Westminster Annotations, Proverbs · Chapter 18
CHAP. XVIII.
Verse 1. THrough desire a man having separated himself, seeketh and intermedieth with all wisdom] Or, He that separateth himself seeketh according to his desire, and intermedieth in every businesse.
Through desire a man having separated himself] He that loveth wisdom, will separate himself from all impediments, and give himself wholly to seek it.
V. 2. but that his heart may discover it self] That is, that he may talk licentiously of whatsoever cometh to minde.
V. 3. then cometh also contempt] Either, contempt of God, and shame from him lights upon wicked men: or else, he means, they contemn all others.
V. 4. The words of a mans mouth are as deep waters, and the well-spring of wisdom as a flowing brook] Chap. 20. 5.
as deep waters] Which can never be drawn empty, but ever brings profit, Chap. 10. 11.
V. 5. It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgement] Levit. 19. 15. Deut. 1. 17. and 16. 9. Chap. 24. 23.
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked] To favour and support him, to the injury of him that hath the right on his side.
V. 6. his mouth calleth for stokes] Encourageth others to fight, or, causeth himself to be beaten, verse 7.
V. 7. A fools mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul] Chap. 10. 14. and 12. 13. and 13. 3.
V. 8. The words of a talt-bearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly] Chap. 12. 18. and 26. 22.
tale-bearer] Or, whisperer.
are as wounds] They are firmly beleeved by some, and wound mens reputation irrecoverably.
as wounds] Or, like as when men are wounded.
innermost parts] Heb. chambers.
V. 9. is brother to him that is a great waster] Will be as poor as he; for one gets nothing, and the other spends all.
V. 10. The name of the Lord is a strong tower: Psal. 18. 2. and 27. 1. and 144. 2. God rightly known, and speedily called upon, keeps his sase against trouble.
is safe] Heb. is set aloft.
V. 11. The rich mans wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit] Chap. 10. 15.
V. 12. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humilitie] Chap. 11. 2. and 15. 33. and 16. 18.
V. 13. He that answereth a matter] He that answers one word, before he hear the whole matter, that he may understand it throughly, shews his own folly, and brings disgrace upon himself.
answereth a matter] Heb. returneth a word.
V. 14. but a wounded spirit who can bear?] The minde being quiet, can well bear the infirmity of the body; but when the spirit is wounded, it is a thing most hard to sustain.
V. 15. and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge] A man must use both heart and car to get wisdom: that is, both meditation of his own, and instruction from others.
V. 16. A mans gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men] Chap. 17. 8.
A mans gift maketh room for him] Getteth him liberty to speak, and favourable audience of great men: or, brings him out of prison, and exalts him to honour.
V. 17. He that is first in his own cause] The accuser seems to be in the right, till the defendant shew the weaknesse of his plea.
V. 18. The lot causeth contentions to cease] A lot is a good way to end contentions, for the avoiding of part-takings.
V. 19. A brother offended is harder to be won then a strong city] Because he findes hurt where he had reason to look for help.
their contentions are like the barres of a castle] Which being strong, will neither bow nor yeeld.
V. 20. A mans belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth] Chap. 12. 14. and 13. 2.
V. 21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue] A mans tongue well used, brings life: ill used, brings death.
V. 22. Whoso findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord] Chap. 19. 14.
Whoso findeth a wife, findeth a good thing] Marriage is good in it self, for a wife is an helper.
V. 23. roughly] James 2. 3.
V. 24. and there is a friend that sticketh closer then a brother] Chap. 17. 17. Ofttimes friends are found, that are more ready to do us pleasure, then they that are neer to us in the flesh, and so more obliged to us. And in trouble, a friend sticks close to us sometimes, when a brother forsakes us.