Proverbs 9

Proverbs 9:1

HAth builded] That is to say, the Sonne of God hath laid the foundation of his house himselfe, and perfectly established his Church, Hebrews 3:3-4. and in it he unfoldeth all his treasures for the getting and preserving of the spirituall and everlasting life to the participation of which hee inviteth all men by the ministery of his word. See a like parable, Matthew 22:2.

Proverbs 9:2

Mingled] Or made ready-according to the custome of those Countries where they did use to mingle their wine with water, as well to please the taste, as for wholsomenesse.

Proverbs 9:3

The highest] They were high places, or little terraces done about with railes, and Parapets, in the highest parts of the Citie which were used to make Proclamations upon, give sentences, and other like, publike ctions, Iohn 19, 13.

Proverbs 9:4

Who so is simple] O all you men, who are naturally ignorant, and idiots, and subject to the deceipts of the flesh and the Devill.

Proverbs 9:6

The foolish] The Italian Foolishnesses] Namely the actions of foolish and overseene worldly mn,

Proverbs 9:7

Hee that reproveth] The meaning is, of men that are altogether ignorant and void of understanding, there are of two sorts, some are prophane, hardened and scornefull men: the other are wise, and understanding in that they know their owne defect, and seeke to amend it: to the first the word of God serveth for nothing but only to provoke their wrath, in blaspheming him, and committing outrages against his servants, Matthew 7:6. in the latter it fructifieth to salvation A scorner] See upon, Psal. 1. verse 1.

Proverbs 9:10

The holy] Namely that which the true elect who are sanctified by Gods spirit, learne by his word Understanding] Namely the true, solid and spirituall understanding.

Proverbs 9:13

A foolish woman] Hee opposeth the world, the flesh and all their allurements represented by the actions, and baites of a dishonest woman, to celestiall wisdome and godly perswasions, to signifie that all the delight and love of the soule fixed upon any thing but upon God and his grace, is but a spirituall adultery and dishonestie.

Proverbs 9:16

Whose is] O poore simple people that will take such paines to obtaine vertue and wisdome and deprive themselves of the pleasures of this life. Which lif’s wisdome consists in the finding and enjoying of them when they offer themselves, and all the content of it in the enjoying of them whilest one may. Or they are the Holy Ghosts words, speaking 〈◊〉 truth in its proper sence, and then it should bee translated. Who is foolish? Let him goe thither, Namely where the stumpet calls him.

Proverbs 9:17

Stollen waters] that is to say: your stollen pleasures which are unlawfully taken are more favoury, and fuller of voluptuousnesse. The lewd words and thoughts of carnall men in their irregular and vicious pleasures, contrary to the chaste, lawfull and sober pleasures of the faithfull.

Proverbs 9:18

The dead] The Italian, The Giants] that is to say the damned: See upon Iob 26. 5. Prover. 2. 18.