Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31:1

LE〈…〉l] It is likely, this was some name given to Solomon by his mother, after she understood by prophetick revelation, that he was to succeed David in the Kingdome. It signifieth one that is of God, or that belongs to God, that is to say, a King appointed and conseced by him The prophecy] the Italian, The prophetick speech] See Proverbs 0. 1 and it is likely that Bathsheba by divine inspiration did fore arme Solomon with these holy precepts; against the vicious inclination which he naturally had.

Proverbs 31:2

What my] That is to say, what instructions can I give thee? and what instructions are most necessary for thee? Of my vowes] That is to say, for whose birth, life, salvation, and blessing, I have made so many vowes to God.

Proverbs 31:3

Give not] Weaken not thy body and thy minde, through luxurie and unbridled lust, which is the very ruine of Princes. Proverbs 7:26.

Proverbs 31:5

The law] the Italian, The statutes] Of God, and of his law.

Proverbs 31:6

Give strong] The meaning is, that if it was lawfull for any to drinke a little extraordinary, yet it was not lawfull for Kings to doe it: who were by right to keepe their judgement and understanding cleere and whole, and had otherwise many inticements to stirre up the flesh: but it was more lawfull and fitting for afflicted persons, who wanted 〈…〉 and had need to drowne their sorrow〈…〉. 〈…〉nally, this is spoken comparatively, and not absolutely.

Proverbs 31:8

For the dumbe] Namely, for those that dare not, cannot, nor have not power to maintaine their right against the oppression of the mighty.

Proverbs 31:9

Open thy] That is to say, s〈…〉ke freely and couagiouy, according as thou shalt 〈…〉de it to bee the ight.

Proverbs 31:10

Who can finde] That is to say Oh how happie shall that man be, that shall have this good hap granted him by God?

Proverbs 31:11

Of spoi] the Italian, Of garment] Heb. of spoiles, that is to say, of linnen and woollen raiment, and other garments, which women are to care for: especially in former times in which women were wont to weave such clothes at home themselves.

Proverbs 31:13

Willingly] the Italian With delight] Taking delight in their worke. Others, ac〈…〉ding to 〈…〉 delight of their hands: that is to say, 〈…〉 mo d〈…〉us to worke sometimes in one 〈…〉 worke and sometimes in another.

Proverbs 31:14

She bringeth] That is to say, by selling of her worke to merchants, which come ou of faire countries, she doth by such honest trading maintaine her family.

Proverbs 31:15

A portion]〈…〉 Italian Their 〈…〉] namely, their dayes worke Others, their portion of food. Proverbs 30:8.

Proverbs 31:23

Is knowne] Is renowned and noted for his wives worth In the gates] in publick meetings and co〈…〉 which were held neee the gates of the City.

Proverbs 31:24

Fine linnen] the Italian 〈◊〉] Or exceeding fine linnen clothes.

Proverbs 31:25

She shall rejoyce] th Italian, she rejoyceth] Having provided things necessary for her family, according to her vocation: she takes no more care for any thing that may happen, leaving the rest to Gods providence.

Proverbs 31:26

The law] By her sweet and gracious speeches she sheweth how well she hath been bred and brought up.

Proverbs 31:27

Of idlenesse.] That is to say, idlely or nicely.

Proverbs 31:28

Rise up] Namely to shew their due respect unto her when she commeth.

Proverbs 31:31

Give her] let every one give her that praise, honour and blessing which she deserves by reason of her vertues In the gates] Namely in the peoples publick assemblies.