Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31:2

The earth - The dry land called earth after it was separated from the waters Genesis 1:10. Fields - The plain and open parts of the earth distinguished from the mountains. Dust - Of this lower part of the world which consists of dust.

Proverbs 31:3

I was there - As co - worker with my Father. Depth - Of that great abyss of water and earth mixed together, which is called both earth and water and the deep, Genesis 1:2, when he made this lower world in the form of a globe.

Proverbs 31:4

Strengthened - When he shut up the fountains in the cavities of the earth, and kept them there as it were by a strong band. The deep - Which have their original from the deep, either from the sea, or from the abyss of waters in the bowels of the earth.

Proverbs 31:7

My delights were - To uphold them by my power and providence, to reveal myself and my Father’s will to them from age to age, to assume their nature, and to redeem and save them.

Proverbs 31:10

Waiting - As servants or clients, wait at the doors of princes or persons of eminency.

Proverbs 31:14

Her house - For the reception of her guests. Seven - Many pillars; whereby is intimated the beauty and stability of the church. Pillars - Prophets, and apostles, and ministers.

Proverbs 31:15

Killed - Made provision for the guests. Mingled - With water, as they used to do in those hot countries. Furnished - With all necessaries, and now waits for the guests.

Proverbs 31:16

Maidens - Her servants to invite the guests, ministers of the word whom he calls maidens for the decency of the parable; for wisdom being compared to a great princess, was fit to be attended upon by maidens. Highest places - From such high seats as those from which judges delivered their sentences, and officers made proclamations.

Proverbs 31:17

Simple - Ignorant, and weak.

Proverbs 31:20

A former - He shews whom he meant by the foolish, ver.6, even scorners and wicked men, and presses his last advice of forsaking them because there was no good, but hurt to be got from them.

Proverbs 31:21

A scorner - An obstinate and incorrigible sinner.

Proverbs 31:25

For thyself - Thou dost not profit me but thyself.

Proverbs 31:27

At the door - Watching for occasions of sin.

Proverbs 31:28

Go right - Who are going innocently about their business.

Proverbs 31:29

Simple - This title is not given them by her, but by Solomon.

Proverbs 31:30

Sweet - From the difficulty of obtaining them; and because the very prohibition renders them more grateful to corrupt nature.