Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21:1

RIvers] The Italian, Small streames] which are drawne every way by gardens to water their grounds as they please. See Deuteronomy 11:10.

Proverbs 21:4

A high look] The Italian Haughly eyes] that is to say, the pride and haughtinesse of the wicked mens soules, which they expresse in all their actions, and in the carriage of their bodie, wherein they glory, and is a great sin before God.

Proverbs 21:5

The thoughts] The two ordinary meanes to get goods, are, prudent consideration, and care and industry in putting that in execution which hath been maturely deliberated.

Proverbs 21:6

Tossed] By the wind of Gods curse, like unto dust, or chaffe.

Proverbs 21:7

Shall destroy them] The Italian, Shall draw them downe] Namely, into everlasting ruine.

Proverbs 21:8

The way] That is to say, his life and his wicked and unlawfull actions Strange] That is to say, full of horrible and tragicall chances, see Job 3:13 Is right] That is to say easie, pleasant, and directed to a good and happy end. See Isaiah 26:7.

Proverbs 21:9

A corner] Namely openly subject to the injuries of the weather, for the tops of houses in those places were made flat, and lay open like Terraces A wide house] The Italian, In a common house] He seemeth, to have a regard to the custome of those countries, by which in every house men and women had their lodgings apart, wherein they remained in the time of mourning. Zechariah 12:12-14. But in time of mirth they lived in sweet communion with their family. See Psal. 68. 6. and 113. 9.

Proverbs 21:12

The house] Which being full of extortions, bringeth the wicked to ruine, so far it is from being any stay unto them.

Proverbs 21:14

In secret] Whereby he sheweth that he means corrupting presents given to Judges, to coole their zeale in doing of justice against mafactors Bosome] See Proverbs 17:23.

Proverbs 21:16

Of the lead] The Italian, Of giants] that is to say of the damned: See Job 26:5. Pro. 2. 18. & 9. 18

Proverbs 21:17

Oyle] That is to say esseminate pleasures and delights, amongst which in ancient times were your odoriferous oyles: especially being used at banquers and feasts.

Proverbs 21:18

A ransome] A figurative terme, as much as to say, God shall be pleased and appeased with the righteous, and shall turne his wrath towards the wicked, who, as one should say, shall come into their places Proverbs 11:8. Isaiah 43:3.

Proverbs 21:20

Oyle] The Italian, Precious oyles] which kinds of oyles, and spices were in those dayes laid up amongst your rarest and most precious things. See 2 Kings 20:13.

Proverbs 21:21

Righteousnesse] namely, a just reward of his good life.

Proverbs 21:22

A wise man] Understanding and wisdome do often overcome strength, as may be seene in Cities taken by stratagem See Ecclesiastes 9:14.

Proverbs 21:24

Proud] All those that are proud, are also scorners of God and men.

Proverbs 21:25

The desire] Which is not accompanied with any study of endeavour for to obtaine it, and therefore serveth for nothing but to vex the foolish man.

Proverbs 21:26

He coveteth] the Italian, The man given to covetousnesse, coveteth, &c. even as the covetous man is insatiable in gathering to himselfe, even so is the good man never weary of giving.

Proverbs 21:27

With a wicked] the Italian, With wickednesse] As if they had stolne it, or forcibly taken it away: giving the Lord part of their theft. Isay 61. 8. Or offering it to God for to gaine his favour in some evill designe.

Proverbs 21:28

That heareth] He that had rather heare then speake rashly or falsely shall alwayes in time and place have occasion enough to speake, and shall be hearkned unto, being of entire life and reputation Or he that heares and faithfully reports or witnesses what he hath seene and heard.

Proverbs 21:29

Wicked man] As the wicked grow worse and worse, untill they come to the point of unbridled boldnesse, shaking off and casting aside all manner of shame, even so good men continue and grow better and better in their good and upright conversation Directeth] Or strengheneth and confirmeth.