Proverbs 17

Proverbs 17:2

THat causeth] The Italian, That bringeth] See upon Proverbs 10:5.

Proverbs 17:4

To false lips] To evill enticements and sugestions, and to slatteries and false prayses: or generally to all manner of evill speeches.

Proverbs 17:6

The Crown] That is to say, the honour and ornament: it being a glorious blessing of God, which also addeth authority to the fathers, and causeth them to be esteemed and respected: especially when the vertue of the fathers shineth in the children, being discreetly brought up by them. See. Psalme 127. 3, 4, 5 Their Fathers] Insomuch that the fathers vertue enobleth the Children, and renowneth them: and their experience, wisedome, and authority, supplyeth many defects of youth, it being under the government of venerable old age.

Proverbs 17:8

A precious stone] A most essectuall baite even as a precious stone, which draweth the eyes of the beholders to it Whithersoever] few men, are able to withstand the allurement and tryall of presents: whether they be given to allue one to favour a just cause, or else to bribe him for to oppose it.

Proverbs 17:9

He that covereth] He that concealeth those things which he knoweth have been spoken or done to another mans injurie, and is no malignant or indiscreet Tale-carrier, procureth, and preserveth peace amongst men. Others, hee which takes no notice of an injury which is proffered him either by word or deed. Proverbs chapter the tenth, verse the twelfth.

Proverbs 17:10

Entreth] That is to say, is felt more lively, and produceth also more lively fruit of amendment.

Proverbs 17:11

An evill man] Or the rebellious man, seeketh nothing but evill A cruell Messenger.] shall bee given over to Satan, executioner of Gods just judgements.

Proverbs 17:12

A foole] A man of small understanding, or subject to his owne passions, when he is in the heat of any of them.

Proverbs 17:14

As when one] Opening the sluce, or cutting the banke; which done, hee cannot stay the water from gushing out or over-flowing: so by small beginnings of strife, oftentimes there grow and arise grent contentions, the violence of which cannot be stayed by those who were the first authors thereof Before it bee medled with] The Italian, Before it come to reproaches]Namely, to such words, as are the first breach; after which, for the most part come blowes, wounds, and murthers.

Proverbs 17:16

A price] Namely meanes, and outward helpes, whereby he may learn wisedome No heart] Namely to desire or make himselfe capable of wisedome.

Proverbs 17:17

A friend] A true and loyall friend is alwayes ready to performe such duties as doe belong to a friend: whereas your neare kinsmen, ordinarily never shew themselves but upon some grievous mis-forturies, and in some extream necessity, which stirreth up and wakeneth their naturall duty and affection.

Proverbs 17:18

Striketh hands] That is to say is bound for other men. Prov. 6. 1. and 11. 15 Becommeth surety] rafhly and inconsiderately.

Proverbs 17:19

That exalteth] As when one maketh a breach in a wall to raise a gate therein, he endangereth the wall thereby, so one that will raise and exalt himselfe boyond his degree, for the most part falleth into ruine and confusion. Proverbs 11. 2. and 16. 18.

Proverbs 17:23

Out of the hosome] That is to say, he taketh it out secretly. Proverbs 21:14.

Proverbs 17:24

Before him] Namely, he hath it alwayes by him, and before his eyes, as a light and a seeure guid in all his businesses. Or he findeth, and gaineth it easily: as Proverbs: 14. 6 The eyes] like a man that hath lost his way, or is besides himselfe; that knoweth not where he is, nor where he shall find that he looketh for, nor from whence he shall have any ayd.

Proverbs 17:26

Is not good] All manner of injustice, though it be but for a small summe, and all unjust punishment, though it be but slight, and no way concerning life, is condeninable in a Magistrate or publike officer.

Proverbs 17:27

An excellent spirit] The Italian, Of a reserved spirit] That is to say, he is discneet and moderate. Others, of a coole spirit; that is to say, slow to wrath. Others, he is seldo me angry.