her [vz. as carefullie & as narrowlie] as for trea­sures [vz. which are hidden in some close, strong, and secret place, as in the earth, or otherwise, whether men cannot come, but by great labour and toile: q.d. if thou seekest it, with as earnest an affection, as siluer is sought, and treasures digged vp, and that thou art not content with a common kinde of searching; but if thou finde it not at once, thou wilt still seeke, till thou hast found, then thus and thus shall it be with thee. And marke here what de­grees the holie Ghost vseth: first he would haue vs to be carefull to receiue, and to hold fast the doctrine of God. vers. 1. Then he would haue vs to bée carefull, by diligent attention, for the receiuing and remembring of it. ver. 2. Thirdly, he would haue vs to vse earnest praier for the obtaining of it. ver. 3 And lastly, he would haue vs to bestow all labour, studie and industrie. vers. 4.] Vers. 5. Then [i. when thou hast carefully striuen, to the performance 5 of these things] shalt thou vnderstand [vz. plainly, familiarly, rightly and soundly] the feare of the Lord, [see Chapt. 1. vers. 7.] and finde [vz. so that thou shalt obtaine and possesse] the knowledge of God. [i. such knowledge of him, as thou oughtest to haue, of which see Iohn 17.3. and also shalt knowe by experience, that he knoweth thee, that is, careth for thee, as may appeare by vers. 6, 7. following.] Vers. 6. For the Lord [vz. alone, and none but he] 6 giueth [vz. freelie of his owne mercie] wisedome [i. true and heauenlie wise­dome. Iames 3.15, 17. q.d. I sayd before, that thou shouldest find wisedome & knowledge, but now least thou shouldest ascribe it to thine owne strength, I tell thee, it must come from God which giueth it plentifullie, &c. Iames 1.5.] out of his mouth [he meaneth Gods good will and pleasure manifested vnto vs by his word, vnderstanding his word also thereby: see Deutr. 8.3. Math. 4.4.] commeth knowledge, [i. all sound knowledge of his maiestie] and vnderstanding [i. right vnderstanding, of his holie mysteries.] Vers. 7. 7 He [i. God] preserueth [vz. by his almightie power and prouidence] the state of the righteous [i. he vpholdeth them that haue care and conscience of a righteous conuersation, in a good estate and condition. Some reade it thus] [Page] He hath euery thing [vz. that is in déede good] layd vp in store for the righ­teous [i. God so knoweth and prouideth for the righteous, that he causeth them to abound with all things, that are good in déede] he is a shield to them that walke vprightly, [i. he doth by his power, saue, preserue, and defende 8 them that studie and striue for a holy conuersation.] Vers. 8. That they may keepe [vz. through strength and grace from him] the waies of iudgement [i. such vpright pathes, as tend to iudgement and right towards all, specially towards their neighbour, to which the Hebrue word should most properlie be referred, (as I suppose) not declining any whit at all, from right and e­quitie] and he [i. God alone, without the helpe or ayd of others] preserueth [see vers. 7. of this Chapter] the way [i. the whole course or trade of his life, whatsoeuer he thinketh, speaketh, doth, or taketh in hand: meaning that the Lord prospereth it also: see Psalme 1.3, 6.] of his Saincts. [i. of those which 9 he frameth to a holie life: see Psalme 16.3. also Psalme 149.1.] Vers. 9. Then [vz. when thou shalt be instructed with knowledge and wisedom from the Lord] shalt thou vnderstand [vz. through the light which God shall be­stowe vpon thee] righteousnesse, and iudgement, and equitie, [see these words expounded before, cap. 1. vers. 3. And here he noteth another fruit of the stu­die of wisedome, which is properly to bee vnderstood towards men: as the first, mentioned vers. 5. was towards God.] and euerie good path [i. euerie right course and order, to frame thy life, well and religiouslie, yea thou shalt 10 vnderstand euery good thing, through the desire of wisedome.] Vers. 10. When wisedome entereth into thy heart [i. findeth a fast and deepe seate in thee] and knowledge delighteth thy soule; [vz. aboue all: the end of the sen­tence, 11 and meaning is to be looked for in the next verse.] Vers. 11. Then shall counsell [vz. which thou shalt learne out of Gods word] preserue thee, [vz. from all euill: see vers. 7.8. of this Chapter] and vnderstanding [vz. of Gods will reuealed in his worde] shall keepe thee [vz. safe and sounde.] 12 Vers. 12. And deliuer thee [i. from euery thing that is euill: so that thou shalt not attempt nor take in hande anie euill thing: yea from a disor­dred life, into which thou slippest through infirmitie of nature; or, where­vnto thou art prouoked by the wordes and déedes of the vngodlie.] and from the man [i. from men: for it is one number put for another.] that spea­keth [vz. not onely in his hart, but with his mouth] froward things [vz. both 13 against God and men] Vers. 13. And from them [q.d. it will set the free also from such and such persons: and marke how sodainlie he changeth the numbers from the singular to the plurall. Some ioyne it to the former verse thus] which [vz. men, speaking peruerse things] leaue the waies of righteousnesse, [i. vpright, good, and holie wayes: and hee meaneth by this speach, that the wicked many times put out the light that God hath bestow­ed vpon them.] to walke in the wayes of darknesse. [i. in corrupt and euil cour­ses: for euerie one that dooth euill hateth the light. Iohn 3.20. also Rom. 13.12, 14 13. Ephes. 5.13.] Vers. 14. Which reioyce [vz. greatlie] in dooing e­uill, [Page 7] [i. when either they themselues doo anie, or heare of others which com­mit it.] and delight [vz. verie much] in the frowardnesse of the wicked, [vz. man: yet I had rather turne it thus, in the frowardnesses of euill, that is, in the worst and most euill frowardnesses. Some referre the word reioycing to the minde, inwardlie; and the word delight to the bodie, outwardlie; because the motions of the minde manie times appeare outwardlie in the bodie: q. d. both outwardlie and inwardlie they are glad at all naughtinesse.] Vers. 15 15. Whose wayes [i. whose liues and dealings both towardes God and men] are crooked, [i. wicked and vngodlie, and lead not onelie to trouble, but to de­struction also] and they are leawd in their paths. [i. their whole trade & course of life sauoreth of nothing but leawdnesse.] Verse 16. And it [i. wisedom 16 and true knowledge, if thou once apprehend it indéed] shall deliuer thee [sée verse 12. of this chapter] from the strange woman, [i. from the whore or har­lot: who in the scripture is called by this name, because shee estrangeth her selfe from her husband, and giueth ouer the vse of her bodie to a stranger.] e­uen from the stranger [i. the harlot] which flattereth [vz. verie swéetelie and pleasantlie] with her words. [i. with her intising speaches: sée Prouer. 7.10, 11, &c.] Verse 17. Which forsaketh [vz. both in action & affection, though 17 perhaps not in respect of bodilie presence, for she maketh an accompt of her husband also, as Prou. 7.19.] the guyde of her youth, [i. her husband which God gaue her in her youth, to guyde and gouerne her; not onlie then, but for euer: for the husband is the head of the wife 1. Cor. 11.3.] and forget­teth [vz. vtterlie and altogether] the couenant of hir God. [that is the bond of mariage solemnlie passed betwéene the parties, God himselfe being Au­thour thereof, and his name being called vpon at the contract made: sée Ma­lach. 2.14.] Verse 18. Surelie [or as some reade it For, q.d. it is no small 18 blessing that thou shalt obtayne by hauing found wisedome; for it shall deli­uer thee from deadlie danger and destruction.] hir house [i. euen the very en­trance and going into her house: q.d. the verie first beginning of familiari­tie and acquaintance] tendeth to death, [i. bringeth death & destruction with it if it be pursued] and hir paths [i. the treading in hir paths and walking in hir order of life and conuersation: see chapter 1.15. vnderstand heere, tend, or lead] vnto the dead. [i. vnto them that are dead alreadie and buried: sée Psalme 88.10. He meaneth that to follow the wayes of the harlot, bringeth with it death and destruction both of bodie and soule.] Verse 19. All they 19 [vz. of what state or condition soeuer they be] that go vnto her, [i. that haue but some familiaritie or beginning of acquaintance with hir] returne not a­gaine, [vz. without touch or taint of some mischiefe: meaning also, that they hardlie returne to the Lord by vnfeined repentance] neither take they hold of the wayes of life. [i. they liue not againe, or returne into life: meaning also by life, and the waies thereof, a better order or course of life, than they lead before. And though he speake the same things in many wordes, meaning that they shall not at any hand escape destruction, yet the wordes must bee vnderstood, [Page] of eternall death rather, than of temporal & bodilie death, which yet notwith­standing the adulterers purchase and procure to themselues, by their inces­sant 20 filthie life.] Vers. 20. Therefore [q.d. seeing thou seest what iudge­ments shall fall vppon the wicked, ioyne thou thy selfe to the good: others reade it otherwise, but me thinketh this is plaine enough] walke thou in the way of good men, [i. be conuersant with them, and order thy life well, accor­ding to the good orders and courses of their life] and keepe the waies of the righteous: [vz. in thy conuersation and behauiour: q.d. in thy life, followe 21 their good and holie steppes.] Vers. 21. For [he sheweth here a reason, ta­ken from the iust iudgements of God, towards the good in this verse, and towards the wicked vers. 22.] the iust [1. those that haue care and conscience of iustice & wel doing] shall dwell in the land, [vz. which the Lord hath mer­cifullie giuen them, for I take it, that he alludeth to the promises made in the lawe Exodus 20.12. and other places. Yet so, that vnder the same he meaneth all manner of blessings whatsoeuer: see Psalm 37.29.] and the vpright men [see Psalme 119.1.] shall remaine in it [vz. a long season.] 22 Vers. 22. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth [vz. through the iust iudgement of God against them for their sinnes] and the transgressors [i. such as transgresse against God and his lawe] shall be rooted out of it. [vnder this word, he meaneth, that the wicked shall assuredlie, sodainlie, and vtter­lie be destroyed: see Psalme 37.36, 38. also Psalme 52.5. And héere vnder­stand, by these outward and corporall things, inward, spiritual, and eternal, either life or death: and marke that this is vsuall with him to amplifie by the contrarie, as Chapt. 1.32, 33. Chapt. 3.35. and in sundrie other places.

Se.

Vers. 1. MY sonne, [see Chapter 1.8.] forget not thou [vz. at any time] my lawe [i. my doctrine and instruction: and he calleth it his, not because he was the author of it, but the vtterer or penner of it [but let thine heart [whollie and soundlie] keepe [vz. within it, in respect of know­ledge] my commandements [i. both the things that I command, & the words in which I expresse them.] Vers. 2. For they [i. the not forgetting and kee­ping 2 [Page] of them] shall increase the length of thy daies, and the yeares of life, [i. of thy life. He meaneth not, that the daies and termes which the Lord hath set vs, shall bee lengthened or shortned, but he speaketh it according to the cu­stome of the lawe, Exod. 20.12.] and thy prosperitie. [or as it is in the He­brue, thy peace, vnderstanding thereby all manner of prosperitie, as it is sundrie times vsed in scripture, without which, long time should bee but mi­serable.] 3 Vers. 3. Let not mercie [i. the seruice and worship of God, prescri­bed in his lawe, which he calleth mercie, because God in mercie onely made the same manifest vnto men] and truth [i. vpright and true dealing towards men, commanded in the second table] forsake thee, [vz. at any time, but haue them in continual remembrance to doo and performe them: see Deut. 5.29.] binde them on thy necke, [vz. as a chaine or Iewell: see Chapt. 1.9. And he seemeth to allude to that which is written Deut. 6.8. where they are com­manded to binde them vpon their hands, and to haue them as frontlets be­tweene their eyes: meaning nothing but the great care, which they should haue to remember Gods word: see Exod. 13.9. see also verse 21. of this Chapter] and write them vpon the table of thine heart [i. lay them vp in thine heart, and thinke often vpon them, as men doo those things which they haue in writings or tables. Vnder these two words, binding and writing, and the words ioyned with them, the holie Ghost meaneth nothing els but this, but that he should continually thinke vpon them in his mind, and speake of them in his talke, that thereby he might be the more prouoked to obey them in his 4 workes.] Vers. 4. So [i. by this meanes if thou striue to performe these counsels and commandements] shalt thou finde [vz. assuredly and without all doubt] fauour [i. acceptation and good liking] and good vnderstanding [i. sound iudgement and wisedome, in deuising and performing thy matters] in the sight of God [who will accompanie thee with his prouidence] and man. [i. men, as Chapt. 2. vers. 1. whose hearts God would bowe to approue and 5 like of al his doings.] Vers. 5. Trust in the Lord [vz. only, and at all times, either in prosperitie or aduersitie] with all thine heart, [i. vnfeignedly: for God hateth men of two hearts and hypocrites] and leane not vnto [i. trust not in: see Isaiah 36.6.] thine owne wisedome [i. mans wisedome, or the wise­dome of flesh and bloud, whether thou haue it in and of thy selfe, or from o­thers: for it is nothing els but foolishnes before God. Roma. 8.6, 7. Iames 6 3.15.] Vers. 6. In all thy waies [i. whatsoeuer thou doest purpose, enter­prise or performe,] acknowledge him, [i. stedfastlie beléeue, and vnfeignedlie confesse, that all is done by his excéeding great power, excellent wisedome, and wonderfull prouidence: see to this end Dauids exhortation to Salomon 1. Chron. 28.9.] and he shall direct thy waies. [i. he shall so gouerne and guide all thy matters, that thou shalt not be frustrate of thy hope: see Psal. 37.5. 7 also Psalm 55.22.] Vers. 7. Be not wise in thine owne eyes, [i. in thine owne iudgement and opinion: q.d. thinke not that thine owne wisedome is suffi­cient to dispatch thine affaires withall, without the wisedome and worde of [Page 9] God, but beware of such conceites] but feare the Lord, [i. worship and serue him, hanging only vpon him] and depart [vz. with speede and vnfeignedly] from euill. [i. euery thing that is euill: see Psalm. 37.77. Iob. 1.1.] Vers. 8. 8 So [i. by this meanes, or as some reade it But [vz. fearing the Lord and de­parting from euill [health [i. all blessings, by one vnderstanding all, either outward or inward] shall be vnto thy nauell, [i. vnto thee thy self, putting one part of the man for the whole man] and marrowe vnto thy bones. [i. strength vnto thy whole man: it is as much, as if vnder these two termes he should say, both inwardlie and outwardlie, in bodie and in minde thou shalt bee well affected: but these promises are expressed vnder an allegorie, or allegories, by which the godlie, that are fostered in the Church, are compared to children in their mothers wombes, and therefore the word turned here nauell, would rather be turned wombe or bellie: for as by the meanes of the wombe, nou­rishment is ministred vnto them, yea euen to the strengthning of the inward parts: so the godlie in the Church, are fed and brought vp by the faith, knowledge, feare, and obedience of God: and as without marrowe in the bones, no part of man, no not that which is of greatest value and force, is able to doo any thing: so the strength that they haue from God, is as the marrowe which strengthneth the bones, and maketh them apt to doo good things: see Iob 21.24. for this phrase.] Vers. 9. Honour the Lord with thy 9 riches, [though I denie not, but that it is to bee vnderstood of things giuen for the maintenance of the Priestes and Leuites, and of their Sacrifices de­dicated to the Lord: yet I would haue it to be vnderstood so generally, that looke which way so euer our riches might aduance Gods glorie, euen that way wee should willingly imploy the same, vnderstanding by riches, golde, siluer, precious stones, &c.] and with the first fruites of thine increase [vz. whether it be of beastes and cattle] to be offered to the Lord, or of the fruites of the earth: see for this Exod. 23.19. also Deut. 26.2. &c. meaning not­withstanding vnder first fruites, euen the best and chiefest of any thing they had, to offer vnto the Lord: see Malach. 1.8. &c. Vers. 10. So shall thy 10 barnes [i. all thy places, wherein thou laiest vp thy store, as sellers, ware­houses, &c.] bee filled with abundance, [vz. of all good things] and thy presses shall burst with newe wine. [i. there shall bee such abundance and plentie of newe wine, as thy presses shall not be able to presse it out, but shall breake in péeces through the abundance of it: see Deutero. 28. and Malach. 3.10.] Vers. 11. My sonne, [see Chapt. 1.8.] refuse not [vz. at any hand, as though 11 it were a tedious and hurtfull thing vnto thee [the chastening of the Lord, [i. such corrections, whether they bee outward in the bodie, or inwarde in the minde, as the Lord shall lay vpon thée] neither be grieued [vz. either against him, or it; as though thou wouldest murmur against him, or repine at it] with his correction: [i. with his fatherly chastising of thee to thy amendment, as may appeare in the next verse: see this place largely expounded Hebr. 12.5. &c. and Reuelat. 3.19.] Vers. 12. For [this is a reason why they should not 12 [Page] be faint hearted, or murmur against God in their afflictions] the Lord cor­recteth [vz. mercifullie and graciouslie] him, whom he loueth; [i. euery one whom it pleaseth him of his owne good will onely to fauour and affect] euen as the father doth [vz. correct] the child [i. his naturall sonne or daughter] in whom [vz. notwithstanding his correction] he delighteth. [vz. greatly or ve­rie much. His purpose is to shew, first that afflictions come not vpō the god­lie by chance, but by Gods prouidence and appoyntment. Secondly, that they proceede not from him, as from one that is angrie with vs, but are ra­ther 13 tokens of his fatherly loue correcting vs.] Vers. 13. Blessed is the man [i. hee hath abundance of blessings, as Psalm. 119.1. vnderstanding by one many also] that findeth [i. through earnest labour and studie obtaineth] wise­dome, [i. true and heauenlie wisedome] and the man [i. men as before in this verse, to wit, are blessed [that getteth [vz. from the Lord, and through his blessing, by the meanes mentioned chapt. 2.1, 2, 3, 4. verses] vnderstanding: 14 [i. sound and sincere knowledge of his will reuealed in his word.] Ver. 14. For the marchandise thereof [i. both the paines taken for obtaining of it, as the marchants are wont to trauaile sore for their goods, and the thing it self being once obtained] is better [i. both more profitable, and more of value, and therefore the better to bee esteemed] than the marchandise of siluer, [i. than the gaine or increase that ariseth of siluer, though a man might multiplie it vnto mountaines] and the gaine thereof [i. the increase that commeth by it] is better [see before in this verse] than gold, [yea than most fine gold: see Psalm. 19.10. The reason is plaine, because these things are temporall, but the fruites which she yeeldeth are eternall: and this verse comprehendeth a 15 reason, why wisedome should bee imbraced.] Vers. 15. It [vz. wisedome and vnderstanding] is more precious [vz. in it selfe, and ought so to be estee­med of them that bee truely touched] than pearles: [i. than all sortes of pre­cious 16 stones: see Psalme 119.14, 72.] Vers. 16. Length of daies [vz. of a mans life: q.d. long life: see verse 2. of this Chapter] is in her right hand, [i. in her power to giue to all those that apprehend and take hold of her] and in her left hand [i. on the other side of her, are] riches and glorie [i. abundance of other worldly blessings whatsoeuer. I take it that wisedome is set out here, as some honorable woman or great personage, that with both handes giueth good things to such as followe her: q.d. she hath all good thinges in her, and doth with both handes (i. plentifullie bestowe the fame) vnderstan­ding also by these outward blessings, inwarde and spirituall no doubt, els 17 were the other outwarde of no great value to account of.] Vers. 17. Her waies [i. the courses and orders that she taketh and prescribeth] are waies of pleasure, [i. are pleasant waies, so that a godlie man shall take great pleasure to be conuersant in the same] and all her pathes [by pathes he vnderstandeth the same, that he did by peace before] prosperitie: [or as it is in the Hebrue peace, that is, abounding with all manner of prosperitie: see verse 2. of this Chapter. It is worth the noting, that he saith the waies of wisedome, are [Page 10] not only pleasant, but prosperous and safe: for there are many waies which are pleasant, but yet dangerous; and on the other side, there are many safe, but yet without pleasure; but in the waies of wisedome, we shall finde both these commodities.] Vers. 18. She [i. wisedome] is a tree of life [i. a tree 18 that giueth life, and quickneth: or as one interpreteth it, a most assured signe of eternall life: whatsoeuer it is, he alludeth no doubt, to the tree mentio­ned, Genes. 2.9. also Genes. 3.22.] to them [i. to all them] that lay hold on her [vz. surely, neuer letting their hold slippe, for so much I suppose the Hebrue worde may well import] and blessed is he [vz. of what state or condition so euer he be: see verse 13. of this Chapter] that retaineth her [vz. fast and sure with him, hauing an earnest care and indeuour neuer to let her go.] Ver. 19. 19 The Lord [vz. himselfe] by wisedome [i. by his eternall word: see Chapter 8.30.] hath laied the foundation of the earth, [i. hath founded it so firmely, that it shall not bee moued: see Psalme 102.25. also Psalme 104.5.] and hath stablished the heauens through vnderstanding. [i. by his eternall wise­dome he hath established them and all the powers thereof, in that comelines and beautie, that we now see] Vers. 20. By his knowledge the depths are bro­ken 20 vp, [by depths he vnderstandeth fountaines and flouds, breaking out, and as it were flowing from the nethermost partes of the earth, euen as though the earth did cleaue it selfe in sunder to giue them passage] and the clowdes [vz. of the ayre] droppe downe the deaw [vz. from heauen: and here he speketh of deaw, because it is very profitable for the increase of trées, herbs, plants, &c. Giuing vs to vnderstand hereby, that all things are directed and kept in their courses, by the eternall wisedome, knowledge, and prouidence of almightie God.] Vers. 21. My sonne, [see Chapter 1.8.] let not these 21 things [i. neither wisedome nor knowledge it selfe, nor the reasons which I haue vsed to mooue thée to obey it] depart from thine eyes, [i. be neuer forgot­ten of thée, because we best remember those things that are in our sight] but obserue [i. diligently marke] wisedome and counsell, [i. that wisedome and counsell, which alone is true and holie, that thou maiest bee acquainted with it, and be partaker of the fruites of it.] Verse 22. So [i. by that meanes, and 22 after that sort receiued] they [i. the wisedome and word of God] shall bee life vnto thy soule, [i. shall quicken thee in the inner man, and shall bee as it were the seedes and nourishments of eternall life in thee] and grace [i. comelines, and an ornament] vnto thy necke. [i. to thy whole man, or to thée thy selfe, a part put for the whole: see also Chapter 1. verse 9.] Vers. 23. Then [vz. 23 when thou shalt bee thus instructed] shalt thou walke safely by thy way, [i. thou shalt prosperouslie performe whatsoeuer thou hast to doo] and thy foote shall not stumble. [vz. so that thou shouldest be grieuouslie hurt thereby: q.d. all things, which thou attemptest, shall haue good successe, and thou shalt liue peaceable, and plentifullie] Vers. 24. If thou sleepest [vz. in any place, 24 either in thy'ded or els where] thou shalt not be afraide, [vz. of any hurt or euill that may decide thee: because thou staiest thy selfe vpon his power and [Page] prouidence, that neither slumbereth nor sleepeth] and when thou sleepest [vz. in any place, as before] thy sleepe [i. the sleepe that thou shalt take, and shall be giuen thee from God] shall be sweete [i. comfortable and profitable vnto thée] 25 Vers. 25. Thou shalt not feare [i. thou shalt not bee astonished or ouercome with feare] for any sodaine feare, [i. for any thing that comming sodainlie vpon men doth commonly make them afraied, and as it were take away their wittes and spirites from them] neither for the destruction of the wicked [i. that great destruction that shall come vpon the wicked: for then the Lord will either miraculouslie deliuer thee, or els howsoeuer thy bodie fall with the wicked, yet thy soule, yea and thy bodie also at the last shall bee receiued into euerlasting ioy] when it commeth: [vz. fearcelie, and sodainlie vpon thée: 26 see Chapter 1.27.] Vers. 26. For the Lord shall be for thine assurance, [i. he shall be in stead of a defence, and an assured place of refuge vnto thee] and shall preserue [vz. by his almightie power] thy foote [i. thee thy selfe: a part for the whole: and yet he doth not without cause vse this speech, because things are many times taken by the foote] from taking. [i. that thine enemie shall not catch thee, or thou thy selfe sticke fast in any manner of euill: see for all these promises, Psalme 91. vers. 1, 2, &c. where thou shalt finde the like 27 things almost.] Vers. 27. Withhold not the good [vz. which thou hast of another mans] from the owners thereof, [i. from them to whom it belongeth, as by the way of debt, or of Christian duetie, as in giuing almes, counsel­ling, &c.] though there bee power in thine hand [i. though thou bee presentlie and fullie able] to doo it. [i. to hurt him and harme him, by the detaining of 28 that, which doth appertaine vnto him.] Vers. 28. Say not thou vnto thy neighbour [vz. when he is in distresse and neede] goe [vz. from me now] and come againe, [vz. another time, as we are wont to say] and to morrow [i. some other time hereafter] will I giue thee, [vz. somewhat toward the reliefe of thy néede: see Iames 2.16.] if thou haue it. [vz. in thy power and kéeping: hée meaneth the same thing, that he did in the other sentence, sauing that he tea­cheth not only to doo well, but quicklie and with speede to doo well: for as it is in the Prouerb, he doth a double good turne, that doth a good turne in good season: and againe, the fauour that commeth too late, is little or nothing 29 worth.] Vers 29. Intend none hurt [vz. by thought, word, or déede, but spe­cially in thought, for if that be repressed, the rest will easlie be beaten downe] against thine neighbour, [i. against any: but chiefly against those that dwell about thée, and haue dealt friendly with thée] seeing that he doth dwell [vz. as he supposeth and thinketh] without feare [vz. of any hurt from thée: mea­ning, that he doth not so much as suspect, that thou wilt doo him any harme] 30 by thee. [i. nigh vnto thée, and thy house.] Vers. 30. Striue not [vz. either by priuate quarrelling, or publike iustice] with a man [i. with any man, or sun­drie men, as verse 13. of this Chapt.] causeles, [i. without iust and good cause why,] when he hath done thee no harme [i. iniured or wronged thée, either by word or déede. He meaneth that wee should not without cause debate any [Page 11] matter with any man, speciallie with him that hath wrought no euill against vs: for it is a great offence, and will vtterly ouerthrowe humanitie and fel­lowship, to complaine of one, and to thunder out against him, that hath no­thing at all offended him: and yet in the meane while, no lawe of God or man forbiddeth vs, to expostulate either priuatlie or publikelie, before the Magistrate with him, which hath offended and wronged vs, yea to conuince him of the iniurie if we be able, alwaies prouided, that wee doo it not, with a reuenging minde, nor burst forth into priuate reuenge.] Vers. 31. Be not 31 enuious [vz. either inwardly or outwardly] for the wicked man, [i for the good successe, and abundance of prosperitie, that thou seest him to inioye: see Psalme 37.11.] neither chuse any of his waies: [i. followe not his order and trade of life: he yeeldeth a reason in the next verse, why he would not haue men to doo so.] Vers. 32. For the froward [vz. person, vnderstanding by this 32 terme, one that regardeth not admonition, but giueth himself to al violence, crueltie and oppression] is an abhomination vnto the Lord, [i. the Lord ha­teth, abhorreth, and cannot abide such a one: see Psalme 37.20.] but his se­cret is with the righteous. [i. continually abideth with them: vnderstanding by secret, a most close, but yet most familiar communicating of his good will towards them, as may appeare by the verses following.] Vers. 33. 33 The curse of the Lord [i. iust plagues and punishments sent from God: see Malach. 2.2. &c.] is in the house of the wicked, [i. continueth & abideth there, howsoeuer they seeme to abound and flourish in all worldly wealth] but he blesseth [vz. continually with his fauour] the habitation of the righteous. [i. not onely the place where he dwelleth, but euen him himselfe, and al that he hath.] Vers. 34. With the scornefull [i. such as giue themselues to iesting, 34 scoffing, and contempt of all goodnesse] he scorneth, [i. he laugheth at them, or mocketh them, and deceiueth their hope: see Psalme 2.4. also Psalme 18.26. Prouerb. 1.26.] but he giueth [vz. freelie, and of his owne mercie] grace [i. all manner of goodnes both outward and inward] to the humble. [i. such as thinke lowlie of themselues: see Iames 4.6. also 1. Pet. 5.5.] Vers. 35. 35 The wise [i. such as are instructed with heauenlie wisedome] shall inherite glorie, [i. shall haue renowne and good report as a perpetuall inheritance] but fooles [vz. shall inherit or possesse] dishonor [i. shame and contempt, and that before God and man] though they be exalted, [i. how much soeuer they bée exalted, by their flatterers and clawbackes. Others reade this latter parte thus] but shame taketh away the foolish. [i. it carrieth both them and their hope away in a pinch of time, or twinckling of the eye as it were. The other sense and reading, is in my iudgement, as good as this, if not better.

Se.

Vers. 1. HEare [vz. with the eares, both of your vnder­standing and minde] O ye children [before hée spake to them, in the name of one: as Chapter 1.8. Chapter 2.1. Chapter 3.1, 11, 21. Now he speaketh vnto many, vnderstanding hereby all the fauourers and louers of wisedom, whom he instructeth, as a father doth his children, deli­uering them wholesome precepts] the instruction of a father, [i. the instruc­tion that your father giueth you, according to his duetie] and giue care [vz. diligentlie and attentiuely] to learne [vz. from him, both by worde and ex­ample] [Page] 2 vnderstanding, [vz. of the heauenlie and holie wisedome.] Vers. 2. For J doo giue you [i. deliuer and teach vnto you] a good doctrine: [i. a whole­some, profitable, and pleasant doctrine] therefore [vz. because it is good] for­sake ye not [vz. at any hand, or by any meanes] my lawe, [i. the things that I command you: meaning, that hee would not haue them in their liues and conuersation to depart from the same. Now he calleth it his lawe, not be­cause he was the author of it, for that title properly belongeth to God, but 3 because he was his instrument to vtter and declare the same.] Vers. 3. For I [vz. my selfe: q.d. I lay no other burthen vpon you, but that which I haue borne my selfe in the time of my youth: and so he commendeth his doctrine from his owne example] was my fathers sonne, [i. tenderly and dearely belo­ued of him, in so much that I was seldome or neuer out of his presence] tender and deare in the sight of my mother. [q.d. I was also dearely beloued of her: the worde that is turned heere deare, importeth, only sonne, as you would say, that is chiefly beloued aboue the rest, and brought vp with a sin­gular affection, and not as though his mother had had no more, for wee see 4 the contrarie 1. Chron. 3.5.] Vers. 4. When he taught me [vz. as I do you now the fathers duetie, consisting specially in the instruction of his children. How Dauid performed this duetie see 1. Chron. 28.9.] and sayd vnto me, [vz. in the wordes following] let thine heart hold fast [vz. so fast, that they be neuer pulled out of the same by any meanes: q.d. haue continuall care of them, and remembrance to keepe them: see Chapt. 3.1.] my words [i. both my speaches, and the matters comprised therein] keepe my commandements [i. the things which I commande thee, keepe them I say; that is, labour to kéepe them, by thought, word, and déede, and thou shalt liue: [vz. both in this life, and in the life to come. And heere I suppose that Dauids wordes or speach do end (howsoeuer some would haue them to be continued to the ende of verse 9.) Salomon building the exhortations following vpon these spea­ches.] 5 Vers. 5. Get wisedome; [i. take all paines to obtaine heauenly wise­dome] get vnderstanding: [i. sound and sincere iudgement in the same] for­get not, [vz. at any time: see Chapt. 3.1.] neither decline [i. goe aside either on the right hand or on the left, Deutro. 5.37.] from the words of my mouth. 6 [i. from the good things which I haue spoken and vttered.] Vers. 6. Forsake her not, [vz. by any meanes: speaking of wisedome: see verse 2. of this Chapter] and she shall keepe thee: [vz. from all danger or hurt] loue her [vz. vnfeignedlie and with a sincere affection] and she shall preserue thee. [vz. safe 7 and sound: see Chapter 2.11.] Vers. 7. Wisedome is the beginning: [vz. of all goodnes: for this word beginning, see Chapt. 1.7.] get wisedome there­fore [q.d. seeing she is so excellent, spare no paines to attaine her] and aboue all thy possession get vnderstanding, [q.d. doo not only preferre it before all the riches thou hast, but haue such a desire to obtaine it, that thou wilt bee readie to aduenture all thy goods, and to spare no cost for the atchieuing of it: 8 sée Math. 13.44.] Vers. 8. Exalt her, [vz. both in iudgement and speach: [Page 13] meaning, that he would haue his children to preferre her before all] all she shall exalt thee, [vz. both before God and man, and that with true glorie and exaltation in déede: this seemeth to bee spoken according to 1. Sam. 2.30.] she shall bring thee [i. aduance thee] to honour [i. to great and true honour] if thou imbrace her. [vz. willinglie and vnfeignedlie.] Vers. 9. She [i. wise­dome 9 rightlie imbraced and apprehended] shall giue [vz. freelie] a comely or­nament vnto thy head [see Chapter 1.9.] yea she shall giue thee a crowne of glorie [q.d. she shal plentifullie crowne thee with exceeding glorie.] Ver. 10 10 Heare [see verse 1. of this Chapter] my sonne, [see Chapter 1.8.] and receiue [vz. with reuerence and readines] my words, [i. the speaches and matters which I vtter: see verse 5. of this Chapter] and the yeares of thy life shall be many. [i. thou shalt liue many yeares through Gods fauour, & the obedience of his truth: see Chapter 3.16.] Vers. 11. I haue taught thee in the way of 11 wisedome, [q.d. that that I haue spoken, hath tended all & euery part of it, to bring thee the high & readie way to true and holie wisedome] and led thee in the paths of righteousnes. [i. I haue béen a guide vnto thee, to euerie good & righteous thing: see Psalme 23.3.] Vers. 12. When thou goest [vz. about 12 thy affaires and businesses] thy gate [i. the way that thou shalt go or walke in] shall not be straite, [i. dangerous; for straite and narrowe waies are com­monlie perillous: see Psal. 18.36.] and when thou runnest [q.d. yea though thou runnest, or makest hast to dispatch thy matters] thou shalt not fall. [vz. to hurt thee any manner of way. The holie Ghost meaneth, that he shall al­together prosper, and not be ouerthrowne with any aduersitie: see Psal. 1.3. Also Psal. 91.11. q.d. whatsoeuer thou takest in hand, shall be without dan­ger of hurt or losse, yea though thou go about it very hastelie, yet shall it fall out well vnto thee, if thou follow the paths of that wisedome, which I teach thee.] Vers. 13. Take holde [i. lay sure and fast holde] of instruction, [i. of 13 that instruction which is giuen thee, or els he vnderstandeth by instruction, wisedome it selfe] and leaue not, [i. let not go thy hold for any thing, but con­tinue it] keepe her [vz. with thee continuallie] for she is thy life. [i. the guider and gouernour of thy life, whether it respect God or man: for by it must we bee ruled, both in matters of manners and faith. Vers. 14. Enter not into the way of the wicked, [i. doo not so much as begin to followe their order and course of life, for hardlie can a man be reclaimed, that hath tasted of the plea­sures and deceiptfulnes of sinne] and walke not in the way of euill men: [i. fol­lowe not their wicked and vngodlie conuersation. He disswadeth men from haunting or vsing the vngodlies companie: see Chapt. 1.15. Chapt. 3.31. also Psalme 1.1.] Vers. 15. Auoide it, [vz. as much as thou canst: yea ab­horre 15 it, and set thy self against it, as thou wouldest against infection or poy­son] and go not by it, [i. come not nigh it, for feare thou bee taken and snared with it] turne from it [vz. with all speede possiblie, if thou hast so much as set but one foote forward toward it] and passe by: [vz. lightlie, or not at all re­garding it. He speaketh the same matter in sundrie termes, but yet not [Page] 16 without great emphasis or force.] Vers. 16. For they cannot sleepe [vz. soundlie or sweetlie] except they haue done euill, [i. performed some mischiefe against some other men] and their sleepe departeth [vz. from them] except they cause some to fall: [vz. into their snares: either by violence, or flatterie, or both. He noteth a wonderfull desire that they haue to worke wickednesse, that can neglect or breake sleepe, one of the necessarie meanes to maintaine mans life by, to performe it: and it séemeth to bee a metaphore or a simili­tude, taken from men that are emptie stomacked, who can hardlie sleepe, but for want of meate are euer and anone awaked: as if hée should say, euen so do these: for they preferre ill doing before meate and drinke, as the other in gréedines doo meate before sléepe: and therefore neuer rest, vnlesse they themselues commit some wickednesse, or drawe on others to do it.] Vers. 17 17. For they eate [that is to say, with gréedines and great pleasure] the bread of wickednesse, [that is, not onely bread gotten by wicked meanes, and cruell oppression, as the note in the Geneua Bible goeth: but also he meaneth that it is banquetting dishes and dainties to them, to do wickedly] and drinke [vz. with great pleasure and delight] the wine of violence: [i. they take as much pleasure in all manner of violence, as in most strong, swéete and pleasant wines. And marke that he here vseth this fine similitude, be­cause he had before made mention of sleepe, which ariseth of such vapors from the stomacke, as after meate taken, ascend into the braine; it is there­fore as much q.d. they sléepe not soundlie and sweetlie, till such time as they haue receiued this meate. Besides, as the meate is turned into the verie nourishment and substance of it that vseth it: so these are nourished with 18 wickednesse, yea they are compacted wholly of it, and that maketh them to sléepe, or els they would not sleepe.] Vers. 18. But the way of the righ­teous [i. the life and conuersation of such as feare God] shineth as the light [vz. either of the morning, or of the sunne] that shineth more and more [vz. cléerely euen vntill the noonetide] vnto the perfect day. [i. vntill the noonetide (as before) which is the clearest part of the day: meaning, that the godlie growe forward daylie in the wisedome and feare of the Lord, euen as the 19 sunne, till it come to bee full South.] Vers. 19. The way of the wicked [i. their life and conuersation] is as the darknesse, [i. fearefull and most perilous, because darknesse, vnlesse it may be turned into light, which the reprobate can neuer looke for, bringeth with it great horror and danger] they know not [vz. so farre of are they from being able to shunne or auoide their iudge­ments] wherein [i. into what danger and mischiefe] they shall fall. [vz. so­dainlie 20 and certainlie.] Vers. 20. My sonne [see Chapt. 1.8.] hearken [vz. diligentlie] vnto my words, [i. the things that I shall speake and vtter in my words: see vers. 4.10. of this Chapter] incline thine eare [i. bee prest and readie with attention to marke] vnto my sayings, [this doubling of one and the selfe same thing, setteth out the great loue of the holie Ghost, and our 21 wonderfull dulnes to conceiue any good thing.] Vers. 21. Let them not de­part [Page 14] from thy eyes [see Chapter 3.21.] but keepe them [vz. safelie and sted­fastlie] in the middest of thy heart: [i. within thy heart: q.d. hide them deepe­lie and surelie in thy minde, as Chapter 2.1. In these two verses he men­tioneth three principall parts of mans bodie, the eare, the eyes, & the heart, that he might thereby teach vs, to lend all our senses thereto, and to occupie all our affections about that: and yet wee must speciallie vnderstand him of the eares and eyes of the minde.] Vers. 22. For they [i. the words of holie 22 wisedome and counsell] are life [i. are effectuall meanes of right life in this life, and of eternall life in the life to come: see Chapter 3.18, 22. also verse 13. of this Chapter, in which respect it is called the word of life, Philip. 2.16.] vnto those [i. vnto all those of what state and condition so euer they be] that find them, [i. obtaine them, hearing them, laying thē vp in their hearts, and performing them] and health vnto all their flesh. [i. it shall bring sound­nes vnto their whole man. And note, that by these outward blessings there are signified inward and spiritual blessings also: see Chap. 3.8.] Vers. 23. 23 Keepe thine heart [vz. from filthines, corruption and sinne] with all diligence, [i. be more diligent to watch and keepe it, than any other thing whatsoeuer: meaning, by kéeping of his heart, a watching ouer it, a trying of it, and inde­uour to purge it from the euill that is in it, or els might otherwise assault it] for thereout commeth life. [i. as it is the fountaine of naturall life, so it should be the fountaine of good life in this world: for the heart and purging of it, see Math. 12.35. also Math. 15.18, 19.] Vers. 24. Put away [vz. by al meanes 24 thou canst] from thee [i. as farre as thou maist] a froward mouth, [i. a mouth that speaketh froward things: for otherwise the mouth is not froward of it selfe] and put wicked lippes farre from thee. [i. let not thy lippes vtter wicked things: because the mouth, lippes, and tongue, are hardly ruled, he doub­leth his exhortation: see Iames 3.2, 3. &c.] Vers. 25. Let thine eyes behold 25 the right, [i. right, good, & holie things only, looking vpon nothing, wicked­ly, indirectly, or inconstantly: see Psal. 119.37. also Iob. 31.1.] and let thine eye liddes direct thy way before thee. [i. let not thine eyes be wandring hether and thether, for then thou shalt easilie go out of the way. It is a metaphore taken from trauailers or runners, whose eyes must not wander hether and thether, but attend diligently vpon their way and iorney.] Vers. 26. Pon­der 26 [vz. diligently and carefully, to sée whether they be right yea or no] the paths of thy feete: [i. all thy indeuours and actions: which things the scrip­ture doth many times attribute to the feete, because they are instruments to carrie vs about the doing of them] and let all thy waies [i. all thy affaires and whole life, and conuersation] be ordered aright. [i. haue an eye that they may be rightly guided by the rule of holie wisedom and Gods word. Marke how in these foure verses 23, 24, 25, 26. the holie ghost requireth, that our mind be vpright and pure from euill: secondly, that our words be holie and good: thirdly, that our eyes be chast: and lastly, that our indeuours and actions be holie.] Vers. 27. Turne not [vz. from the right way of the word of God] 27 [Page] to the right hand or to the left, [i. to any side, whether it be of thine owne de­uise, or of other mens corruptions] but remoue thy foote from euill. [i. from al manner of euill, of what sort, or in what persons soeuer; vnderstanding by remouing the foote, a quicke & speedie departure from it. And I take this to bee the conclusion of the former doctrines: q.d. shewe thy selfe vpright in all things, and a most diligent obseruer of that way, which God himselfe hath commanded: see Deutero. 4.2. also Deutero. 5.32, 33. see also verse 5. of this Chapter.

Se.

Vers. 1. MY sonne, [this is sundrie times expounded before, and namely Cap. 1.8.] hearken [vz. diligentlie, and that not with thy bodilie eares onely, but with the eares of thy minde] vnto my wisedome, [i. vnto that wisedome which I teach thee,] and incline thine eare [vz. earnestlie and attentiuely] vnto my knowledge, [i. vnto the things which I vtter, not only sauouring of knowledge, but tending also to this end, to bring thee to wisedome and knowledge: see Chapt. 4.20.] Vers. 2. That thou 2 [Page] maiest regard [i. estéeme, and that rightly, to thine owne good and profite] counsell, [vz. in disposing and performing of thy things, that thou be not de­ceiued] and thy lippes obserue knowledge: [i. keepe it: yet so, that thou maiest vtter the knowledge which thou hast obtained by my rules: he meaneth, that he might vse and declare wisedome, both in his works, & in his words] 3 Vers. 3. For the lippes [these wordes must be set against the former comman­dement: q.d. hearken vnto me, and not vnto the counterfeit words of an har­lot: and why so? for though she speake faire, yet she will destroy thee in the end: and by lippes, he vnderstandeth words, because that by the lippes they are vttered: see Chapt. 4.24. [of a strange woman [i. of an harlot: see Chapt. 2.16.] droppe as an honie combe, [i. seeme to haue plentie of pleasure and swéetnes in them] and her mouth [i. the words of her mouth: see Chapt. 4. 24.] is more soft than oyle: [vz. in outward appearance and shewe: meaning by this manner of speach that they seeme outwardly gentle and swéete, but 4 they are indeede sharpe and bitter.] Vers. 4. But the ende of her [i. not only of her her selfe, but of those which communicate with her] is bitter as worm­wood, [i. is most bitter, for there are fewe things more bitter than it: and in this place he seemeth to allude to the constitution of the bodie, as though that a harlot were comely in the foreparts; but most filthie and vile on the backe] and sharpe as a two edged sword, [i. she woundeth deadlie, as a sharpe two edged sword doth, which may soeuer it strike: see Chapter 2.18, 19.] 5 Vers. 5. Her feete [i. her deuises and deedes: see Chapt. 4.26.] go downe to death, [or, to the graue: q.d. she, and those that she carrieth after her, are as nigh to destruction, as they whose feete are at the graues brincke, and readie to be put into it: see Chapt. 2.18.] and her steppes take hold on hell. [i. carrie her selfe and others that followe her, headlong thether: the holie ghost mea­neth, that she and her companions runne with hast to destruction, both of bo­die 6 and soule.] Vers. 6. She weigheth not [i. she little or nothing at all regar­deth] the way of life, [i. of true and holie life here, which indeede leadeth to life eternall] her paths are moueable, [i. her orders and waies are vncertaine: one while she vseth one way, and another while another way] thou canst not knowe them. [vz. for the varietie and vncertaintie of them. Some reade 7 it otherwise, & giue another sense; but me thinketh this is plaine.] Vers. 7. Heare [see Chap. 4.1.] ye me [vz. counselling, teaching, & instructing you] now [i. while I instruct you, and you haue time to learne] therefore [q.d. see­ing the dangers are so great, hearken to my counsell] O children, [i. see chap. 4.1.] and depart not [vz. at any hand, or on any side] from the wordes of my mouth; [i. from the precepts I giue you, and the rules which I vtter and 8 speake vnto you: see Chapt. 4.5.] Vers. 8. Keepe thy way farre from her, [q.d. come not nigh her, for there is infection and contagion with her com­panie: see Chapter 4.14, 15. for the phrase, or manner of speach] and come not neere the doore of her house, [i. bee so farre off from hauing familiaritie with her, that looke thou come not into her house, nor once drawe nigh to [Page 16] her dore.] Vers. 9. Least [this verse and some others following containe 9 reasons, why men should flye from whores and whoredome] thou giue [i. be­stowe, and that with present pleasure, though paine insue] thine honor [i. whatsoeuer within thee or without thee may make thee honorable or estée­med, as the flowre of thy age, the comelines of thy bodie, yea and thy bodie, thy strength, wit, riches, &c.] vnto others, [i. to the harlot her selfe, the chil­dren begotten by her, and those that appertaine vnto her] and thy yeares [i. thy yong yeares, and the best part of thy life] to the cruell, [i. to the harlot who is cruell, for she consumeth both mens substance, and the powers both of their bodies and mindes.] Vers. 10. Least the stranger [vz. whom thou 10 knowest not] should bee filled with thy strength, [i. with goodes and riches which thou hast gotten through the strength of thy bodie] and thy labours [i. the things that thou hast laboured for, as wealth, monie, household stuffe, &c.] be in the house of a stranger, [i. in his possession and keeping, seruing to decke vp his house, and not thine owne, this is another reason.] Vers. 11. 11 And thou mourne [vz. pitiouslie and gréeuouslie, as one that roreth for paine] at thine end, [i. either at the end of thy life, or els when thou beginnest to finish and end that wicked course] when thou hast consumed [i. vtterly wa­sted, and that through whores and whoredome] thy flesh and thy bodie, [i. thou thy selfe being consumed so, that both thy bones and marrowe, bee as it were eaten vp, either with vnsatiable satisfying of thy filthie mind, or with grieuous diseases which followe that sinne, and al thy wealth and substance vtterlie wasted, with whatsoeuer appertaineth vnto thee.] Vers. 12. And 12 say, [vz. when thou art thus spoyled: here is an excellent description of one that doth somewhat late repent him of his euill] how [i. how much] haue I hated [vz. euen from my heart, vtterly contemning and despising the same] instruction, [vz. giuen me by such as loued me, and my welfare] and mine heart despised correction? [he meaneth not by correction, bodilie chastisement; but the word of exhortation & sharpe reproofe, by which God went about to correct & amend men; but he could at no hand away with it.] Vers. 13. And 13 haue not obeied [vz. either inwardlie in thought, or outwardlie in worde or déede] the voyce [i. the wordes and sayings, and the good thinges which by those words they deliuered vnto mée] of them that taught me, [vz. good and holie things: q.d. how haue I refused euen God himselfe, & the good meanes that he appoynted for my reformation and bettering?] nor inclined mine eare [i. I shewed not my selfe attentiue, or willing to learne] to them that in­structed me, [vz. in all good waies, which I did forsake: he repeateth the same thing, that is, his owne contempt, the more to expresse his peruersnes and frowardnes.] Vers. 14. I [vz. my selfe] was almost brought [vz. tho­rowe 14 mine owne follie and sinne] into all euill [i. into all miserie, that possi­blie could fall vpon a man in this life] in the middest of the congregation and assemblie. [i. openly and before all men, so that they might easilie behold my state: he speaketh this, because priuate and secret miseries are better borne, [Page] 15 than such as are open.] Vers. 15. Drinke the water of thy cesterne, [i. take héede of wrongfull getting, and wicked vsing other mens goods: looke that thou vse thine owne, & that lightly: he alludeth to the custome of the people of Israel, amongst whom there was great abundance of pittes, cesternes, and welles for the vse of water for themselues: which thing at this day is obserued (as writers affirme) in Venice, and some places thereabout] and of the riuers [vz. of water which flowe] out of the middest of thine owne well. [vz. which thou hast in possession, and doth truely belong vnto thee.] Vers. 16 16. Let thy fountaines flowe forth, [vz. from thée vnto others] and the riuers of waters [vz. which thou hast at thy vse & commandement] in the streates, [i. openlie and publikelie; that other men may glorifie God thereby, and be 17 stirred vp to do the like.] Vers. 17. But let them [i. the goods that God hath blessed thee withall] be thine, [i. appertaine vnto thée, as in the right posses­sion whereof God hath placed thee] euen thine onely, [hée meaneth not, but that others also should haue the vse of them, as neede requireth, but that hée would haue the speciall proprietie to rest in him, auoyding alwaies prodiga­litie] and not the strangers with thee. [q.d. bring not to passe, by thy follie and sinne, that being carried away, through lust and liking, thou shouldest 18 wast thy goods abroad, and suffer them by that meanes to be bestowed vpon strangers. For the word stranger, see verse 10. of this Chapter.] Vers. 18. Let thy fountaine be blessed, [vz. from God, vnderstanding by fountaine, the graces that God hath bestowed vppon him: q.d. haue a care, that the bles­sings which thou hast receiued from God, may be vsed to his glorie, and the good of others, specially of his seruants] and reioyce [vz. louinglie and com­fortablie, and that all the daies of thy life] with the wife of thy youth: [i. either with her, that thou diddest marrie in thine owne youth, or els diddest mar­rie, she being yong: for in the daies of youth men are more inclined to loue, 19 and that loue is faster set.] Vers. 19. Let her be [vz. in thy iudgement, & to thée thy selfe [as the louing Hind, [vz. is to the Hart or Stagge] and pleasant Roe, [he meaneth nothing els by these allegories, or metaphores, but the earnest affection & louing mind y^t men should beare towards their wiues: of the nature of these beasts and their great loue towards their females, he that listeth to reade, may see Aristotle libro sexto de historijs animalium, cap. 29. & Plinius lib. 8. cap. 32. & speciallie one Appianus, who hath written de Cer­uis.] Let her breastes [vz. alone: vnderstanding by one part of her, her whole person as it were] satisfie thee at all times, [i. content thee] and delite [i. take singular pleasure] in her loue continuallie: [i. in louing her only: and these things which he speaketh of the loue of man towards his wife, must not be referred to the bodies only, and the vse thereof, but both to bodie and minde 20 in the Lord.] Vers. 20. For why [i. what reason is there] shouldest thou de­lite [vz. at any time] my sonne,] see Chapter 1.8.] in a strange woman, [i. in a harlot: see verse 3. of this Chapter] or imbrace [i. affect, loue or like of: see Chapter 4.8.] the bosome of a stranger [i. her, or any part of her: and marke, [Page 17] how vnder honest words, he expresseth filthie things: q.d. why shouldest thou doo this, and that, & not stay thy selfe only in thine owne wife, and sound loue to herward?] Vers. 21. For the waies of man [i. all that man thinketh, spea­keth, 21 or doth] are before the eyes of the Lord, [vz. naked and open, as Hebr. 4.13. meaning that God knoweth them all] and he pondereth [i. vprightlie weigheth] all his pathes, [i. whatsoeuer he attempteth or taketh in hand: hée meaneth, that seeing Gods eyes go through the whole world, Zechar. 4.10 and behold al things, how closely or secretly soeuer done, that therefore they should thinke, it is not their close dealing can cause them to escape. Vers. 22. 22 His owne iniquities [i. either the abundance of sinnes which he himselfe hath wrought, or els the wickednesses which he had deuised against others] shall take [vz. both certainelie and sodainlie] the wicked himselfe, [vz. for al his might and cunning] and he shall be holden [vz. fast and sure] with the cordes of his owne sinne, [i. his owne iniquitie shall be cordes to tye him, so that hée shall not escape: q.d. he staying himselfe vpon his wickednesses, worketh his owne hurt, and maketh a halter to hang himselfe in: so that God needeth no tormentor, seeing he is so tied with his owne sinne, that he cannot onely not escape punishment, but also is punished in them.] Vers. 23. He shall dye [i. 23 he shall surely suffer both the first and the second death] for fault of instruc­tion, [i. because he would not receiue it when it was giuen him, and not for want of it, for he had it bestowed vpon him, as verse 13. of this Chapter] and go astray [vz. from the right way prescribed him] through his great folly. [i. by reason of his gréeuous sinnes: q.d. he shall certainlie bee punished for his sinnes, and neuer finde fauour; but liuing he shall abide in perpetuall death.

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Vers. 1. MY sonne, [see Chapter 1.8.] if thou bee suretie [i. hast giuen thy word or promise] for thy neighbour, [i. for thy friend or companion; for so much I thinke doth the word import; because men be not suretie, but for them whom they knowe] and hast striken handes [i. hast giuen thy faith, or made a bargaine to pay that thou promisest, he put­teth the signe for the thing it selfe, for wee vse giuing and striking of hands for assurance and performance of a bargaine] with the stranger, [i. with an [Page 18] other man, whom thou knowest not so well as he. His meaning is not here, vtterly to forbid suretiship, for wee see the contrarie practised by good men, Genes. 42.37. Also Genes. 43.8, 9. but to teach men to take héede that they bee not rash in giuing their worde or hand, by writing or otherwise: and if they haue béen ouertaken, to seeke to set themselues free from the same, as soone as can be.] Vers. 2. Thou art snared [i. thou hast certainlie (though at 2 vnwares) cast thy selfe into a perilous snare and danger] with the wordes of thy mouth, [i. with these words which thou speakest] thou art euen taken [vz. fast, so that thou canst not escape, till thou hast payed and performed] with the words of thine owne mouth. [q.d. thou maiest thanke thine owne hastie & rash speach for thine intanglement: for whereas perhaps thou tookest them to be but bare & naked words, thou feest thou art snared; for bargaines (euen as nature & the Lawiers say) are free before they are made, but whē they are made, they bind y^e parties bargaining: & therfore they say, words bind men.] Vers. 3. Do this [vz. that followeth, and which I counsell thee] now [i. very 3 spéedilie, without delay, as may appeare by the verses following] my sonne, [see Chapter 1.8. and sundrie other places in this booke] and deliuer thy selfe, [vz. from the dangers thou art in: and in this verse he sheweth two meanes wherby he may performe it: the first is, submitting thy selfe to him to whom thou art bound: the second, intreating him, for whom thou art bound and other thy friends, to pitie thy case, and their owne in thee] seeing thou art come [vz. through thine owne carelesnes and rashnes] into the hand of thy neighbour, [i. into his power, by giuing thy hand or word] goe [vz. quicklie, without any delay: Math. 5.25.] and humble thy selfe, [vz. to him, to whom thou hast giuen thy word: vnderstanding by humbling, all things whereby a man may be moued to pitie, as beseeching words, pitifull counte­nances, & al other meanes, either inward & outward whatsoeuer] and solicite [i. earnestly call vpon, & by words labour to soften, and make gentle towards thee] thy friends. [i. both him to whom thou art bound, him for whom thou art bound, and others of thine acquaintance which be able to helpe thee: tell the one, doubt not of your debt, I will pay you God willing, though you forbeare for a while: tell the other, for your cause it is that I indure and beare this in my selfe, therefore destitute not your selfe in me, I pray you: and the third sort, that they would pardon your negligence, and helpe you out of this breach, hoping neuer to fall into the like againe.] Vers. 4. Giue 4 no sleepe to thine eyes, [i. take little or no rest at all,] nor slumber to thine eye-liddes, [vz. till thou bee deliuered from that suretiship: he doth not meane that men should not sleepe, for so they might easilie kill themselues, because sleepe is a necessarie meane for the maintenance of our liues, but that they should vse all carefulnes and diligence that possiblie they might.] Vers. 5. 5 Deliuer thy selfe [i. haue care, and labour what thou canst to set thy self frée] as a Doe [vz. doth labour by swiftnes of running to be deliuered] from the hand of the hunter, [i. from his power who seeketh to kill her] and as a bird [Page] [vz. seeketh by flying to deliuer her selfe] from the hand of the fouler. [vz. who would faine catch her with his hand: q.d. thou art in the same state that the Doe is before the Hunter, and the bird before the fouler: and seeing this is the chiefest way of deliuerie, vz. swiftnes and speede, vse it, or els thou art 6 destroyed for euer.] Vers. 6. Go [vz. with speed and in good season] to the Pismire [vz. that little beast, and learne of her, diligence] O sluggard, [i. thou whosoeuer thou art that art giuen to idlenes and sloth] behold [vz. diligent­lie, and with consideration] her waies, [i. the singular orders which she obser­ueth: of which see Aristotle, de historijs animalium lib. 6. cap. 38. And Plin. lib. 11. cap. 30.] and be wise: [i. learne wisely by her example to auoide idlenes. God would haue a liuely image of vertues and vices to be in the creatures, that euen in them, we might be prouoked to vertue, and deterred from vice.] 7 Vers. 7. For she hauing no guide, gouernour, or ruler, [vz. ouer her, to checke or controll her, if she be negligent. He meaneth, that there is none amongst them that beareth rule one ouer another, and taketh vpon them to gouerne the actions of the rest, as other beastes haue, and namely the Bées: concer­ning this matter of the Pismire, see Aristotle, de historijs animalium lib. 1. Great maruaile is it then, that men hauing so many lawes and rulers, can 8 not be prouoked to worke, and auoide idlenes.] Vers. 8. Prepareth [q.d. notwithstanding she lacke all these helpes which man hath, yet she prouideth by her trauaile] her meate [i. meate for her selfe, or that which shall main­taine her] in the summer, [vz. against winter time to come; in which season by reason of cold and wet, and because there is nothing to bee had vpon the earth, she cannot worke] and gathereth her foode [vz. for the maintenance of her selfe] in haruest. [i. in the haruest time, because then there is much 9 graine spilt or shed, which they carrie into their holes or dennes. Vers. 9. How long wilt thou sleepe O sluggard? [q.d. seeing there is such paine, labor, and foresight in so small a beast, how long wilt thou bee idle and sleepe for shame?] when wilt thou arise out of thy sleepe? [q.d. wilt thou neuer be awa­ked? Thus he sharply reproueth the sluggish person, and he maketh so much mention of sleepe, because that by it the sluggish person is knowne.] Vers. 10 10. Yet a little sleepe, a little slumber [he speaketh this, by an Ironia or scoffe, in the person of the idle ones: q.d. beare with vs a little, till we take some small rest: and is it but a little rest that you would haue, as you say? well rest on, you shall see what will come vppon you, which thing also he threat­neth: vers. 11. such a pleasant speach looke vpon Math. 26.45.] a little folding of the hands to sleepe [i. that we may sleep both the more, and the more quiet­lie.] 11 Vers. 11. Therefore [vz. for this thy sluggishnes, and through the same] thy pouertie [i. the pouertie that thou hast drawne vpon thy selfe ther­by] commeth [vz. vppon thee] as one that trauaileth by the way, [i. sodainlie and or euer thou be aware: as in trauailing many men vpon the sodaine, and when they are not looked for, ioyne themselues one with another in compa­nie] and thy necessitie [i. the want that thou must feele through slouthfulnes [Page 19] and idlenes] like an armed man. [vz. which thou art not able to resist: q.d. beggerie will come vpon thee, sooner than thou thinkest, and that with such force, as thou shalt haue no power within thee, or without thee to resist it.] Vers. 12. The vnthriftie man [the word seemeth to signifie a man without a 12 yoke, q.d. the vnbrideled man] and the wicked man [i. he that giueth himself to wickednes] walketh with a froward mouth, [i. is altogether giuen to fro­wardnes of speach, yea euen against God and men: which fault the holie Ghost had forbidden before, cap. 4.24.] Vers. 13. He maketh a signe with 13 his eyes, [vz. as men doo when they wincke] he signifieth [vz. some naughtie or lewd thing] with his feete, [as by scraping, stamping, or such like] he in­structeth with his fingers. [i. he maketh some signes therwith what he would haue done: q.d. he frameth all the parts and members of his bodie, to false­hood, and other wickednesse.] Vers. 14. Lewd things are in his heart, [this 14 the holie Ghost addeth, least we should thinke he did speake only of outward signes and gestures] he imagineth euill [vz. within himselfe against other men] at all times, [i. there is not season almost, wherein he deuiseth not some one mischiefe or other] and raiseth vp contentions. [vz. amongst neighbours, friends, and other men.] Vers. 15. Therefore [vz. for all these his sinnes] 15 shall his destruction [i. the destruction which God hath appoynted to fall vp­pon him] come speedilie [vz. and certainely also vpon him: see Chap. 1.27.] he shall be destroyed sodainlie, [vz. by iudgement from the Lord] without re­couerie [i. he shal neuer be able to recouer and helpe it by any meanes] Vers. 16. These sixe things [vz. besides those which haue been reckoned heretofore] 16 doth the Lord hate [vz. aboue some other things: not denying, but that he hateth all manner of iniquitie] yea his soule abhorreth [i. he can at no hand a­way with] seauen. [i. one put vnto the other sixe, which in number make sea­uen.] Ver. 17. The hautie eyes, [i. proud persons, which shewe forth pride 17 in their countenances. He putteth a part for the whole, or the signe of pride, for the thing it selfe, or the partie that vseth it] a lying tongue, [i. a man that is a lier, or giuen to lying: putting the tongue wherewith lyes are vttered, for the partie himselfe that vseth it] and the hands that shed innocent bloud, [i. men that are giuen to crueltie and bloudshed: and hee putteth the worde hands here, because they are the instruments of murther: and when he saith shed innocent bloud, he meaneth such as kill men, and take away their liues without any good cause.] Vers. 18. An heart [vz. of a man] that imagineth 18 wicked enterprises, [vz. against other men, speciallie those which are good, and marke that the heart is put here in the fourth place, and in the middest betwéene the sixe, because it is as it were the fountaine and roote of all these euilles] feete that be swift in running to mischiefe, [i. to accomplish and per­forme mischiefe, he meaneth by this speach, such as are whollie set vppon working of mischiefe: of whom see before cap. 4.16, 17.] Vers. 19. A false 19 witnesse that speaketh lyes, [i. such a one, as before a Magistrate, either vppon his owne word or oath, vttereth an vntruth: and so it is diuers from the se­cond [Page] thing, because the tongue may be giuen to lying, without false witnes bearing,] and him that raiseth vp [vz. by any manner of meanes, as by tale-carrying, &c.] contention [i. any manner of quarrelling or chiding] among brethren. [vz. who should bee ioyned fast together: he meaneth here such a 20 one, as is an author of quarrelles and contentions.] Vers. 20. My sonne keepe thy fathers commandement, [i. practise the thing which thy father com­mandeth thee] and forsake not thy mothers instruction: [i. set not light by at any hand, such good things as thy mother shall instruct and teach thee in: see 21 Chapter 1.8. where you haue almost the very same words.] Vers. 21. Bind them alway vpon thy heart, [i. thinke vpon them and remember them conti­nually] and tye them about thy necke. [vz. that thou feeling and seeing them, 22 maiest be put in minde to practise them: see Chapter 3.3.] Vers. 22. It [i. the wholesome counsell of thy parents, giuen thee out of the law and word of God, and receiued by thee] shall leade thee [vz. into all truth and weldoo­ing,] when thou walkest, [i. whatsoeuer thou takest in hand, or whether soe­uer thou turnest thee] it shall watch for thee [vz. to keepe thée safe and sound, both in minde and bodie] when thou sleepest, [i. laiest thee downe, and takest thy naturall rest] and when thou wakest, [vz. to goe about thy busines and affaires] it shall talke with thee: [i. it shall not onely counsell thee, but also 23 teach thee, what & how to speake.] Vers. 23. For the commandement [vz. of God, meaning by commandement the whole word, because it consisteth spe­cially of commandements: see Psalm. 19.8.] is a lanterne [vz. to lighten the beléeuers, and to go before them in the way of eternall life: see Psalme 119.105.] and instruction, [vz. out of Gods word] a light [vz. to our darke and blind consciences] and corrections for instructions [i. sharpe reproofes to in­struct men, specially when they cannot otherwise bée reclaimed: for instruc­tion so vsed, see Chapt. 5.12.] are the way of life, [i. the high and readie way, or as a man would say, effectuall meanes to bring vs to life: and I would reade this verse by a Parenthesis, and so ioyne the 22. and 24. together.] 24 Vers. 24. To keepe thee [i. the word shal instruct thee, to kéepe thée farre] from the wicked woman, [i. from a woman whollie giuen ouer to wickednesse] and from the flatterie of the tongue of the strange woman. [i. from the flatterie which the harlot vseth in the wordes which she vttereth with her tongue: of this see before Chapter 5.3. He meaneth that heauenly wisedome out of Gods word, shall kéepe him vntouched from all the assaults of pleasure, and from all hinderances in the doing of his duetie, so that neither by fleshly 25 pleasure, nor other euilles whatsoeuer, he shall be carried away.] Vers. 25. Desire not her beautie in thine heart, [i. take héed that thy heart be not ouer­taken with desire and lust of her beautie: see Math. 5 28.] neither let her take thee [vz. leading thee from the right way, and stealing thy heart from thée] with her eye lids: [i. either with the fairenes of her eyes, or with the twinck­ling of the eyes, or with setting thy eyes vpon her, or els with any other, 26 either wanton lookes, or whorish gestures.] Vers. 26. For because of the who­rish [Page 20] woman [i. for satisfying of her in her greedie desire] a man is brought [vz. to seeke] to a morsell of bread, [i. to extreame neede and beggerie, so that beg­ging from dore to dore, he would be glad of a morsell of bread: see Prouer. 29.3.] and a woman [i. a wicked, adulterous, and whorish woman] will hunt for [i. by all the meanes that she can seeke, and neuer leaue of labouring, till she haue gotten] the precious life of a man, [i. mans life, which is a very pre­cious and deare thing: and in this verse is contained a reason, why adulterie is vile, to wit, because it bringeth with it losse of goods, and destruction both of bodie and soule.] Vers. 27. Can a man take fire in his bosome, and his 27 clothes not be burnt? [q.d. It is impossible.] Vers. 28. Or can a man go vp­pon 28 coales [i. hot burning coales, and without any thing vpon his feete] and his feete not be burnt? [q.d. it cannot be, for by this propounding of it in the way of a question, he noteth the hardnes, or impossibilitie rather of the thing. And here note that he compareth whoredome to a fire, of which see Iob. 31.12. shewing by two very apt similitudes, that he cannot auoide both bodilie hurt, and spirituall danger that hath any thing to do with a harlot, or hath any acquaintance or familiaritie with her.] Vers. 29. So he that goeth 29 into his neighbours wife, [i. lieth with her, and knoweth her: he vseth an ho­nest and sober speach, to expresse a filthie and vile act: see 2. Sam. 16.21. see also Psalme 51. in the title] shall not be innocent. [i. cleare either before God or man, but subiect to iudgement, not onely to that which is inward and e­ternall from God, but also that which is outward amongst men, to which he is subiect, if he be taken in it: and this sense is confirmed by that which fol­loweth, where he compareth an adulterer to a chéefe, shewing the one to bee a greater offence than the other.] Vers. 30. Men do not despise [vz. very 30 much] a theefe [i. he that stealeth any thing] when he stealeth [q.d. no though he be taken in the fact of théeuerie, if it be] to satisfie his soule [i. his life, and maintaine it, when he standeth in neede, for wee knowe that the soule eateth not] because he is hungrie [vz. and he stealeth to satisfie his hunger onely.] Vers. 31. But if he be found [q.d. yea though the hardest fall out, that he bée 31 found in the deede doing] he shall restore [vz. to him, from whom he hath stollen] seauen fold, [i. very much: for otherwise the Scripture maketh men­tion what he shall restore, and in what cases: see Exod. 22.1, 2, &c.] or [vz. if he be not able to restore] he shall giue all the substance of his house: [i. what­soeuer he hath, yea and he himselfe to be sold, if he bee not able to satisfie it in goods: Exod. 22.3.] Vers. 32. But he [vz. whosoeuer he be] that commit­teth 32 adulterie with a woman, [i. with another mans wife] he is destitute of vnderstanding. [i. he hath no sparke of spirituall or heauenlie knowledge, how wise soeuer he bee in worldly affaires] he that doth it destroyeth his owne soule, [i. casteth himselfe headlong into destruction both of bodie and soule.] Vers. 33. He [i. the adulterer] shall find a wound [vz. either from the 33 husband of the woman, with whom he hath committed adulterie, of whom he speaketh in the next verse, that he will not spare, or els from the Magi­strate, [Page] who will stone him and put him to death according to the lawe] and dishonor, [vz. both before God and man] and his reproach [vz. which he hath drawne vnto himselfe by filthines] shall neuer be put away: [vz. out of the re­membrance of God and man. He meaneth that his bodie shall be punished, 34 and his life subiect to perpetual ignominie.] Vers. 34. For ielousie is the rage of a man, [i. it stirreth him vp to wrath and rage] therefore he will not spare [vz. him, that hath committed that villanie against him] in the day of ven­geance. [i. at any time, when either he himselfe shall strike, or demand publike 35 iudgement of the Iudges.] Vers. 35. He [i. the husband so iniured] can not beare the sight of any ransome, [i. cannot abide to looke vpon any thing giuen for the deflowring of his wife] neither will he consent [vz. that thou shouldest not be punished] though thou augment [vz. euen as much as thou canst] the gifts. [vz. which thou wouldest giue him, to satisfie and please him withall.

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Vers. 1. MY sonne keepe my wordes, [i. the thinges that I speake to thée, vnderstanding by keeping an ear­nest indeuour to obserue them in thought, word, and deede] and hide [vz. as precious Iewelles, and things of great importance] my commande­ments [i. the thinges which I command] with thee, [i. in thy minde: meaning also hereby a fast 2 and sure keeping of them: see Chapter 2.1.] Vers. 2. Keepe my comman­dements, and thou shalt liue, [i. surely thou shalt liue, not only in this life, but in the life to come: see Chapter 4.4. where Salomon maketh them his fa­thers words vnto him] and mine instruction [i. the good and wholesome in­struction, that I giue or shall leaue thee, vz. see that thou obserue and keepe it] as the apple of thine eyes, [i. most carefully and diligently: see Psal. 17.8.] 3 Vers. 3. Bind them on thy fingers, [he seemeth to allude to Deutero. 6.8. and Deutero. 11.18.] and write them vpon the table of thy heart: [see Chapter 3.3. q.d. haue them continually in thy hands, and let them be alwaies be­fore thine eyes, and thinke vpon them in thy hart, that thou maiest do them: 4 see Exod. 13.9.] Vers. 4. Say [vz. with an vnfeigned heart] vnto wisedome [i. vnto the wisedome and word of God] thou art my sister, [i. very néere and deare vnto me, as sisters commonly be to their brethren: see Genes. 34.31. Also 2. Samuel 13.20, 22, 29. &c.] and call [i. bee not ashamed boldly to say and professe] vnderstanding [vz. of the will and word of God] thy kinswo­man, [i. deare and familiar vnto thee: all is as much q.d. doo thou euen natu­rally as it were esteeme and loue holie wisedome, and make thy selfe as fa­miliar [Page 22] with her, as possiblie can be.] Vers. 5. That they [i. wisedome and 5 vnderstanding from GOD] may keepe thee [vz. safe and sound] from the strange woman, [i. from the harlot, as sundrie times heretofore] euen from the stranger [i. the harlot] that is smooth in her words, [i. that cunninglie and craftelie flattereth: see Chapter 2.16. and 5.3. q.d. Thou hast great neede of the holie wisedome and commandements which I deliuer thee, that thou maiest take heede of whorish intisements, and of euery way of pleasure and corruption, which are in deede so great and dangerous, that thou maiest ea­silie be taken in them, and drawne from the right way, vnlesse thou doo care­fully shunne them, through the ayde and helpe of wisedome.] Vers. 6. As 6 I was [vz. standing] in the windowe of mine house, [vz. for my recreation] I looked through my window, [vz. into the streates. Whether this was a thing done, or that Salomon spake it in the way of a parable, it is not much mate­riall. This chiefly is to be marked, that he doth liuely paint out the disposi­tion, both of the vnhéedie yong man that seeketh after harlots, and of har­lots themselues.] Vers. 7. And J sawe amongst the fooles, [i. such as were 7 vnheedie, and had little wit, who are easilie deceiued, and brought to any thing, yet there is hope of their amendment: for so much the word impor­teth, as I take it] and considered [i. earnestly beheld] among the children [i. amongst the youth which were in the streate] a yong man [i. one aboue the rest] destitute of vnderstanding [i. void of holie vnderstanding and wisedom: see Chapter 6.32.] Vers 8. Who passed [vz. from his companie, and that 8 with some speede] through the streate [i. through diuers streates, til he came so, that he went] by her corner, [i. by the corner of the whores house, or els by some corner of a streate that led that way] and went toward her house [vz contrarie to the commandement giuen before, Chap. 5.8.] Vers. 9. In the 9 twilight [i. a little before it begun to waxe darke. Now he sheweth the time wherein the adulterer went about his wickednes] in the euening, [vz. some­what late] when the night began to be black and darke, [and so supposed that none should see him, but I perceiued him well enough.] Vers. 10. And be­hold 10 there met him a woman [vz. euen such a one as he looked for] with a har­lots behauiour, [i. one that behaued her selfe like an harlot, as she was indéed] and subtile in heart, [i. craftelie deuising by all meanes, to hide her deceite, that she might the more cunningly lay baites for the vnwarie: see Chapter 5.6.] Vers. 11. She [i. the harlot: here he digresseth somewhat from his 11 narration, to describe harlots qualities and conditions, that he might the better arme yong men against them] is babling [i. full of words and tattle: see 1. Timoth. 5.13.] and loude, [vz. in her speaches. This word I take it, may better be turned peruerse, or stubborne, departing from the rule of her husband, and refusing to bee subiect to him: vnder the first word, the holie Ghost meaneth, that she aboundeth in words, which are apt to perswade, sée verse 21. of this Chapter: and vnder the second, that she is disobedient to God, to her husband, and the very lawes of nature and honestie] whose feete [Page] cannot abide [vz. any long time] in her house, [i. in her owne house, but shée must bee running from place to place, as followeth vers. 12. He meaneth by this, that she is a stragler, which is against the duetie and behauiour of an honest matrone: see Iudg. 5.24. Psalme 68.12. 1. Timoth. 5.13. Titus 2.5.] 12 Vers. 12. Now [i. one while] she is without, [i. abroad in some one place or o­ther, as in the fieldes, &c.] now [i. another while] in the streates, [i. she is a­broad in the streates of the citie] and lieth in wait [vz. to catch vnwarie yong men, and to bring them home to her house] at euery corner, [vz. almost of all the streates of the citie: now in the next verse, he passeth from the descrip­tion 13 of the harlots qualities to his narration.] Vers. 13. So she caught him [vz. fast, euen as it were by the hand, or imbraced him with her armes] and kissed him, [vz. contrarie to womanlike modestie] and with an impudent face [i. without any manner of blushing, euen as it were with a countenance past 14 all shame] sayd vnto him, [vz. as followeth] Vers. 14. J haue peace offerings, [i. part of that, which was offered: for in peace offerings by the lawe, the people that brought the sacrifices had somewhat allowed them: see Leuit. 7. vers. 11, 12, &c. q. d. I haue good store of meate; wee will make good cheare, for that is the nurse of whoredome] this day [vz. and no longer ago] haue I paied my vowes, [vz. which I vowed vnto the Lord: of which see al­so 15 Leuit. 7.16.] Vers. 15. Therefore [i. because I haue these and these good things prepared] J came forth, [vz. out of my house, & that euen of purpose] to meete thee [q.d. and see now how readilie I haue found thee, whereas a­ny other would haue contented her, as well as he; but all this she vttereth to drawe him the more on] that I might seeke thy face, [i. thee thy selfe, and yet she mentioneth the face, because she would insinuate, as though she were ouertaken with his beautie] and I haue found thee, [vz. euen as I wished and desired; for such an Emphasis this manner of speach includeth, as I 16 suppose.] Vers. 16. I haue decked [vz. very finely] my bed [vz. wherein I lye] with ornaments, [vz. of sundrie sorts] with carpets and laces of Aegypt: [i. which are made of the flaxe comming out of Aegypt, which for whitenes and softnes, is preferred before all other, as Plinie sheweth lib. 18. cap. 1.] 17 Vers. 17. I haue perfumed my bed with myrrhe, aloes, and cynamom, [i. I haue made it most swéete and pleasant: they did vse belike in those daies to per­fume with myrrhe and aloes: see Psalme 45.8. All these I take to bee the harlots words, spoken after supper, alluring thereby, the yong man to tar­rie 18 there all night.] Vers. 18. Come, [q.d. seeing all these things are so plea­santly made readie] let vs take our fill of loue, [i. of the things which we loue and like of] vntill the morning, [i. all night long, and neuer be wearie] let vs take our pleasure in daliance: [q.d. you see all things prepared to satisfie lust, 19 therefore let vs go through with it.] Vers. 19. For mine husband [q.d. feare not him, but be bold] is not at home, [vz. now, neither wil be this good while] he is gone a iorney farre of, [i. he is gone a very long iorney from this place.] 20 Vers. 20. He hath taken with him a bagge of siluer, [i. good store of monie, [Page 23] for the charges of his trauaile and iorney, & therefore thou maiest see, he is gone a long iorney, & will not returne shortly] and will come home at the day appoynted. [vz. and not before: q.d. if thou feare his returne, know thou, that he will not be here till such a time, for I haue his word for it. Behold the force of a harlots speach and perswasion.] Vers. 21. Thus with her great 21 craft [vz. both of heart and speach] she caused him to yeeld, [vz. to her intice­ments and filthines] and with her flattering lippes [i. the flattering speaches which she vttered with her lippes] she inticed him, [vz. to lewdnes & sinne.] Vers. 22. And he followed her straight waies, [vz. without any striuing or 22 resistance: so strong are whorish perswasions] as an oxe that goeth to the slaughter, [i. willingly, not knowing whether he goeth, but supposing to goe to good, he goeth to destruction] and as a foole to the stockes [i. willingly also, and chearefully, not thinking the time of his punishment to be nigh] for cor­rection, [i. to bee corrected and chastised.] Vers. 23. Till a dart striketh tho­rowe 23 his liuer, [i. till he be deadly wounded, and that not in bodie only, but in soule also. It seemeth to be a metaphore, taken from Archers in warre, who hit so right, that with darts and arrowes they strike euen to the heart] as a bird hasteth to a snare, not knowing that he is in danger. [vz. to bée taken: vn­der this similitude, the holie Ghost noteth two things: the one is, the haste that the wicked vse to performe wickednesse: the other is their ignorance, and lacke of heed, who are so carried away with pleasure, that they are trap­ped in an vnauoidable danger before they bee ware.] Vers. 24. Heare [vz. 24 both with thy bodilie eares, and the eares of thy vnderstanding, yea specially with them] me [vz. thy father, who doth giue thee good instruction and coun­sell] now [q.d. euen while it is time, delay not] therefore [vz. because of the dangers before rehearsed] O children, [see Chapter 4.1.] and hearken [vz. attentiuely and diligently] to the wordes of my mouth, [i. both to the wordes and matter that I shall vtter. This, and the like sentences haue béen sundrie times repeated heretofore in this booke.] Vers. 25. Let not thy heart decline 25 to her waies, [i. doo not so much as in thy minde affect or like of her lewd and wicked dealing, yea, if it be possible thinke not vpon it] and wander thou not [vz. neither in word nor déed] in her paths, [i. in the things which she would haue thee to performe: for the further thou straiest that way, the lesse hope of returning.] Vers. 26. For [this is a reason of his exhortation] she [i. the 26 harlot] hath caused many to fall downe wounded, [vz. very sore and gree­uouslie, as Sampson, and Salomon himselfe who writ this booke: q.d. learne by other mens dangers to beware] and the strong men, [q.d. yea the mightie and powerfull men] are slaine by her: [i. by her meanes, haue béen brought to death and destruction, both of bodie and soule, without the great grace of God.] Vers. 27. Her house [i. the knowledge, familiaritie and acquaintance 27 of and in her house] is the way [i. the high and readie way] vnto the graue [i. euen vnto death it selfe] which [vz. way, or waies of her] goeth downe [or go down in the plural number: meaning, that they runne hastelie, as things [Page] that be carried downward doo] to the chambers of death. [i. to most certaine, yea eternall death, from which mens steppes are hardly called backe: see Chapter 2.18. He meaneth, that the fellowship and familiaritie of an har­lot, doth bring with it assured and certaine death, both of bodie and soule.

Se.

Vers. 1. DOth not Wisedome [i. good, holie, and hea­uenlie wisedome] crye, [vz. aloude and o­penly, and not whistining, and in the dark, as harlots doo. For against them, spoken of in the other Chapter, he opposeth Gods holie wisedome here: see Chapter 1.20. and he vttereth it by the way of a question, that it might haue greater force: q.d. cer­tainlie she doth so] and vnderstanding [vz. of Gods will reuealed in his word] vtter her voyce? [vz. openly and plainly, so that none can pretend ignorance.] Vers. 2. She standeth in the toppe of 2 the high places [vz. to the end she may be the better and more plainly heard] by the way [i. at euery waies side, watching her opportunitie to doo good vn­to men] in the place of the pathes, [i. in euery place, that hath pathes where men vse to walke: q.d. wheresoeuer there is any resort of men, and where men vse to meete, there she is, and offereth her selfe.] Vers. 3. She [i. wise­dome] 3 cryeth [vz. very loude and plaine: In the Hebrue text it is a verbe of the plurall number, and then it must bee referred to wisedome and vnder­standing, as verse 1. of this Chapter] besides the gates, [vz. of the citie: and this he mentioneth, because the people repaired to the gates of the citie for iustice: see Chapter 1.21.] before the citie, [this may either bee referred to wisedome, thus, as though she called to men before they entered into the ci­tie: or els to the gates, which stand before the citie, and bee as it were the [Page] dores of the citie, to which I rather incline] at the entrie of the dores. [vz. of euery mans particular house: q.d. both publikely and priuatly, she calleth vn­to 4 men, saying, as followeth in the next verses.] Vers. 4. O men [vz. of what state and condition so euer you be] I call [vz. plainly and with a loude voyce] vnto you [vz. for your good] and vtter my voyce [vz. plainly and sensiblie, as verse 1. of this Chapter] to the children of men. [q.d. euen vnto the young ones: meaning, that he would haue none exempted from the imbracing of 5 his doctrine.] Vers. 5. O ye foolish men [i. O ye that are simple, and readie to be deceiued with euery thing. These are called simple: Chapt. 1.4. See also verse 32. of the first Chap.] vnderstand wisedome, [i. labour to attaine her, while you may haue her, and she offereth her selfe vnto you] and ye O fooles [hereby he meaneth such as are altogether voide of vnderstanding, as Chapt. 1.22.] be wise in heart, [i. applie your hearts vnto wisedome, least 6 you goe continually forward in your foolishnes and dulnes.] Vers. 6. Giue eare [i. bee attentiue and diligent] for I will speake [vz. plainly and openly vnto you] of excellent things, [i. of high and noble things, euen such as it be­commeth Princes and great personages to speake of, and their inferiours duetifully to heare: such a reason of attention is to be found Psalm. 49.34.] and the opening of my lippes [i. euen the very beginning of my speach] shall teach things that be right: [i. shall propound and deliuer nothing els, but 7 right and holie things.] Vers. 7. For my mouth [i. I my selfe putting the mouth, and the instruments therein contained, by which the voyce is framed for the person himselfe speaking] shall speake the truth, [i. the whole truth, and nothing but the truth] and my lippes abhorre [vz. to speake: or els wee may take this word lippes, as mouth before in this verse, for the person him selfe] wickednesse. [i. false and vntrue things, wherewith the vngodlie are 8 greatly delighted.] Vers. 8. All the words of my mouth are righteous, [i. both the words which I speake, and the thinges that I command, tende to righteousnes and well doing, both before God and man] there is no lewdnes nor frowardnes in them, [i. there is no wicked or vngodlie thing in them, or commanded by them: and in these two verses he commendeth his doctrine, 9 because it is right, true, iust, and holie.] Vers. 9. They [i. the words which I vtter] are all [vz. and euery one of them] plaine [i. easie, and manifest] to him [vz. whosoeuer he bee] that will vnderstand, [vz. them: not meaning that any either will or can vnderstand, till God haue giuen both the one and the other, but alluring men rather, who are discouraged with hard things] and straight [i. manifest and euident, without any turning or winding] to them [i. to all them of what state and condition soeuer they be] that would finde knowledge. [i. that haue a care and indeuour to attaine it, and to seeke 10 for it. And here he commendeth his doctrine for the easines.] Vers. 10. Re­ceiue [vz. readilie and with a good will] mine instruction [i. the instruction that I shall giue you] and not siluer [i. rather than siluer, as may appeare by that which followeth: for it is not his purpose here to condemne siluer, but [Page 25] to shewe that Gods word must bee preferred before it] and knowledge [vz. of the heauenly mysteries, and that from me] rather than fine gold, [vz. how pure and precious so euer it be. And note, that in this verse, and in the next he commendeth his doctrine, because it is most precious and profitable.] Vers. 11. For wisedome [i. the wisedome of God] is better [vz. by thousands 11 of degrees] than precious stones, [though they bee most rich, and neuer so much esteemed] and all pleasures [vz. of this life, how great, many, or sun­drie soeuer they be] are not to be compared [vz. at any hand, or in any respect] vnto her, [i. vnto true and holie wisedome: see Chap. 3.14, 15.] Vers. 12. 12 I wisedome [i. who am the eternall wisedome of the father: for this must bée vnderstood, not of the written word onely, but of the person of the Sonne, who is made of God vnto vs wisedome, 1. Corint. 1.24, 30.] dwell with pru­dence, [i. after some, am most familiarly acquainted with her: after other some, am most prudent and wise my selfe: both are good, but I rather al­lowe of this latter: q.d. I call you not to mée without cause, for I am she without whom no man can be wise] and I finde forth [i. not only of my selfe, but cause also them, that reuerence and esteeme me, to seeke and find] know­ledge and counsels. [vz. of the will of God reuealed in his word, which other­wise should be but a sealed booke to all them that looked into it.] Vers. 13. 13 The feare of the Lord is to hate euill [This appertaineth (though perhaps it seeme not so to some) to the praise of wisedome, because the reuerence and feare of God is the speciallest part of wisedome, as Chap. 1.7. Also Chap. 9.10. Some ioyne it with the former verse thus:] I haue with me the feare of the Lord, and the hatred of euill, [q.d. I am most iust, teaching to doo euery good thing, and to lothe euery wicked thing: and then addeth] J hate [vz. vnfeignedly] pride and arrogancie, [vz. both of hart, bodie, and countenance] and the euill way, [i. euery wicked order and course of life whatsoeuer] and a mouth that speaketh lewd things, [i. euery person or man that giueth his mouth to speake wicked and peruerse matters.] Vers. 14. I haue [vz. with 14 me, and in my power] counsell and wisedome, [i. abundance of all good fore­sight, counsell and holie knowledge] J am vnderstanding, [q.d. without mée there can be no sound iudgement] and I haue strength. [vz. in my selfe, mea­ning by strength, power and authoritie also to doo what he would: all this verse is as much: q.d. I am most wise in taking of counsell, and I am most mightie in performing my deuises.] Vers. 15. By me [i. by the authoritie 15 which I communicate vnto them] Kings [i. all Kings, how great or little so euer they be] reigne [vz. vpon earth, and amongst their owne people: mea­ning, that all the authoritie they haue, they haue it from him, as Daniel 2.21. Rom. 13.1.] and Princes [vz. of the earth] decree iustice, [i. establish, ordaine, and execute iust and holie things.] Vers. 16. By me [i. by my per­mission 16 and appoyntment] Princes rule, [vz. others] and the Nobles [vz. doo so likewise] and all the Iudges of the earth. [vz. doo the selfe same thing by the authoritie which I haue giuen vnto them. And marke, that in these two [Page] verses, the holie Ghost vseth foure wordes, which though they serue all to expresse one thing, yet euery word in signification differeth from another. He putteth Kings in the first place, as the highest and greatest of all: to these he ioyneth Princes, who were as it were of counsell with Kings, and did vnder them constitute and ordaine lawes: concerning both these, see Psalme 2.2. Next he addeth Nobles, who haue their name of the largenes and liberalitie which they exercise to their vnderlings: and lastlie in a generall terme of Judges, he comprehendeth all them that gouerne the world, and handle mat­ters 17 of state. Vers. 17. I loue them [vz. vnfeignedly, and continually] that loue me, [vz. with a good hart. He meaneth that Gods grace, by his meanes, floweth vppon all such as loue him: see Iohn 14.21.] and they that seeke me earely [i. painfully, carefully, and diligently] shall finde me [vz. assuredlie and without all faile: q.d. I will voutchsafe to shewe my selfe vnto them.] 18 Vers. 18. Riches and honor [i. true riches and honor, specially Gods great blessings vpon the minde] are with me, [i. in my power, to giue and bestowe them, when and vpon whom I list] euen durable riches [i. such riches as shal continue, when other mens melteth away, as waxe before the Sunne] and righteousnes. [i. vpright dealing, which indeede is one good meane to make 19 wealth firme and stable: see Chapt. 3.16.] Vers. 19. My fruite [vz. which I communicate to them that loue me I dwelling in them, and they also walking in the righteousnes that I prescribe: vnderstanding by fruite, the graces also which he bestoweth vpon them: of which he seemeth to make two sortes, the one temporall for this life, vers. 20. the other eternall for the life to come, vers. 21.] is better [vz. by many degrees] than gold, [vz. how pure or precious soeuer it bee] yea than fine gold [q.d. yea than all the finest gold that can be got] and my reuenues [i. the giftes which I bestowe vppon mine, speaking here as great Princes doo, who according to the largenes of their rents and reuenues, giue great gifts to their subiects and seruants] better than fine siluer. [q.d. yea though it haue béen neuer so often fined and 20 tried: see Psalme 12.6.] Vers. 20. I cause [vz. men, and those that imbrace me] to walke [vz. vprightly, without going either on the right hand or on the left, and that continually also] in the way of righteousnes, [i. in equall, vp­right and iust waies: meaning thereby a holie order and conuersation of life] and in the middest of the pathes of iudgement, [i. in such a plaine way of vp­right dealing, that it is impossible for them to goe out of the way: and this 21 is the fruite that wee receiue in this life, to wit sanctification.] Vers. 21. That [vz. by the meanes of guiding them in the right way] I may cause them that loue me [vz. vnfeignedly: meaning, that for their sakes he might bring this to passe] to inherite substance, [i. the thing that is, and shall neuer cease to be, to wit, eternal life] and I will fill [vz. with al abundance and store] their treasures. [meaning it, not only of worldly, but also of spirituall and heauen­lie blessings: and thus hetherto he hath commended wisedome for her ex­cellent effects, as afterwards he commendeth her for her antiquitie, great [Page 26] power, &c.] Vers. 22. The Lord [vz. the eternall God] hath possessed me 22 [vz. his eternall sonne and wisedome] in the beginning of his way [i. before he began to make or create any thing. He commendeth this wisedome, of the nature of it, because he is one eternall God, with the Father and the ho­lie Ghost: q.d. I was with God euen then, when by the creation of al things he manifested plaine testimonies of his Maiestie. See Iohn 1.1, 2, &c. Co­loss. 1.16.] I was [vz. eternall, and God with him, for nothing is eternall but God only] before his workes [i. before al, or any work that euer he made] of old. [i. which he made of old, or long time agoe: see Psal. 93.2. Vers. 23. 23 I was set vp [or after some annointed: meaning, that by Gods eternall decrée he was placed in his office, of Kingdome, Priesthood and Prophecie: for such a metaphore he vseth in this place] from euerlasting, [i. from before all be­ginnings whatsoeuer] from the beginning [vz. of the world: neither doth the word from, note, that then he began, as 1. Ioh. 1.1.] and before the earth. [vz was created: all this tendeth to set out the perpetuitie and eternitie of this great wisedome.] Vers. 24. When there were no depthes, [vz. either of wa­ter 24 or earth] was I begotten, [vz. of the father] when there were no fountaines [vz. made, nor yet] abounding with water. [i. hauing plentie of water with­in them: q.d. before all these, and whatsoeuer things els was I, who was the eternall sonne of the eternall father, & begotten of him before any thing that is or was, as may appeare by the verses following] Ver. 25. Before the 25 mountaines were setled, and before the hilles [vz. were created] was J begot­ten. [vz. of the eternall father: q.d. I was God eternall before the earth, mentioned generally, verse 23. or any part therof, spoken in this verse, was] Vers. 26. He had not yet [vz. when I was] made the earth, [vz. no nor be­gun 26 to make it] nor the open places, [vz. of the world: meaning hereby the champion and plaine countries] nor the height of the dust in the world. [he vnderstandeth by height, the excellent creatures; and by dust, though all were made of the earth, the more base creatures: q.d. when neither the one sort, nor the other were created, I was.] Vers. 27. When he [i. God the 27 Father] prepared [i. created and framed as we see] the heauens, [i. that same great frame which is ouer our heads, passing as it were from the earth to it] I was there, [vz. together with him, and was a creator in that most excellent workmanship: see Iohn 1.3.] when he set the compasse [i. the earth, which he calleth by this name, because it seemeth to be round] vpon the deepe. [i. vpon the waters: see Psalme 24.2.] Vers. 28. When he established [i. appoynted 28 and set by the word of his power] the cloudes aboue, [vz. in the firma­ment, that they might be kept there, as it were in tunnes and bottles, till he would haue them to powre downe their deaw or raine] when he confirmed [vz. to keepe within the boundes and compasses which he had set them] the fountaines of the deepe, [vz. belowe in the earth, which fountaines yeeld forth water, and make them to growe as it were into bottomles pits: q.d. before the waterie cloudes aboue, and the waters vnder the earth were created, I [Page] 29 was, with that same eternall God.] Vers. 29. When he gaue his decrees to the sea, [vz. touching the bounds and listes of the same, how farre it should goe, and how farre it should not goe] that the waters [vz. of the sea, and of the flouds] should not passe his commandement: [i. goe beyond the bounds, which by his word and commandement he had set them] when he appoynted the foundations of the earth, [i. when he founded and laied it, that it should 30 remaine vnmoueable.] Vers. 30. Then was I with him [vz. working to­gether with him in that great worke of his creation] as a nourisher, [i. as a maintainer and vpholder of that his excellent workmanship of creation] and I was daylie [i. alwaies] his delight [i. one whom the father tooke conti­nuall pleasure in, as Math. 3.17. and Math. 17.5.] reioycing alwaies before him, [i. being continually in his sight, euen as his deare and tenderly belo­ued 31 sonne.] Vers. 31. And tooke my solace in the compasse of his earth: [i. not only reioyced at the excellent workmanship, but also blessed all things created in the earth] and my delight is with the children of men. [i. as I pow­red vpon all creatures abundance of my sweete blessings, so chiefly vppon man, induing him with all bodilie and spirituall graces: and amongst men, 32 specially those which are my Church.] Vers. 32. Therefore [q.d. seeing my commendations and graces which I giue be so great] now [vz. while you haue time, and grace is offered you] hearken, [vz. diligently and attentiuely] O children, [see Chapter 7.24.] vnto me: [vz. Gods heauenly wisedome, who calleth you to goodnes] for blessed are they [i. abundance of blessings shall light vpon them, and he speaketh it in the present tense, as though they had the things in possession alreadie] that keepe [vz. vnfeignedly and with a good heart] my waies. [i. the waies that I prescribe them: vnderstanding 33 by waies, his ordinances and commandements.] Vers. 33. Heare instruc­tion, [vz. from me, or the instruction which I giue you] and be ye wise, [i. learne to be wisely ordered and gouerned thereby] and refuse it not: [vz. least it turne to your owne hurt and destruction] blessed is the man [see verse 32. of this Chapter. Also Psalm 1.1.] that heareth me, [vz. speaking vnto him, vnderstanding by hearing, obedience also of the things propounded, as Ioh. 10.27.] watching daylie [i. continually] at my gates, [i. at the dores of my house. He meaneth such, as both continually, though with great labour and paine, and also vnfeignedly, euen with their whole hart and soule seeke him. It may be a metaphore taken from clients, who will not depart from their Aduocates or counsellors dores, till they haue talked with them. Or it may be taken from painfull schollers, who watch the schoole dores so, that they be first in vpon the opening of them, and last out vpon the shutting of them] and giuing attendance [vz. diligently, least I escape] at the postes of my dores. 34 [vz. where I should come out.] Vers. 34. For he [vz. whosoeuer he bée] that findeth me [vz. seeking carefully and painfully for me] findeth life, [i. me that am life, as Iohn 11.25. Also Iohn 14.6. Meaning it also both of tem­porall and eternall life] and shall obtaine fauour of the Lord: [i. great and ex­céeding [Page 27] grace from him.] Vers. 35. But [now he amplifieth by the contra­rie] 35 he [vz. whosoeuer he bee] that sinneth against me [i. that doth not reue­rently esteeme me, nor applie himselfe diligently to obtaine me: for wee can not neglect Christ, but with great offence] hurteth his owne soule, [i. de­stroyeth himselfe, both here, and in the life to come] and all that hate me [vz. of what state or condition soeuer they be] loue death. [vz. both of bodie and soule, how much soeuer they would seeme to abhorre it and flie from it.

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Vers. 1. WIsedome [i. Gods eternall Sonne: of which hath béen spoken of before, Chapt. 1.20. Also Chap. 8. through out] hath built [vz. very beautifullie and stronglie] her house [that is, his spirituall Church, which is called the house of God, 1. Ti­moth. 3.15. which Christ beginneth in this life, but perfecteth the same in heauen] and hewne out [vz. very artificially and finely] her seuen pillers. [i. he hath made the Church very full and perfect. For we knowe, that the number of seuen in Scripture, signifieth fulnes and perfection: and all this is spoken in an allegorie concer­ning [Page 28] the Church, as also that which followeth touching the great banquet: meaning nothing thereby, but the absolute founding, establishing, and per­fect decking of it.] Vers. 2. She [i. Gods eternall wisedome] hath killed her 2 vittailes, [i. hath minded to prepare and to performe a banquet for you, as may appeare, by killing meate] drawne [vz. out of the vessels] her wine, [i. the wine that she will giue you: q.d. you must therefore come quickly, seeing all things are in such readines. The word that is turned here drawne, signi­fieth in the Hebrue mingled, [vz. with water, speaking according to the man­ner of those hot countries] and prepared her table [vz. for the guestes to sit at: q.d. all things are in a readines, there lacketh nothing but guestes to fur­nish the borde. To allegorise vppon the words, vittailes, wine, tables, &c. were vaine: the Scriptures must be handled with greater sobrietie.] Vers. 3 3. She hath sent forth her maidens [vz. to call men to her banquet] and [vz. she her selfe] crieth [vz. aloude, so that al men may heare: q.d. Gods heauen­lie wisedome, both by himselfe, and his messengers, inuiteth men to come] vpon the highest places of the citie, [i. openly and euery where, so that none can pretend ignorance: see such a like parable Math. 22.1, 2, 3. &c.] saying, [vz. after this manner] Vers. 4. Who so is simple, [see Chapt. 1.4. and yet 4 this word is sometimes vsed in the good part, as Psalme 116.6. and Math. 10.16.] let him come hether, [vz. to my house and feast, and he shall haue his simplicitie reformed] and to him that is destitute of wisedome, [i. lacketh the true and holie wisedome of God] she saieth, [vz. also: q.d. I refuse to take paines with none, how simple or foolish soeuer they be, so that they will dili­gently applie their eares, and willingly hearken to my voyce.] Vers. 5. 5 Come, [vz. willingly and quickly] and eate of my meate, and drinke of my wine [i. bee partakers of all the good things which the father hath giuen to communicate vnto you, and to bestowe vppon you] that I haue drawne. [see verse 2. of this Chapter: and marke, how that which wisedome speaketh here somewhat darklie, he speaketh in the next verse more plainly.] Vers. 6. 6 Forsake [vz. with all speede possiblie] your way, [vz. wherein you walke, meaning, the imaginations and deuises of their owne hearts, and the cor­rupt worke of their owne flesh] ye foolish, [he calleth them here foolish, whom he called verse 4. simple,] and ye shall liue: [vz. not only here in this life, but for euer also with God: and that word shall, noteth the certaintie of it] and walke [vz. carefully and diligently] in the way of vnderstanding. [i. in those waies and orders of life, which vnderstanding setteth before you: q.d. applie your minde to wisedome, and frame and fashion your whole life, according to the rules thereof.] Vers. 7. He [vz. whosoeuer he be] that reproueth [i. 7 laboureth by the way of reproofe or admonition, to instruct & teach] a scorner, [i. a man that wickedly scoffeth both at the truth, and the person vttering it, and barketh like a dogge, or grunteth as a swine against it: see Psalme 1.1.] purchaseth, [vz. not by the dooing of it, but by reason of the peruersnes of the partie, who will doo nothing els, but labour, either by taunting to make him [Page] blush, or els by slaundering to discredit him] to himselfe shame: [vz. before men: see Math. 11.16, 17, &c.] and he that rebuketh the wicked [vz. whe­ther it be sharply or mildely done] getteth himselfe a blot. [vz. because that 8 through enuie being moued, they will slaunder him.] Vers. 8. Rebuke not a scorner, least he hate thee: [he meaneth not that wee should abstaine from reprouing others, for feare of their displeasure and hatred: for that is not to be esteemed, if he would hearken vnto wholesome counsell: but because it is to be doubted least we should lose our labour and receiue nothing but hatred for our paines] but rebuke [vz. for his offence: see Leuit. 19.17. and doo it plainlie] a wise man, [i. such a one as is so prepared in minde, that he wil not scoffe at thee and thy admonitions, but willingly heareth wisedome, and gladlie suffereth himselfe to be informed according thereto: see Prouer. 10.8.] and he will loue thee. [vz. the better, and the more vnfeignedly for that.] 9 Vers. 9. Giue admonition to the wise, [i. admonish him that is wise of any thing that is amisse in him] and he will be the wiser: [i. he will thriue in wise­dome by that admonition and reproofe, and become the better, both in prac­tise and obedience thereby] teach [vz. good things, and that in the spirite of méekenesse & of loue] a righteous man, [i. he that hath care of an vpright con­uersation] and he will increase in learning. [vz. by the meanes of those admo­nitions, and vnder the name learning, he comprehendeth not knowledge on­lie, but obedience and practise also, for we haue learned so much as we know 10 and practise.] Vers. 10. The beginning of wisedome is the feare of the Lord, [see Chapt. 1. verse 7. Also Psal. 111.10. He sheweth here what is true wise­dome, and what way men must take, if they will obtaine her, to wit, that they bring with them a reuerent feare of God in their hearts. For in vaine shall any man thinke, without the feare of God, to obtaine wisedome, or to make any procéedings in her] and the knowledge of holie things, [i. of all ho­lie things whatsoeuer, specially of holie men] is vnderstanding. [vz. right and sound vnderstanding of Gods will reuealed in his word: q.d. without that, there is no way to knowe any thing that is good. He maketh here two parts, as it were, of heauenly doctrine: the one is the duetie of reuerence to­wards God, the other is the duetie of fellowship with the Saints: and ei­ther of them is called the beginning of wisedome and vnderstanding, because they are in this life begun in vs by the word, and shall not be finished till the prophecie cease, and wee bee placed together in the heauenlie places with 11 Christ.] Vers. 11. For thy daies [i. the daies of thy life] shall be multiplied [vz. very greatly. He meaneth, that the godlie imbracing heauenly wise­dome, shall obtaine a long life: and this he speaketh not, as though the daies which God hath numbered vnto vs, shall be shortned or lengthened, but ac­cording to the custome of the lawe] by me, [vz. if vnfeignedly thou receiue and imbrace me] and the yeares of thy life shall be augmented. [vz. excéeding­lie.] 12 Vers. 12. If thou be wise, [i. truelie and holilie wise] thou shalt bee wise for thy selfe, [i. for thine owne good and commoditie, not forbidding vs to [Page 29] imploy our wisedome to doo good vnto others also, but shewing that we our selues shall reape the speciall commoditie by it] and if thou be a scorner, [see verse 7. of this Chapter] thou alone shalt suffer. [vz. the iust paine and pu­nishment of thy scoffing and scorning: q.d. thy scorning shall not, as thou thinkest, hurt him, that tendereth thy saluation, but shall through Gods iust iudgement light vpon thine owne head.] Vers. 13. A foolish woman [i. one 13 giuen ouer to wickednesse and sinne] is troublesome: [vz. both in word and deede, it is the same word that he vsed before Chapt. 7.11.] she is ignorant, [vz. of euery good thing] and knoweth nothing. [vz. soundly and vprightly, either of her duetie towards God or man.] Vers. 14. But she sitteth [vz. as 14 an idle bodie, and one that would allure men] at the dore of her house [i. with­out, for she cannot abide to be within dores] on a seate [q.d. yea she sitteth on a seate prepared for her] in the high places of the citie, [i. in the open streates where she may bee seene. For high places, see Chapt. 8.2. He meaneth by this that she is a gadder: see Chapt. 7.11, 12.] Vers. 15. To call them [vz. 15 vnto her: meaning by this speach to allure them] that passe by the way, [vz. about their businesses and affaires] that go right on their way, [i. that are carefully bent and set vpon the performance of the things that they haue to doo, without thinking any whit of her, or her lewdnes, till she allure them] saying, [vz. after this manner also.] Vers. 16. Who so is simple, let him come 16 hether, [vz. to me] and to him that is destitute of wisedome, she saith also, [these are the same wordes with verse 4. of this Chapter, but vtter to another end, vz. to drawe men from the way of true wisedome, so that wee may see here, that we are not to beléeue bare words only.] Vers. 17. Stollen waters 17 are sweete, [I take these to be the words of the harlot intising the foolish and simple man: q.d. wee will secretly commit whoredome, which to the flesh in deede, seemeth very pleasant and sweet: and not only because it is not seene or knowne, but also because the desire and vse of strange flesh (which is cal­led in this place the euerie) is, or at the least seemeth delectable for the time] and hidde bread is pleasant. [i. bread eaten in corners: which they dare not eate openly, either because it was forbidden them, or because it was stollen. Vnder these two similitudes, she meaneth one thing, that is secret or close committing of whoredom: and here we may see, that euen by the account of whores and harlots, whoredome is condemned as a vile sinne.] Vers. 18. 18 But he [vz. who is so intised of her] knoweth not [vz. being deceiued through the sweetnes and pleasures of sinne, which indure but for a while] that the dead are there, [i. that such as vse her house, and frequent her companie, are dead alreadie, as 1. Timoth. 5.6,] and that her guestes [i. such as she hath bidden, and doo yéeld to her bidding] are in the depth of hell. [i. are alrea­die condemned: some referre it to the graue, but the other sense also is true, vnlesse it please God to giue them vnfeigned repentance and amend­ment of life.

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THis Chapter hath as it were a title thus:] The Parables of Salomon. [see the same wordes expounded before Chapter 1.1.] Vers. 1. A wise sonne [i. a good and god­lie 1 child, whether it be sonne or daughter] maketh a glad father: [i. causeth the father much to reioyce: vnder­standing by father, both the parents and kinsfolkes, be­cause he is chiefe: see Chapter 15.20.] but a foolish sonne [i. a wicked and a lewd childe] is an heauines [vz. of heart and great griefe] to his mother. [i. to his parents, &c. as before, one being put for ma­nie.] Vers. 2. The treasures of wickednes [i. such treasures as wicked men 2 get by wicked meanes, how much soeuer it be, and thinke will stand them in stead: see for this phrase Luke 16.9.] profite nothing: [vz. at all, that is, can not stand him in stead against the euils which are readie to fal vpon him, and death that hangeth presently ouer his head: see Psalme 49.6, 7, &c. [but righteousnes [i. vpright and faithfull dealing, yea, though a man haue no treasure at all] deliuereth from death. [i. ouercommeth all euilles and dan­gers whatsoeuer, and causeth that euen death it selfe is not hurtfull to the righteous.] Vers. 3. The Lord [vz. who is faithfull and iust in all his pro­mises] 3 will not famish [vz. through any want or neede] the soule of the righ­teous: [i. the good mans life: see Psalme 34.10. Also Psalme 37.25. He mea­neth, that howsoeuer they be afflicted on euery side, yet shall they not bee di­stressed or destituted for euer: see 2. Cor. 4.8.] but he casteth away [or scat­tereth, vz. as a thing of no account] the substance of the wicked. [i. all that he hath and possesseth: and this he doth, either by taking it vtterly from him, or denying him the vse of it, though he haue it in possession: or by taking his blessing of strength and profite from him and it. Vers. 4. A slothfull hand 4 [i. the hand that is giuen to idlenes and sloth, and will not labour, vnder­standing [Page] by one part all the rest that must concurre in that action of worke] maketh poore: [vz. him that hath it, or is the owner of it. The word that is turned here slothfull, signifieth also deceitfull: q.d. he that is sluggish in do­ing of his duetie, and thinketh by craft to attaine other mens goods, shall surely come to beggerie] but the hand [i. the labour performed with the hand and other parts and members of the bodie] of the diligent [i. of such as dili­gently go about their owne businesses, and abstaine from coueting, or craftie scraping together of other mens goods] maketh rich. [i. maketh men rich, and that through Gods especiall blessing, for otherwise it is impossible to 5 obtaine them: as Psalme 127.2.] Vers. 5. He that gathereth [vz. things méete and necessarie for his maintenance] in sommer, [i. while time serueth, and he hath a good season. See what is said before concerning the Pismire, Chapt. 6.8.] is the sonne of wisedome: [i. is a wise and good child, as he pro­ueth by effect, while in his vnderstanding and knowledge he taketh heed be­fore hand, to keepe him and his from shamefull beggerie] but he that slee­peth [i. he that is sluggish and slow, and doth no more than if he slept sound­lie: see Chapt. 6.10.] in haruest, [i. when he hath fit and conuenient time to doo things well in: Chapt. 6.8.] is the sonne of confusion. [i. is such a one as by his follie bringeth shame of face vpon himselfe, and all those that ap­pertaine 6 vnto him.] Vers. 6. Blessings [i. plentifulnes and abundance of all manner of blessings, which he noteth by speaking in the plurall number] are vpon the head of the righteous: [i. are plentifully powred vpon the righteous man himself, putting a part for the whole, as Chap. 11.26. And yet because euery good gift commeth from aboue, Iames 1.17. he doth chiefly speake of the head, because it lighteth first vpon it, and so from it descendeth to the rest of the members: see Psalme 113.2.] but iniquitie [i. the sinne which the wicked committed against God and men, after that it is knowne] shall couer the mouthes of the wicked. [i. shall so stoppe and shut vp their mouthes, that they shall not only haue nothing to say, but shall bee choked as it were with 7 their owne violence, as if a mans breath were stopped.] Vers. 7. The me­moriall [i. the remembrance or thinking vpon] of the iust [vz. whether he be aliue or dead] shall be blessed: [i. shall bee esteemed as a sweete and pleasant thing, yea worthie great praise] but the name of the wicked [i. all his glorie, and whatsoeuer seemeth excellent in him] shall rot. [vz. as a corrupt and vile thing: meaning further, that euer before God and man, it shall bee hated and lothed, euen as things that stinke through rottennes and corruption.] 8 Vers. 8. The wise in heart [i. he that is truely and indeede wise, for many out­wardly make a shewe of wisedome and haue it not within] will receiue [vz. reuerently & willingly, carrying with him also a purpose to obey the same] commandements: [vz. either from God and his word, or els from good men according to the same] but the foolish in talke [i. he whose disorderous heart moueth his lippes to murmur against good counsell] shall be beaten. [vz. 9 for his rash hastie and murmuring speaches.] Vers. 9. He that walketh [i. [Page 31] leadeth the course of his life] vprightly, [vz. towards God and man, hauing a care that he stray not] walketh boldly: [vz. because he is assured of Gods good will towards him, walking faithfully in his calling] but he that per­uerteth his waies [vz. from the rules of righteousnes and truth, which God hath set him] shall be knowne. [vz. at the last, how close or secret soeuer it bee for a time.] Vers. 10. He that wincketh with the eye, [i. he that secretly de­uiseth 10 or worketh mischiefe, he putteth the signe for the thing it selfe: see Chapt. 6.13.] worketh sorrowe, [vz. both to others, and himselfe also in the ende] and he that is foolish in talke, [i. such a one as neuer feareth to vtter his wickednes] shall be beaten. [see verse 8. of this Chap. He compareth the euill which is done dissemblingly, and as it were with the wincking of the eye, with that which is done openly, & with the manifest rayling of the tongue.] Vers. 11. The mouth of a righteous man [i. the words which he vttereth and 11 speaketh] is a welspring of life: [i. bring with them all manner of plentie and continuance of good things] but iniquitie couereth the mouth of the wicked. see verse 6. of this very chapter. Vers. 12. Hatred [vz. once conceiued and 12 setled in the minde] stirreth vp [vz. very forciblie and quicklie] contentions: [vz. both in word and deede amongst men, and that many times for small causes or none at all: vnderstanding also by contentions, both backbitings, and quarrellous vpbraidings one of another with the offences and sinnes which they haue committed, which is very farre off from the duetie of huma­nitie or charitie] but loue [vz. if it bee vnfeigned, of one of vs towards ano­ther] couereth [vz. from other mens sight, hearing and knowledge] all tres­passes. [vz. committed one of vs against another. This taketh not away brotherly admonition, or the Church discipline, but speaketh of priuate in­iuries and offences against our selues, which holie loue doth keepe close, if in a good faith and holie conscience they may be kept close, dissembling them as it were, or els doth in tender pittie and compassion labour the amende­ment of them: Leuit. 19.17.] Vers. 13. In the lippes of him that hath vnder­standing 13 [i. in the speach and wordes of a wise man: he putteth one instru­ment wherewith words bee vttered for the words themselues] wisedome is found, [i. a man shall easilie espie and perceiue great wisedome] and a rod [i. punishment and correction, euen as it were with a rod] shall be [vz. sent from God, yea and many times from men also] for the backe of him [i. vpon his backe [that is destitute of wisedome. [vz. and yet notwithstanding wil speake hand ouerhead whatsoeuer commeth into his mouth.] Vers. 14. Wise men 14 [i. they that are indeede truely wise] lay vp knowledge: [vz. of good things, meaning by laying of it vp, hiding it as it were within themselues, as chap. 2.1. and Chapt. 7.1. Yet so, that when neede shall require, and occasion bee offered, they may bring it forth and vse it: see Math. 12.35. Also Math 13.52.] but the mouth of a foole [i. the wordes which a foole or wicked person vttereth with his mouth] is a present destruction. [i. bring with them euen de­struction, not only to the partie vttering, but many times to some person [Page] hearing: q.d. the wicked mans follie and want of knowledge is so great, that he can scarce begin to speake, but he will vtter wordes tending either to 15 his owne destruction, or the great hurt of others.] Vers. 15. The rich mans goods [i. the land, monie, and whatsoeuer els he hath] are his strong citie: [i. are as sure an ayde and defence vnto him, as he supposeth, as if he were in a walled towne] but the feare of the needie is their pouertie. [i. their pouertie maketh them to feare this and that, and least one inconuenience or other 16 should fall vpon them.] Vers. 16. The labour of the righteous [i. those things which good people labour for and get by their labour: see labour so vsed, Chapter 5.10.] tendeth to life: [i. to the maintenance and vpholding of his owne life, and other mens too in this life, see Ephes. 4.28.] but the reuenues of the wicked [i. all the increase how great or little so euer it be that the wic­ked hath] to sinne. [i. serueth not for his neede, but for pleasure, and the satis­fying of his wicked affections, one while in oppression, another while in 17 whoredome, &c.] Vers. 17. He that regardeth [vz. diligently and atten­tiuely] instruction, [vz. whether it bee from God, or men as his meanes and instruments] is in the way of life: [i. is entred into that course that will bring him, not only to goodnes in this life, but in the end to eternall life also] but he that refuseth correction, [vz. as though he were a disobedient and rebel­lious child] goeth out of the way. [vz. which leadeth to true blessednes either 18 in this life, or in the life to come.] Vers. 18. He that dissembleth hatred [i. the corrupt affection of his heart] with lying lippes, [i. with fained words, which indéed are but lyes, making as though he bare a man good wil, where­as indéed he hateth him cruelly, and that vnto death] and he that inuenteth slaunder, [i. slaunderous and false reports against another man] is a foole. [i. a very wicked person. He noteth here two kind of persons, which regard not instruction, to wit, hypocrites, and obstinate fellowes: see before verse 10. of 19 this Chapter.] Vers. 19. Jn many words [vz. spoken rashly and vnadui­sedly] there cannot want iniquitie: [i. it cannot be auoided, but that there is great sinne] but he that refraineth his lippes [vz. from rash and hastie speach, see Psalme 34.13. is wise. [i. is truely wise indeed. He meaneth that a wise man is spare in his speach, and vttereth nothing rashlie, but doth before hand well ponder the same: otherwise it is a hard matter, but that amongst such as rashly, and without choyce speake many things, there shall be much sinne in their speaches. Neither mindeth he here to condemne abundance of words 20 which tend to edification and doctrine.] Vers. 20. The tongue of a iust man [i. the wordes and speaches which he vttereth with his tongue, as before verse 11. The mouth of a righteous man] is as fined siluer: [i. is as precious and excellent, as the most fine siluer: see Chapter 8.19. Meaning by this manner of speach, that they are most excellent and therefore to be imbraced] but the heart of the wicked is little worth. [i. is worth little or nothing at all. Now, if the heart, from whence the speach first commeth bee of no regard, then much lesse to be esteemed are the words themselues: so that he vnder­standeth [Page 32] by heart, the words also, which doo manifest the same, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh: see Math. 12.34.] Vers. 21. 21 The lippes of the righteous [i. his good and holie words, as verse 13. of this Chapter] doo feede many, [vz. with good things, as with the gift of know­ledge, iudgement, vtterance and such like] but fooles shall dye for want of wisedome. [q.d. so farre off is it, that they can feed many or any by their word and speach, that for want of sound iudgement and knowledge, they shal pull destruction vpon themselues.] Vers. 22. The blessing of the Lord, [vz. only, 22 or alone] it [vz. indeed and nothing but it] maketh rich, [i. maketh men rich, as verse 4. of this Chapter. And how true this is, wée haue it daylie confir­med by experience, and finde it written also Psalme 127.1, 2, &c.] and he doth adde no sorowes with it. [i. God doth most perfectly make men rich, and setteth his farre off from al griefes, that the wicked haue with their riches.] Vers. 23. Jt is a pastime to a foole to doo wickedly: [i. he taketh great delight 23 and pleasure in the same, as men doo in their sports or pastimes] but wise­dome is vnderstanding to a man. [i. it bringeth him to great iudgement and vnderstanding, both of Gods matters and mens.] Vers. 24. That [vz. euill 24 and punishment] which the wicked feareth, [vz. to bee powred forth vppon him] shall come vpon him: [vz. both sodainlie and certainly: see Chapter 1.26, 27.] but God will graunt [vz. in great mercie] the desire of the righteous. [i. such good things as godlie men wish and pray for according to his will.] Vers. 25. As the whirle wind passeth, [vz. away, and that with great vehe­mencie 25 and sodainnes] so is the wicked no more: [vz. to bee seene, but he pas­seth from his place with as great swiftnes: see Psalme 37.37. but the righ­teous is as an euerlasting foundation. [i. shall remaine stedfast for euer and e­uer, as a foundation that cannot be remoued.] Vers. 26. As vineger is [vz. 26 hurtfull] to the teeth, [vz. of a man, because the power and force of it, special­lie if it be taken in any great quantitie, doth dull the teeth] and as smoke [vz. is hurtfull] to the eyes, [vz. of men, because it doth not onely trouble them much many times, but also in some is a meane to drawe humors downe too fast] so is the slothfull [i. idle or negligent person] to them that send him. [vz. about any affaires, either publike or priuate. He exhorteth men from vsing heauie and sluggish persons, in performance of any their businesses, because they can get nothing by such but trouble and griefe.] Vers. 27. The feare 27 of the Lord [i. an vnfeigned reuerence of God in mens hearts] increaseth the daies [vz. of mans life, he meaneth by this speach, that it is a meane to bring them with greater peace and prosperitie to the yeres which they should liue by Gods appoyntment, or by their owne nature, or by the constitution of their bodies] but the yeares of the wicked [i. of their life] shall be diminished. [vz. very much: And as Dauid saith in one of his Psalmes, the vngodlie shall not liue out halfe his daies.] Vers. 28. The pacient abiding [vz. for 28 the execution and performance of Gods will] of the righteous [i. which the righteous haue and vse] shall be gladnes: [i. shall certainlie in the ende bee re­compenced [Page] with abundance of ioy, for he speaketh of the plural number: and this must be vnderstood, not only because they hope they shall inioy gladnes, but also because their hope shall end in gladnes, and they obtaine that which they hoped for, and so be made throughly glad] but the hope of the wicked [i. both the thinges which he hoped for, and the hope he had to receiue them] shall perish. [i. come to naught, and so he shall be ouerwhelmed with sorrowe, 29 because he is frustrate of his hope.] Vers. 29. The way of the Lord [i. both the things which he commandeth, and the knowledge which good men haue of his prouidence and gouernment] is strength to the vpright man: [i. matter of great strength and boldnes against all euill and sorrowe whatsoeuer] but feare [i. great sorrowe and griefe, and continuall trembling] shall be for the workers of iniquitie. [or to them, when they shall looke vpon Gods waies and gouernment: see Hosea 14. vers. 9. And touching these words, workers of 30 iniquitie, see Psalme 6.8.] Vers. 30. The righteous shall neuer be remoued: [vz. from the hope and feeling of good things, euen in this life] but the wic­ked shall not dwell [vz. long] in the land. [vz. but shall shortly be rooted out of 31 it, and cut from it.] Vers. 31. The mouth of the iust shall be fruitfull in wise­dome: [i. he shall most pleasantly and plentifully vtter wise and holie things, euen as fruite yeeldeth abundance, wherevpon words are called the fruites of the lippes. Isaiah 57.19.] but the tongue of the froward shall be cut out. [i. he that giueth himselfe to speake frowardly and peruersly, shall be depriued 32 of his speach, because the meane thereof shall be taken from him.] Vers. 32. The lippes of the righteous knowe what is acceptable: [i. they knowe and can speake those thinges, which will procure fauour, both before GOD and men] but the mouth of the wicked speaketh froward things. [i. the vngodlie spare not to speake such things as may displease both God and men.

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Vers. 1. FAlse balances [vz. vsed in buying and sel­ling, he putteth the balance for all thereto appertaining] are an abhomination vnto the Lord: [i. are such things as the Lord abhorreth and condemneth by the Lawe: see Leuit. 19.35, 36. Deuter. 25.13, 14, 15, 16. And vnder this he condemneth all fraudulent dealing in buying and selling whatsoeuer] but a perfect weight [i. an vpright and iust weight: In the Hebrue text it is stone, because they were 2 wont to weigh with stones] pleaseth him. [vz. greatly or much.] Vers. 2. When pride commeth, [vz. vppon any man, i. when any man beginneth to waxe proude against or aboue others] then commeth [vz. vnto him] shame: [vz. amongst and before men. He meaneth, that contempt is the companion of pride: see Prouerb. 16.18.] but with the lowlie [vz. in heart, as well as in outward shewe] is wisedome. [i. true wisedome, which lowlines and wise­dome ioyned together doo truely exalt a man: see Prouerb. 15.33. Also 18.12.] 3 Vers. 3. The vprightnes of the iust [i. their vpright and iust dealings towards God and men] shall guide them: [vz. euen whether they would come, or els it shall keepe them safe and sound for euer, and leade them tho­rowe [Page 34] out the whole course of their life, till they come to the hauen of safetie here, and of heauen in the life to come, as may appeare by the verses follow­ing] but the frowardnes of the transgressors [i. of such as trāsgresse Gods law: meaning by peruersnes or frowardnes, not onely that which is in them­selues, but also that wherewith they doo, either on the one side oppresse o­thers, or on the other side peruert, or make them like naught vnto them­selues] shall destroy. [i. shall be a forcible meane to pull vpon them from God a iust destruction.] Vers. 4. Riches [vz. whether they bee gotten iustly or 4 vniustly, that is not the matter] auaile not [vz. any whit at all] in the day of wrath: [i. at any time when God sheweth himselfe angrie: q.d. such as trust, when God laieth any either publike or priuate calamitie vpon them, to bée deliuered through their riches, they are much deceiued: see Ezech. 7.16. Zepha. 1.18.] but righteousnes deliuereth from death. [i. the righteous are deliuered either from bodilie punishments in this life, or els altogether from eternall death: see this expounded before, Chapt. 10.2.] Vers. 5. The righ­teousnes 5 [i. the good conscience and faithfull dealing] of the vpright [vz. in heart as well as in word, for both must concurre] shall direct his way: [i. kee­peth him vpright in this life, and ordereth the whole course of the same, so that he hath good successe in all things, and falleth not, because he laboureth continually to followe Gods will] but the wicked shall fall [vz. certainlie and assuredly] in his owne wickednes. [i. either as he is walking in his owne wicked and crooked waies, or els in that wickednes that he hath deuised a­gainst others, he shall be snared: but I rather like of the first sense.] Ver. 6. 6 The righteousnes of the iust [see before verse 5. of this Chapter] shall deliuer them: [vz. from eternall death, and all hurtfull dangers in this life, as verse 4. of this Chapt.] but the transgressors [vz. of Gods lawe] shall be taken [vz. certainly and sodainly] in their owne wickednes. [i. in that which they had de­uised against others, and indéede laied vpon them: see Psalme 7.15. or els expound it as verse 5. of this Chapter.] Vers. 7. When a wicked man dieth, 7 [vz. here amongst men] his hope [i. both the hope he himself had to oppresse others, and the hope that other men had in him] perisheth, [vz. vtterly, and commeth to nothing] and the hope of the vniust shall perish. [q.d. be assured of this, that his hope shall take no effect: and he repeateth the thing for the more certaintie of it: I knowe other men reade it and expound it otherwise, but me thinketh this is plaine.] Vers. 8. The righteous escapeth [vz. tho­rowe 8 the goodnes and mercie of God] out of trouble, [i. out of sundrie and manifold troubles: see Psalme 34.19.] and the wicked shall come in his stead. [vz. into affliction and troubles: q.d. we doo oftentimes see it fall out, that the wicked man commeth into the place of the righteous man being de­liuered from trouble, euen as it were a redemption for him.] Vers. 9. An 9 hypocrite [i. he that thinketh one thing with his heart, and speaketh another thing with his mouth] with his mouth [i. with his false & counterfeit words: mouth, put for words vttered with the mouth, as sundrie times before] hur­teth [Page] his neighbour: [vz. either while he bringeth men to the state of dissimu­lation that he himselfe is in, or els, while he seemeth friendly in words, yet in heart wishing him euill, he laboureth to destroy him and his substance] but the righteous shall be deliuered [vz. through Gods grace and goodnes, from such hypocrites and dissemblers] by knowledge. [vz. of their falsehood and hypocrisie, and by a wise foresight shall deliuer himselfe and others from 10 their corruption.] Vers. 10. In the prosperitie of the righteous [i. when good men prosper, florish, and are exalted] the citie [i. the people of the citie, if they be godlie wise, and indued with vnderstanding: and this must not only bée referred to cities, but to kingdomes, he putting a part of a kingdome for the whole] reioyceth, [vz. excéedingly, and as it were with singing and shouting; for so much I suppose the Hebrue word and text will yéeld] and when the wicked perish, [vz. from amongst men, meaning when they dye] there is ioy. [vz. yea great ioy, amongst the people of the kingdome or citie: they reioyce in the one, because of the good they receiue from them, and reioyce at the de­parture of the other, because of the euilles they indured vnder them.] Ver. 11 11. By the blessing of the righteous, [i. by the good deedes and good words of godlie men, which are called blessings, because that by them God doth after a sort powre blessings vpon the people] the citie is exalted: [vz. very much, that is, it hath a great name, and florisheth mightelie] but it is subuerted [i. quite and cleane destroyed] by the mouth of the wicked. [i. by wicked wordes and counsels that the vngodlie vtter and giue, see verse 9. of this Chapter.] 12 Vers. 12. He that despiseth [vz. either in countenance, worde, or deede] his neighbour, [i. any man that is any manner of way ioyned vnto him] is destitute of wisedome: [i. bewraieth himselfe to bee a very foolish man] but a man of vnderstanding [i. he that is truely wise indeede] will keepe silence [i. will temper himselfe, and abstaine from shewing contempt any manner of 13 way against another.] Vers. 13. He that goeth about as a slanderer, [vz. of other men. It seemeth to bee a metaphore taken from pedlers, who mingle sundrie sortes of ware together, and go from place to place to vtter those things which they haue receiued of others: so slanderers tell that to one, which they haue heard of another, and goe hether and thether to gather vp tales to tell to other men, and yet many times tell them otherwise than they heard them] discouereth a secret: [which is a wicked thing, specially if it bée committed to a man: this gadding from place to place with tales, is forbid­den by God. Leuit. 19.16.] but he that is of a faithfull heart, [vz. towards God and his brethren] conceileth [i. keepeth close] a matter. [vz. committed 14 vnto him: meaning it of such matters as ought to be kept close.] Vers. 14 Where no counsell is, [i. In what place soeuer, there is not holie and right counsell: for otherwise there is no state so corrupt but hath a counsell: wher­by we see, that a wicked counsell is as no counsell before God] the people fall: [vz. by sundrie meanes into sundrie mischiefes, that cannot be auoyded] but where many counsellers are, [i. where there is store of graue, wise, and holie [Page 35] men, to giue good counsell, and their counsell bee accepted and regarded] there is health. [vz. to the people and subiects: meaning by health, all out­ward blessings, as prosperitie, peace abroad, quietnes at home, and a great number of such like. The Rabbins referre this to warre; but I take it to be such a sentence as verse 11. of this Chapter is, and to be general, stretching it selfe to the right gouernment of Magistrates, and their wholesome coun­sels.] Vers. 15. He shall be sore vexed, [vz. amongst men, and euen in him­selfe] 15 that is suretie [vz. to another man] for a stranger, [i. for one whom he knoweth not] and he that hateth suretiship, [vz. vnlesse he haue good cause to enter into the same] is sure. [vz. from danger, griefe and vexation. How this must be vnderstood, see Chapt. 6. vers. 1, &c.] Vers. 16. A gracious wo­man 16 [i. such a one as is indued with a right reuerence of God, and decked with that hidden man of the heart, which consisteth in a méeke and quiet spi­rite, which spirite also is acceptable before God, & obtaineth fauour amongst men. 1. Pet. 3.4.] atteineth honor, [vz. amongst men, by her good and ver­tuous demeanes, and so consequently praise and commendation, as Pro. 31.30.] and and [I suppose this would rather be turned as] the strong men [in Hebrue it is violent, meaning such as being terrible, and fearefull to others, get riches by all manner of meanes, whether lawfull or vnlawfull, it skilleth not] atteine riches. [vz. amongst men.] Vers. 17. He that is mercifull [vz. 17 towards others, specially when they are distressed and néedie] rewardeth his owne soule: [i. doth good vnto himselfe, also as well as vnto others; for so it pleaseth God to reward the good workes of his seruants] but he [vz. who­soeuer he be] that troubleth [vz. vniustly and without cause, by what means so euer it be, either in word or déed] his owne flesh, [i. his neighbour, or other men: as Isaiah 58.7.] is cruell. [vz. not only to them, but euen against him­selfe also. Some reade it thus] but the cruel man [i. he that is hard hearted and cruelly bent against others] troubleth his owne flesh, [i. hurteth himselfe, while he casteth from him all lawes of nature and curtesie. Indéede I con­fesse that the Antithesis or opposition of this verse, more plainlie appeareth so, and yet I see no reason why the other sense may not as well stand.] Vers. 18. The wicked worketh a deceitfull worke: [vz. both to himselfe, and 18 against others: to himselfe, because he is deceiued of that which he thought to obtaine as a reward, many times getting a cleane contrarie thing, as mi­serie for prosperitie: and against the good, because he seeketh by deceitfull meanes to destroy them] but he that soweth righteousnes, [i. is plentifull in vpright and well doing: see Galath. 6.7, 8, &c.] shall receiue [vz. from the Lord, yea and many times from men also] a sure reward. [i. a reward that shall not deceiue him, neither whereof he shall be deceiued.] Vers. 19. As 19 righteousnes leadeth to life: [vz. both here and in the world to come: vnder­standing by righteousnes the sound fruites of a holy conuersation, both to­wards God and men] so he that followeth euill, [i. fostereth and feedeth the same within him, and seeketh the performance therof] seeketh his own death. [Page] [vz. both of bodie and soule, without vnfeigned repentance and amendment 20 of life.] Vers. 20. They that are of a froward heart, [vz. either against God or men: meaning such as are neuer pleased with any thing] are abomination to the Lord: [i. are such as the Lord abhorreth and cannot abide: see verse 1. of this Chapter] but they that are vpright in their way, [i. haue care of a ho­lie and iust conuersation towards God and man: see Psalme 119.1.] are his 21 delite. [i. are such as he much delighteth in.] Vers. 21. Though hand ioyne in hand, [i. though the wicked indeuour by all the strengthes, subtilties, and aydes that they haue or can procure] the wicked shall not be vnpunished: [q.d. for all that they cannot escape Gods punishments: see Chapter 16.5.] but the seede of the righteous [i. euen his posteritie] shall escape. [vz. iudgements and punishments sent from God, though sometimes it pleaseth him to cor­rect them to their amendement: q.d. not only the godlie, but their posteritie shall be deliuered; whereas the vngodlie, though he get many to take his part shall not escape, when as the godlie shall deliuer both himselfe and o­thers.] 22 Vers. 22. As a iewell of gold [vz. is an vnseemely thing] in a swines snout, [vz. because the swine will defile it with dirt and myre] so is a faire wo­man, [i. so is it vnseemely for one to be indued with beautie, which indeede is a good gift from God] which lacketh discretion. [vz. to gouerne her selfe mo­destlie, soberlie, and in the feare of God: q.d. beautie doth as little become a 23 mad or foolish woman, as a precious iewell doth become a sowe.] Vers. 23. The desire of the righteous is only good, [i. they desire nothing but that which is good, for that word only is an exclusiue particle, shutting out euill things. Not meaning, that they neuer wish euill, but rather that for the most part they desire good] but the hope of the wicked [i. the wicked may hope or looke for nothing els] but indignation. [i. vengeance from God, or els such thinges 24 as shall vexe and grieue them, and make them angrie.] Vers. 24. There is [vz. a man, putting it also for a certaine number of men] that scattereth, [i. liberally bestoweth the goods and possessions, which God hath blessed him with all: see Psalme 112.9.] and is more increased: [vz. in riches and abun­dance, through the speciall blessing of God, and the right vse of these things] but he that spareth more [vz. either from himselfe or others, which is the common fault of couetous persons and niggards] then is right, [i. than he may and ought to doo] surely commeth to pouertie. [vz. notwithstanding all his pinching and sparing: q.d. so farre off is it, that the niggardly man shall increase and waxe rich, as the liberall doth, that he shall haue euery day lesse 25 than other, and become more needie.] Vers. 25. The liberall person [vz. towards others, but specially towards the godlie poore] shall haue plentie: [vz. giuen him from the Lord] and he that watereth, [vz. others with his store] shall also haue raine. [vz. giuen him from the Lord, that he may more and more doo good vnto others. The metaphores of watering, and hauing raine, would bee considered, and marke that this verse differeth not much 26 from the next before going.] Vers. 26. He [vz. whosoeuer he be] that with­draweth [Page 36] the corne, [vz. from the market, where it should be sold, keep [...] [...] against a deare time] the people will curse him: [i. speake, as iustly they haue occasion, all manner of euill of him, as that he is couetous, miserable, &c. see for this fault Amos 8.5, 6, &c.] but blessing shall be vpon the head of him [i. he himselfe shall be blessed and well spoken of amongst men, whosoeuer he be, see Chapter 10.6.] that selleth corne. [vz. plentifully and good cheape, so that the poore may be prouided for: vnderstanding by corne in this verse, all manner of vittaile and prouision.] Vers. 27. He that seeketh [vz. careful­lie 27 and diligentlie: for so much doth the Hebrue word import] good things [vz. not only for himselfe, but for other men also] getteth fauour: [vz. there­by, and that both before God and men] but he that seeketh euill, [vz. either a­gainst himselfe or others, whether it bee of ignorance or of knowledge, see verse 19. of this Chapter, where he turneth it by following euill] it shall come to him. [vz. certainlie and assuredlie, and that many times before he thinke of it, or be aware of it.] Vers. 28. He that trusteth [vz. any whit at all, yea 28 though it be neuer so little] in his riches, [i. in the riches which GOD hath giuen him, or he hath gotten] shall fall: [vz. as a withered leafe, or rotten bowe, falleth from the tree: see the trueth of this Luke 12.15, 16, &c.] but the righteous shall florish [vz. excéedingly, or very much: meaning by florish­ing, prospering] as a leafe. [vz. which shall not fall or fade, as Psalme 1.3. The word turned here a leafe, signifieth also a branch, as Nehem. 8.15.] Vers. 29. He that troubleth his owne house, [vz. by vnwise gouernment of the 29 things which God hath giuen him, either prodigally consuming them on the one side, or miserably sparing them on the other: vnderstanding by these words his owne house, all the things that God hath blessed him withall, as patrimonie, goods, &c.] shall inherite the winde, [i. shall bring to passe, that his possession shall goe into the winde as it were, and he haue nothing left him: q.d. he shall be brought to such extremitie, that he shal haue nothing left him but the ayre] and the foole [i. the wicked man brought into such want] shall be seruant. [i. shall be glad to be a seruant] to the wise in heart. [i. to him that is truely wise in God.] Vers. 30. The fruite of the righteous [i. the com­modities 30 and fruites which men may receiue from a righteous person] is as a tree of life, [i. as a tree that giueth life: see before Chapt. 3.18. He mea­neth, that the righteous man is liuely in his doctrines and precepts] and he that winneth soules, [i. gaineth and getteth men to God, and bringeth them to the sound knowledge and worship of his Maiestie: see for this phrase Iames 5.20.] is wise. [i. is right wise, or wise in God, vsing his knowledge and talent, not only to his owne good, but to the good of others.] Vers. 31. 31 Behold, [q.d. I speake a strange and wonderfull thing, therefore marke it well] the righteous shall be recompenced [vz. with iudgements from God, for his transgressions] in the earth: [i. while he liueth here vpon the earth] how much more then the wicked and the sinner. [q.d. how much more shall they feele Gods heauie iustice vpon them. By wicked and sinner he vnder­standeth [Page] men notoriously euil, as Psalm. 1.1, 6. And for the true meaning of this place see. 1. Peter 4.17, 18. &c.

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Vers. 1. HE [vz. who soeuer he bee] that loueth [vz. in­déede and vnfeinedly] instruction, [vz. either from God by his word, or from men as his Mi­nisters] loueth knowledge: [i. sounde and fincere iudgement: and the reason hereof is, because that by instruction men come to knowledge: q.d. hee that loueth and liketh of a good meane whereby a good thing is obteyned, doth loue and like of the good thing it selfe] but he that hateth correction [vz. either from God or man] is a foole [Page] [i. a wicked person. He meaneth, that the righteous, who yeeldeth to the in­structions and corrections of the Lord, doth not onely thankfully receaue the same, but is prouoked thereby, more and more to growe vp in heauenlie 2 wisedome: see Psalme. 94.12.] Vers. 2. A good man [i. hee that hath care and conscience, both to knowe, and to performe good things] getteth fauour of the Lord [i. is accepted and well liked of the Lorde: and yet hee maketh mention of getting, because we must by prayer and other holy meanes séeke it, though we knowe it is by God speciall gifte, that so we may be prouoked to praye, and exercise our faythe] but the man of wicked imaginations [i. hee who thinketh nothing els but euill against other, yea and himself also in the 3 end] will he condemne. [i. the Lord wil pronounce him guiltie of wickednes] Vers. 3. A man cannot be established [vz. long to continue vpon the earth] by wickednes [i. by deuising and performing euill things: q.d. let the wicked thinke by their wickednes to make their state strong, yet is it a matter im­possible, that they should long continue and indure,] but the roote of the righ­teous [i. the righteous himselfe and all thinges whatsoeuer appertayning to him] shall not bee moued. [vz. for euer: it seemeth to bee the same in other wordes which is expressed before chap. 10.25. And he maketh mention of the roote, because if the roote bee sound and prosper, the body and braunches 4 cannot chuse but doo well.] Vers. 4. A vertuous woman [vz. such a one, as is described afterwards in this booke. chap. 31.10, 11. &c.] is the crowne of hir husband [i. is a great glorie, honor, and credit vnto him: see Philip. 4.1. 1. Thessal. 2.19. also 1. Corinth. 11.7.] but she that maketh him asha­med [vz. by her euill manners, folly, or wicked life, meaning also, by making him ashamed, bringing of him into contempt amongst men] is as corrupti­ons in his bones [i. as greeuous and paynefull vnto him, and almost as incu­rable, as greeuous diseases, that haue not onely eaten the flesh, but entered 5 into the bones.] Vers. 5. The thoughts of the iust are right [i. they thinke vpon iust, right, and holy things] but the counsels of the wicked [i. their con­spiracies, and practises] are deceitfull [i. full of crafte and subtiltie: he oppo­seth to the godly, the wicked, and to their thoughtes, the subtilties and crafts 6 of the vngodly.] Vers. 6. The talking of the wicked [i. all their words and speech is to lye in waite for bloud [i. tendeth all to this end, to spoyle men and to take their liues from them:] but the mouth of the righteous [i. good mens words and speeches: see chap. 10.31.] will deliuer [vz. from danger and 7 destruction] them. [i. those, for whose life, the wicked lye in waite.] Vers. 7. God ouerthroweth the wicked [vz. thorowe his iust iudgement against them for their sinnes: or it may bee turned thus,] the wicked ouerthrowe them­selues [vz. thorow their owne vngodlines] and they are not: [vz. to be found amongst men aliue, but dye and decaye: see Ierem. 31.15. and Matth. 2.18.] but the house of the righteous [i. he and all whatsoeuer apperteyneth vn­to him] shall stande. [vz. firme and sure and not be shaken: see chap. 10.25. 8 chap. 11.21.] Vers. 8. A man [vz. of what state or condition so euer he [Page 38] be] shall be commended [vz. amongst men] for his wisdome: [i. for his wise, and sincere handling of matters: it may be vnderstoode also, as though hee should be commended, according to the measure and proportion that he hath receaued of it] but the froward of heart [i. he that doth things rashly and fro­wardly] shall be despised. [vz. both of God and men.] Vers. 9. He that is 9 despised [vz. of other men] and is his owne seruant, [q.d. and yet notwith­standing, is sufficient of himselfe, dooing his owne busines, wheresoeuer it be] is better [i. is in a better case, and that by many degrees] than hee that boasteth himselfe [vz. of his great honor, riches, &c.] and lacketh bread. [i. suffereth want, and hath little or nothing to mainteyne himselfe with all. For bread here is put for all manner of mayntenance.] Vers. 10. A righte­ous 10 man [i. a good and faithfull dealing person] regardeth the life of his beast, [i. hath a good eye to preserue it, meaning by this speeche that hee is merci­full, if to beastes, much more to men: q.d. he is so gentle and curteous, that he neglecteth not his owne cattell, but giueth them their meate, attendance, and all other things necessary in due time, how much more then doth he care for his houshold and needy persons] but the mercies of the wicked [vz. if hee haue any at all, which also may be doubted of] are cruell [i. tend euen to cru­eltie, and haue crueltie mingled with them. Some reade it thus,] but the mercies of the wicked, are the mercies of a cruell man [i. they haue no more mercies, then a cruell and outragious person hath.] Vers. 11. He that 11 tilleth his land [i. is faithfull and paynefull in his calling, for hee putteth one sorte, vz. husbandrie for all] shallbe satisfied with bread [i. shall not onely haue sufficient maintenance, but fulnes of it, hee vseth the worde bread, for meate, drinke, cloth, and all things necessarie, for the maintenance of mans life,] but he that followeth [vz. as an example in his dealings and behauior, and trade of life] the idle [i. idle headed fellowes, and such as giuing them­selues to vanitie, woulde not followe any honest trade, or occupation. The same word, is turned Iudges 9.4. vaine.One referreth it rather to the things than to the persons, and indeed I suppose the Antithesis or comparison would better stand so] is destitute of vnderstanding [i. of right vnderstand­ing, how wise so euer he seeme notwithstanding in his owne eyes.] Vers. 12. The wicked desireth, [vz. very greatly and earnestlie] the net of euills 12 [i. all manner of meanes, whereby he may cast others into many euills and mischiefes, and so hurt and grieue them. Some turne it thus] the net of euill [vz. men: q.d. he wisheth to vse the same deceites to oppresse good and inno­cent people with all, that the wicked vse. Some turne it thus] the wicked desireth the ayde of euills [i. ayde and defence against them: q.d. he hath an earnest desire to be established and defended from all euills, but his desire is in vaine, as vers. 3. of this chap. and this I rather like of] but the roote of the righteous [see before vers. 3. of this chap.] giueth fruite. [I would rather read giueth it, [vz. defence against euill and mischiefe.] Vers. 13. The euill man 13 is snared [vz. fast, and caught very sure] by the wickednes of his lippes, [i. by [Page] his wicked wordes vttered with his lippes: q.d. the naughty man, by his owne lewde words, bringeth all manner of greefe and destruction vpon him­selfe] but the iust shall come out of aduersitie [vz. by the wisedome of his words and speech, hee shall escape great affliction, and manifolde dangers, meaning, that eyther by the wise weighing of his words, he taketh heed of distresse, or if he fall into any trouble, doth thereby deliuer himselfe from the 14 same.] Vers. 14. A man [i. a good and wise man] shall be satiate with good things [i. shall obteyne plenty and abundance of good things] by the fruite of his mouth, [i. by the good, wise, and holy words which he vttereth with his mouth, as thankes giuing is called the fruite of the lippes, Heb. 13.15: q.d. euery good man shall receaue moste large and excellent fruite of his speech, when he shall speake learned, right, and holy things] and the recompence of a mans hands, shall God giue vnto him [i. God will recompence him, meaning euerie man according to the works done in this flesh: and so in this parte of 15 the verse, he passeth from wordes to deedes.] Vers. 15. The way of a foole [i. the trade of life and conuersation which hee affecteth, yea whatsoeuer thing he liketh, vnderstanding by foole, a peruerse wicked man] is right in his owne eyes: [i. seemeth so to be in his owne iudgement, how crooked & froward soeuer it bee before God and good men] but he that heareth counsell [i. good and holy counsell, meaning also by hearing of it, practising and obeying of it] is wise. [vz. in deed: q.d. whatsoeuer a foole dooth, he dooth it without aduise or counsell of other men, why so? Because he is caried away, with an ouer­weeuing of his owne deuises, whereas the wise man vseth other mens coun­sels, 16 and trusteth not to himself.] Vers. 16. A foole in a day [i. very quick­lie and soone, yea euen in that day and at that present, wherein he shall be pro­uoked to wrath, shall be knowne to be a foole, because he cannot suppresse his raging wrath] shal be knowne by his anger: [vz. against others: q.d. he can­not put off or defer his wrath, but by and by manifesteth it, and so withall be­wrayeth his folly] but he that couereth shame [vz. offered vnto him, by some iniury or outrage: he meaneth not here to allow of hypocrisie and dissimu­lation, but that whosoeuer hee is, which can paciently put vp wronges, of­fered or done him, and stirreth vp no brawles or contentions, but rather will suffer than reuenge, or declare his rage and furie vnto men, (which thinge also after a sort, might purchase shame to himselfe) hee I say, that 17 thus can doo] is wise [vz. indeede, or truely wise.] Verse 17. Hee that speaketh [vz. from his heart, and that plainly and openly] trueth, [i. true things] will shewe righteousnes: [i. will not bee either afraide or ashamed to declare too, and before others his vpright dealing] but a false witnes vseth de­ceit. [i. all manner of deceit both in heart and word, that he may the more 18 cunningly couer his craft.] Vers. 18. There is [vz. a man, meaning there­by great numbers in the world: see Chapt. 11.24. Also Chapt. 13.7.] that speaketh words like the pricking of a sword: [I would rather turne it,] like the persings or thrustings in, or through with a sword, [that is, that speaketh such [Page 39] sharpe, bitter, and pernicious words, which pearce a man as much as gree­uous thrusts with a swords poynt, whether it be by false witnes bearing, or otherwise by the euil speach and deadly poison of the tongue] but the tongue [i. the words and speaches, because they are vttered by the tongue] of wise men [i. of men which are truely wise indeede] is health. [i. healthfull and pro­fitable both to themselues and others.] Vers. 19. The lippe of trueth [i. not 19 only true speaches, but specially and chiefly the persons vttering them] shall be stable for euer: [i. shall not only last and continue, but be alwaies like vnto themselues, not varying in tales or speaches] but a lying tongue [i. lyes and lyers] varieth incontinently. [i. are not onely variable in the matters they deale withall, but vanish away quicklie, because they are of no longer conti­nuance but a moment.] Vers. 20. Deceit is in the heart of them that ima­gine 20 euill: [vz. against others, meaning that they performe their mischiefes against others by craft and deceit: but I rather allowe his reading who tur­neth it thus] deceit falleth into the heart of such as imagine euill: [i. the wic­ked are many times destroyed by their owne subtiltie and craft, the conside­ration whereof bringeth vnto them most gréeuous sadnes] but to the coun­sellers of peace [i. to such as shall perswade and counsell men to good things] shall be ioy. [vz. both of heart and bodie, and so the Antithesis agreeth very aptly.] Vers. 21. There shall none iniquitie [i. no gréeuous punishment for 21 sinne or iniquitie committed, for he doth not mind to exempt good men from sinning in this life] come [vz. from the Lord] to the iust: [i. to the good and holie man: q.d. whatsoeuer iudgements fall vpon him for sinne, he shall not liue long in the same, as though he were an abiect: sée vers. 13. of this Chap. but the wicked are full of euill. [vz. both of transgression, and of punishment for it, committed against God.] Vers. 22. The lying lippes [i. both lyes and 22 lyers] are abomination to the Lord: [i. the Lord cannot abide them: see Chapter 6.17. Also Chapter 11.1.] but they that deale truely [vz. both in word and déede] are his delight. [i. are such as he taketh delight and pleasure in: see Chapt. 11.20.] Vers. 23. A wise man conceileth knowledge: [i. the 23 knowledge that he hath, not that he kéepeth it close altogether, but hauing it in him as it were in a treasure house, doth vtter it in fit time and place, and as may bring greatest grace to the hearers] but the heart of the fooles publi­sheth foolishnes. [i. as they haue conceiued foolishnes in their hearts, so they spare not shameleslie as it w [...]re to vtter it: see Eccles. 10.3.] Vers. 24. The 24 hand of the diligent [i. such as be laborious and painefull in their callings: he putteth a part for the whole] shall beare rule: [vz. ouer others, Chapter 10. verse 4. He saith, maketh rich: and here he vseth another word, because that through riches they obtaine power, and so get rule ouer others] but the idle shall be vnder tribute. [vz. of others, meaning hereby that they shall be in slauerie and very poore estate.] Vers. 25. Heauines [vz. of heart, specially 25 if it be once déepely rooted and setled in the same] in the heart of man [vz. of what calling or state soeuer he bee] doth bring it downe: [i. doth through sor­rowe [Page] depresse and kéepe it vnder, meaning the heart: for we know that sad­nes doth no whit at all profite men, but rather cast them many times into deadlie and gréeuous diseases] but a good word [i. euen one word of comfort spoken chearefully] reioyceth it. [i. many times maketh it glad againe: the 26 plaine proofe of this is euery mans owne particular experience.] Vers. 26. The righteous is more excellent [vz. by many degrées, and in euery respect] than his neighbour: [vz. who careth not for righteousnes and goodnes: and this he speaketh, because the world and common sort of people think the iust men to be abiects] but the way of the wicked [i. the order of life and conuersa­tion wherein they walke] will deceiue them. [vz. at the last, howsoeuer they florish in the pleasures of sinne, which last but a while, as the Apostle saith to 27 the Hebrewes.] Vers. 27. The deceitfull man [i. he that giueth himselfe to deceit] rosteth not [i. hath neither pleasure nor profite of that] that he tooke in hunting: [i. of that which he atchieued, either by intollerable paines taking, as hunters doo, or els by stealth and indirect meanes, such as hunters vse many times: the reason is, because that betweene his mouth and the morsell he hath many discommodities and lets, so that he cannot inioye that which he hath gotten] but the riches of the diligent man [i. of him that tra­uaileth faithfully and painfully] are precious. [i. excellent and very good. One readeth it thus] but the diligent person enioyeth the precious substance of a man. [i. is made owner and possessor of precious and excellent things, be­longing 28 many times to a wicked person.] Vers. 28. Life [vz. both true life in this world, and eternall life in the world to come] is in the way of righte­ousnes, [i. is to be found and obtained by a righteous and holie conuersation] and in that pathway [vz. of a good and holie life] there is no death. [vz. which is eternall, though the bodilie death apprehend the good as well as the bad, as appeareth by many examples.

Se.

Vers. 1. A Wise sonne [i. childe, whether it bee sonne or daughter] will obey [vz. in deed and truth] the instruction of his father: [i. which his father shall giue him: vnderstanding by the name fa­ther, parents, as by the name sonne before, child] but a scorner [i. such a one as doth de­spise the doctrines of wisedome] will heare no rebuke. [vz. from other men for his amende­ment: meaning by hearing, regarding: for this word scorner, see Chapt. 9. 2 7, 8, 12.] Vers. 2. A man [i. a good and wise man] shall eate good things [i. shall finde and enioy them] by the fruite of his mouth: [i. by his good and wise words: see Chapt. 12.14.] but the soule of the trespassers [i. the trespassers themselues both in bodie and soule: and yet he maketh mention of the soule, because it is the principall part] shall suffer violence. [vz. from God, and ma­nie 3 times from men, as Genes. 6.11.] Vers. 3. He that keepeth his mouth, [vz. from idle or euill speach: meaning hereby, such a one as hath a care, not in words to passe the bounds of his calling, or godlines] keepeth his life: [vz. in peace, quietnes and prosperitie] but he that openeth his lippes, [vz. to lewd and wicked speaches: in the word opening is a metaphore taken from har­lots, as appeareth Ezech. 16.25.] destruction shall be to him. [i. he shall bée 4 destroyed by his lewd words and speaches.] Vers. 4. The sluggard lusteth, [i. he hath a desire or wishing onely, and nothing els] but his soule [i. he him­selfe] hath nought [vz. besides his bare wishes: q.d. the slothfull desire many things, and feede themselues with bare wishes, but in the meane while, be­cause they labour not, they obtaine nothing of the things which they desire] but the soule of the diligent [i. the diligent and laborious person himself] shall haue plentie. [vz. of all good things, yea more many times than they wish or 5 desire: see Chapt. 11.25. Vers. 5. A righteous man hateth [vz. vnfeigned­lie, and euen as it were a filthie and stinking thing] lying words: [i. lyes, and all things thereto appertaining] but the wicked causeth slander and shame. [vz. to himselfe and others by his lying speaches: meaning also, that he doth so much loue and imbrace falshood, that he will be contented to be coun­ted [Page 41] a filthie person, and hated of all good men, rather than depart from it.] Vers. 6. Righteousnes [i. faithfull and holie dealing] preserueth [vz. before 6 God and euen in this life] the vpright of life: [i. such as leade an vpright and blessed life] but wickednes [vz. against God and men] ouerthroweth [vz. through Gods iust iudgement] the sinner. [i. the notorious euill men: see Chapt. 1.10.] Vers. 7. There is [vz. a man, that is sundrie men: see Chap. 7 12.18.] that maketh himselfe rich, [vz. by his boasting words, and so would be accounted by the pompe he beareth amongst men] and hath nothing: [q.d. and yet for all that, he is worth little or nothing] and [vz. there is another man, or another sort of people] that maketh himselfe poore, [i. would seeme so to be before men] hauing [vz. notwithstanding that] great riches. [i. great abundance of riches. Most interpreters agree, that the first part of the sen­tence is spoken against vaineglorious boasters, amongst whom little or no­thing is to be had: and the latter to bee vnderstood of such as haue contented mindes: the former I like well, but the latter I like not, because the compa­rison is not so fit, and therefore I would haue it to bee vnderstood as before, vz. of feigning pouertie, when they haue great abundance.] Vers. 8. A 8 man [i. euery man that hath wit and vnderstanding] will giue [vz. francklie and freelie] his riches [i. all the riches that he hath] for the ransome of his life: [i. for the redemption of it, or to redeeme it, if he bee in danger to lose it: see Psalme 48.7, 8.] but the poore [vz. man] cannot heare [vz. as to redresse it] the reproch. [vz. vttered against him. His meaning, I thinke, commeth to this much in effect, that riches and pouertie haue both their commodities and their discommodities: for as to rich men their riches are profitable for the maintenance and pompe of this life, and pouertie is discommodious to the poore; so riches are sundrie times discommodious to the rich, because they procure many dangers to the owners thereof, and yet pouertie is com­modious at the least in this respect, because mens hearts are free from the feare of enuious persons, who would insnare them, and they haue not so rea­die an occasion to reuenge themselues as otherwise.] Vers. 9. The light of 9 the righteous [i. the great blessings and good things which in great plentie shall be powred forth vpon them. It is vsuall in the Scripture, by light to vnderstand all good and prosperous things: and I take it to be a metapho­ricall speach borrowed from the light of the Sunne, which first rising, and afterwards increasing in brightnes, séemeth it selfe to reioyce, whilest lighte­ning all things, and euen the whole face of the earth it maketh them glad] reioyceth: [i. maketh glad both themselues, and other that behold it: q.d. the righteous shall continuallie enioy felicitie, glorie, life, gladnes, &c. see Psalme 97.11.] but the candle of the wicked shall be put out. [i. that little estate of fe­licitie and prosperitie which they seeme to haue in this life, shall sodainlie va­nish away: q.d. there is as great difference betweene the ioyes of the good and the bad, both in respect of the greatnes and continuance thereof, as is betwéene the Sunne and a candle, and their seuerall lights and continuance: [Page] 10 see Chapt. 4.18, 19.] Vers. 10. Only by pride [i. through pride of heart: meaning vnder the word only, that pride is not the only cause of contention, but one of the chiefest: for many times men braule euen of peruersnes and of fond emulation and enuie against other] doth man [i. doo men, for he spea­keth of them all, as though they were but one] make contention: [i. stirre vp strife one of them with another] but with the well aduised [i. with such as both can giue good counsell, and will humblie hearken to other mens good speaches] is wisedome. [vz. to take heede that they kindle not strife, or foster 11 contention.] Vers. 11. The riches of vanitie [i. after some, vaine riches, which are so called, because they vanish away; but I suppose that he mea­neth such riches as are gotten by any vaine, false, or vngodlie way whatsoe­uer] shall diminish: [vz. certainlie, meaning that indeede they should bee brought to nothing and consumed] but he that gathereth [vz. riches and goods] with the hand, [i. with the labour of his owne hands] shall increase them. [vz. through Gods especiall blessing, for otherwise it cannot bee: see Chapt. 10.2, 4. Also Chapt. 12.24. His purpose is to commend diligence, 12 and to teach men to auoide idlenes, craft, and whatsoeuer els.] Vers. 12. The hope that is deferred, [i. the thing hoped for, if it be put off from time to time, and not quicklie performed] is the fainting of the heart: [i. it maketh a mans minde to faint and quaile] but when the desire [i. the thing desired, wi­shed, and looked for] commeth [vz. vnto men, i. is granted them] it is as a tree of life. [i. it is a most sweete and pleasant thing, and as a man would say, a very proper and healthfull medicine for a minde that languisheth in lusting 13 and desiring: see Chapt. 3.18.] Vers. 13. He that despiseth the word, [vz. of almightie God, or the good word of exhortation drawne from the same] he shall be destroyed: [vz. certainly, and assuredly, through the iust iudge­ment and vengeance of GOD vppon him] but he that feareth the com­mandement, [vz. of GOD, vnderstanding by feare, an humble reue­rence and loue, and by one commandement all commandements of God whatsoeuer, yea euen the whole lawe] he shall be rewarded. [vz. from the Lord: neither can the Papistes gather, neither neede any man feare out of this, merites; because there is a great difference betwixt desert, and 14 reward.] Vers. 14. The instruction of a wise man [i. such holie and wise instructions as hée giueth] is as the welspring of life [i. is not onely plen­tifull of good thinges but also bringeth with it, both to himselfe, and those whome he instructeth life in this life, and afterwards eternall life: see chap. 10. vers. 11.] to turne away [vz. men: q.d. it serueth also to this ende, for this is added, for the more plaine and full declaration of the matter] from the snares of death [i. from such snares, as if men be caught therewith, kill them: he meaneth specially sinnes, which bring with them eternall death.] Vers. 15 15. Good vnderstanding [vz. of such things as God hath manifested vnto vs in his worde, vnderstanding also hereby good wit, holy wisedome, and the gift wisely and learnedly to vtter good things] maketh [vz. men that haue it] [Page 42] acceptable [vz. both before God and men: see chap. 3.4.] but the way of the disobedient [i. their order of life, and course of conuersation] is hated. [vz. both of God, and also of good men.] Vers. 16. Euerie wise man [i. euery one that 16 is truely wise] will work [vz. the things that he doth] by knowledge [i. sound and right knowledge: q.d. whatsoeuer he doth, he will doo it with wisedome and iudgement, and not rashly] but a foole will spread abroad [i. bewray and publish] folly [i. his owne folly: see chap. 12.23.] Vers. 17. A wicked mes­senger 17 [i. an vnfaithfull one, and such a one as dooth not truely execute his message or charge] falleth [vz. many times thorowe Gods iust iudgements, and that or euer he thinketh of it] into euill: [i. into affliction, sorrowe, grief, and punishment, and so hurting himself also, smarteth iustly, for his vnfaith­fulnes] but a faithfull Ambassador [i. hee that faithfully performeth his charge] is preseruation [vz. to himselfe, to him or them that send him, and to those also, for whose cause he is sent.] Vers. 18. Pouertie and shame [vz. 18 from God, but yet in the presence of men] is to him [vz. whosoeuer he bee] that refuseth instruction: [vz. of goodnes: q.d. he that will not regarde good and holy counsell, shall fall into beggery, and be made a shame amongst men] but he that regardeth correction [vz. to followe it, and to become the better by it] shall be honored [i. he shall florish with riches and honor, and be accep­ted both of God and men.] Vers. 19. A desire [i. the thinge desired, as 19 vers. 12. of this chap.] accomplished [vz. by good and holy meanes, for here he speaketh of the desiring of good things, and the lawfull accomplishment thereof] delighteth [vz. very greatly] the soule: [i. the party wishing or desi­ring the same: one parte put for the whole, and yet hee dooth not without cause make mention of the soule, because in it is the quality or faculty of de­siring] but it is an abhomination vnto fooles [i. a lothsome and tedious thing, yea such a matter as their affection dooth vtterly abhorre] to departe from e­uill, [i. from that euill whereunto they are naturally giuen, and which they foster and feede in themselues, thorowe a vaine pleasure and delight in the same.] Vers. 20. He that walketh with the wise: [i. is conuersant and 20 familiarly acquainted with wise persons] shall be wise [i. thorowe Gods blessing shall become wise by meanes of wise speeches and talkes, that shal passe from them] but a companion of fooles [i. he that ioyneth himselfe in society and fellowship with the wicked] shall bee afflicted. [vz. euen as they themselues, either because he committeth sinne with them, or consenteth to euill: as Rom. 1.13.] Vers. 21. Affliction [i. punishment and vengeance 21 sent from the Lord] followeth [vz. euen as the shadowe doth the body, mea­ning also, that it dooth euen pursue them so egerly, that it leaueth them not, till they be vtterly destroyed] sinners [i. peruerse and obstinate sinners: see chap. 11.31.] but vnto the righteous, God will recompence [vz. of his large liberality and goodnes] good, [i. all good things for this life, and the life to come.] Vers. 22. The good man shall giue [i. leaue behind him] inheritance 22 [i. goodes and lands to be inherited] vnto his Childrens Childerne [i. vnto his [Page] posteritie for many generations: see Psalme. 128.6. he meaneth, that the Lord will in mercy shewe such fauour to good men, that not onely they them­selues shall enioye their landes and liuing, but euen their issue after them, vnto many generations.] and the riches of the sinner [i. the goods and lands that he possesseth] is laid vp [vz. safe and sure] for the iust. [vz. that they may possesse and enioye them. Hee meaneth that neither the wicked them­selues, nor their vngodly seede and posteritie after them shal inioy them, but the good shall haue them. How true this is, see Iob. 27.16, 17. see also Ester. 23 8.7, 11.] Vers. 23. Much foode [i. much graine and corne méete for foode: so is the word taken Gen. 42.2.] is in the feild [vz. that is well tilled and manured, though perhapes the soyle it self be somwhat barren] of the poore: [i. of that man, who though he be poore, yet notwithstanding is diligent in his labour] but the field is destroyed without descretion. [he meaneth, that the corne in the field, can come to little or no profit, where there is not good hus­bandrie, and good gouernement. One readeth it thus:] But there is [vz. a man] who consumeth himselfe [i. both himselfe and all that he hath] thorowe sluggishnes [or els vnskilfulnes, for the word importeth both, and is set here against the knowledge and diligence of the poore laboring man: q.d. by idle­nes and want of skill hee commeth to nothing, and is vtterly consumed.] 24 Ver. 24. He that spareth [i. withholdeth from the correction and chastising of his child,] his rodde, [i. the rodde of correction, which God hath committed into his hands] hateth his sonne: [i. his child, as ver. 1. of this chap. meaning that he is euen as though he did hate him, because that not correcting him, he is a cause, that he falleth into euill, by meanes whereof, he doth at the length, pul vpon him his owne destruction] but he that loueth him, [vz. vnfeinedly, and with the loue of a godly father] chasteneth him [vz. measurablye: and according to the offence committed] betime. [i. in good season, and while that he is tender and yong, least growing in yeres, he growe in strength and cou­rage, and so either little regarde, or vtterly refuse, all fatherly correction.] 25 Vers. 25. The righteous eateth, [vz. of the giftes and blessings which God hath bestowed vpon him,] to the contentation of his minde: [i. to the satisfying of himself, for he noteth vnder that word, not onely contentednes, but abun­dance also] but the bellie of the wicked [i. the wicked himselfe, a part for the whole, putting also bellie, for the stomack, wherein resteth appetite] shall want [vz. many times great store of Gods blessings: he meaneth that good men, haue alwaies sufficient and abundance, but the wicked neuer: see Psal. 34.10. also Psalme 37.16.

Se.

Vers. 1. A Wise woman [i. euery woman that is truely wise, fearing God, and regarding their hous­hold affaires in holines and modestie,] buil­deth her house [vz. not so much with out­ward furniture and shewe, as while that by hir labor, and the right gouernement of her houshold, she doth by all meanes keepe, de­fende, and increase the same] but the foolish [vz. woman, who is set against the wise woman mentioned before] destroy­eth it [i. her house and familie] with hir owne hands [i. whilst that vnheede­ly, by hir naughtie deedes, negligence, and euill gouernement, she suffereth 2 all things to goe to wracke.] Vers. 2. He that walketh in his righteousnes, [i. leadeth an vpright life voyde of hypocrisie: and it is called his righteous­nes, not because he hath it of himselfe but because God in great mercie hath communicated the same vnto him] feareth the Lord [vz. vnfeinedly] but he that is leaude in his waies, [i. leadeth a leaud and lose life] despiseth him [i. of­fereth as much as in him lyeth despite and contempt against the Lorde, be­cause he despiseth his lawe: q.d. by the order of a mans life, euen as it were [Page 44] by certaine fruites, may a man be knowne, whether he be godly or wicked.] Vers. 3. In the mouth of the foolish [i. in wicked mens wordes vttered with 3 their mouth] is the rodde of pride: [i. is there great and wonderfull pride, wherewith in the height of his minde, hee dooth not onely strike sometimes and hurt other men, but giueth other men standing by and hearing, staues, and clubbs as it were, to strike himselfe,] but the lippes of the wise [i. words vttered with their lippes, as sundrie times before] preserue [vz. from hurt and danger,] them [i. both the wise themselues, and others that depende vp­on them: the reason is, because they obserue a measure, and wisedome in their speeches, that they neither hurt themselues nor others: see chap. 12.6.] Vers. 4. Where none Oxen are, [vz. such as can worke and goe to plowe, be­ing 4 accustomed to the yoke and tillage. Vnderstanding hereby all worke­men, and whatsoeuer appertayneth to husbandrie] there the crib is emptie: [i. there is nothing, no not for the beastes to eate, much lesse is there any thing in the barnes or storehouses: for vnder one hee vnderstandeth all the rest] but much increase commeth [vz. to the good husbandman,] by the strength of the Oxe, [vz. that laboreth in tillage, meaning thereby, all hus­bandrie and tillage, with al things thereto appertaining whatsoeuer.] Vers. 5. A faithfull witnesse, [i. a faithfull man being called foorth to witnesse any 5 thing] will not lye: [vz. for any cause whether it be for fauor, feare, flatterie, or otherwise,] but a false record [vz. against men] will speake lies. [vz. for euerie cause and in euerie place: meaning that hee that hath falsified his faith in publike iustice, will not spare to strayne it in priuate speeches: see chap. 6.19.] Vers. 6. A scorner [i. he that scoffeth and scorneth at all good things, 6 see chap. 1.22.] seeketh [i. maketh as though he would seeke for, or els in­deede seeketh for it, but not to a right end] wisedome, [i. Gods heauenlie wisdome] and findeth it not: [q.d. for all that hee findeth it not: the reason is because he seeketh it not as he should, that is diligently and earnestly, and to a right end, that is Gods glorie, and the comfort of his children,] but knowledge [vz. of God and his mysteries] is easie to him that will vnderstand [i. that hath a minde, and laboureth to atteyne it: and he saith it is easie, mea­ning to be founde, because she offereth hir selfe vnto all: as chap. 1.20. And Chapter 8.1.] Vers. 7. Depart [vz. quickely and with hast] from the foo­lish 7 man, [i. from the wicked man, that hath his heart seased and possessed, with all manner of follie and euill] When thou perceauest not in him [i. so soone, as thou findest that he hath not] the lippes of knowledge. [i. words that sauor of sounde knowledge, iudgement and wisedome.] Vers. 8. The wis­dome 8 of the prudent [i. the wisdome, that he hath] is [i. consisteth specially in this] to vnderstand [i. to haue a diligent and watchfull eye to] his way: [i. his whole life, and the course thereof whether he imploye it, in words, déeds, or both: q.d. this is his duety, and herein his wisdome appeareth, diligent­ly and with iudgement to weigh whatsoeuer hee attempteth, auoyding al­waies rashnes,] but the foolishnes of the fooles is deceit [i. tendeth wholy and [Page] altogether to deceit: q.d. the fooles in their folly, regard this thing specially to 9 deceaue others. Vers. 9. The foole [i. all foolish and wicked persons, as appeareth because the word is of the plurall number in the Hebrewe text] maketh a mocke of sinne, [i. maketh no more account of it, than of a mat­ter of sport or play: see Chapter 10.23.] but among the righteous there is fauour. [i. vnfeyned good will one of them towards another. Some readeth it farre otherwise, and maketh another sense of it, which also I rather allow of, thus] Sinne [vz. which the wicked and vngodlie men com­mit, and they knowe one by another,] maketh fooles to agree [vz. one of them with another: q.d. their partaking in wickednes, ioyneth the wickeds minds one of them towards another,] but among the righteous: [i. the good and holy people] that which is acceptable [vz. before God & good men,] ma­keth agreement, [vz. among themselues: q.d. good things only tie good mens 10 minds together.] Vers. 10. The heart [vz. onely] knoweth [vz. perfectly and thorowly] the bitternes of his soule, [i. the heauines and grief that the soule in­dureth] and the stranger [i. whatsoeuer is without] shall not meddle with his ioye. [i. with the ioye of the heart or soule. For the inward ioye which wee haue in the heart, none knoweth so well as wee our selues, neither are wee able by any outward signes to expresse the greatnes of the inward ioye. In the meane while we learne, not to giue our selues too much ouer to sadnes or 11 ioy, but to kéepe the golden rule of measure or mediocritie in both.] Ver. 11. The house of the wicked [i. he, and all that he hath] shall be destroyed: [vz. through Gods iust iudgement] but the tabernacle of the righteous [i. he him­selfe, and all that appertaineth to him] shall florish. [vz. through the fauour and goodnes of God: against a large and faire house in outward shewe, he 12 setteth a weake and lowe tabernacle.] Vers. 12 There is a way [i. there is an order and course of life] which seemeth right to a man: [vz. in his owne iudgement] but the issues [vz. or ends] thereof [i. of that way] are the waies of death. [i. leade the high and readie way to death and destruction: because we are easilie deceiued with the shew of right, he counselleth vs not to stand to our owne imaginations, but to trie both our manners and opinions by 13 the rule of Gods word.] Vers. 13. Euen in laughing [i. while men laugh] the heart is sorowfull, [i. their hearts are possessed with great sorowe, though many times they would couer the same, and shake it off with laughter] and the end of that mirth [vz. which is made so from the téeth outward] is hea­uines. [i. great and much sorowe, specially of heart: q.d. It falleth out many times, that while a man laugheth, and laboureth either to ease or shake off the griefe of his heart, that he returneth notwithstanding to sorowe and hea­uines.] 14 Vers. 14. The heart [i. the man himselfe, and yet he speaketh of the heart, because there is the fountaine and beginning of euill] that declineth [i. turneth aside, either to the right hand or to the left, from the lawe and word of God] shall be saciate with his owne waies: [i. shall walke so long in the wic­kednes that his owne heart hath deuised, that he shall bee filled as it were [Page 45] with wickednes, and at the length be ouertaken with Gods iudgements for the same: see Chapter 1.31.] but a good man shall depart [vz. quicklie, and with as much speed as he may for feare of afterclappes] from him. [vz. that starteth a side from the obedience of Gods commandements.] Vers. 15. 15 The foolish will beleeue [vz. very easilie, and without any great perswasion] euery thing: [vz. which is tolde them] but the prudent will consider [vz. déep­lie and earnestlie] his steppes. [i. the waies wherein he shall walke, and the things which he shall doo: q.d. he will doo nothing rashlie, but diligentlie will examine and weigh whether he ought to beleeue or doo it: see before vers. 8. of this Chapter.] Vers. 16. A wise man [i. a godlie wise man] feareth, [vz. 16 the euill that is for to come, meaning corporall punishments in this life, and eternall in the life to come] and departeth from euill: [i. sinne and transgres­sion, which is a meane to drawe both temporall and eternall punishments vpon vs,] but a foole [i. a wicked man] rageth, [vz. very sore, both against God and men] and is careles. [vz. of that which is to come: q.d. he boldly runneth headlong into rage, and in his furie desperatly committeth all man­ner of euils whatsoeuer, for he feareth not Gods iudgement, or any punish­ments to come, and therefore casteth himselfe headlong into the same.] Vers. 17. He that is hastie to anger, [i. he that hath no stay of himselfe, but suf­fereth 17 his anger against others speedelie to breake out] committeth follie, [i. not onely bewraieth the foolishnes of his heart, but is making post hast to great and greeuous sinnes] and a busie bodie [vz. such a one as is a conti­nuall medler in other mens causes and affaires] is hated. [i. purchaseth ha­tred to himselfe, both from God and man. The word which is here turned busie bodie, is in Hebrue, the man of imaginations, which phrase sundrie men take diuersly: some in euill parte, as though he should meane such a one, as is not hasty to wrath, but thinketh long vpon the mischief he will doo, and so he should compare two contrarie vices: the one is headlongnesse to anger: & the other is, malice long meditated and thought vpon. Other some take it in the good parte, meaning by a man of thoughtes, a man circumspect and wary in his words and deedes, and then it is read thus: He that is hastie to anger committeth follie, [yea he is hateful to a circumspect or wise man: and this I take to be the best, the holie Ghost minding to note the discommodi­ties, that hastines to wrath bringeth with it.] Vers. 18. The foolish doo in­herit 18 follie: [he meaneth not onely that folly is borne with them, and is as it were their inheritance, but also, that in processe of time, they doo receaue the fruite of their follie also,] but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. [hee meaneth that knowledge which they haue to performe good things by, is as it were a crowne vpon their heads, and that they shall in the end receaue al­so, a moste glorious fruite of the same.] Vers. 19. The wicked shall bowe, 19 [vz. in token of reuerence and submission] before the good, [i. such as God maketh good:] and the wicked [vz. shall stand waiting thorow néede of one thing or other,] at the gates of the righteous. [i. before their doores. Thus it [Page] pleaseth the Lorde, to make things some times fall out in this life, for the 20 comfort of the godly, and the example of the wicked.] Vers. 20. The poore [i. he that commeth by any meanes into pouertie] is hated, [i. lothed, and despised,] euen of his owne neighbour, [i. euen of him that in all reason and duety, should moste tender and pittie his case:] but the frends of the rich are many, [i. such as haue riches and store haue aboundance of frends, for the 21 world will loue his owne.] Vers. 21. The sinner [i. the notorious wicked man: as sundrie times before] despiseth his neighbour: [vz. because hée is poore] but he that hath mercie vpon the poore [i. pittieth them, and prouideth for them. Psalm. 41.1.] is blessed [vz. of God, or els by blessed, he meaneth, is praysed and commended amongst men. Some reade it thus.] This sin­ner [vz. which hateth the poore man, and estéemeth the rich] shall be despised of his neighbour: [vz. for that his sinne: q.d. God will bring this iudgement vpon him, that hee which despiseth others, shall of others bee despised him­selfe] but, O blessed is he [q.d. certainely of what state or condition so euer he bée, hée is blessed] that sheweth fauor [vz. either in countenance, word, or 22 déede] to the poore [i. to them that are in néede.] Vers. 22. Doo not they erre [vz. from the right way, which God hath prescribed vnto them] that ima­gine euill [vz. against others. This demaunding noteth a more certaine and assured affirming of the matter: q.d. without doubt they goe astray, and therefore must of necessitie miserably perish,] but to them that thinke [vz. earnestly and déepely] on good things, [vz. towards God and man] to doo the same,] shall bee mercie and trueth: [vz. from the Lord bestowed vpon them, yea and men also shall deale mercifully and truely with them: q.d. God will faithfully performe his promises, in the accomplishment whereof, is manifested both his mercie and truth, and he will moue men also in truth 23 and mercie to deale with them.] Vers. 23. In all labor, [vz. which a man taketh vpon him, in his ordinary calling, vnderstanding by labor, diligent and faithfull imploying of a mans selfe in his owne function] there is abun­dance, [vz. of good things and blessings, meaning that he which giueth him­selfe painefully to followe labor in his calling, shall thriue and prosper,] but the talke of the lippes, [i. bare and vaine words, as when a man will labor with his tongue, and let the rest of his members bee idle,] bringeth onely want: [i. bringeth nothing with it but pouerty: that word onely I would re­fer, rather to the first words, reading it thus, but the talke of the lippes onely, [q.d. where there is no more but labor in the mouth, and no performance of 24 it in deed, there must of necessity be beggery & pouerty. Ve. 24. The crowne of the wise is their riches [i. the riches which wise men thorowe Gods goodnes possesse, and haue them annexed vnto their wisdome, they are a singular or­nament vnto them: this word crowne, is sundry times so vsed before] and the follie of fooles is foolishnes, [q d. though fooles haue neuer so great rich­es they auaile them nothing, to remoue their folly, but their folly is meere folly notwithstanding all that, yea they are so farre of from adorning them, [Page 46] that they rather serue to stayne them, because they are instruments and ar­guments, to cause them more and more to bewray their folly.] Vers. 25. 25 A faithfull witnes [i. he that being called to witnes a matter, speaketh faith­fullie and truely] deliuereth [vz. from danger and distresse] soules: [i. men, or persons: see Exod. 1.5. meaning such as were ready to be destroyed and were oppressed thorowe euill reports] but a deceiuer, [i. a deceitfull and false witnes] speaketh lies: [vz. against men, by which he indeuoreth to bring men to death and destruction: he setteth deceit against trueth, and speaketh of lies against deliuerance, because that lies many times bring men to great danger and destruction.] Vers. 26. In the feare of the Lord is an assured 26 strength [i. hee that hath a right and reuerent feare of Gods Maiestie plan­ted in his heart, neede not feare any thing, for the Lord will bee an assured strength and defence vnto him] and his children, [i. Gods children, whome he hath in Christ begotten vnto himselfe, by the incorruptible seede of his word, that they might walke in his reuerence and feare: for I had rather re­ferre it vnto them, than to the posteritie and children of good people, (though I knowe that sense also may stand) because good fathers many times, haue euill children,] shall haue hope. [i. an assured hope in the Lorde, which shall not make them ashamed, as Roman. 5.5.] Vers. 27. The feare of the Lord 27 [i. the right and reuerent feare of his Maiestie, planted in mens hearts] is as a wel-spring of life, [i. blessednes in this life, and eternall life in the world to come, doth aboundantly proceede from it: see Prouerb. 13.14. also chap. 10.11.] to auoide [i. to teache men to auoyd and shunne] the snares of death: [i. such snares, as in which if men be caught and escape not from them, there is no way, but death both of bodie and soule: see chap. 13, 14.] Vers. 28. 28 In the multitude of the people, is the honor of a king [i. it is a great honor and credit for a king, to haue many people willingly subiect vnto him, and rea­dy to performe his will: and therefore for the increase of the same he ought to vse equitie and clemency, and not tyrranie and cruelty to lessen them,] and for the want of people commeth the destruction of the Prince. [vz. because his countreyes and territories, are easily subdued to the power of his ene­mies, because he hath not forces sufficient wherewithall to resiste and so are the borders of his gouernement diminished. Vers. 29. Hee that is slowe to 29 wrath [vz. against other men, laboring to master the rage of his affections: sée Iames 1.19.] is of great wisdome: [i. declareth thereby, that God hath blessed him with abundance of wisdome, while he can refraine his rage, and doo nothing rashly] but hee that is of an hastie minde: [vz. against others, meaning such a one as is furious, and soone stirred vp:] exalteth follie, [i. doth openly commit it, as though hee woulde lifte it vp that all men might sée it: see vers. 17. of this chap.] Vers. 30. A sounde heart [i. a heart frée from 30 vicious affections, specially from euill will, and despight against others] is the life of the flesh: [i. bringeth health and soundnes to the whole man that hath it: hee putteth a parte for the whole] but enuie [vz. once conceaued [Page] in the heart against other men] is the rotting of the bones: [i. will quickely consume a man, and bring him to his end, as the diseases, which lye in the boanes, and eate them vp: sée chap. 12.4. q.d. hee that is of a courteous, gentle, and free heart, shall haue a sound body, and passe away his dayes in quietnes reioycing other men also: but the trouble which enuie bringeth with it, leaueth not the strongest parts of the body sounde, but infecteth and corrupteth them, and maketh the whole man, in all mens iudgement filthie, 31 and stincking.] Vers. 31. He [vz. of what state or calling so euer hee bee] that oppresseth [vz. by fraude, force, slaunder, or other wise, for the word is generall, and reacheth to any kinde of oppression,] the poore, [i. the needie, and he that is not able to make his parte good against him] reprooueth, [vz. by his wicked and leud dealing,] him that made him: [i. God, who appoin­ted that hee should bee poore, and this hee speaketh, because the wicked man thinketh, that God either cannot, or will not deliuer him out of his hands: it may bee taken also thus, that whosoeuer releeueth not the poore, despiseth God: [see Matt. 25.35. &c.] but he honoreth him: [i. the Lord, and why doth he honor him? Because hee dooth a worke appoynted by God in his lawe] that hath mercie on the poore. [i. sheweth him pittie and compassion: 32 see vers. 21. of this Chap.] Vers. 32. The wicked shall be cast away [vz. from the Lord, and from the enioying of his gracious presence, which the godly alwaies behold] for his malice: [1. for the euill and naughtines which he hath committed against God and man,] but the righteous hath hope [vz. of Gods fauor and goodnes towards him, and of his owne deliuerance] in his death, [i. either when he dyeth, or else is set in most grieuous distresses, the greatest whereof is death: q d. though he should dye, yet he would not doubte of Gods goodnes towards him. Psalme 23.4. for euen death it selfe 33 should be for his good.] Vers. 33. Wisdome [i. holy and heauenly wisdome from God,] resteth [vz. as it were in his owne house or dwelling place] in the heart [i. in the soule and minde] of him that hath vnderstanding: [i. of all that delight in wisdome and vnderstanding,] and is known [i. wisdome is made manifest] in the midst of fooles [i. openly and in their sight, so that they can pretend no ignorance. A worthie man readeth this latter parte by rea­son of some supplie of words, farre better in my iudgement thus,] but the foolishnes which is in the foolish: [i. their owne follie and want of wit] offe­reth it selfe to be knowne. [i. it cannot long bee dissembled, for they will pre­sently manifest, and bewray the same: see Chap. 12.23. Chap. 13.16. and 34 also vers. 29. of this Chap.] Vers. 34. Justice, [i. the execution of iustice vprightly, without any fauor, feare, or hatred] exalteth a nation: [i. maketh it famous, not onely for the time present, but also establisheth the same in lastingnes for the time to come: see Chap. 16.12.] but sinne [vz. either a­gainst GOD or man] is a shame to the people: [i. is an effectuall instrument, 35 to bring the people to shame and confusion.] Vers. 35. The pleasure of a king is [i. euery good and wise king, taketh great pleasure and delight] in [Page 47] a wise seruant: [i. a héedie, circumspect, and diligent officer] but his wrath [i. the Kings great displeasure] shall be towards him [i. shall iustly fall vppon him] that is lewd. [vz. in his dealing and behauiour, by which he worketh shame, and discredite to his Prince: and indéede so much doth the Hebrew text yéeld.

Se.

Vers. 1. A Soft answer [i. gentle, quiet, and méeke words] putteth away wrath: [vz. of another man, either conceiued or expressed against vs: see Chapt. 25.15.] but greeuous words [i. words that worke griefe in the partie against whom we speake] stirre vp anger. [vz. against vs: and here he teacheth what things followe mens speach; to wit, peace followeth vpon quiet words, and trouble vpon bitter and hastie speaches.] Vers. 2. 2 The tongue of the wise [i. the wise man himselfe: a part for the whole, and yet he nameth the tongue, because wisedome and knowledge is expressed therewith] vseth knowledge aright: [i. doth aptly and profitably, and seaso­nably vtter it, and maketh it more acceptable, vsing it in time and place] but the mouth of fooles [i. fooles themselues: and yet he nameth the mouth, be­cause they doo especially by that meanes bewray it] bableth out [vz. rashlie, and without any regard] foolishnes. [i. their owne follie: see verse 28. of this Chapter. In this verse he teacheth men to frame their speaches with know­ledge, or according to knowledge.] Vers. 3. The eyes of the Lord [i. his cer­taine 3 sight and knowledge. He speaketh of God according to man, not that God hath eyes, but because we doo most assuredly knowe those things which we see] in euery place [vz. wheresoeuer it be] behold [vz. plainlie and mani­festlie, for nothing can bee hid from his sight: Hebrew. 4.13.] the euill [vz. men] and the good. [vz. men, meaning also euery word and déede that com­meth from them: q.d. seeing the Lord looketh vppon you, looke that your words be vttered in the reuerence and feare of his Maiestie.] Vers. 4. A 4 wholesome tongue [i. a tongue that speaketh wholesome & profitable things, and vttereth whatsoeuer it vttereth in wisedome and knowledge, with equi­tie and vprightnes, and that to other mens profite] is as a tree of life: [i. bringeth both to himselfe speaking, and to others that heare him, life: for this phrase see before Chapt. 3.18. Also Chapt. 13.12.] but the frowardnes thereof [i. of the tongue: of which see Iames 3. almost throughout: meaning by frowardnes, the froward things also vttered thereby] is the breaking of the mind. [i. is great griefe and sorowe vnto the heart. One readeth it thus, and better in my mind:] but the frowardnes which commeth by it, is as a breach made by the winde. [meaning of the Easterne wind, which is most vehement and forcible: q.d. He that is of a peruerse and froward speach, shall fall into most gréeuous hurt and danger, and shall pull vpon himselfe most sodaine and violent calamities.] Vers. 5. A foole [i. a wicked and vngodlie child] 5 despiseth [i. little or no whit at all regardeth] his fathers instruction: [i. the in­struction and counsell that his father and parents giue him: q.d. he is foolish whatsoeuer he be that regardeth not his parents aduise or good counsell] but he that regardeth [vz. rightly and reuerently] correction, [vz. in wordes or [Page] déedes, from whom soeuer it come] is prudent. [i. is rightly wise, or wise in­déede.] 6 Vers. 6. The house of the righteous hath much treasure: [i. the righ­teous mans house is well stored and filled with good things, meaning also thereby, that he hath both the vse and possession of them] but in the reuenues of the wicked [i. in that which the wicked haue, how much or little soeuer it be] is trouble. [i. great and excéeding trouble: vz. for the keeping of it, if it bée 7 much, and for the spending of it, if it be little.] Vers. 7. The lippes of the wise [i. their words vttered with their lippes, or you may take it simplie: because the lippes are the instruments of speach] doo spread abroad know­ledge: [vz. wheresoeuer they can, or doo come, for they haue a desire to make men partakers of their gifts] but the heart of the foolish doth not so [vz. be­cause it is voide of knowledge and iudgement, and so cannot vtter wisedom, 8 but bewray follie rather, as Chapt. 13.16.] Vers. 8. The sacrifice of the wicked [i. which they themselues bring, or offer vnto the Lord, vnderstan­ding by sacrifice, all ceremonies and outward things whatsoeuer, though they were done neuer so solemnely and sumptuously in Gods seruice: and against these he setteth the bare and simple praier of the righteous onely] is abomination to the Lord: [i. he lotheth and abhorreth it: see Chapt. 11.1. all sacrifices are reiected, where godlines is not annexed] but the praier of the righteous [i. such supplications as procéede from his heart] is acceptable vnto him. [i. vnto the Lord, but that is in the only mediation of Christ, for other­wise 9 all things comming from vs, are abominable likewise.] Vers. 9. The way of the wicked [i. his order & course of life] is an abomination to the Lord: [see verse 8. of this Chapter: he meaneth that the Lord abhorreth whatsoe­uer commeth from the wicked, either in thought, word or déede, because it all tendeth to the euill and hurt of others] but he loueth [vz. with an vnfeigned and perpetuall loue] him [vz. whosoeuer he be] that followeth [vz. earnestlie and egerlie, see Psalme 34.14.] righteousnes. [i. holie life and good dealing.] 10 Vers. 10. Instruction [vz. giuen by any] is euill [i. it seemeth so to bee in his iudgement, vpon whom it is bestowed, or els he meaneth, that it is vnprofi­table, for euill is not put here, as directly contrarie vnto GOD, because in­struction is alwaies good] to him that forsaketh the way, [vz. which GOD hath prescribed in his word] and he that hateth [i. cannot away withall or abide, but abhorreth as an euill thing] correction, [see verse 5. of this Chap. shall dye. [vz. certainlie and sodainlie, or els eternally, for it may bee taken 11 both waies.] Vers. 11. Hell and destruction are before the Lord: [i. there is nothing so deepe or secret, but the Lord doth most throughly knowe it: see verse 3. of this Chapter] how much more [vz. easilie and plainlie doth he knowe] the hearts of the sonnes of men? [i. whatsoeuer men and their whole posteritie can imagine, thinke, or deuise: and in this respect is it that God is so often called in the Scripture the knower of the heart, and the sear­cher 12 of the heart and reines.] Vers. 12. Ascorner [i. he that not only refu­seth, but scoffeth at counsell and admonition: see Chapt. 1.22. Also Chapt. [Page 49] 3.34.] loueth not him [vz. any whit at all, but hateth him rather] that re­buketh him, [vz. iustly or wisely for his euill and naughtines] neither will he go vnto the wise. [i. he will not keepe companie with them, because he know­eth they will reproue him: q.d. The scorner hateth both the doctrine of God, and those that should teach him also, and that euen for the doctrines sake.] Vers. 13. A ioyfull heart [i. a glad and merrie minde] maketh a chearefull 13 countenance: [i. maketh the whole man merrie; and yet he speaketh of the countenance, because that is one of the meanes whereby the mirth of the minde and heart is manifested; for there can hardly be a merrie countenance where there is a heauie heart, vnlesse that should fall out which was saied before: Chapter 14.13.] but by the sorowe of the hart [i. by meanes of that griefe and sorowe, which seaseth and possesseth many times a mans heart] the mind [vz. of a man] is heauie. [i. is made or become heauie and sad: some reade, and the Hebrue text also seemeth to import so much] the spirit is bro­ken [i. the man sigheth often, and draweth his breath very hard: q.d. his life is almost at an end.] Vers. 14. The heart of him [i. he himselfe, a part for 14 the whole, and yet he speaketh of the heart, because if the heart or minde bée not set vpon it, wee shall hardly obtaine it] that hath vnderstanding, [i. that through Gods goodnes hath obtained some measure of it] seeketh [vz. care­fully and diligently] knowledge: [i. increase of knowledge: q.d. he hath care to bee euery day more skilfull than other] but the mouth of the foole [i. the foole himselfe: and yet because meate is first receiued into the mouth before it go into the stomacke, and so become nutritiue, he maketh mention of it] is fed [vz. continually, meaning that the foole taketh as great delight in the same, as in all manner of dainties] with foolishnes. [i. with his owne follie, and other mens also, who frame themselues to his humour.] Vers. 15. All 15 the daies [vz. of the life of a man, from the time his affliction and griefe be­ginneth, till it haue an end] of the afflicted [i. of any which is afflicted & trou­bled in minde, because his state and condition in this life is no better: mea­ning it of a poore man that is not content with his owne portion, as may ap­peare by the verses following] are euill: [i. grieuous, tedious, and bitter, spe­cially to flesh and bloud] but a good conscience [i. he that hath in himself peace towards God, quietnes before men, and contentednes in his owne soule] is a continuall feast. [i. bréedeth as great pleasure and delight to him that hath it, as if he were daylie fed with most fine dainties.] Vers. 16. Better is a 16 little [vz. which a man hath of his owne through Gods blessing] with the feare of the Lord, [i. hauing a reuerence of Gods Maiestie in his heart, both quieting his minde, and teaching him the right vse of it] than great treasure [vz. howsoeuer it be obtained] and trouble therwith. [vz. to the owner there­of, and in his minde which wauereth, and is vnquiet, either for the sure kée­ping of it, or for the sodaine forgoing of it.] Vers. 17. Better is a dinner of 17 greene hearbes [i. a very meane & slender dinner] where loue is, [vz. towards the parties bidden, and among the parties themselues, because there all [Page] things shall bee well accepted] than a stalled oxe [vz. prepared for a dinner or banquet: meaning also thereby a most sumptuous feast] and hatred there­with. [i. an euill affection either towards the parties bidden, or one of them 18 towards another.] Vers. 18. An angrie man [i. one giuen much to anger] stirreth vp strife: [vz. in euery companie wheresoeuer he commeth, yea ma­ny times amongst them where there is great peace and quietnes: see Chap. 29.22.] but he that is slowe to wrath, [i. will hardly, or not at all be moued thereto, see Chapt. 14.29.] appeaseth [vz. by all the meanes he can he inde­uoureth to quiet and pacifie] strife. [vz. kindled, and stirred vp before, so 19 farre off is he from prouoking men thereto.] Vers. 19. The way [i. the order and course of his life] of a slothfull man [i. of him that sluggishly and sloth­fully goeth about his duetie] is as an hedge of thornes: [i. is so slow and hard, as if it were all beset with thornes & briers, meaning, that so it seemeth also vnto himselfe; and therefore he euer findeth some let or stay that he dare not go forward: see Chapt. 26.13.] but the way of the righteous [i. the order and course of life which he taketh] is plaine. [i. most easie and commodious, so that he findeth nothing to hinder him to walke on chearefully therein.] 20 Vers. 20. A wise sonne reioyceth the father: [i. maketh the father to reioyce and be glad: see Chap. 10.1.] but a foolish man [i. a wicked disobedient and vngodlie child] despiseth [i. setteth little by, or regardeth not at all] his mo­ther. [i. neither her person, nor any good thing that commeth from her.] 21 Vers. 21. Foolishnes [i. wickednes and sinne] is ioye [i. is a matter of mirth and delight] to him that is destitute of vnderstanding: [i. to a wicked and vn­godly man, which knoweth nothing of heauenly wisedome. I take it to be the same almost that is sayd, Chapt. 14.9, 24.] but a man of vnderstanding [i. a godly and wise man] walketh vprightly. [i. ordereth all his actions, and frameth his manners to that which is good and right, neuer straying from 22 the right way.] Vers. 22. Without counsell [i. without right, holie, and good counsell] thoughts [i. all things thought vpon and deuised] come to nought: [i. to no effect and purpose: q d. it is not enough to thinke vpon things, but there must be counsell taken how to performe the same] but in the multitude of counsellers [i. of good and faithfull counsellers] there is stedfastnes. [vz. both of purpose and performance, if the thing bee good: see Prouerb. 11.14.] 23 Vers. 23. A ioye commeth to a man [i. there is a man which hath great and singular ioy] by the answer of his mouth: [i. by the words and speaches which he vttereth with his mouth, whether he answer things demanded, or speake otherwise: q.d. when a man speaketh wisely to any person in any place, he hath great occasion and matter of ioye giuen him] and how good [q.d. it is a hard thing to expresse how swéete and profitable: so haue you the word good vsed, Psalme 133.1.] is a word [vz. spoken or vttered] in due season? [i. in fit and conuenient time, see Psalm 1.3. Al is as much: q.d. a wise man is much refreshed, and greatly reioyceth when hée seeth his counselles to fall well 24 out, and things to come to passe as he said.] Vers. 24. The way of life [i. the [Page 50] way that leadeth vnto life, yea the very true life it selfe] is on high to the pru­dent, [i. is in heauen, and therefore he thinketh of heauenly things, and ten­deth thetherward, Philip. 3.20. Coloss. 3.2.] to auoide [i. that walking in the same he may auoid] from hel beneath. [i. both from death and destruction, which the desire of earthly things bringeth with it, and also from the place of eternall torment.] Vers. 25. The Lord [vz. himselfe in his iust iudge­ment] 25 will destroy [vz. vtterly, and as it were pull vp by the rootes] the house of the proud men: [i. them themselues, their seede, rase, substance, and what­soeuer belongeth vnto them; for so large I take the signification of the word house to be] but he will establish [vz. firme and sure] the borders of the wid­dowe. [i. all that doth appertaine to the poore and abiect persons as it were. He setteth against proud persons, poore widdowes, then who, none are com­monly more iniured amongst men.] Vers. 26. The thoughts of the wicked 26 [i. wicked mens thoughts, and the things they thinke vpon] are an abomi­nation to the Lord: [i. are such things as he cannot abide] but the pure [vz. in heart and conuersation] haue pleasant words, [i. speake such things as are good and acceptable before God, and profitable to the hearers.] Vers. 27. 27 He [vz. of what calling or condition soeuer he be, specially if he be a Magi­strate] that is greedie of gaine, [i. that gapeth after it, and careth not by what meanes he come by it, so he haue it: see Chapt. 1.19.] troubleth his owne house: [i. whereas he thought to get peace thereby, and to inlarge his sub­stance, purchaseth trouble, and many times the decrease of his familie: see Chapt. 11.29.] but he that hateth gifts, [vz. offered him to peruert iustice, or to performe ill causes: see precise commandements against giftes taking Exod. 23.8. Deut. 16.19.] shall liue. [vz. well and plentifully in this life, notwithstanding his refusall of the same, but specially in eternall life.] Ver. 28 28. The heart of the righteous studieth to answere: [vz. not only when hée is demanded, but also to speake, for so doth the Scripture vse that word of an­swering: see Math. 11.25. He meaneth, that the good man speaketh nothing but that which he hath long meditated of before, least his tongue should runne before his wit: and therefore he commonly speaketh right and good things] but the wicked mans mouth babbleth [i. rashly and hastely powreth out] euill things. [vz. against other, and such as in the end turne to his owne hurt and destruction: see verse 2. of this Chapter.] Vers. 29. The Lord is 29 farre of from the wicked: [i. from helping them, or hearing their voyce: for otherwise God is in euery place, and nigh to all things: he meaneth that God will not heare them, no more than men heare them that are very farre of calling vnto them] but he heareth [i. graciouslie granteth] the praier of the righteous. [i. the things that the righteous praied for: see ver. 8. of this chap. Also Psalme 145.18.] Vers. 30. The light of the eyes [i. for a man to see 30 with the eyes, and to haue the vse of them] reioyceth the heart, [vz. of a man; that is, maketh man and his heart glad] and a good name [i. good fame, and report amongst men] maketh the bones fat. [i. euen reioyceth and strengthe­neth [Page] all the inward parts: so haue you the word bones vsed before, chapt. 12.4. Also chapt. 14.30. Some reade it as though it were a similitude thus] as the light of the eyes reioyceth the heart: so a good name maketh the bones fat. [i. as the eye by the beholding of good things, maketh the whole man mer­rie: so doth the eare by hearing good & wholesome things, of which he spea­keth 31 in the next verse following.] Vers. 31. The eare that hearkeneth [vz. diligently and attentiuely] to the correction of life, [i. to such correction, re­proofe, and admonition as leadeth to life] shall lodge among the wise. [i. shall not onely dwell with them, and be accounted as they are, but shall haue the selfe same blessing from God that they haue, both in this life and in the life to come. And this he speaketh, not of an outward hearing onely, but of such 32 as yéeld sincere obedience to the things heard.] Vers. 32. He that refuseth [vz. by withdrawing himselfe from it] instruction, [vz. of good things, be­ing tendered and offered vnto him] despiseth his owne soule: [i. maketh little account of his life, specially in respect of the life to come] but he that obeyeth correction, getteth vnderstanding. [vz. how in this life to behaue himselfe to­wards God and man, so as he may, after the daies of this wearisome pilgri­mage 33 are finished, come to eternall life.] Ver. 33. The feare of the Lord [vz. rightly planted in mens hearts] is the instruction of wisedome: [i. is such an instruction or doctrine as bringeth men to holie wisedome. One in my mind readeth it better thus] The instruction of wisedome goeth before the feare of the Lord, [i. before a man can obtaine wisedome, and bee led with the reue­rence of God and his feare, which is the beginning of wisedome, Chapt. 1.7. Also Chapt. 9.10. He must of necessitie be taught and learne the precepts of wisedome] and before honor [vz. from God] goeth humilitie. [i. true and vnfeigned humbling of his children: q.d. there is the same order of the fruits which come from the instruction and feare of God, as is of the things them­selues: for to learning, there is ioyned casting downe of men and humilitie: and to the reuerence and feare of God, there is ioyned excellent honor, which God bestoweth vpon them that feare him.

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Vers. 1. THe preparations of the heart are in man: [i. a man hath power to prepare his heart, and wit to direct, how and in what order he will speake or doo any thing. And this he speaketh not, as though it were so, but by the way of concession for if he cannot speake, surely he cannot thinke or deuise without God, but it is: q.d. be it that man haue innumerable thoughts in his heart, and in his head deuiseth this and that,] but the answere of the tongue [i. yet the wordes which hee shall speake and vtter] is of the Lord [i. commeth from him, because without him 2 he cannot so much as wagge his tongue.] Verse 2. All the waies of a man [i. euerie thing that a man thinketh, speaketh or dooth,] are cleane [i. seeme so to be vnto him] in his owne eyes: [i. in his owne iudgement: putting eyes for iudgement, because we take those things to bee moste sure and sufficient which we see] but the Lord pondereth [i. diligently weigheth and déepelie considereth] the spirits, [vz. of men, meaning thereby, all their imaginati­ons, words, and workes, because they haue their beginning, in the spirite or vnderstanding of a man, and proceede from the same: q.d. God, euen as it were by number and weight, that is, most certainely searcheth whether that be pure and right that men thinke so to be, and knoweth it by many degrées 3 better than they.] Verse 3. Commit [vz. in a stedfast fayth] thy workes [i. all thy affayres whatsoeuer] vnto the Lord [q.d. in all thinges depende vpon him for a good successe and blessing,] and thy thoughtes shall be direc­ted: [vz. thorowe his prouidence and power, to a good end, vnderstanding by thoughts, (which are the beginning of all actions,) euen the very deedes themselues also. This sentence intreateth of Gods power and prouidence, teaching vs to referre all things thereto: see the like Psal. 37.5. also Psal. 4 55.22.] Vers. 4. The Lord [vz. of Heauen and earth] hath made [vz. by [Page 52] his almightie power,] all things, [i. all creatures whatsoeuer] for his owne sake, [i. to this end, that his glorie might appeare in them:] yea euen the wicked [vz. man, meaning thereby all the vngodlie] for the daye of euill: [i. not onely against the time of affliction in this life, but for eternall torments in the life to come: not that God is the author of any wickednes, but because he not onely suffereth, but also hath aforehand decreed, that the wicked shall oppresse the good, the Lorde reseruing them for it against the day of iudge­ment, wherein he will shewe his power and iustice, by which he is glorified: q.d. the chiefe end of the creation of all things, is Gods glorie, which glorie of his most plainely appeareth and is declared, both in the eternall saluation of the vessells of mercie, and also in the destruction of the vessells of wrath, appoynted beforehand to that destruction: see Roman. 9.22.23. Iude. vers. 4.] Vers. 5. All that are proude in heart [i. all proude persons of what e­state 5 or condition so euer they be. He maketh mention of the heart, because there is the first beginning of pride, and from thence it floweth. Marke 7.22.] are an abhomination to the Lord: [i. the Lord doth loth them and can­not abide them: wee haue had this phrase oftentimes, as Chap. 11.1. also Chap. 12.22. chap. 15.26. &c.] though hand ioyne in hand, [i. though they ioyne power and forces together to auoyde Gods iudgements,] he [i. the proud man, or the proud persons, by one vnderstanding al] shall not be vnpu­nished. [i. escape vnpunished from the Lord, howsoeuer hee doth for a while deferre his iudgements: see Chap. 11.21.] Vers. 6. By mercie [vz. from 6 God] and trueth, [i. Gods faithfull accomplishment of his promises, he ma­king his children by the zeale of his spirite to feele the same: see Psalme 85.10. I knowe, some vnderstand by mercie and trueth, the dueties of charitie and vpright dealing one man with an other, and I denie not though they sée it not, that mercie is so vsed. Matth. 12.7. but I approue rather the other sense] iniquitie [i. sinne it selfe, and the punishment deserued for it] shall bee forgiuen, [vz. before the Lorde, meaning that the Lorde freely, euen for his owne mercie and trueth sake, will forgiue the sinnes of his people,] and by the feare of the Lord [vz. rightly and sincerely planted in the hearts of his children, vnderstanding by feare, a reuerence of his Maiestie ioyned with loue] they departe [vz. speedilie] from euill [i. from naughtie conuersation, and all things, that may pull on to the same: see 1. Thessalo. 5.22.] Vers. 7. When the waies of a man [i. his purposes, deedes, and the whole course of 7 his life] pleaseth the Lord, [i. be such, as he accepteth and alloweth of, which is, when they are framed according to the rule of his word,] he [i. God the Lord] will make [vz. by his mightie power and working] his enemies at peace with him: [i. so farre off shall it be, that they that neuer hated him shall attempt any euill against him, that euen his very foes and aduersaries, shal procure all manner of good for him, for so much I suppose he vnderstandeth by the name of peace.] Vers. 8. Better is a little [vz. gotten and atchieued] 8 with righteousnes, [i. with vpright and iust dealing,] than great reuenues [Page] [vz. though they come yearely, monethly, or daylie in] without equitie, [i. gotten with the iniurie and opression of other men: see Chap. 15.16.] Vers. 9 9. The heart of man purposeth his waie: [i. he waieth and thinketh vpon the things which hee hath to doo, tossing them too and fro in his thought and i­magination,] but the Lord [vz. alone] doth direct [vz alwaies by his pow­er, and prouidence,] his steppes. [i. euery thing that he taketh in hand, for the sense of this place, see vers. 1. of this Chap. also Ierem. 10.23. and Prou. 10 19.28.] Vers. 10. A diuine sentence [i. a true and certaine iudgement, e­uen as it were from God himselfe. I know that the word signifieth, diuina­tion, or foretelling, such as Soothsayers, Astrologers, &c. vse. But he mea­neth it not thereof, for it is forbidden, Deuteron. 18.10, 11. &c. but rather noteth, that the word of the king, is and ought to bee a moste sure worde, as those things which they foretel, seeme at the least, to the parties themselues, and those that credit them to be] shall be [vz. or ought to be, prescribing as it were his dueties, which word I suppose might be better added here] in the lippes of the king [i. in his words and speaches vttered with his lippes: put­ting the word king, for al Magistrates whatsoeuer] his mouth shal not trans­gresse in iudgement, [i. while hee sitteth in iudgement, hee shoulde not pro­nounce or award vniust sentences, but deale vprightlie in all causes, as may 11 appeare by the verses following.] Vers. 11. A true weight and balance [i. vpright and faithfull dealing in euery respect: and this seemeth to be a rea­son of the former rule: q.d. the iudgement and vprightnesse which Magi­strates and other men faithfullie execute, is not from men themselues, but of God: see Deuteron. 1.17. 2. Chronic. 19.6. and hee meaneth most exact obseruation of iudgement and iustice, by weight and balance,] are of the Lord [i. are ordeyned of him, and commaunded by him: see Deuteron. 25.13, 14, 15. also Chap. 11.1.] all the weights [vz. how great or how little so euer they bee,] of the bagge [i. which men put into the bagge, for the better and more safe keeping of them: he alludeth to Deuteron. 25.13. meaning it al­so of iust and equall weights] are his word, [i. the Lord hath made and or­deyned the same to bee vsed, as appeareth by the place before alledged.] 12 Vers. 12. It is [vz. or els it ought to be,] an abhomination [i. a horrible and lothsome thing] to kings [i. to great and mightie men, or to Magistrates of what degree or calling soeuer they be,] to commit [vz. in thought, word, or deede,] wickednes, [i. any manner of wickednes, either against God or man: and this he speaketh speciallie because of their great callinges, and high places wherein they are set] for the throne [vz. of the king or king­dome, meaning thereby the kingdome it selfe, a parte for the whole, as sun­drie times in the psalmes, and namely Psalme 93.2. also Psalme 132.12.] is established. [i. is made firme and sure, with great likelyhoode of continu­ance] by iustice, [vz. by faithfull and diligent executing of iustice and equi­tie.] 13 Vers. 13. Righteous lippes are the delight of kings [i. kings and Ma­gistrates, should take speciallie delight and pleasure in such persons, as spea­keth [Page 53] righteous and good things: a part put for the whole person, and one in­strument wherewith the voyce is framed, put for the words themselues] and the King [i. all rulers and magistrates] loueth [i. ought tenderly to affect] him [i. those whosoeuer they be] that speaketh right things. [vz. vnto them. This he speaketh, because Princes do many times more delight and sauour flatterers, than plaine dealers.] Vers. 14. The wrath of a King [i. that in­dignation 14 and displeasure, which a great man beareth against another] is as messengers of death: [i. is at it were deadly to him with whom he is angrie, and bringeth as it were present death, euery thing then threatning death as it were, which wee see by daylie experience. And he saith messengers in the plurall number, that it might haue the greater force] but a wise man will pa­cifie it. [vz. in time, and by all the lawfull meanes he can hée will indeuour the quenching of it, for feare of inconueniences and mischiefes that may in­sue thereon.] Vers. 15. In the light of the Kings countenance [i. in his fa­uourable 15 countenance: q.d. when it pleaseth the King with a pleasant and merrie countenance to shewe that he fauoureth men] is life: [i. there is hope of all manner of prosperitie and florishing] and his fauour [vz. so expressed and declared towards other men] is as a cloude [vz. which is full, and there­fore powreth downe raine: see Eccle. 11.13.] of the latter raine. [vz. which falleth somewhat before haruest, before the corne ripe, and maketh the yéeld of fruit to be great: see Deutero. 11.14. Iames 5.7.] Vers. 16. How much 16 better is it [q.d. It can hardly be tolde, or a man is not able to expresse what great oddes and difference there is] to get [vz. by industrie and paines ta­king] wisedome [i. heauenly wisedome, and knowledge of Gods will reuea­led in his word] than gold? [yea, than fine and precious gold; for so much the word importeth] and to get vnderstanding [vz. of Gods word and truth. The Rabbins referre wisedome to spirituall and diuine things, and vnder­standing to worldly and humane; but me thinketh the other sense is plaine] is more to be desired [vz. by many degrées, and to be sought for] than siluer. [i. than chosen or fined siluer: see Chapt. 3.14. Also Chapt. 8.10. Meaning that holie wisedome is to bee preferred before all thinges.] Vers. 17. The 17 path of the righteous [vz. wherein he walketh] is to decline from euill, [i. the righteous man hath a great care and conscience, in all his conuersation and actions to abstaine from sinne and iniquitie, and all that may allure thereto: see verse 6. of this Chapt.] and he keepeth his soule, [vz. from destruction: meaning also by soule, himselfe, a part for the whole] that keepeth his way. [vz. vpright in the obedience of Gods commandements: vnderstanding by way, the whole orders and affaires of his life.] Vers. 18. Pride [vz. both 18 of minde and bodie] goeth before destruction, [vz. of the partie that is posses­sed with it: he meaneth, that ruine and shame is the inseperable companion of pride] and an high minde before the fall. [vz. of the partie that hath it: q.d. Such as exalt themselues, are very nigh to ruine and destruction: see chapt. 11.2.] Vers. 19. Better [vz. by many degrées] it is [vz. in the eyes and [Page] iudgement of all that be soundly taught of God] to be of an humble mind [i. to haue true humilitie indeede, both inward and outward] with the lowlie, [i. as they are, and to enioye their companie] than to diuide the spoyles [i. than to get great riches, and so by that meanes to come to honor] with the proud. 20 [vz. as they doo, and to be in their companie.] Vers. 20. He that is wise in his busines, [i. he that wisely and faithfully can dispatch the things he hath to doo] shall finde good: [i. shall, through Gods blessing, increase in riches and substance by that meanes] and he that trusteth in the Lord, [vz. vnfeignedly and with all his heart, wayting for blessings from him] he is blessed. [vz. in­déede: q.d. he may be as sure of blessing, as though he had it: see Psal. 125. This verse is read otherwise of some, but me thinketh this sense is plaine 21 enough, and this reading good.] Vers. 21. The wise in heart [i. he that is truely wise indéede, and he maketh mention of the heart, because it is the seate of all affections] shall be called prudent: [vz. of other men, and so estee­med and taken of them, not onely because they say so, but also because he is so] and the sweetnes of the lippes [i. the sweete words of doctrine and comfort that he shall speake to others] shall increase doctrine. [vz. both in himselfe, because speach is a meane to increase iudgement, and in those that heare 22 him.] Vers. 22. Ʋnderstanding [vz. of Gods will reuealed in his word] is a wel-spring of life [i. yéeldeth life plentifully: see Prouer. 10.11. Also chap. 13.14.] vnto them that haue it: [i. vnto them, vpon whom it pleaseth God to bestowe it, and vnto others also by their meanes] and the instruction of fooles [vz. which they giue and bestowe vppon others] is follie. [i. not onely without sense and wit, but also very wickednes and sinne it selfe, the reward 23 whereof is death, Roman. 6.23.] Vers. 23. The heart of the wise [vz. man: he speaketh of the heart, because it is the fountaine & wel-spring of all déedes and words] guideth his mouth [vz. to speake] wisely, [i. aptly, well, and with aduise or iudgement: q.d. The wise mans heart so directeth his mouth, and teacheth his tongue, that he speaketh nothing rashly, or vnaduisedly] and addeth doctrine [i. continually ministreth newe occasion of good speach and good counsell] to his lippes. [i. to himself, a part for the whole; and yet he spea­keth of the lippes, because they are instruments of speach vnto others.] Ver. 24 24. Faire words [i. gentle, soft, and swéet speaches, he calleth them Chap. 15.26. pleasant words] are as an honie combe, [i. sweete and profitable, vz. to the partie, to whom they are spoken] sweetnes to the soule, [i. they bring swéetnes to the inward part] and health to the bones. [by health he meaneth all out­ward blessings, and by bones, the whole bodie: a part for the whole, see chap. 12.4. Also 14.30. He meaneth that God and godlie speaches are pleasant, profitable, and necessarie, both to soule and bodie, that is, to the whole man, as honie is sweet to the tast, and profitable to mitigate the griefes of sundrie 25 members.] Vers. 25. This whole verse is the same in words and sense, with verse 12. of the 14. Chapter. He meaneth, that no man must either in manners or opinions follow that which seemeth good to himselfe; but Gods [Page 54] word must in all things be the onely rule vnto vs.] Vers. 26. The person 26 that trauaileth, [vz. in his ordinary and lawfull vocation] trauaileth for him selfe: [vnder this word himselfe, he comprehendeth both his owne person, and those that depend vpon him: see 1. Tim. 5.8.] for his mouth craueth it of him. [i. after a sort doth demand it: for if meate bee not by the mouth con­ueyed into the stomacke, the bodie will perish. And that word crauing, doth not onely import the earnestnes of it, but the manner also, euen as though it were with bowing and humbling it selfe, it did beseech him. Some reade it otherwise, and giue another sense, but I freely confesse, that for mine owne part, I see no reason of it.] Vers. 27. A wicked man [i. a vniust, violent, and 27 peruerse fellowe] diggeth vp [i. not onely deuiseth, but also seeketh by all meanes to performe] euill, [both against others, and himselfe also in the end] and in his lippes [i. in the words which he vttereth with his lippes] is like burning fire. [i. there is somewhat in them that will consume both himselfe and others, as fire doth wood and stubble. He meaneth, that though the thoughts of the wicked be hurtfull, yet they hurt not so much, as when they burst forth into words and déedes, for then they hurt as much as burning and flaming fire doth, whereas, while it is kept vnder the ashes, it lyeth as it were hidden.] Vers. 28. A froward person [or as it is in the Hebrue text, a 28 man of frowardnesses, i. such a one as giuen altogether to frowardnes] soweth strife: [vz. betwéene man and man, meaning that he is a batemaker] and a tale teller [i. he that heareth, and whistereth to the hurt of another man] ma­keth diuision [i. doth what he can to set strife] among Princes. [i. amongst great and excellent personages. I would rather turne this latter part thus] diuideth [vz. from his friend] the prince [vz. of friendship, meaning thereby a chiefe friend: and so haue you the word vsed Chapt. 17.9. Also Psal. 15.13. though there it be turned guide, and Micah. 7.5. where the same word is turned a friend.] Vers. 29. A wicked man [i. a violent and iniurious per­son, 29 or as it is in Hebrue, a man of violence, that is, one that is altogether gi­uen to doo iniurie to another] deceiueth [vz. one while by fraude, another while by force] his neighbour, [i. him, whom he should doo all manner of good too] and leadeth him [i. some other of his neighbours, and that by his flatte­ring & intising words; for so much I thinke the Hebrue word importeth: see Chapt. 1.10.] into the way that is not good. [i. into a disorderous course and euill trade of his life: so haue wee had the word way sundrie times vsed.] Vers. 30. He [i. the wicked man] shutteth his eyes [vz. that he may the better 30 thinke vppon the mischiefe he will doo, because that when the eyes are open, the inward senses are drawne hether and thether] to deuise [i. that he may the more earnestly thinke vpon] wickednes: [vz. against others, meaning by wic­kednes, mischiefe: see Chapter 10.10.] he moueth his lippes, [i. he doth but as it were begin to speake] and bringeth euill to passe. [i. he presently perfor­meth mischiefe against other men.] Vers. 31. Age [i. old age: he vseth a 31 word, which signifieth gray heares, putting the signe of old age for old age it [Page] self] is a crowne of glorie, [i. is a glorious crowne, meaning, that it bringeth euen as great glorie to a godlie old man, as a crowne to a King: concerning this word crowne, see before Chapt. 4.9. Also Chapt. 14.24. and in other places] when it is found [vz. to be passed ouer and spent] in the way of righ­teousnes. [i. in a holie and righteous life, meaning it of such old age, as spen­deth the time of life, godly & iustly, and not of al old age without exception.] 32 Vers. 32. He that is slowe vnto anger, [i. seldome or not at all bursteth into it, howsoeuer he be prouoked thereto: see chap. 14.29. chap. 15.28.] is better [vz. by many degrees] than the mightie man: [vz. in bodilie strength and power: by how much the power of the soule is better than the strength of the bodie, the soule it selfe being better than the bodie] and he that ruleth his owne minde, [i. that subdueth and keepeth vnder the raging affections thereof] is better [vz. by much] than he that winneth [i. conquereth or get­teth] a citie. [vz. either by power or policie. The reason of this speach is, be­cause that the warre that a man hath with himself, and with his own mind, and which is made against wrath and other affections of it, is more grieuous and hard, than that which is attempted against others: and therefore he is better that conquereth himselfe, than he that conquereth others. Besides, he that ouercommeth himselfe, doth it to this end, to profite himselfe and to hurt none, yea to doo good vnto others thereby, whereas a mightie man that ouercommeth others, and subdueth cities, can hardly performe it, without 33 bloudshed and great danger of other men.] Vers. 33. The lot [vz. for the triall of any thing in controuersie. This was much in vse amongst the peo­ple of God in diuiding lands: Numb. 26.55. and in other causes, as Leuit. 16.8. Acts 1.26. and in other places] is cast into the lappe: [i. into some se­cret and close place, putting one for many others, as into hattes, pots, caps, boxes, &c.] but the whole disposition thereof [i. the ordering, guiding, and gouernment of it] is of the Lord▪ [vz. onely: q.d. nothing seemeth more sub­iect to fortune in mens iudgement than lots, and yet that falleth not out by fortune or chance, for there is no such thing, but God by his infinite proui­dence and wisedome, doth both generally and particularly guide and go­uerne the same, according to his good pleasure.

Se.

Vers. 1. BEtter [vz. by much] is a drie morsell [vz. of bread, meaning a morsell of drie bread without drinke, or any other thing with it] if peace bee with it: [i. if men haue it in peace and quietnes, and with vnfeined good wil one of them towards another] than an house full [i. very great store and plentie] of sacrifices [i. meat left of freewill offerings, which are cal­led sacrifices because they are parte of that which was sacrificed: see Chap. 7.14.] with strife [vz. one of them a­gainst 2 another, such a like sentence we had before, Chap. 15.17.] Vers. 2. A discreete seruant, [i. a faithfull, painefull, and wise seruant, hee calleth such a one Chap. 10.5. the sonne of wisdome: and Chap. 14.35. a wise ser­uant,] shall haue rule ouer a leude sonne [i. shall bee preferred before him, yea so, that many times he shall rule and gouerne him: this fellowe is called the sonne of confusion, Chap. 10.5.] and he shall diuide the heritage [vz. thorowe Gods ordinance and the fathers appoyntment, as it were by will,] among the brethren. [It was a common matter, to haue goods, possessions, and lands, deuided to the sons or daughters, amongst the people of the Iewes, [Page 56] see Nombers 36.2. also, Luke. 12.13. his meaning is, that wisdome exal­teth the basest, and follie casteth downe them that are very high.] Vers. 3. 3 As is the fining pot for siluer, and the fornace for gold, [i. as the fining pot and the fornace, serue to trie good siluer and gold from drosse and corrupti­on:] so the Lord tryeth [vz. by many meanes and waies] the hearts [vz. of men: meaning thereby also, all the thoughts, affections, and imaginations thereof, yea the whole man himself, both inward and outward: q.d. as men by their arte trie all things, which is well done; so God is he alone, that sear­cheth the hearts and raines: see Ierem. 17.9, 10.] Vers. 4. The wicked 4 [i. he that selleth himselfe ouer to worke wickednes,] giueth heede [vz. ve­rie attentiuelie and diligentlie] to false lippes, [i. to false words vttered with the lippes against other men, or to false accusing persons, a parte for the whole,] and a lyer [i. he that is a lyer himselfe] hearkeneth [vz. heedilie] to the naughtie tongue. [vz. of an other man, who is like to himselfe: meaning th [...]t one wicked man, will regard and estéeme another, euen in those things which be euill and wicked, and whereof in deed they ought to be ashamed.] Vers. 5. He that mocketh [vz. either by word or deed] the poore [i. hee that 5 is any manner of way afflicted and cast downe,] reprocheth him that made him [i. God: q.d. hee doth after a sorte, scorne and scoffe at God: see a like sentence, Chap. 14.31.] and he that reioyceth at destruction, [i. at the hurte or hinderance of another man, or at any euill whatsoeuer that falleth vpon him] shall not bee vnpunished: [i. shall bee certainelie punished, and by no meanes escape it: see Chap. 11.21. and Chap. 16.5.] Vers. 6. Childrens 6 children, [i. properlie Neuewes, but the holy Ghost meaneth hereby a long race and posteritie, as Psalme 128.6.] are the crowne, [i. are the glorie re­nowme and decking: see Chap. 12.4. also Chap. 16.31.] of the elders [i. of their graundfathers, great graundfathers, &c. This hee speaketh of good, holy, and obedient children] all the glorie of the children, [i. a singular meane whereby the children, come to glorie and renowme] are their fathers. [i. their wise and godly Parents.] Ver. 7. High talke, [i. talke of high and great 7 matters, as of vertue, wisdome, &c.] becommeth not a foole, [i. is not séeme­lie in his mouth, because howsoeuer hee can babble of the things, yet he hath them not in effect:] much lesse lying talke a Prince, [q.d. much lesse dooth it beseeme a great personage, to bee ouertaken with lying, or any other euill, either in word or deede. One readeth it otherwise, and giueth another sense of it; but I like this as well, if not better.] Vers. 8. A rewarde [vz. gi­uen 8 to a mightie man, or Magistrate] is as a stone pleasant, [i. is like a preci­ous and pleasant stone, meaning that it is of great regarde and estimation] in the eyes [i. in the iudgement and opinion] of them that haue it [vz. giuen them by others] it prospereth [i. taketh good successe,] whether soeuer it tur­neth [i. to what end soeuer it be applied: his purposes is, to describe the great corruption of bribes and giftes: q.d. a corrupt reward is with couetous Iudges verie forcible to peruert iust iudgement, and therefore whosoeuer [Page] giueth it, the Magistrate receauing it, great likelyhoode there is, that his 9 cause, whether it be good or badde, shall be preferred.] Vers. 9. He that co­uereth [vz. by all lawfull meanes, and what he may, or as much as in him lyeth] a transgression [vz. committed against another man] seeketh loue: [i. indeuoreth thereby to mainteyne and vphold loue betweene them. He mea­neth, that he that keepeth close, offences committed by one against another, and blaseth them not abroad to any, is a verie good preseruer and increaser of true frendship: see Prouerb. 10.12. also Chap. 16.28.] but he that repea­teth a matter, [vz. done long before against another, meaning by repeating of it, reporting of it in speach,] seperateth the Prince. [see this expounded Chap. 16.28. meaning hereby the chiefe frends, and the alienating, and tur­ning 10 of their minds and affections one of them from another.] Vers. 10. A reproofe [vz. alone vttered in bare words, but yet wisely and charitably expressed] entereth more into him [i. taketh deepe roote, and bringeth forth more profit in him] that hath vnderstanding, [i. that is truely wise indeed] than an hundred stripes into a foole [i. than great correction bestowed vpon a foole and wicked person: q.d. a wise man will be more built vp in goodnes 11 by a bare word, then a foole by thousands of words or blowes.] Vers. 11. A seditious person [i. a man giuen to disquietnes and trouble] seeketh onely e­uill [i. studieth nothing els, but how he may performe mischief, but hee shall gaine nothing thereby, as appeareth by that which followeth] and a cruell messenger, [i. either a tormentor, or some other who shall execute the iudge­ment of God, and the Magistrates against him, not repenting] shall bee sent [vz. from God, or man, or both] against him, [vz. to punish him according 12 to the greeuousnes of his offences.] Vers. 12. It is better, [i. there is lesse danger in it] for a man [vz. that is himselfe alone vnprepared, or vnarmed,] to meete [vz. in the wildernes, or els where] a beare [the worde is of the Masculine gender, and signifieth notwithstanding the Femall also or shee beare] robbed of hir whelpes, [i. whose yong ones haue been taken from hir, by some one meanes, or other. The beares when they haue lost their whelps, are verie fearce and cruell, speciallie the shee beares, as whose affection see­meth to bee greater towards them: concerning the greatnes of the danger, which may befall men by beares. see 2. Samuel. 17.8. 2. king. 2.24. Hoseah. 13.8.] than a foole in his follie. [i. then a wicked man in the extremitie of his wickednes and rage: q.d. it were lesse euill to fall into the power of the one, 13 than of the other.] Vers. 13. He [vz. whosoeuer he bee,] that rewardeth, [i. rendreth and yeeldeth vnto another man,] euill [i. mischief and hurt] for good, [i. for the good and profit, that hee hath receaued by him,] euill [i. plagues and punishments from God, and manie times displeasure from men also.] shall not depart from his house [i. from him, or from his wicked poste­ritie. It is a sinne against all lawe, yea euen against nature, to requite good with euill: see it forbidden. Roman. 12.17. where wee are forbidden to re­compence euill for euill, much lesse to recompence good with euill.] Vers. [Page 57] 14. The beginning of strife, [i. the beginner of strife, he putteth the thing for the persons: q.d. he that is the worker of the beginning of strife] is as one that openeth the waters: [vz. which were shut vp in standing pooles or ponds, which being once let out, they ouerflowe, and carrie away euery thing that standeth before them, and cannot againe be shut vp and inclosed: q.d. the hole or since, by which they are let foorth, at the first seemeth narrowe, but after­wards by the rage of the waters, it is made greater; and so is it with strife and contention] therefore or the contention be medled with, [i. before it be any whit at al begun] leaue of. [vz. from it. He would haue vs to withstand and quench the beginning of strife.] Ver. 15. He that iustifieth [i. declareth either 15 by word or déed as iust: so haue you the word oftentimes vsed both in y^e old & new Testament Exod. 23.7. Isaiah 5.23. Math. 11.19. 1. Tim. 3.17.] the wicked [vz. man] and he that condemneth [i. either by word or deed pronoun­ceth sentence of condemnation against] the iust, [i. the vpright & innocent per­son] euen they both [vz. of what state, condition or calling soeuer they be] are an abomination to the Lord. [i. lothed, & disliked of him: see chapt. 11.1. for this phrase, and for the matter & words almost, see the like sentence Chapt. 24.24.] Ve. 16. Wherfore [i. to what end & purpose] is there a price [i. means 16 as riches, or monie, wherby a thing prised may bee bought] in the hand [i. in the power, as sundry times in the scripture] of the foole [i. of the wicked & vn­godlie man] to get wisedome, [vz. by it] & he hath none heart? [vz. to obtaine it: meaning, that he hath no affection or pleasure thereto: q.d. It auaileth the foole nothing, yea rather it is a miserable thing vnto him to haue full hands, or great power, & no heart or wil at all to obtaine good things. For he is vn­worthie of good things that disdaineth wisedom, yea those very good things shall tend to his greater iudgement.] Ver. 17. A friend [i. he that is a faith­full & trustie friend] loueth [vz. vnfeignedly & with a good heart, his familiar 17 friend or acquaintance] at all times: [vz. both of aduersitie and prosperitie, for nothing can turne away his minde] and a brother [i. a naturall and deare friend, for I suppose he speaketh not of naturall brethren onely] is borne [i. is brought foorth as it were into the worlde, and so made manifest] for aduersitie. [i. euen against the daies of troubles and trialls come: q.d. then doth the force of naturall friendship appeare, which before in prosperitie lay as it were hidden.] Vers. 18. A man destitute of vnderstanding [i. an vn­wise 18 and foolish man] toucheth the hand, [vz. of another, giuing him his hand and word, as it were, for the payment and performance of some thing: see Chapt. 6.1.] and becommeth suretie [vz. by that meanes] for his neigh­bour. [i. his familiar friend and acquaintance: see chap. 1.1, 2, &c. Also chap. 11.15.] Vers. 19. He loueth transgression, that loueth strife: [vz. either be­twéene 12 himselfe and some others, or els betwéene other men, though he him­selfe be none of the parties striuing, He meaneth, that the author of conten­tion loueth all manner of euill, because there is almost none euill, but it ari­seth and is increased by contention] and he that exalteth [i. setteth on high] [Page] his gate [i. the gate or doore of his house, meaning in an allegorie hereby, he that despising others, lifteth vp himselfe, which is fitly shadowed out by this speach, because it sometime falleth out, that they that set their doores high, fall backward from thence, and so bruse, hurt, and wound themselues] see­keth 20 destruction. [i. his own hurt and danger.] Vers. 20. The froward heart [i. the man giuen to frowardnes: a part for the whole, and yet he nameth the heart, because it is the seate of affections, from whence also they flowe] fin­deth no good: [i. obtaineth no good thing, either before God or man, but much euill and hurt rather] and he that hath a naughtie tongue, [i. he that vseth his tongue to speake either lewdlie and filthilie, or els vntruely or falsely against any] shall fall into euill. [i. shall be ouertaken with Gods iudgements for the same, and haue those things light vpon him, that his tongue hath pronoun­ced 21 against other men.] Vers. 21. He that begetteth a foole, [i. the parents of a foolish child. He putteth the first part of procreation for the whole, and the education thereof also; because in the first generation no man knoweth what his sonne or child shalbe: and of the habite, which the child afterwards getteth, either by the parents negligence, or euill bringing vp: or though he haue béen well instructed, yet notwithstanding he hath an euill hart or mind] getteth himselfe sorowe, [vz. through the follie of his child] and the father of a foole [i. his parents] can haue no ioye. [vz. in their foolish children, and so long as they continue such: see Prouerb. 10.1. Also 15.20. And also verse 22 25. of this Chapter.] Vers. 22. A ioyfull heart [i. a heart that is truely tou­ched with ioye: for he doth not speake of a dissembled or counterfeited ioye] causeth good health: [vz. to the whole man: vnderstanding also by the word health, all good things] but a sorowfull mind [i. the mind which is wounded and oppressed with sorowe] drieth the bones. [i. corrupteth and consumeth 23 the whole man, yea his most inward parts: see Chapt. 14.13.] Vers. 23. A wicked man [i. a man giuen to wickednes: and this may bee vnderstood either of the man giuing the bride, or of the Iudge receiuing it] taketh a gift [vz. either which he had prepared to giue the Iudge, or the Iudge knew he had brought] out of the bosome, [i. closely and priuily, as men are wont to doo things which they take out of their bosomes] to wrest [i. to peruert and turne vpside downe: q.d. the one giueth it, and the other receiueth it, to that end] the waies of iudgement. [i. iust and vpright matters, in which, as in broad 24 and high waies, the Iudge should walke without all partialitie.] Vers. 24. Wisedome is in the face of him that hath vnderstanding: [i. the very staied and pleasant countenance of a wise man, is sufficient to set out the wisedome that is in him] but the eyes of a foole are in the corners of the world. [i. wander h [...] ­ther and thether, which is sufficient enough to bewray the vnstaiednes of his mind, and the follie of his heart. He meaneth, that euen by the countenance, 25 men may many times iudge of wisedome and follie.] Vers. 25. A foolish sonne [i. a wicked, lewd, and disobedient child, whether he be sonne or daugh­ter] is a griefe [vz. of heart, that is a great griefe] vnto his father, [vz. that [Page 58] begot him, if he liue to see, behold, or heare of his wickednes] and a heauines [vz. of heart also] to her that bare him. [i. to his or her mother: see Chapter 10.1. For no greater griefe can come to parents in this life, than to know or heare of the ill demeanour of their children.] Vers. 26. Surely it is not good 26 [i. it is a very hurtful and euill thing] to condemne the iust, [vz. any manner of way: see verse 15. of this Chapter: and this appertaineth to Magistrates, putting them in mind of their dueties, to execute iustice, & to minister right] nor [vz. is it good, but euill and hurtfull] that the princes [i. the Magistrates and rulers] should smite [i. any manner of way punish] such [i. iust persons] for equitie. [i. for their vpright and good dealing: withall, he putteth Princes in minde to beware of tyrannie.] Vers. 27. He that hath knowledge [i. he 27 that is indéede wise, and indued with sound knowledge] spareth his words, [i. oftentimes refraineth his speaches, he doth not rashly powre out by his words the thoughts of his heart, no though they bee good things, but obser­ueth time, place, &c. see Chapt. 15.23, 28. Also Chapt. 29.11.] and a man of vnderstanding [i. one indued with right vnderstanding and knowledge] is of an excellent spirit. [Some reade,] is precious in spirit [i. is of a rare spirit, for the excellencie of it, as the word of God is sayd to be precious, 1. Sam. 3.1. Others reade, cold in spirit: meaning, that hee is moderate and well staied, and easilie bursteth not foorth into anger, but doth diligently take héed of the heate of his heart: the senses doo not much differ.] Vers. 28. Euen a 28 foole [q.d. so great is the commendation of silence, that if vnwise people hold their tongues, they may be déemed and taken for wise many times] when he holdeth his peace [i. speaketh not to the bewraying of his follie] is counted wise, [vz. many times, because wise men iudge not but by words and déedes] and he that stoppeth his lippes, [vz. from speaking] prudent. [i. is counted, or may be counted prudent and wise.

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Vers. 1. FOr the desire thereof, [i. for the earnest affection that hee hath to obteyne holy and heauenly wisdome] hee, [i. a good man] will seperate himselfe [vz. from all that hee hath, that may let him] to seeke it, [i. to the end hee may seeke and finde it: see Matth. 13.44, 45, 46.] and occu­pie himselfe: [i. he will carefullie imploy himselfe, and diligentlie also,] in all wis­dome, [i. in wisdome it selfe, and in all the meanes whereby hee may growe and increase in the same: others I knowe reade it otherwise, and giue ano­sense, but me thinketh this is plaine inough.] Vers. 2.] A foole hath no 2 delight [vz. at all] in vnderstanding, [i. either in the thing it selfe, or in the meanes, whereby it may be obteyned] but [vz. his delite is] that his heart, [i. the things that be in his heart] may be discouered. [vz. to other men, and that by his vaine babbling and speaking of euerie thing that commeth in­to his mind: q.d. he is onely delighted with his owne follie, which he labo­reth to publish and make knowne to all men.] Verse 3. When the wicked 3 commeth, [i. wheresoeuer there is a wicked man,] then commeth [vz. with him, i. there is] contempt [vz. of other men, hee meaneth that this is pro­per to the wicked, and is as it were his inseperable companion, to despise o­thers,] and with the vile man, [vz. there is alwaies] reproach, [i. disdaine­full vttering of reproches against others. I denie not, but that this verse may be taken, as though God should punish the wicked and vile men, with contempt and reproach, but the other sense in my iudgement, is more simple and plaine.] Vers. 4. The words of a mans mouth, [i. such words and spea­ches, 4 as proceed from a wise mans mouth] are like deepe waters, [vz. which cannot be drawne emptie, neither can a man come to the bottome of them: so the wisdome and learning of a wise man, neuer ceaseth, but the more he vtte­reth, the more he may,] and the welspring of wisdome [i. the great plentie and abundance he hath of it, meaning hereby also, the wise mans mouth powring it out, and largely communicating it to others] is like a flowing riuer. [i. is like to a riuer that floweth continuallie: hee meaneth by these Metaphors and similitudes, that there is neuer scarsitie of wisdome in him.] Vers. 5. 5 It is not good: [i. it is verie euill and hurtfull, as chap. 17.26.] to accept [i. to regard or looke vpon] the person of the wicked: [i. any thing in him at all, as his authoritie, wit, words, giftes, &c: see this forbidden, Deutero. 1.17.] to cause [vz. thereby] the righteous to fall [i. to bee ouerthrowne] in iudge­ment. [i. where iudgement is to be pronounced. This belongeth to Iudges, and Magistrates, who are many times so moued, with the power, &c. of the [Page] wicked, that the iust and porer sorte come to ruine thereby, which fault should 6 bee corrected.] Vers. 6. A fooles lippes [i. the wordes which a foole vtte­reth with his lippes] commeth with strife, [i. haue alwaies strife annexed vnto them, as an inseperable companion, and are mingled altogether with contentions,] and his mouth [i. the wordes which hee speaketh with his mouth] calleth for stripes. [vz. to bee layde vppon him for his follie, meaning that his owne wordes are meanes to hurte himselfe.] Verse 7 7. A fooles mouth, [i. words spoken with his mouth] is his owne destructi­on, [i. bring hurt and destruction vnto himselfe] and his lippes, [i. speaches vttered with his lippes] are a snare for his soule: [i. are instruments and meanes, to bring him within the danger of the losse of his life: see chap. 10.14. 8 also chap. 13.3.] Vers. 8. The words of a talebearer [vz. which he vt­tereth to some against other some] are as flatterings, [i. they seeme pleasant and sweete, yea to be more gentle than oyle or butter: see Psal. 55.21.] and [i. but for all that, or els thus: and vz. yet notwithstanding] they go downe into the bowells of the bellie, [i. into the bowels which are within the bellie, meaning that they wound euen the verie entrailes, which being once peri­shed, there is no hope of life, and therefore it is as much: q.d. they wound 9 men most grieuouslie, yea deadlie.] Vers. 9. Hee also [vz. as well as the talebearer, is to be misliked] that is slothfull, [i. giuen to idlenes and loyte­ring] in his worke: [i. in dooing the thing he is set about, and should indeed performe] is euen the brother of him that is a great waster [vz. of the things which he hath: he meaneth that he is cosin german as it were, with the prodi­gall person, because looke what the one looseth by superfluitie and ryot, the o­ther 10 forgoeth thorow sloth and idlenes.] Vers. 10. The name of the Lord [i. his Maiestie, goodnes and power, as sundry times in the Psalmes, and namelie Psalme 20.1.] is a strong tower [vz. to all such as stedfastly trust therein, meaning by strong tower, a mightie defence to shielde him, and to keepe him safe, from all the dangers, of such as would anoye him: see Psal. 61.3.] the righteous [vz. at all times, but speciallie in the dayes of his di­stresse] runneth [vz. with all possible hast and speed] vnto it [i. to this assu­red tower of Gods strength, might, power, goodnes, &c.] and is exalted, [i. lifted vp, vz. into a high place, where hee shall be safe and sound, from the 11 attemptes of all his enemies.] Vers. 11. The rich mans riches [i. the ri­ches which he presentlie possesseth,] are his strong citie [i. hee maketh them vnto himselfe a defence against all attemptes and assaultes made against him: see before Chap. 10.15.] and as an hie wall in his imagination. [i. hee fondlie imagineth, that they are sufficiently able, not onely to keepe him from the violence of men, but also to shield him and couer him so, that ney­ther 12 God nor man shall behold his leudnes.] Vers. 12. Before destruction [i. before the calamitie, fall, or hurt of any man come] the heart of a man is hautie [i. a man himselfe is proude and loftie: a parte for the whole, and yet he mentioneth the heart, because from thence pride groweth, and floweth: [Page 60] see Chap. 11.2. also 16.18.] and before glorie, [i. before a man come to glo­rie and estimation amongst men] goeth lowlines [vz. of heart and bodie: q.d. humilitie is a meane to come to glorie: see chap. 15.33. as pride is a meane to come to contempt.] Vers. 13. Hee [vz. whosoeuer he be] that answe­reth 13 a matter, [i. that taketh vpon him to shape an answere to a thing] be­fore he heareth it [vz. thorowly out, or els thus] before he heare it, [i. before he vnderstand it,] it [i. that manner of dealing, and his answere also] is fol­lie and shame vnto him, [i. bewrayeth his owne follie, and purchaseth him great discredit, because he will bee so rash and hastie.] Vers. 14. The spirit 14 of a man, [i. a man, that hath a bold spirit and good courage, specially giuen him from God,] will susteyne. [i. indure and beare, and that with great pati­ence and constancie] his infirmitie: [i. all outward griefs and discommodi­ties whatsoeuer,] but a wounded spirite, [i. a man striken with the wrath of God, and wounded in conscience, for his sinnes, or other great causes: see Psal. 51.17.] who can beare it? [i. who is able to indure it long, without great and gracious assistance from God: q.d. there is no man, nor any thing els: for as for the bodie, it cannot doo it, because it is not his office to rule the spirite and minde, but rather the minde and soule it selfe, although it be cari­ed about in the bodie, to rule, guide and gouerne it: see Prouerb. 15.13. and the note of the Geneua bible, is very good also.] Vers. 15. A wise heart [i. he 15 that hath obteyned some measure of wisdome alreadie] getteth [vz. daylie more and more,] knowledge, [vz. of Gods will reuealed in his worde] and the eare of the wise, [i. the wise man himself by attentiue harkening] seeketh learning, [i. seeketh daylie increase of the same, he ioyneth the heart, and the eare together, though vnder eyther of them he vnderstand y^e whole man, be­cause that from a heart desirous of knowledge, procéedeth the attentiue eare, which is apte to learne, and earnestly seeketh after it.] Vers. 16. A mans 16 gifte [vz. which hee giueth, or bestoweth vpon another,] enlargeth him, [i. deliuereth him from distresse] and leadeth him before great men: [i. bringeth him into their presence, so that he may tell his owne tale, and speake for him­selfe. And here he teacheth what men are wont to doo, and not what may bée done, though sometimes a man may giue gifts to be deliuered from danger, when otherwise he cannot: but he must beware with all, that he be not there­by iniurious to any other] Vers. 17. He that is first [vz. before the iudge 17 or magistrate] in his owne cause, [i. in laying out his owne cause, and the things apperteyning thereto] is iust, [i. so seemeth to bee, meaning that he seemeth to haue a iust and good cause,] then [i. afterwards] commeth [vz. before the iudge] his neighbour [i. he betweene him and whomthere is some controuersie,] and [vz. the iudge, vpon his appearance and speach] maketh inquirie of him, [i. inquireth of either of them, how the case standeth, labo­ring by demaunds and questions to get the certeintie thereof: q.d. hee that first bringeth his cause to the Iudges, seemeth to pleade a right cause, til his aduersarie bee heard, and the Iudge vnderstand the trueth of the matter.] [Page] 18 Vers. 18. The lot [vz. whose direction is from the Lord, as Chap. 16.33.] causeth [i. ought to cause] contentions to cease, [vz. amongst men, vnlesse they will after the manner of giants, fight against God and his decree,] and maketh a partition, [vz. iustly and vprightly,] among the mightie. [i. yea e­uen among them, that are at great dissention, and by reason of their strength and power might hurt one another very much. Ioyne this, with the other verse thus. If the matters betweene men, bee so hard and doubtfull, that the trueth of them cannot bee knowne then let the lot, decide the controuersie.] 19 Vers. 19. A brother offended [i. greeued and that with his brother, for some one cause or other] is harder to winne, [i. it is a harder matter to winne him to reconciliation] than a strong citie, [i. than a citie well defen­red: so hard a matter is it, to master mens affections: see Chap. 16.32.] and their contentions [i. the strifes betweene them] are like the barre of a pal­lace, [which must of necessity bee strong & sure, to keepe the gates of such a great and sumptuous building, wherein also many times, things of great price, are layed vp: he meaneth, that the angers of brethren one of them to­wards another, are so sharpe and vehement, that they can no more easilier be subdued, than strong defenced townes conquered, or easilier broken, then 20 most strong barres.] Vers. 20. With the fruite of a mans mouth [i. with his words, which are called the fruite of his mouth, because they come from it, as fruite from a tree,] shall his bellie be satisfied, [i. hee shall haue inough of it,] and with the increase of his lippes, [i. with the abundance of wordes that his lippes shall vtter, and the increase that shall come thereof,] shall hee be filled. [i. he shall haue plentie and abundance, he meaneth that euery man shall receaue the fruite of his owne speach, either good or euill, euen as hee hath spoken either wel or euil, and these Metaphors, of the bellie, satisfying, and so forth, serue but to note the abundance that he shall haue either the one way, or the other: see before Chap. 12, 13, 14. also Chap. 13.2, 3.] Ver. 21 21. Death and life, [i. all manner of euill and good, all prosperitie and ad­uersitie] are in the power of the tongue: [i. in the tongue itselfe, rightly vsed or abused] and they that loue it [i. to vse it, either the one way, or the other] shall eate the fruit thereof. [vz. accordingly; meaning that they shall receiue according to the goodnes, or illnes of their speach, see Matth. 12.37. It is of the same sense and meaning, that the other verse before going is. Thus we see, that such as speake well, doo themselues and others good, and they 22 that speak euill, hurt both themselues and others.] Vers. 22. He that fin­deth [vz. by the special appointment of God] a wife, [i. a good, diligent and wise wife] findeth a good thing: [i. a profitable and pleasant thing,] and re­ceaueth [vz. euen in that] fauor of the Lord. [i. a sure testimonie and token of Gods fauor towards him: see Chap. 19.14. he meaneth that a good and 23 godly wife, is a singular blessing from the Lord,] Vers. 23. The poore [vz. man or men, putting one for many] speaketh [vz. vnto others] with praiers: [i. humbly and beseechingly as a man may say,] but the rich [vz. man, or [Page 61] persons] answereth [vz. when he is demanded any thing, or els answering here is put for speaking, as before chap. 15.1, 28. Also chap. 16.1.] roughlie. [i. bitterly and sharply: wee see the truth both of the one and the other by ex­perience.] Vers. 24. A man that hath friends, [i. he that through Gods 24 blessing, & his owne good dealing hath gotten friends] ought to shew himselfe friendly: [vz. towards them and others also] for a friend [i. a faithfull and vnfeigned friend] is neerer [vz. vnto vs, in fast and sound loue many times] than a brother. [i. than a naturall brother or kinsman: q.d. there are many friends found that will shewe in words and countenances, and performe in déedes and truth more stedfast friendship and loue, than brethren: see to this purpose before Chap. 17.17.

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Vers. 1. BEtter [vz. by much or many degrées, as sundrie times before] is the poore [vz. man, or friend] that walketh in his vprightnes, [i. that walketh vprightly both in word & deed towards them, with whom he is ioyned in friendship,] than he that abuseth his lippes, [vz. by pretending great good will in words, and yet hath nothing in effect] and is a foole. [i. and so bewraieth his follie: other reade it otherwise, and giue another sense of it, but me thinketh 2 this is plaine: for the first part of this verse see Chap. 28.6.] Vers. 2. For without knowledge [i. sound and sincere iudgement] the mind [i. the affection and good will] is not good, [i. is not right and sound, but hurtfull, both to the one partie and the other: for this phrase, it is not good, see Chapter 17.26. Also Chap. 18.5.] and he that hasteth with his feet, [i. he that runneth ha­stely to euill] sinneth. [vz. against God and his owne soule: q.d. as he hath little regard of himselfe that looketh not to his feete, that he may discerne good waies from bad, yea is in great danger of continual falling; so he that hastely and without great deliberation runneth to this and to that, it is very 3 likely he shall fall into transgression before he be aware.] Vers. 3. The foo­lishnes of a man peruerteth his way. [q.d. men must ascribe it to their owne [Page 62] follie that things goe not well with them, for here he toucheth them that would accuse GOD of the euill successe of their things] and [vz. yet for all that] his heart fretteth against the Lord. [i. he is impatient, and after a sort ascribeth his euill happe, as we say, to God, and not to himselfe.] Vers. 4. 4 Riches [i. rich men: he putteth the thing for the person, and yet we may not­withstanding vnderstand it simplie of riches] gathereth many friends: [vz. to him that hath them] but the poore [vz. man or person] is seperated [vz. in friendship & familiaritie] from his neighbour. [vz. for the want of his riches: for the word seperating: see Chap. 17.9. And for the whole verse, see Chap. 14.20. q.d. all men will be friends with rich persons, but euen such as were before friendly to the poore person, depart from him for his pouertie sake.] Vers. 5. A false witnes [i. he that beareth false witnes] shall not be vnpuni­shed: 5 [vz. either before God or man: see Deut. 19.19. and in many other pla­ces of this booke: as Chap. 6.19. Also verse 9. of this Chap.] and he that speaketh lyes, shall not escape. [vz. the iudgement and punishment of almigh­tie God.] Vers. 6. Many [vz. men] reuerence the face of the Prince, [i. doth 6 greatly estéeme the person of a great man: for this word face, see Deut. 1.17.] and euery man is friend to him that giueth giftes. [vz. vnto other men: meaning that the liberal person hath many friends.] Vers. 7. All the bre­thren 7 [i. all the kinsfolkes, how nigh or farre off so euer they be, if they be a­liue, and be richer than he] of the poore [vz. man, that is fallen into decay] do hate him: [i. doo despise him, or little regard and set by him] how much more [vz. soone or easilie] will his friends [i. his counterfeit and feigned friends: for of his faithfull ones he had sayd the contrarie before] Chap. 17.17.] de­part farre from him? [vz. in the time of his affliction and distresse] though he [vz. so afflicted and brought into pouertie] be instant with words, [i. doo ear­nestly and heartily intreate them for some comfort, reliefe or fauour] yet they will not. [vz. stand fast by him, or minister vnto his need.] Vers. 8. He that 8 possesseth [i. kéepeth sure and fast] vnderstanding, [i. heauenly wisedome] lo­ueth his owne soule, [i. himselfe: a part for the whole, or els prouideth well for himselfe. The word in Hebrue is heart, which he vseth, because vnder­standing & wisedome hath his proper seate in the hart] and keepeth wisedome [which he hath obtained and gotten] to finde goodnes. [i. that thereby he may come to that goodnes which neuer shall decay.] Vers. 9. is the same both in 9 words and sense, with verse 5. of this Chapter, sauing that there it was said, he shall not escape, and here it is said, he shall perish: q.d. he shal certainlie come to naught.] Vers. 10. Pleasure [vz. in the vse of all Gods blessings] is not 10 comelie for a foole, [vz. because he knoweth not how to vse it] much lesse [vz. comely is it] for a seruant [vz. that is bound to another man] to haue rule o­uer Princes. [i. to rule such as should rule others: he meaneth, that fooles should rather haue stripes, as Chapter 10.13. and seruants, seruice or bon­dage, and not abundance of pleasures and delightes, or rule ouer others, be­cause they knowe not how to vse them well.] Vers. 11. The discretion of a 11 [Page] man [i. the wisedome and vnderstanding that a man hath, through Gods especiall gift] deferreth [i. is a very good meane to make him to put off, yea to remoue and put away] his anger: [vz. conceiued, or readie to be expressed to­wards others] and his glorie is [i. it maketh much for his glorie and credit] to passe by [vz. without any great regard: meaning by this maner of speach, easilie to forget and to forgiue] an offence. [vz. committed against him.] 12 Vers. 12. The Kings wrath [vz. against any of his subiects] is like the roring of a lyon: [i. fearefull and terrible, and threatning as it were present death. The Hebrue word signifieth a yong lyon, which hath more courage, & roreth much more strongly, which serueth also to aggrauate the danger: see Ho­sea 3.4, 8. q.d. as the lyon feareth men and beastes by roring: so doth the Princes wrath terrifie men, but specially his subiects: see Chap. 16.14.] but his fauour [vz. towards any] is like the deaw vpon the grasse. [i. both comfor­table to coole it after some great heate, & profitable to make it grow: meaning that the fauour of great men is profitable for their people, and gladdeth their 13 harts: sée chap. 16.15.] Vers. 13. A foolish sonne [i. a wicked child, whether it be sonne or daughter; but yet it more grieueth a man, when he in whom the hope of his name is left, shall be dissolute] is the calamitie of his father, [i. bringeth grieuous and intollerable miserie vpon his parents: see Prou. 10.1. Also Chap. 15.20. Chap. 17.25.] and the contentions of a wife [i. such as procéede from a wife, or els a contentious woman or wife her selfe] are like a continuall dropping. [vz. or raine or water vpon stone or timber, which eateth into it or rotteth it: meaning, that they doo euen consume a man & his house­hold, 14 see Chap. 21.9. Also Chap. 27.15.] Vers. 14. House [i. lands] and riches [i. goods and wealth whatsoeuer] are the inheritance of the fathers: [i. are such inheritances as fathers leaue to their children] but a prudent wife [i. a godlie, vertuous, and wise wife] commeth of the Lord. [vz. onely as a spe­ciall gift and blessing from him, sée Chap. 18.22. He meaneth not that inhe­ritances come not from the Lord, but because they come by the meane of the parents, they seeme in our iudgement further off from God, than a good wife; and yet neither of them fall out but according to his will, though it appeare more immediatly in match of mariage, than in inheritances or pos­sessions.] 15 Vers. 15. Slothfulnes causeth [vz. men in whom it raigneth] to fall a sleepe, [i. to be careles and negligent of their affaires] and a deceitfull person [i. he that giueth himselfe ouer to deceiue others] shall be affamished. [vz. for lacke of foode: meaning, he should fall into great pouertie and extremitie: he ioyneth deceit and slothfulnes together, because they are companions that can hardly bee sundred, shewing that both the sluggards, which cease from doing of their duetie, and the deceitfull, that liue against all charitie, shall bée 16 punished from God.] Vers. 16. He that keepeth [vz. vnfeignedly, & with al his heart] the commandement, [vz. of the Lord, meaning thereby his holie law, which consisteth in commandements, one being put for all, because the law giuer is but one, & obedience to the whole tendeth but chiefly to one end, [Page 63] that is Gods glorie, though indéed eternal saluation be annexed thereto] kee­peth his owne soule [i. he himself: a part for the whole, meaning that thorow o­bedience he doth deliuer himself from danger of eternal death & destruction] but he that despiseth his waies [i. maketh no account, how or after what sort he doth liue, nor hath care to frame his life according to the prescript rule of Gods worde] shall dye. [i. shall certeinely perish speciallie in the World to come. Vers. 17. He that hath mercie [i. sheweth pittie and compassion, ei­ther 17 by word or deed, or both] vpon the poore, [i. vpon such as bee distressed, and are not able to helpe themselues] lendeth vnto the Lord [vz. all that whatsoeuer he doth which he bestoweth vpon the poore: the reason is because the Lord maketh account of the godly poore, and things done to them, as of himselfe, and performed to him: see Matth. 25.40.] and the Lord will re­compense him [vz. to the full, yea in the largenes of his mercie, giue him a thousand times more] that which he hath giuen. [vz. willingly, and chere­fullie to the poore. 2. Corinth. 9.7. and that in his name, Mark 9.41. He shooteth at this marke in this one verse: that is to teach them tender harted­nes towards the afflicted, which that he may the better perswade them too, hee setteth before them both a plentifull, and also an assured reward from God.] Vers. 18. Chasten [vz. moderately, and with good discretion] thy 18 sonne, [i. thy child, as sundrie times before] while there is hope, [vz. that thy correction will amend him, and doo him good: meaning while hee is yong, for if he growe to a head of stubbornes, it will be a hard matter to reforme him] and let not thy soule [i. thy fatherly affection and pittie, which are called the soule, because they haue their seate in the soule] spare [vz. him, or correcting of him, so it be done as before is prescribed] for his murmering. [vz. against thée: q.d. though hee murmur and grudge, yet forbeare not to correct him, when he deserueth the same.] Vers. 19. A man of much anger, [i. he that 19 is oftentimes angrie] shall suffer punishment [vz. either publikely or priuat­ly, for the transgressions, which his wrath causeth him to commit,] and though thou [i. any man] deliuer him [vz. by good perswasion from com­mitting euill, or by intreatie and sute set him frée from the hand of the Ma­gistrate] yet will his anger come againe, [q.d. he will be little or no whit at al the better, but fall to his rage & wrath againe. Other men read it otherwise, and giue other senses, but me thinketh this is plaine.] Vers. 20. Heare [vz. 20 diligentlie and carefullie] counsell, [i. good counsell giuen thee] and receaue whilst thou mayest haue it,] instruction [...] [vz. in the waies and trueth of the Lord,] that thou maist be wise. [i. atteyne wisdome] in thy latter end. [vz. when thou art ready to departe from the world, and goe to GOD, not but that he would haue him to be wise before also, but to note that then heauen­ly wisdome shall stand him in best steed, when he is to wrastle with death.] Vers. 21. Many deuises are in a mans heart: [i. many men tosse many 21 matters too and fro in their imaginations, and yet bring them to no effect or issue,] but the counsell of the Lord [i. whatsoeuer hee hath determined in his [Page] counsell] shall stand [vz. stedfast and sure, both in the purpose, and in the performance thereof, hee mindeth to note the difference betweene Gods 22 waies and works, and mans.] Vers. 22. That that is to be desired [i. the thing that a man ought speciallie to desire and wish in this life] is his goodnes [i. that he deale religiously towards God, and vprightly towards men,] and [it may be turned for, or but, without any iniurie to the text,] a poore man, [vz. though he be neuer so poore, if he be godly] is better [vz. by many de­grées, both before God, and also in the iudgement of all goodmen, not mea­ning hereby that a lyer being poore is good] than a lyer. [i. than one that gi­ueth 23 himselfe to lying, though he be neuer so rich.] Vers. 23. The feare of the Lord, [i. a reuerence of his Maiestie, ioyned with an vnfeyned loue there­of settled in mens hearts] leadeth to life, [i. to a blessed life in this world, and to eternall life in the world to come,] and hee that is filled therewith, [i. hee that hath receaued it fréely and plentifullie from the Lorde, euery one accor­ding to his measure] shall continue [vz. safe, sound, and stedfast,] and shall not be visited with euill [vz. to his hurt and destruction; for his purpose is not here to exempt Gods children from chastisements and corrections.] Vers. 24 24. The slothfull [vz. man or person,] hideth his hand in his bosome [vz. in the time of some great cold] and will not put it to his mouth againe, [vz. that thereby he might feede himselfe: q.d. he is so giuen to idlenes and sloth, that euen when great neede and occasion requireth his labor for himselfe and his owne good, he will not doo it, much lesse would he performe it for others, sée 25 Chap. 26.15.] Vers. 25. Smite [i. correct and chastise, either by wordes or stripes: see Chap. 17.26.] a scorner, [i. one of whome there is no hope of amendment, for a scorner is in the highest degrée of transgression. Psal. 1.1.] and the foolish [i. such as thorowe simplicitie and ignorance, are caried forward to euill] will beware: [vz. of the like fault, for which thou smitest the scorner,] and reprooue the prudent [vz. for some thing, wherein hee hath sayd or done amisse] and he [i. the simple ignorant person] will [vz. in pro­cesse of time,] vnderstand: [i. atteyne to vnderstand by that meanes] know­ledge. [vz. of a better trade and course of life. He sheweth that there are two waies to instruct simple ones: the one is sharpe correction of the obstinate, 26 and the other is louing reproofe of the godly.] Vers. 26. He that destroyeth his father [vz. by bringing him to great losses and hinderances on the one side, or by greeuing him thorowe leudnes on the other side,] or chaseth away his mother,] either out of the house wherein shee dwelleth, or from his pre­sence with his froward speach] is a leud and shamefull childe, [i. is a very wicked fellowe, and must looke for shame to fall vpon him, and all manner of confusion. Others reade it otherwise, but the sense is all one, vz. that wic­ked children waste many times thorowe their leudnes their fathers goods, and so turne away their minds from them, that they are glad when they are 27 out of their sight.] Vers. 27. My sonne [see Chap. 1.10. and other places] heare no more [i. be so farre of from obeying, that see thou heare not any lon­ger] [Page 64] the instruction that causeth to erre from the wordes of knowledge, [i. such instruction as carrieth thee away from the right way of holie wisedom: q.d. applie thy selfe altogether to holie doctrine, and therefore withdraw thy minde and thy thought from the vse or custome both of euill words and euil deeds.] Vers. 28. A wicked witnes, [i. a corrupt and false witnes] mocketh 28 at iudgement, [i. maketh no more account, eyther of right causes them­selues, or of Magistrates that are placed to execute iustice, or of God him­selfe that will punish false witnesses, for so largely I suppose, the worde iudgement may bee taken, than of a iest, or thing to bee laughed at,] and the mouth of the wicked: [i. the wicked and vngodly person himselfe, and yet he mentioneth the mouth, because of the Metaphor swalloweth vp following] swalloweth vp [vz. with great delight and pleasure, as dronkards doo strong wine, and gluttons delicate meates: meaning also thereby the abundance of iniquitie, which the vngodlie commit] iniquitie [vz. against God and men. One readeth it thus:] so iniquitie swalloweth vp the mouth of the wicked. [q.d. in that wicked witnesses, doo scorne iudgement, they doo it euen of obstinacy and malice, which doth wholy possesse them, & euen swallowe vp as it were all their words, so that they can speake or vtter nothing but iniquitie. An other sense also may be giuen, as when our text sayth, swallowe vp iniquitie: it meaneth thereby, hiding and couering of the same, as meates and drinkes deuoured and swallowed vp, are not seene: q.d. with the color of their words, and shewe of their reasons, they indeuor to couer their iniquitie.] Vers. 29. 29 But [q.d. but for all their scorning and cunning speaches,] iudgements, [i. punishments: and the plurall number noteth the variety and multitude of them] are prepared [i. not onely appoynted, but euen in a readynes to be exe­cuted, eyther by the Magistrate, or els by the Lord himselfe, eyther in this life, or in the life to come, or both] for the scorners, [i. for such as scorne at God, and all goodnes,] and stripes for the back of fooles. [hee meaneth that which hee spake before, expressing it vnder other termes, vnderstanding hereby not onely bodily punishments in this life,] but also eternal in the life to come.

Se.

Vers. 1. WIne [vz. taken and receiued immoderatly] is a mocker, [i. a deceiuer of him that so vseth it; for where as he vainely supposed, that it was swéete and pleasant vnto him, it is become hurtfull] and strong drinke [the Hebrue word importeth euery drinke that may make men dronken] is ra­ging: [i. it carrieth those men that excessiuely vse it, into outrage and violence against others] and whosoeuer [vz. of what state or condition soeuer he be] is deceiued thereby, [i. is ouertaken therewith] is not wise. [i. sheweth thereby, that he hath not as yet tasted of the heauenlie wisedome. I allowe not the note in the Geneua bible, which referreth it to the persons.] Vers. 2. The feare of the King [vz. being once angrie against 2 a man: meaning by feare, that terror with his wrath or anger striketh into men with whom he is offended] is like the roring of a lyon: [i. is very fearefull and terrible: see Chap. 19.12. Also Chap. 16.14.] he [vz. how great soe­uer he be] that prouoketh [vz. by his ill demeanour] him [i. the King] to an­ger, [vz. against himselfe] sinneth against his owne soule. [i. putteth his life in very great danger, for the Kings wrath shall bee towards him that is lewd, Chap. 14.35.] Vers. 3. It is a mans honor [i. it is a glorious and very ho­norable 3 thing for a man: see Chap. 19.11.] to cease [vz. what in him lieth, and as much as is possible] from strife: [vz. with al other men: see Rom. 12.18.] but euery foole [i. euery one that is foolish, & not rightly taught of God] will be medling. [vz. busilie with other men and their matters, which is in­déede the mother and nurse of all contention.] Vers. 4. The slothfull [vz. 4 man or person] will not plow, [i. diligently and faithfully followe his calling: for by one, which is as it were the principall, Chap. 14.4. he vnderstandeth all the rest] because of winter: [i. because of the cold of winter: meaning, that euery little blast is as a meane strong enough to make him idle] therefore [i. for his idlenes sake] shall he begge [vz. of others] in sommer, [i. in haruest time] but haue nothing. [vz. giuen him: he meaneth, that the slothfull per­son shall fall to extreame pouertie, and though he begge to get his liuing, yet [Page] 5 the bowels of compassion shall be shut vp against him.] Vers. 5. The coun­sell in the heart of man [i. the deuices & purposes that a man thinketh vpon, and tosseth too and fro in his vnderstanding] is like deepe waters: [i. can either verie hardly, or not at all be attained vnto: q.d. mans thoughts are so déepe, that no man knoweth them, but the spirit of man which is in him, 1. Cor. 2.11.] but a man that hath vnderstanding [i. he that is lightned from God by his word and spirit] will drawe it out. [vz. by one meane or other, as by de­manding questions, by obseruing diligently his gestures and behauiours, 6 &c.] Vers. 6. Many men [vz. that are in the world] will boast, [vz. vaine-gloriouslie, meaning that hee will to his owne glorie, tell and set abroad] euery one [vz. of them] of his owne goodnes: [i. either of the good things that be in him himselfe, or of the kindnes and benefites that he hath performed towards others. I incline to this latter] but who [vz. for all this boasting of theirs] can finde [vz. amongst them all] a faithfull man? [i. such a one, as either will performe the things he braggeth of, or els do it without boasting. And his propounding of it in the way of a question doth note, how rare such 7 men are to be found.] Vers. 7. He that walketh [i. leadeth a good and a ho­lie life] in his integritie, [i. in the soundnes and vprightnes that the Lord hath giuen him, which is called his; not because he hath it of himselfe, but it is by God bestowed vpon him] is iust: [vz. before God & men: before God, because he is so accepted: and before men, because his conuersation is such, as they cannot iustly reprooue it] and blessed [vz. from the Lord] shall his chil­dren [i. his posteritie] be after him.] He meaneth, that it shall not onely goe well with him himselfe whilest he liueth, but with his posteritie also, which is a common thing in Scripture to promise blessings to the iust and to their 8 seede, Exod. 20.6.] Vers. 8. A King [vnder the chiefe he meaneth not him only, but all inferiour Magistrates] that sitteth [vz. carefully and continual­lie] in the throne of iudgement, [i. in that place from whence iustice & iudge­ment is pronounced: meaning also hereby, the execution of iustice and right] chaseth away [vz. quicklie and easilie] all euill [i. all manner of vice and cor­ruption whatsoeuer] with his eyes. [i. while he himselfe looketh into causes, 9 taketh knowledge thereof, and giueth sentence according to right.] Vers. 9. Who [vz. amongst all men] can say, [vz. iustly and truely] I haue made mine heart cleane, [vz. from vnholie and vnhonest affections: he beginneth with the heart, because it is the fountaine from whence corruption floweth: mea­ning by this interrogation, that no man neither hath in himselfe power so to doo, neither can rightly so say] J am cleane from sinne? [vz. committed either 10 in thought, word, or deed against God and men, see 1. King. 8.46.] Ver. 10. Diuers weights [vz. to buy and sell by, as to buy by the more heauie, and to sell by the more light] and diuers measures, [vz. as one great and another little] both these [yea and all such kind of craftie and couetous dealing, for vnder these two he comprehendeth all of the same sort: see before Chap. 11. 1. Also Chap. 16.11. where you shall finde a reason why the Lord hateth [Page 66] them, because he hath made them to be iust and vpright.] Vers. 11. A child 11 also [It would bee better turned thus, euen a child, for otherwise that word also, maketh it darke, as though it were referred to somewhat before going] is knowne [vz. of men] by his doings, [i. by the things he doth commit] whe­ther his worke [i. the things that he doth: one part for many] bee pure and right. [vz. before God and man: q.d. yong children doo by the manners and feates of their childhood, many times bewray what course they will take af­terwards in the rest of their life to come.] Ver. 12. The Lord [vz. himselfe] 12 hath made [vz. by his secret and almightie power] both these, [vz. excellent parts and members of our bodies] euen the eare to heare, [vz. his holie word and lawe] and the eye to see. [vz. his great and wonderfull works: q.d. it be­houeth vs therefore rightly and well to vse them.] Ver. 13. Loue not sleepe 13 [vz. ouer much: q.d. giue not thy selfe to ouer much sleepe. His meaning is to turne men from slothfulnes, which commonly causeth men to fall a sléepe Chap. 19. verse. 15. Also Chap. 6.9.10.] least thou come vnto pouertie: [vz. thereby. A reason why he would not haue men to be idle, because idlenes be­getteth and bringeth foorth beggerie] open thine eyes, [vz. to labour: q.d. bée watchfull, and diligently and carefully applie thy busines] and thou shalt bee satisfied with bread. [vnder this phrase he meaneth, that it shall go well with him, and he shall haue plentie and abundance of all things necessarie for the maintenance of his life: see Chap. 12.11.] Ver. 14. It is naught, it is naught, 14 [i. it is starke naught, or worth very little or nothing: for so much doth the doubling of the word import, as I take it] saith the buyer: [vz. of any ware or marchandise] but when he is gone a part, [vz. from him of whom he bought it] he boasteth. [vz. of his good peniworths, and what a good thing he hath bought: q.d. the buyer, that he may get his ware good cheape, defileth his tongue with lying, saying this and that in the dispraise thereof, but when he hath bought it, he commendeth it greatly, committing as it were an offence on both sides.] Vers. 15. There is gold, [i. great store of gold, and it is much 15 desired of men] and [vz. besides that there is] a multitude [i. an infinite num­ber] of precious stones: [vz. in the world] but the lippes of knowledge [i. a god­lie wise man, who hath sound and holie knowledge in his heart, and can vt­ter it with his mouth, yea that very knowledge it selfe] are [vz. indeede] a precious iewell. [i. more precious than the things before named, and therfore more to bee accounted of.] Vers. 16. Take his garment, [vz. as a pleadge or 16 pawne for the assurance of the monie] that is suretie [vz. rashly, and without good aduice] for a stranger, [vz. either to thee, or to himselfe: see Chap. 11. 15.] and a pledge of him [vz. that is become suretie vnto thee] for a stran­ger. [Expound this as before: q.d. feare not to demand a pawne or pledge of him that will easilie thrust himselfe into other mens businesses, and rashly for another giue his word; for if he be rash and vnaduised in his owne mat­ters, he will not be wise in thine. Neither is this against Gods commande­ment, Exod. 22.26. for there he speaketh of the poore brother, who for the [Page] néede of their household were constrained to lay pawnes or gages; but here 17 of rash and lauish sureties: see Chap. 22.20. Also Chap. 27.13.] Ver. 17. The bread of deceit [i. all manner of maintenance craftely compassed & got­ten] is sweet [i. so seemeth to be at the first] to a man: [i. to a worldly minded man] but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with grauell. [i. monie and goods so gotten shall bee full of hurt and destruction to him, see Chap. 9.17.18.] 18 Vers. 18. Establish the thoughts [vz. of thy heart and head] by counsell, [i. by holie counsell and good aduice: q.d. that thing is sure and stedfast, which is not attempted rashly, but with good aduice] and by counsell [i. by good and deliberate counsell] make warre. [vz. against thine enemies: vnderstanding by this one particular, the attempting of all the like: q.d. doo nothing at all 19 but deuise of it well before.] Vers. 19. He that goeth about [vz. from place to place, and from house to house] as a slanderer, [vz. of other men] discoue­reth [vz. at some one time or other, either for fauour, feare, or flatterie] se­crets: [vz. committed vnto him to keepe: see before Chap. 11.13.] therfore meddle not [vz. at any hand, that is to say, haue nothing to doo, much lesse communicate any close matter to such a one as followeth] with him that flat­tereth 20 with his lippes. [i. a flatterer and a fawner vpon other men.] Ver. 20. He [vz. whosoeuer he be] that curseth [i. notoriously disobeyeth, and with re­uiling and cursing speaches speaketh vnto] his father and his mother, [i. his parents] his light shall be put out in obscure darknes. [i. his name and memo­rie shall be vtterly taken away, yea he shall be depriued of all prosperitie and blessing, and shall be accursed both in this life & in the life to come: see Exod. 21 21.17. Leuit. 20.9. Deut. 21.18. &c.] Vers. 21. An heritage [i. any thing whatsoeuer, as goods, lands, and such like] is [vz. many times] hastelie got­ten [yea, and that by indirect and vnlawfull meanes] at the beginning, [i. at the first atchieuing and getting therof] but the end thereof [i. of that heritage or possession so hastelie and vnlawfully gotten] shall not be blessed. [vz. from the Lord: the reason is, because goods hastelie gotten, are commonly gotten 22 by iniurie and deceit.] Vers. 22. Say not thou, [vz. either in thy heart, or with thy words] I will recompense euill: [vz. done against me: q.d. abstaine from all reuenge and requiting of iniurie, either in word or deede, yea abstaine from the very affection of reuenging] but waite [vz. with patience] vpon the Lord, [vz. to whom vengeance doth belong, Deut. 32.35. Psalm. 94.1. and for the execution of his iudgements] and he [vz. alone] shal saue thee. [i. kéepe thée safe & sound from the rage of all thine enemies, & al hurts whatsoeuer.] 23 Vers. 23. Diuers weights [see verse 10. of this chap.] are an abomination vn­to the Lord, [see chap. 11.1.] and deceitfull balances [i. weights & balances, by which & with which deceit is practised, for otherwise balances are hardly deceitfull of themselues] are not good. [i. are much hurtfull & euill: see Chap. 24 17.26. Also Chap. 18.5.] Vers. 24. The steppes of man [i. all the actions and affayres of man, specially concerning good things] are ruled [vz. euen euery one of them wholly and altogether] by the Lord [i. by God himselfe, [Page 67] and by his almightie power and prouidence,] how can a man then [vz. as he is a man] vnderstand [vz. rightly to dispose, and knowe the effect and issue of] his owne way, [i. his thoughts, words, and purposes: see Psalm. 37.23. Prouerb. 16.9. Ierem. 10.23.] Vers. 25. It is a destruction, [i. it bringeth 25 destruction with it to the party committing the offence afterwards expressed] for a man [vz. of what state or calling so euer he be] to deuoure that, which is sanctified: [vz. to the Lord, and to holy vses, as it were in sacrifices: to eate the Lords parte: q.d. he purchaseth death vnto himselfe whosoeuer hee be, who either taketh away from God any thing, that is offered vnto him, or holdeth back, that which is due vnto him] and after the vowes, [i. the things vowed to the Lord, and offered to him, to take them away from him, and the vses he hath appoynted them too,] to inquire. [vz. whether they may doo so, yea or no: q.d. when sinne is committed it is to late to inquire of it. Vers. 26. A wise King [i. a good and a godly Magistrate] scattereth [vz. by his 26 vpright and good gouernment] the wicked, [vz. people of his land and coun­trie: we had a like sentence before in this Chapter. vers. 8. sauing that that is spoken of euill things especially, and this of wicked persons,] and causeth the wheele to turne ouer them. [i. sharpely, and seuerely punisheth them: put­ting one kinde thereof for all. He meaneth, that good princes, cannot away with wicked persons Psalm. 101.7, 8. but rooteth them out as a good hus­band man doth the chaffe from the Wheate, vnder the word wheele, he allu­deth to the manner of threshing, vsed among the Iewes, whereof see Isai­ah. 28.27.28.] Vers. 27. I would restore this whole verse out of a wor­thie 27 interpreter thus,] Mans soule [vz. wherein is placed the gift of reason and vnderstanding] is as it were the Lords light [i. is such an excellent parte, as into which God hath powred great light, and wherein also his glorie doth wonderfully appeare] which [vz. soule and vnderstanding of man,] searcheth [vz. out and thorowly] all the bowells of the bellie. [i. all the most secret and inward things q.d. GOD hath put into mans soule a light, by which he searcheth out the most deepe and secret things, I take it to bee the same in meaning, though not in words, with vers. 6. of this Chapter.] Vers. 28. Mercy, [i. pittie and compassion towards such as are oppressed] and 28 trueth [i. ministring of iustice, truely and vprightly] preserue [vz. from all violence and danger,] the King, [i. both his person and state: vnderstanding also there by the name of King, all Magistrates, both superior and inferior: see Psalm. 101.1.] for his throne [i. he and his kingdome, a parte of prince­like pompe, put for the whole] shall bee established [vz. assuredly to conti­nue and abide for euer] with mercie. [i. with practising pitie and compassion as before in this verse.] Vers. 29. The beautie of yong men [i. that which 29 maketh yong men beautifull and glorious amongst others] is their strength, [i. the strength, agilitie, and good giftes of the bodie that God hath indued them withall, speciallie if they vse them to the good of the countrie and com­mon wealth wherein they liue,] and the glorie of the aged, [i. that which [Page] bringeth glorie and credit to the olde folkes] is the gray head, [i. experience, wisdome, counsell, and other giftes, which in length and processe of time, they haue atteyned too: see Chap. 16.31.] Vers. 30. The blewnesse of the wound [vz. which ariseth by sharpe and seuere punishments: putting the thing following punishment, for hard and sharp punishment it selfe] serueth to purge the euill: [vz. that resteth and remaineth in wicked persons] and the stripes, within the bowells of the bellie [vz. serue to the same end, meaning by stripes within the bowels of the bellie, sharp and cutting corrections, which pearse as it were euen to the entrailes, he meaneth that wicked people can­not be reformed, but by sharpe and vehement corrections, no more than dan­gerous diseases can be cured, without byting and pearsing medicines.