Proverbs 1

Proverbs 1:1

The Proverbs of Solomon.

The grave, wise, proverbial sentences of Solomon.

Proverbs 1:2

To know wisdom and instruction.

The use whereof is, to give true, moral, and spiritual wisdom and instruction to those, that do carefully read or hear them.

Proverbs 1:8

Forsake not the law of thy mother.

Do not take advantage by the weakness of that sex, to think it safe for thee, to slight that charge which thy mother shall lay upon thee.

Proverbs 1:17

Surely in vain the net is spread in sight of any bird.

Well might the foolish bird be warned and kept off, by the sight of the net, which is spread for her; but she, being intent upon her food, minds not her danger, and so is heedlessly caught: so shall it be with thee, my son, if thou, in a desire of wicked gain, shalt suffer thyself to be enticed by lewd men.

Proverbs 1:18

And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

While they think they lay wait for the blood of others, alas! they lay wait for their own; and go closely to work to betray and destroy their own souls.

Proverbs 1:19

Gain, which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

Evil gain brings destruction upon the getter of it; so as he loseth himself, while he vainly thinks to win these outward things.

Proverbs 1:20

Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets.

He, that is the Eternal, and Uncreated Wisdom of the Father, useth all means to draw men unto God; both by his works and by his word, he inviteth all men to the knowledge and love of the truth.

Proverbs 1:23

I will pour out my spirit unto you. I will make known my words unto you.

I offer unto you, both my word outwardly to your ears, and a plentiful measure of my Spirit inwardly to your hearts, to make that word effectual unto you.

Proverbs 1:26

I also will laugh at your calamity.

As you have slighted and disregarded me and my word, so will I, you, in the day of your extremity: I will not care that you are plagued; yea, it shall be a pleasure to me to see your just smart.

Proverbs 1:32

The prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

Foolish sinners are hardened in their wicked courses by the sense of their continuing prosperity; and are thereupon carried on to their destruction.