Proverbs 3

An exhortation to the keeping of the Commandments of wisdom, verse 1, &c. Also to affiance in God, and his counsel, with caution to beware of self-wisdom, 5. An exhortation to the fear of the LORD, 7. To liberality to the Ministers of God, and to the poor, 9,27. To patience in suffering, 11.of the blessingness that wisdom bringeth with it, the preciousness, high esteem, and great utility of it, 13. Evil practises, 29. Contentiousness, 30. Impatience, 31. The cursed prosperity of the wicked, scorners, and fools, 33.

1. My son, forget not my law: [Or, doctrine: to wit, which I teach thee, and instruct thee in, namely, how to order thy life and conversation aright. See above chap.1.on verse 8.] but let thine heart keep my commandments.

2. For they shall increase [So below chapter 9.11. Hebrew properly add, which is here as much as multiply] unto thee length of days, and years of life, [that is, a great age, and a long life, or a life of many years. So Deuteronomy 30:20. Job 12:12. Psalm.21.5. and 91.16. below verse 16. And 4.10. and 9.11.] and peace. [that is, prosperity both in soul and body: See Genesis 37.on ver.14.]

3. Let not mercy and faithfulness forsake thee; [This may be understood of the mercy and truth of God; so that it is a command exhorting a man to cleave close thereunto, with a promise that he shall keep and preserve them. See below on verse 25. Others understand it of the bounty and faithfulness, which every one ought to shew unto his neighbour] bind them [to wit, the commandments of God, whereof is spoken in the first verse: or, mercy and faithfulness, that is, the promises of God concerning them] about thy neck, [to wit, as an ornament, or chain, as above chap.1.9. and to have them always before thine eyes, and in thy sight. See below ver.21. and 6.21. and compare Exod.13.9. Deut.6.8.] write them upon the table of thine heart. [that is, imprint them deep in the innermost part of thine understanding, that they may never slip out of thy memory. So below chap.7.3. Jer.17.1. 2 Cor.chap.3.3.]

4. And find favour, [Or, grace; that is, acceptation or acceptableness, whereby a man is acceptable and pleasing unto others; so Gen.39.21. Psalms 46:3. above chap.1.9. below chap.11.16. and 22.verse 11 Eccl.10.12. Luke 2:52.] and good understanding [of understanding, see above chap.1.on verse 3.] in the eyes of God, and men. [‘Tis again a command, containing in it also a strong and earnest promise, as in the beginning of the former verse. The command is, labour to find grace, &c. The promise is, Thou shalt be acceptable both to God and good men, and have sound knowledge to live well.]

5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; [Compare Deut.6.5. and 1 Kings 2:4. and the annot.] and lean not unto thine (own) understanding.

6. Acknowledge him in all thy ways: [That is, in all that thou intendeth, understakest, speakest, doest, and omittest. See Gen.6.on verse 12. In the same sense is the word paths presently taken in this verse] and he shall make thy paths strait. [That is, direct them according to his law, and lead thee right according unto it, that thou maist at length attain unto the desired end of thy life. Compare below chap.11.5. and 15.21.]

7. Be not wise in thine (own) eyes: [That is, in thine own conceit, and judgement. See Lev.13.on ver.3. and Job 18.on ver.3. Rom.12.16.] fear the LORD, and depart from evil:

8. It shall be physic for thy navel, [it’s a phrase, by way of similitude, borrowed from young children, whose navels must be handled and dealt with, with singular care and prudence: and also from grown persons, that are weak and feeble in that are weak and feeble in that part of the body, and oftentimes have need of physic to be applied thereunto. The meaning is, that those that have the fear of God, shall, in respect of the spiritual life of the soul, be in very good health, and enjoy perfect strength] and moistening for thy bones. [Its another similitude borrowed from the bones in a mans body, which must be filled with good marrow to preserve the strength and vigour in man: So hath the soul likewise its strength and vigour from the knowledge and fear of the Lord. Compare Job 21:24.]

9. Honour the LORD with thy substance [Honour him, to wit, in his Ministers, the Priests, and Levites: also in the widows, the fatherless, and the poor, by communicating unto them of thy means, Exod.23.19. and 34.36. Deut.26.2. &c. Mal.3.10. Luke 14:13.] and with the first-fruits of all thine increase. [See of these, Exodus. Chapter 22.verse 29.30. Levit.2.12. and 23.17.]

10. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty; [Hebr. Satiety; that is, with plenty of fruits, whereby men may be satisfied and filled. See Gen.41.29. and the annotate. Also, Eccl.5.11. Compare Deut.28.8.] and thy press-fats run over [Hebr. Break asunder with new wine.]

11. My son, reject not discipline [This word signifieth indeed the teaching or instruction, which is done in, or by words, but is here also taken for actual chastening or punishing. See below chap.7.on verse 22. So likewise the Hebrew Verb translated , rebuking, below chap.9.7. see the annotate.] of the LORD: neither be weary of his chastising: [this word is also not onely taken for Verbal punishment or reproof, such as is done by words, as below chap.15.31,32. And 28.23. but also for actual punishment, by blows, or plagues, or scourges, as here, and Psalms 73:14. and 149.7. Hos.5.9. So the Verb. Reprove, Psalms 6:2.]

12. For the LORD chasteneth the man whom he loveth, [Compare Rev.3.19.] yea as a father the son in whom he hath a delight. [See of the signification of the Hebrew word, 2 Sam.24.on verse 23.]

13. Happy is the man, (that) findeth wisdom: [Heb. (that) hath found, &c. That is, that findeth continually: therefore also the following Verb in the Original is put in the Future Tense. The word finding seemeth to relate to the seeking and searching after wisdom, whereof mention is made above chap.2.4. see the annot.] and the man, (that) bringeth for the [or, fetcheth out, to wit, as out of an hidden place, and consequently obtaineth it with great labour and pains] understanding.

14. For the merchandise of it [That is, the ware, or the commodity that is to be found with wisdom; so is 23.18. Oth. Managing, or, handling; that is, searching after it, whereby it is sought, found, and obtained] is better then the merchandise of silver, [compare Job28. 15. Psalms 19:10. Prov.8.11,19. And 16.16. Oth. Ordering, or, managing of silver is gotten and obtained] and the increase thereof then gold digged out. [meaning very fine gold, perhaps so called, because it’s digg’d out of the ground. The same name is used, Psalms 68:14. below chap.8.10,19. And 16.16. Zach.9,3.]

15. She is more precious then rubies; [See Job 28.on verse 18.] and whatsoever thou canst delight in, is not be compared unto her: that is, whatsoever thou canst wish or desire, is not of such worth and value, as that it should be able to be compared with wisdom. So below chap.8.11.]

16. Length of days [See above on verse 2.] is in her right hand; in her left hand, riches and honour. [Wisdom is here compared to a woman, that in great plenty divideth all manner of goods to those that follow, and obey her. Under temporal goods are comprehended also those that are eternal.]

17. Her ways [That is, whatsoever she prescribeth to believe, and to do. Understand also in like manner the following word paths] are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths peace. [that is, prosperity and happiness, both in soul and body; as above verse 2. The meaning is, that this is obtained by wisdom.]

18. She [To wit, wisdom; see above verse 13.] is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her; [that is, as a tree life, giving life, and full contentment or satisfaction to them that eat of her fruits, that is, that receive her instruction. Compare Gen.2.9. and 3.22. also below chap.11.30. and 13.12. and 15.4.] and every one that holdeth her fast, is happy.

19. The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth, by understanding hath prepared [that is, beautifully adorned, gloriously sitted, and orderly composed and joined together. So is the Hebrew word taketh, Job 31:15.] the Heavens.

20. By his knowledge the depths are cloven, [Meaning the seas, and consequently the fountains, springs, rivers, and all sorts of streams, that issue and spread out of the depth and bottom of the earth, as it were by the renting thereof in twain. Compare Gen.1.9,10.] and the clouds drop (down) dew.

21. My son, let not them [To wit, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, whereof is spoken in the two former verses. Oth. The Law, and the commandments, of which see verse 1. Of this chapter] depart from thine eyes: keep the durable wisdom [see of the Hebr. Word Job 5.on verse 12. And abo.chap.2.on verse 7.] and discretion. [See above chap.1.on verse 4.]

22. For they shall be life for thy soul; [That is, bring life to thy neck. [that is, an ornament, which will make thee gracious and acceptable both in the fight of God, and of all good men. Compare above chap.1.9. and the annot.]

23. Then shalt thou walk (in) thy way safety: [That is, go sure in thy intention, doing, and omitting. So below chap.10.9. and compare Psalms 37:24. and 91.11,12. Below chap.28.18. Isa.chap.40.31.] and thou shalt not dash thy foot. [that is, thou shalt not come into danger, so as to hurt thy self. Oth. And thy foot shall not dash it self, or, stumble. Compare Psalms 91:12. Foot is taken for the man himself. So Psalms 31:9. below chap.7.11. Isa.52.7.]

24. If thou liest down, [To wit, to sleep, or, rest] thou shalt not be afraid; but thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. [Compare Lev.26.6. Job 11:19. Psalms 3:6. and 4.9.]

25. Be not afraid of sudden terror, [‘Tis a Commandment, containing in it a promise, as above verse 3,4. Also below chap.4.4. and 7.2. and 9.6. see Psal.37.on verse 3. Therefore some render these words thus: Thou shalt not be afraid of sudden terror, &c. But with the translation, that is in the text, doth the Hebrew particle all, or, any, better agree. The meaning is, that the lovers of wisdom shall not need to fear, or be afraid of, &c. Hebr. Of terror suddenly; that is, which is sudden, or cometh unwares, and unexpected. So below ch.15.24. from hell, or the grave below, or beneath; that is, which is below, or beneath] neither of the desolation [see Psalm 35.on verse 8. And above chap.1.on verse 27.] of the wicked seek to raise or effect among the godly: or rather, which shall come upon the wicked by the just judgement of God] when it cometh.

26. For the LORD shall be with thine hope: [That is, he will be found of thee, when thou hopest in him, that thy hope, whereby thou waitest on his help, may not be in vain. Oth. Shall be thine hope. Of the word hope, see the Hebrew word so taken, Job 4:6. and the annot.] and he shall keep thy foot from being taken. [Hebr. From taking: To wit, whereby thou mightiest come into the hand and power of the wicked, and be oppressed by them.]

27. Withhold not good [Meaning, either corporal, or spiritual good] from the masters (or owners) thereof, [understand by these, those to whom we owed any thing that is good, either according to the Civil Law, or according to the Divine and Natural Law. The Civil Law is, that we should give to others, that which belongeth to them, by virtue of commerce or trading one with another. The Divine, and Natural, or Moral Law is, that we should give unto others, by virtue of our duty of love and compassion, which we owe unto them in general. Consequently by the word masters, or owners, the poor are here also to be understood, because the rich are given unto them by God as Stewards, and Dispensers, to communicate unto them, and to make them sharers of their means. In which respect alms or almsdeeds are called righteousness, Dan.4.27.] when it is in the power of thine hand to do (it). [that is, when God hath given the means and ability, either in Civils, to content and satisfy thy neighbour, or in Divine and Naturals, to do good unto poor, and to relieve them in their wants and necessities. The meaning is, that both those duties in such a case may not be delayed. Oth. Although it were in the power of thine hand to do it; to wit, to withhold from any man that which is his due, or belongeth unto him. That which is delivered in this, and the following verse, is a general proverb, forbidding the neglect, or hindering of doing good unto others.]

28. Say not unto thy neighbour; Go thy ways, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; [Namely, that which thou in a manner owest him, and which he asketh and craveth of thee, and hath greatly need of: compare Lev.19.13. Deut.24.14. also Gal.6.10. James 2:15,16.] seeing it is with thee.

29. Forge not evil against neighbour, [The Hebrew word rendered here forge, signifieth to devise, intend and promise a thing closely and secretly; which may be said to be done either in a bad, or a in good sense. Here its taken in a bad sense, as also below chap.6.14,18. Elsewhere it is also taken in a good sense, as below chap.14.verse 22.] seeing he dwelleth with confidence [That is, securely, without having any mistrust, or evil suspicion of thee. Oth.in truth, or, fidelity] by thee.

30. Strive not with a man without cause; [To wit, neither in judgement, nor elsewhere beside] if he have done thee no harm. [for if he have done so, it is then lawful for a man to vindicate his own right; either by the means of the Magistrate, or to bring him to an acknowledgement of his fault by the Ecclesiastical power, or other private admonition, and that without desire of revenge, and scandal, Exod.22.verse 8. Mat.18.15,16,17. 1 Cor.6.4. Eph.4.26.

31. Be not envious [See Psalm 37.on verse 1.] against a man of violence: [That is, that useth violence, and practiseth oppression, and thereby becometh great, rich, and mighty. See of this phrase, 2 Sam.22.49. Job 11.on verse 11. And Psalm 5.on verse 7. Compare Psalm 37,1. And 73.3. above chap.23.17.] and choose none of his ways. [Hebr. Not all his ways; that is, none of them. See 1 Kings 11.on verse 34.]

32. For the revolter [That is, he that revolteth or departeth from the right way] is an abomination unto the LORD: [Hebr. Is the Lords abomination; that is, whom God esteemeth as an abomination. So below ch.11.1.20. and 12.22. and 15.9. and 16.5, &c. See Deut.17.on verse 1. Elsewhere a thing is said to be an abomination unto the LORD, Isa.1.verse 13. The sense or meaning is one and the same: so is an abomination to man, below chap.24.9.] but his secret [that is, his deepest mercy, and good will in the Messiah. See .Ps.25.on verse 14.] is with the upright. [Compare 25.14.]

33. The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: [Compare Lev.26.14. etc. Deuter.28.15.etc. Mal.2.2.] but he will bless the habitation of the righteous.

34. Surely he will scorn the scorners: but he will give grace unto the meek. [Oth. If he scorneth the scorners, he will also give grace unto the meek. Compare Jam.4.6. 1 Pet.5.5. Of the word meek, see Psalm 22.on verse 27.]

35. The wise shall inherit honour; but every one of the fools taketh shame upon himself, [that is, taketh shame with him for his portion: or, shame taketh fools away; that is, frustrateth them and all their expectation; or, shame exalteth fools.]