Proverbs 1

Proverbs 1:1

The choice, divine, substantial, instructive, and governing, but sometimes darkly expressed, sentences of the incomparably wise and inspired Solomon

Proverbs 1:2

Framed by the Spirit of God to teach men true and solid wisdom in things pertaining to God and their neighbour, to enable them to discern sin and duty, and to receive and profit by whatever good instructions or advices are given them

Proverbs 1:3

To incline and persuade them readily to hearken to such instructions as direct them to live in a wise, candid, upright, and virtuous, manner

Proverbs 1:4

That those who are unskilful, rash and incautious, may become circumspect, prudent, and discreet, in their conduct: 5. And those who are wise in the matters of time and eternity may become still more wise and prudent; and be able, with great advantage, to govern themselves and others

Proverbs 1:6

And be capable of finding out the meaning of the wise, though dark, sayings of God or men, and profitably to apply them to themselves, or explain them to others

Proverbs 1:7

It is necessary that every one who desires true wisdom, should begin with, and chiefly study the saving knowledge of God, and live under an holy awe, in the love, worship, and service of him; as, without this, all other knowledge is vain and useless; and, for want of it, wicked men, who prefer trifles to things of infinite importance, pour contempt on the wisest instructions that can be given them. 8, 9. And, next to the fear of God, it is necessary, my dear young men, that you reverence, honour, and obey, your parents, and gladly receive, and earnestly practise, their instructions, as things of inestimable value, which will render you more amiable and honourable than all the gay adorning on earth

Proverbs 1:10

And, in order to promote the fear of God, and regard to parental instructions, see, that with the utmost circumspection and earnestness, you avoid all unnecessary fellowship with wicked persons, and all hearkening to their flattering enticements

Proverbs 1:11-15

If in the most courteous manner, and by every argument drawn from profound secrecy, sure success, immense profit, and good fellowship, they would seduce you to robbery, or any other wickedness, abhor their counsels, and flee from their company: 16. For, being set on mischief themselves, if they once entangle you, they will perpetually hurry you from one horrid crime to another

Proverbs 1:17

And, while they lay snares for others, whom they reckon rash and inconsiderate, themselves, like silly birds, rush into courses, of which the dangerous issue might be easily perceived: 18. And, in the end, all their pains and cunning to undo others bring ruin upon themselves from the hand of God and men: 19. And all unrighteous methods of procuring wealth but issue in the destruction of the procurers

Proverbs 1:20-23

While you shun and abhor the enticements of the wicked, listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God, who, in his word and ordinances of the gospel, in the most public, affectionate, earnest, and importunate, manner, calls you, however simple, ignorant, foolish, or even scornful, to forsake your wicked courses, and turn to him by faith and repentance, to receive his Spirit, freely given, and believe his words, divinely manifested unto you

Proverbs 1:24-29

But in the most solemn manner he warns you that, if you persist in despising his gracious calls, instructions, and offers, his distinguished vengeance shall overtake and ruin you and your nation, in the most unexpected, fearful, unpitied, and remediless, manner;—and that, while your most rueful cries for deliverance shall be disregarded, your own counsels and contrivances shall render you inexpressibly miserable, and your occasional escapes, and even prosperity, shall, by encouraging your folly, pride, and wickedness, prove means of hastening and aggravating your ruin

Proverbs 1:33

While they, who hearken to his instructions, and believe on his name, shall, by his watchful providence, be marvellously protected, comforted, and eternally saved

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. I—The inspired oracles of God are calculated to convey the most solid and precious instruction in the things both of time and eternity; and it is necessary and profitable that all, even the wisest, should carefully search them, particularly in the days of youth, in which the faculties are most quick, the temptations most numerous, and our conversation for time and eternity just forming. Deep regard to God and to parental admonitions are highly necessary in those who desire true wisdom. But there can be no solid knowledge or prudence where the heart is not changed, believes not on Christ, and loves not God as in him. With amazing earnestness and craft do sinners seduce others, particularly young and simple ones, into fellowship with them in sin. It is necessary therefore to be always impressed with the awe of God’s omniscience and just vengeance, that no temptation of secrecy or of gain may tempt us to wickedness: and to avoid the society of the wicked if we choose to escape their ruin. But with what infatuation do men, more stupid than birds, rush into danger when fairly warned! and in ruining others they but ruin themselves in a more miserable manner: and, however secrecy or power may protect them from men, the vengeance of God overtakes them. Their cruelty and avarice hurry them and their companions into lasting misery and woe. Alas! how great is their folly, who, for a perishing world, destroy an Immortal soul; and for a momentary pleasure plunge themselves into everlasting fire! But great is the compassion of Jesus to such rebellious sinners: in the most earnest and open manner he pleads with them in the ordinances of his grace to promote their eternal salvation. Condescending are his offers and invitations of mercy, pointed to the most unworthy and wicked; and precious and necessary the benefits which he offers. But inexcusable is their guilt, and dreadful their ruin, who obstinately refuse them. Rejected of God in their misery, even their ease and prosperity harden and ensnare them, and aggravate their woe! But blessed above all with salvation and rest are those who receive them, and listen to his gracious voice. 7 K