Proverbs 5

Proverbs 5:2

THy lippes] That thou mayest alwayes have the gift of speaking wisely, and like one that is well instructed.

Proverbs 5:3

For the lippes] The meaning is, that thou mayest through the wisdome of thine understanding and thy words, be able to withstand any seducement, especially of unchast women Of a strange] See upon Proverbs 2:16.

Proverbs 5:4

Her end] All that comes of her acquaintance is nothing but all manner of unfortunate chances, displeasures, and hot repentance.

Proverbs 5:5

Her feet] She walketh a great pace to eternall perdition, and leadeth others along with her.

Proverbs 5:6

Her wayes] She useth all the art she can to draw men insensibly so farre into her love, and into the labyrinths of her vices, that they may not know how to come into the way of vertue or happinesse any more.

Proverbs 5:9

Thine honour] Namely the flower of thine age, the strength of thy body, and the excellencie of thy wit, and together with that all thine honour and reputation Unto others] The Italian, To strangers] Namely to Whores, who for the most part are pittielesse, griping, and cruell, ayming at nothing but the ruine of their lovers.

Proverbs 5:10

With thy wealth] Or with thy strength that they may not spraine thy sinewes; and make them weake and feeble Thy labours] Namely thy wealth which thou hast attained to by much labour.

Proverbs 5:11

Mourne] The Italian, Roare] bewaile thy former follies bitterly, and have no remedie for it.

Proverbs 5:14

I was almost] there is almost no evill nor misery that I have not fallen into, even in the sight of all the world with publike shame. Others hold them to bee the words of a sinner, not altogether desperate, who acknowledgeth his errors, and is somewhat inclined to turning.

Proverbs 5:15

Drinke] A figurative instruction concerning the chast and holy use of lawfull matrimonie, See Proverbs 9:17.

Proverbs 5:16

Dispersed] This may be understood of the happie off-spring; which is borne in wedlocke, or of the good savor, example, and edification which is given to others, by such a laudable kinde of life and conversation.

Proverbs 5:18

Rejoyce] Take thine honest delights with her, according to the Lawes of God and nature.

Proverbs 5:19

Hinde] And Roe] Harmelesse beasts that have no gall, and very loving in their kinds: pourtraitures of a vertuous woman, apt to gaine her husbands love.

Proverbs 5:21

Pondereth] The Italian Levelleth] That is to say exammeth and trieth them.

Proverbs 5:22

His owne] That is to say his owne misdeeds shall bee as a Sergeant, and a prison to him: his Conscience shall make him guiltie, and shall keepe him as a Prisoner, untill the time of his punishment.