Verse 1: These words recommend family love and peace, as needful for
the comfort of human life. (2). The wise servant is more
deserving, and more likely to appear one of the family, than a
profligate son. (3). God tries the heart by affliction. He thus
has often shown the sin remaining in the heart of the believer.
(4). Flatterers, especially false teachers, are welcome to those
that live in sin. (5). Those that laugh at poverty, treat God's
providence and precepts with contempt. (6). It is an honour to
children to have wise and godly parents continued to them, even
after they are grown up and settled in the world. (7). A fool,
in Solomon's Proverbs, signifies a wicked man, whom excellent
speech does not become, because his conversation contradicts it.
(8). Those who set their hearts upon money, will do any thing
for it. What influence should the gifts of God have on our
hearts! (9). The way to preserve peace is to make the best of
every thing; not to notice what has been said or done against
ourselves. (10). A gentle reproof will enter, not only into the
head, but into the heart of a wise man. (11). Satan, and the
messengers of Satan, shall be let loose upon an evil man. (12).
Let us watch over our own passions, and avoid the company of
furious men. (13). To render evil for good is devilish. He that
does so, brings a curse upon his family. (14). What danger there
is in the beginning of strife! Resist its earliest display; and
leave it off, if it were possible, before you begin. (15). It is
an offence to God to acquit the guilty, or to condemn those who
are not guilty. (16). Man's neglect of God's favour and his own
interest is very absurd. (17). No change of outward
circumstances should abate our affection for our friends or
relatives. But no friend, except Christ, deserves unlimited
confidence. In Him this text did receive, and still receives its
most glorious fulfilment. (18). Let not any wrong their
families. Yet Christ's becoming Surety for men, was a glorious
display of Divine wisdom; for he was able to discharge the bond.
(19). If we would keep a clear conscience and a quiet mind, we
must shun all excitements to anger. And a man who affects a
style of living above his means, goes the way to ruin. (20).
There is nothing got by ill designs. And many have paid dear for
an unbridled tongue. (21). This speaks very plainly what many
wise and good men feel very strongly, how grievous it is to have
a foolish, wicked child. (22). It is great mercy that God gives
us leave to be cheerful, and cause to be cheerful, if by his
grace he gives us hearts to be cheerful. (23). The wicked are
ready to part with their money, though loved, that they may not
suffer for their crimes. (24). The prudent man keeps the word of
God continually in view. But the foolish man cannot fix his
thoughts, nor pursue any purpose with steadiness. (25). Wicked
children despise the authority of their father, and the
tenderness of their mother. (26). It is very wrong to find fault
for doing what is duty. (27,28). A man may show himself to be a
wise man, by the good temper of his mind, and by the good
government of his tongue. He is careful when he does speak, to
speak to the purpose. God knows his heart, and the folly that is
bound there; therefore he cannot be deceived in his judgment as
men may be.
