Proverbs 12

ed concerning the providence of Almighty God, in punishing (bad) men according to their wickedness, and delivering good men from those who seek their destruction; which are notably expressed in ver. 5—7, where he observes how the wicked, labouring to compass their ends, by cozenage, or by violence, even by blood, not only miscarry in their designs, but are unexpectedly overturned and subverted out of their places, wherein they behaved with such injustice and cruelty. _ ‘There are divers instructions also repeated about several virtues and vices, especially those of the tongue; among which and most conspicuous virtues, the contrary vice is condemned by a terrible word—abomination.” Lord Bacon, upon another passage in this chapter, (ver.

10.) observes. ‘‘ That there is implanted in man’s nature, a noble and excellent affection of pity and compassion, (called here Mercy,) which extends itself even unto brute creatures, that are by divine ordination subject to his command. Nay, farther, it is most certain that the worthier any soul is, (i. e. the better its disposition,) the larger is its compassion. For contracted and 7 Ree minds, imagine these things appertain not to them; but the mind that looks upon itself as a nobler portion of the universe, 1s creatures out of the communion there is between them; therefore, we see, that under the old law there were man concerning this, which were not so much ceremonial, tutions of mercy.” (See (Exodus 33:5, 19). Without sanctioning every expression of this great man, we freely admit the importance of this moral duty of mercy. “ 2 passion to the brute creation. A righteous the life of his beast; but the tender mercies of the wicked,” even their pretended kindnesses, are, their kindness be cruel, what, then, severity ?

Notes on the verses

Ver. 4. Righteousness delivereth.—See (Proverbs 10:2)., Ver. 7. When a wicked man, &c.—This assertion strongly implies that ‘ the righteous hath hope in his death,” as in (Proverbs 14:32). Ver. 13. A tale-bearer revealeth, &c.—See margin. Or rather, as Dr. Hodgson renders it, ‘* A tale-bearer, walking about, revealeth secrets.” Ver 16. A gracious woman—that is, a benevolent, kind-hearted woman. Compare next verse. Ver. 21. Though hand join in hand.—{A very solemn method of taking an oath, in the East, as has been already shown, (on (2 Kings 10:15),) is joining hands, uttering at the same time a curse upon the false swearer. To this form there appears to be here an evident allusion: ‘ Though hand join in hand”— ratify their agreement by an oath, “the wicked shall not be unpunished;”

however confederated, justice shall take care that they escape not punishment. ]}—Bagster. Ver. 25. The liberal soul—See margin—shall be made fat—that is, enriched with blessings. er. 27. Diligently seeketh.—({Properly, “rising early to seek” what i Ver. 29. He that troubleth his own house, (probably by his penuriousness) shall inherit the wind—that is, he shall get nothing by it. See ver. 24. Ver. 30. The fruit of the righteous.—This we apprehend to be an elliptical expression, ‘*the fruit of the righteous is like the fruit of the tree of life.” see (Proverbs 3:18).—He that winneth—catcheth, or taketh; an allusion to Ver. 31. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; much more.—This does not imply that the Almighty is more just to one class than another; but as the just shall be rewarded or chastened according to his conduct, so assuredly the wicked shall not go unpunished!

So the LXX. “If the righteous scarcely be saved,” that is, not without chastisement for his sins “where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?” And this appears to be quoted by an apostle, (1 Peter 4:18). Chap. XII. Ver. 4. A virtuous wife is a crown.—This alludes to the ancient custom of wearing chaplets, and nuptial crowns. See Sol. Song, iii. 1. Ver. 9. He that is despised and hath a servant.—[Or, rather, as in the old translation, ‘* He that is despised, and is his own servant, is better than he that boasteth himself and wanteth bread;” with which the versions generally