Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18:1

THrough desire a man having separated himsolfe, seeketh and inter meddleth with all wisedome] The Italian, he that separateth himselfe, seeketh his, owne desires, and scorneth all law and reason] The note; That separateth] Namely from God, and from his pure service & from the communion of the Church, as those wicked men that were excommunicate, and accursed among Gods people by reason of their wicked life. See Ezech. 14. 7. Hos. 4. 14. and 9. 10. Judges 19:1-30 Seeketh] That is to say, doth with an unbridled desire runne after his owne lusts, shaking off all feare of God, and respect to his Church Scorneth] Falleth at last into the abysse and bottome of all impiety, which is bold prophanenesse.

Proverbs 18:2

But that] Namely to produce dayly effects of his inward folly.

Proverbs 18:3

Contempt] Namely, of God and men.

Proverbs 18:4

Are as deep] Are of a deep and prefound understanding, abounding in reasons, and have not onely a vaine lustre and slight appearance of truth or grace. Or they never failo in his mouth, which is as it were a lively spring, out of which they issue.

Proverbs 18:8

Are as wounds] The Italian, Seeme pleasing] Either in regard of him to whom he beareth the tale, covering the gal of his maline under the hony of that affectiō which he pretendeth to be the cause of his relating such things unto him, and not concealing of any thing which may concerne him. Or in regard of him by whom he makes the tale, faigning himselfe to be his friend, to gaine the more beliefe, and the better to colour his sayings They goe downe] that is to say, they pierce or penetrate into the heart of him to whom they are spoken. Or him whom they are spoken of, causing a deadly hatred and persecution against him.

Proverbs 18:9

Is brother.] That is to say, they are like to one another, for the one getteth nothing, and the other wastth what he hath aheady gotten.

Proverbs 18:10

The name of] That is to say, he himselse being called upon in time of need.

Proverbs 18:11

Is his strong] His fence and strong hold in all dangers and necessities.

Proverbs 18:14

The Spirit] The vigour, firmonisse, and alacrity of the soule doe uphold and beare up a man in his corporall infirmities; but if the soule yeeldoth to griefe, the body hath no comfort.

Proverbs 18:17

Seemeth just] the Italian, Hath right] That is to say, seemeth to be in the right, untill the other parties reply be heard: and therefore it is needfull to heare both parties, if one will not erre in giving judgement.

Proverbs 18:18

Contentions] Namely, in the dividing of inheritances and the like, Betweene the mighty] Amongst whom justice cannot so freely be executed as amongst meaner people.

Proverbs 18:19

A brother] Ordinarily the contentions and hatreds of brethren, or those which are neere of kin, being exasperated one against the other, are irreconcileable. Good things comming to be the worst when they are once corrupted: mans wickednesse leaping from the one extreame of duty, to the other of offence.

Proverbs 18:21

Are in] The life, safety, and good of man doe oftentimes depend upon the wise and right use of the tongue, and upon the contrary use his death and ruine They that love it] That is to say, they that are inclined to much speech, or utter whatsoever commeth in their mouth, giving way to that naturill infirmity.

Proverbs 18:22

A wise] Endowed with fitting qualities, according to Gods ordinance.