Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4, Biblical commentary 4 · Proverbs · Chapter 1

Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4 · Biblical commentary 4 · Proverbs · Chapter 1

p. 503CHAP. I.

THe Proverbs of Solomon the sonne of David, King Vers. 1. Vers. 2.of Israel; To know wisdome, and instruction, &c. Of the name of Solomon enough hath been spoken in the Preface, for the knowing of more touching him; see his History, 1 King. 1, &c. Lavater thinketh, that Lavater.these Proverbs were not written, but only dictated by him, and by others written and gathered together into one, because it is probable, if he had written them, that he would have done it in order. But to me this seemeth rather a reason, that he wrot them, some at one time, and some at another, as he was by the Spirit of God inspired and moved to doe, and so left them to all posterities, without digesting them into a method, that they might be taken the rather for pure Spirituall, and Dictates of Gods Spirit through him; yea, it is expresly said, Chap. 22. 20. Have not I written to thee excellent things, in counsel and knowledge? For the division of this Book he also makes three parts; 1. Of larger Discourses, and exhortations, one having some dependance upon another, to Ch. 12. The second of short Sentences, from thence, to Chap. 24. The third of other new Sentences, gathered by the men of Hezekiah, from thence to Chap. 30. where the sayings of Agur and Lemuel are added. And although there be no Coherence betwixt the Sentences, yet by reducing them to certaine Heads, he hath made them so to cohere, that by the helpe hereof a man may readily finde all things spoken touching one matter under one Head, and touching another under another: So that I thinke it may be very usefull before I goe any further to insert it here, with some little necessary alternation, having regard to the Alphabet.

The whole Booke of the Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes, consist altogether of Common places, Miscellany, Morall, Oeconomicall, Politicall, Theologicall.

Miscellany common places are of divers things, which cannot come under one Head.

1. Of the affection of feare.

PRov. 3. 24. When thou lyest down thou shalt not be afraid, vers. 25. Be not afraid of sudden feare. ch. 29. 25. Feare is a snare.

2. Conjunction with good men or evill.

Prov. 1. 14. Walke not in the way with them, ch. 29. 27. An unjust man is an abomination to the just, and the upright in the way an abomination to the wicked. 28. 19. He that followeth the idle shall want. 14. 7. Goe from the foolish man 4. 14. Goe not in the way of the wicked, 24. 1, 2. With evill men desire not to be. v. 19, 20. c. 3. 31. 12. 11. 22. 24 13. 20.

p. 5043. Things disagreeing.

Prov. 25. 20. He that sings a song to the afflicted, is like him that puts off a garment in a cold day, and as vinegar, &c. ch. 26. 9. As a thorne in the hand of a drunkard, so is a Parable in the mouth of a foole. 19. 10. It becommeth not a servant to rule over a Prince. 26. 1. c. 7. 8. As snow in summer, and raine in harvest, so doth not glory agree to a foole. 17. 7. An excellent tongue not comely to a foole, much lesse a lying tongue to a Prince. Ch. 18. 14. 15. 13. 17. 21.

4. Of a good Conscience.

Prov. 15. 15. A continuall feast.

5. Of fame and favour.

Prov. 22. 1. Good fame more precious then gold. ch. 10. 7. The name of the wicked shall rot, Eccles. 7. 2. A good name as a precious oyntment. c. 15. 30. Prov. 31. 30. Favour deceitfull. 11. 22. A faire woman wanting discretion …ke a gold ring in a swines snout.

6. Of the living and dead.

Eccles. 9. 4. A living Dogge better then a dead Lion. Also v. 5, 6.

7. Of a Messenger bringing good newes.

Prov. 25. 25. As cold water to a thirsty soule.

Of mourning, Eccles. 7. 3. 5.

8. Of Orphans and Widdowes.

Prov. 23. 10, 11. Into the field of Orphans enter not. ch. 15. 25. God hath set the bound of the Widdow.

9. Of old age and youth.

Prov. 16. 31. A crowne of glory, a gray head in the way of righteousnesse, ch. 20. 29. The glory of young men their fortitude, Eccles. 12. 1. Remember …y Creator in thy youth.

10. Of Riches and Poverty.

Prov. 10. 22. The blessing of God makes rich. ch. 24. 14. Riches the crowne of wise men. 21. 5. The thoughts of the solicitous tend to abundance, but he hasteneth to poverty. 13. 22. Riches of sinners reserved for the just. 22. 7. The rich rule over the poore, and the borrower is a servant to the lender. 19. 4. Ri…es joyne many friends, but poverty separateth friends. 13. 8. The redemption of a mans life are his riches. 18. 11. The riches of a rich man are his strong City. 24. 4. By knowledge a house is filled with goods. 11. 16. The valiant get riches. 27. 24. Riches endure not for ever. 23. 4. Labour not to be rich. v. 5. For riches have wings, and fly away as an Eagle. 28. 20. He that hastens to be rich, not innocent. 22. A man of an evill eye hasteneth to be rich. 20. 21. An inheritance hastily gotten not blessed in the end. 21. 6. Treasures gathered by lying, vanity. 10. 1. 11. 4. Treasures gathered by iniquity profit not. 22. 16. He that takes from the poore to encrease his owne, or that giveth to the rich, shall be poore. 21. 7. The rapine of the wicked shall destroy them. 11. 4. Riches … not profit in the day of wrath. 13. 11. Riches comming of vanity shall be diminished. 12. 27. The deceitfull rosteth not his Venison. 10. 4. A deceitfull hand makes poore, the diligent rich. 12. 24. The hand of the solicitous shall rule. 28. 3. The poor robbing the poor, a raging floud. v. 19. He that followeth the idle shall be poore. 24. 30. c. 30. 7. Give me neither riches nor poverty. 23. 21. A drunkard and glutton shall be poore. 21. 17. He that loveth wine and oyle not rich. 22. 2. The rich and the poore meet together. 14. 20. The poore odious to his friends, many honour the rich. 15. 16. A little better with the feare of God, then great riches with contention. 17. 1. A dry morsell with peace, is better then a house full. 16. 8. A little better with righteousnesse then riches. Eccles. 4. 6. Better is one handfull with quiet. Prov. 19. 22. A poore man is better then a Lyar. 28. 6. A poore man walking in his perfection. 19. 1. is better then the rich perverse in his wayes. v. 7. All the Brethren of the poo…e hate him. 18. 23. The poore speake by intreaty, the rich harshly. 17. 5. He that mocks at the poore reproaches his maker. 11. 18. He that trusteth to his riches shall fall. 14. 31. He that hath mercy on the poore honours God. Eccles. 5. 12. There p. 505is an evill under the sun, riches kept to the hurt of their owners. ch. 2. 24. There is no good of a mans labour, 5. 17. 18. but that he eat and drinke, chap. 3. 12. 13. 22.

11. Of Praise to be placed before riches and poverty.

Prov. 27. 14. He that praiseth his friend with open mouth. ch. 28 4. The wicked praise the wicked. 27. 2. Let another praise thee, and not thy own lips. 21. 8. A man is praised according to his wit. 27. 21. As the furnace to gold, so the mouth of him that praiseth another.

Morall Common-places.

1. Of Adultery.

PRov. 2. 16. From the strange woman, wisdome will deliver thee, v. 17. 18, 19. ch. 5. 3. The lips of a strange woman drop honey. v. 19. c. 7. 22. Keep from the strange woman. 7. 7. 10. I saw amongst the simple ones, and a woman met him. 1. 11. 12. &c.

2. Of Chastisement.

Prov. 12. 1. He that loveth chastisement, loveth knowledge. ch. 15. 32. The eare that heareth reproof, is wise. 10. Correction troublesome to him that goeth out of the path, he that hates it shall dye. 29. 15. Correction and the rod give wisdome. v. 19. A servant will not be corrected with words. 26. 3. As the whip for an horse, so a rod for a fool. 22. 15. Folly driven out by the rod. 19. 25. Smite a scorner, and the simple understands. 15. 33. He that neglecteth discipline hates his soule. 13. 18. Poverty and reproach to correction-haters. 28. 23. He that reproveth a m…n, findes more favour at last, then he that flattereth. 29. 1. A man reproved that hardens his neck. 9. 7, 8, 9. He that reproveth the wicked is spotted. 4. 13. Keep nurture, for it is thy life. 20. 30. Wounds a medicine to an evill man. Eccles. 7. 6. It is better to hear the reproof of the wise, then the song of a fool. Prov. 17. 10. Correction entreth into one that understands, more then a hundred stripes into a fool. 3. 11, 12. The chastening of the Lord refuse not. …. 20. Hear counsell, and receive correction. 25. 12. As a golden ear-ring is correction to the wise that heareth it. 27. 5, 6. Plain reproof, and open, better then …t love. 10. 17. To hold correction the path to life. 4. 13.

3. Of Contempt of the word.

Prov. 13. 13. It is perdition.

4. Of Covetousnesse.

Prov. 27. 20. Hell and grave not satisfied. ch. 1. 19. Covetousnesse takes the soule of its Master. 15. 27. He troubleth his own house that's covetous. 28. 16. He …t hates covetousnesse prolongs his dayes. 21. 26. One coveteth all the day, but the righteous giveth and spareth not. 30. 15. The horse-leech hath two daughters that cry, give, give, yea foure not satisfied. 23. 6. Eat not the morsels of the covetous.

5. Of Contentions.

Prov. 3. 30. Contend not without cause. ch. 20. 3. To cease from strife a glory. 25. 8. Fall not to strife hastily.

6. Of Concord.

Prov. 16. 7. When a mans wayes please the Lord, even his enemies are made his friends. ch. 30. 27. The locusts have no Captaine, yet they go out in troops.

7. Of Credulity.

Prov. 14. 15. The simple beleeves every thing.

8. Of drunkennesse and temperance.

Prov. 23. 29. To whom is woe and wounds without cause. ch. 21. 17. He that loveth wine shall not be rich. 23. 20. Sit not with drinkers of wine. 20. 1. Wine makes one a mocker, and to tumultuate. 31. 4. It is not for Kings to drinke wine.

9. Of Detraction.

Prov. 10. 18. He that brings forth detraction, a fool. ch. 11. 13. 20. 19, He that p. 506reveals a secret, walks deceitfully. 16. 28. A whisperer separateth Princes. 6. 19. That makes quarrels amongst brothers, hated of God.

10. Of Friendship.

Prov. 11. 12. He that is without an heart despiseth his friend, but the understanding man is silent. ch. 17. 17. A friend loveth at all times, but a brother is for the day of adversity. 19. 6. Every one a friend to a man of gifts. 3. 29. Against thy friend thinke not evill. 18. 14. A friend nearer then a brother. 23. 1. The friendship of the mighty dangerous. 27. 10. Thy friend, and fathers friend leave not. 21. 10. The friend of the wicked not accepted. 19. 4. Many friends added by riches. 17. 9. He that hides a mans sin, seeks his friendship. 25. 17. Hold thy foot from thy neighbours house, left being satiated he hate thee.

11. Of Flattery.

Prov. 26. 25. When he speaks flatteringly to thee beleeve him not, he hath seven abominations in his heart. ch. 27. 6. The kisses of him that hateth are hard. 29. 5. He that flatters with his friend, spreads a net before his feet. 26. 28.

12. Of Folly.

Prov. 19. 3. Folly perverts a mans wayes. ch. 23. 9. In the ears of a fool speak not, for he will contemne. 14. 9. Fools speak sin, amongst upright there is good will. 24. 7. Wisdome is high to a fool, he opens not his mouth. 18. 2. A fool is not pleased in his understanding till that he hath opened his heart. 27. 22. Bray a fool in a morter, and his folly will not depart from him. 17. 12. One had better meet a Bear robbed of her whelps. 15. 21. Folly is a joy to him that was a heart. 26. 4. Answer not a fool according to his folly.

13. Of Hatred, Envy, and Love.

Prov. 25. 21. If thy hater be hungry feed him. ch. 26. 26. Hatred hideth it selfe by deceit. v. 24. He that hateth, prefers another with his lips, but in his inward parts is deceit. 27. 4. Cruelty is in wrath, but who can stand before every. 23. 6. Eat not the bread of the envious. 14. 30. Envy is rottenesse to the bones.

14. Of Humility and Pride.

Prov. 25. 6. Magnifie not thy selfe before the King, and stand not in the place of great ones: It is better it be said to thee, Come up, &c. ch. 30. 13. There is a generation of haughty eyes. 29. 23. Pride humbleth a man, but humility glorifieth. 11. 2. When pride commeth, reproach commeth, 6. 17. Haughty eyes one of six which God hateth. 16. 18. 18. 12. The heart is lifted up before attrition. 13. 10. The proud maketh strife. 15. 25. The Lord pulls down the house of the proud. 16. 5. The stout in heart an abomination to the Lord. 22. 4. For humility, riches, glory, and life. 15. 34. Humility goes before glory. 16. 19. Better to be humble, then to divide the spoyls with the proud. 24. To the humble he giveth grace.

15. Of Idlenesse, and Labour.

Prov. 6. 6. Go to the Pismire. ch. 19. 15. Sluggishnesse causeth sleep, and the idle person shall suffer hunger. 16. 26. He that laboureth, laboureth for himselfe, his mouth bends it self to it. 8. 9. He that is idle in his work, is brother to a waster. 24. 30. I went by the field of the slothfull &c. 20. 13. Love not sleep, lest thou be poor. 15. 19. The way of the slothfull is like a thorny hedge. 22. 13. The slothfull saith, a Lion is abroad. 26. 13, 14. &c. 19. 24. The slothfull puts his hand in his bosome. 20. 4. He will not plow in winter, therefore he begs. 21. 24. The desire of the slothfull killeth him. 10. 5. He that gathereth in Summer is wise, 12. 11. He that tilleth his ground shall be satisfied. 14. 23. In all labour there is abundance, 28. 19. 22. 29. A man diligent in work stands before Princes. Eccles. 9. 10. Do what thou findest with all thy might. c. 4. 5. The fool folds his hands, and eats his owne flesh. 5. 11. The sleep of the labourer is sweet. 10. 18. Through slothfulnesse an house is ruined.

16. Of joy for other mens harms.

Prov. 24. 17. When thy enemy falleth rejoyce not. ch. 17. 5. He that joyeth at anothers danger, not unpunished.

p. 50717. Of Knowledge, and Wisdome, Counsell, and Prudence.

Prov. 7. 24. Wisdome appeareth in the sight of the knowing. c. 14. 33. Wisdome resteth in the heart of knowers. 2. 6. The Lord giveth wisdome. 22. 12 13. 20. He that goeth with the wise, shall be wise. 17. 16. A price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdome. 23. 23. Buy the truth and wisdome, sell it not. 18. 15. The knowing heart attaineth science. 14. 6. The scorner seeks wisdome, and findes it not. 20. 5. Counsell in a mans heart as deep waters. 18. 4. As an overslowing spring wisdome. 28. 5. He that seeks God, knows all things. 14. 8 The wisdome of the wise is to know his own way. 13. 16. The wise doe all things with knowledge. 22. 3. 27. 12. The wise seeth the plague, and hideth himselfe, but the fool goeth on. 12. 16. He that covereth ignominy done to him, is wise. v. 23. 10 14. He hideth knowledge. 24 3. An house is built by wisdome, and established. 14. 16. The wise feareth, and goeth from evill. 15. 14. The heart of the wise seeks knowledge. 16. 16. To get wisdome more then to get silver. 13. 15. Good knowledge giveth grace to a man. 19. 8. He that loves his soule keepeth knowledge. 16. 22. Knowledge is a veine of life. 14. 18. The just shall be crowned with knowledge. 16. 20. He that hath knowledge findes good. 28. 26. He that walks wisely escapes dangers. Eccles. 2. 13. Wisdome better then folly, as light then darknesse. c. 1. 18. In much wisdome there is much wrath 8. 1. Wisdome makes the face to shine. 7. 20. Wisdome strengthneth the wise more then ten Princes. 9. 15. A poore wise man in a City saved it. 2. 16. Wisdome is better then fortitude, v. 17. 18. 10. 1. As dead flyes make pretious oyntment to stinke, so a little folly the wise. v. 2. The heart of the wise is at his right hand. 7. 12. Wisdome is good with an inheritance. v. 13. In the shadow of wisdome a man resteth. Prov. 8. 14. With me is counsell, saith Wisdome. 11. 14. 24. 6. 20. 18. In many counsellours is safety. 13. 10. With the advised is wisdome. 20. 5. Counsell is as deep waters, the wise draw it out. 12. 5. The counsels of the wicked, deceit. v. 15. 12. 20. In the heart of them that counsell, peace, joy. 19 20. Hear counsell that thou mayest be wise. 27. 9. The counsell of a friend like pretious oyntment. 11. 14. Where there is no counsell, the people perish.

18. Of lying, and truth speaking.

Prov. 12. 19. The lip that speaks truth is established for ever, but the lying tongue is but for a moment. ch. 26. 28. A lying tongue hateth the afflicted by it. 1…. 21. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. 6. 17. A lying tongue, one of the for which God hateth. 13. 5. The just hates a lying word. 30. 8. Lying and vanity keep from me. 3. 3. Let not truth forsake thee. 23. 6. True speakers rare. 16. 6. By truth iniquity is purged.

19. Of Liberality and Mercy.

Prov. 3. 3. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee. ch. 11. 17. The mercifull man recompenceth his owne soul. 21. 13. He that stops his ears at the cry of the poor not heard. 11. 24. There is that scattereth, and yet aboundeth, but he that spares more then heeds, comes to poverty. v. 25. He that satisfyeth, shall be satisfied. 16. 6. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged. 14. 21. He that hath mercy on the poor is blessed. 28. 27. He that gives to the poore shall have no want. 19. 17. He that gives to the poor lends to the Lord. 5. 15. 21. 21. To mercy and justice, life and glory. 22. 9. That gives of his bread to the hungry, blessed. 20. 28. Mercy preserveth Kingdomes. 31. 20. The vertuous woman good to the poore. Eccles. 11. 1, 2, &c. Cast thy bread upon the waters, give a portion to sixe, and to seven.

20. Of Moderation.

Prov. 25. 16. If thou findest honey, eat so much as sufficeth, lest thou be glutted. ch. 4. 27. Turn not to the right hand, or to the left. 25. 27. To eat much honey is not good. 27. 7. The full stomach despiseth the honey-comb. Eccles. 7. 17. Be not just overmuch, nor over wicked. Prov. 4. 1. Above all keepings, keep thy heart. v. 25. Let thy eye-lids direct thee right.

21. Of Malediction or cursing.

Prov. 26. 2. The curse causelesse shall not come.

p. 50822. Of righteousnesse.

14. 34. It exalts a Nation. 10. 2. 12. 4. Righteousnesse delivers from death.

23. Of unjust Slaughters.

Prov. 29. 10. Bloud-thirsty men hate the upright. ch. 12. 6. The words of the wicked are a laying waite for bloud-shed. 1. 11. Come, let us lay waite for bloud; consent not with them. v. 16. They make haste to shed bloud. 6. 15. The hands shedding bloud hated of God.

24. Of security.

Prov. 27. 1. Boast not of to morrow, thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

25. Of speaking much.

Prov. 10. 19. Many words not without sin. ch. 17. 27. He that is wise refraines from much talking, v. 28. Even a fool seems wise when he is silent. Eccl. 6. 11. Many words multiply vanity. Prov. 25. 9. Secrets not to be revealed. ch. 13. 20. 15.

26. Of the tongue good or evil.

Prov. 13: 4. Soundnesse in the tongue a tree of life, ch. 15. 7. The lips of the wise spread knowledge. 10. 21. The lips of the just feed many. 27. 9. As a sweet perfume, the sweetnesse of a friend. 10. 20. The tongue of the just, as choyse silver. 20. 15. As gold, and a precious stone, the lip of the wise. 25. 11. As apples of gold, &c. a word spoken in season. 15. 23. There is joy to a man in the answer of his mouth. 4. 24. Put from thee an evil tongue. 12. 18. There are words like the piercing of swords. 30. 14. Whose teeth are like swords and knives. 29. 11. A foole uttereth his whole spirit. 14. 3. The rod of pride in the mouth of a foole. 25. 18. An evil tongue like an hammer. 13. 2. Of the fruit of his lips one shall eate good. 12. 14. 18. 20. Of the fruit of the mouth, the belly satisfied. 18. 21. Life and death in the hand of the tongue. 21. 23. 13. 3. He that keeps his mouth keeps his soule. 18. 7. The mouth of the wicked, destruction to him. 10. 34. The mouth of the just brings forth wisdome. 17. 20. The perverse tongue shall fall into evil. 10. 14. The mouth of a foole destruction of old. 12. 23. In the tongues prevarication is a snare. Eccles. 10. 11. As a Serpent being charmed but bitech, so an unruly tongue, vers. 12, 13, 14. Prov. 16. 23. The heart of a wise man makes his words so. 24. Sweet speeches as an Hony-combe. 22. 11. For the grace of thy lips the King thy friend. 15. 2. The tongue of the wise decores his knowledge. 16. 21. The sweetnesse of the lips gives doctrine.

27. Of wrath and patience.

Prov. 15. 18. The wrathfull man maketh strife, but the slow to anger allayes it. ch. 14. 17. He that is soone angry committeth folly. 21. 24. He that in his wrath doth his proud workes, is proud, haughty, and scornful. 14. 29. 19. 11. A mans wisdome makes him slow to wrath. 12. 16. Fooles are knowne in the day of wrath. 22. 24. Make no friendship with the wrathful. 16. 32. The slow to anger better then a valiant man, and he that refrains his spirit, then a conqueror. 15. 1. Harsh words kindle strife, but a soft answer putteth away wrath. 27. 3. A fools wrath heavier then stone, or sand. Eccles. 7. 3. Wrath is better then laughter, v. 8. The slow to wrath better then the proud. v. 9. Anger rests in the bosome of fooles.

28. Of revenge in wrath.

Prov. 17. 13. Evil shall not goe from his house, that renders evil for evil. ch. 20. 22. Say not, I wil render evil, expect God. 24. 29. Say not, I wil doe, as he hath done to me.

Oeconomicall common places.

1. Of Cattel-getting, and other necessaries.

PRov. 27. 23. Consider diligently the state of thy Cattel. ch. 12. 10. The righteous man mercifull to his beast. 15. 6. In the house of the just a great treasure. 21. 20. Things desirable in the just mans house. 29. 3. The some that feeds Whoores destroyes his substance.

p. 5092. Of Children good or bad.

Prov. 15. 20. 10. 1. A wise son makes his father glad, but the foolish, &c. ch. 23. 15. My sonne, if thy heart be wise I shall be glad. 25. 14. He that begets a wise sonne exults in him. 17. 6. Childrens children the crowne of old men. 19. 13. A foolish sonne contrition to his father. v. 26. He that putteth his Parents to shame destroyes them. 20 20. The light of him that curseth father, or mother, shal be put out. v. 30. 11. 17. 28. 24 He robs father or mother, and saith &c. 9. 3. He that loves wisdome rejoyceth his father. 22. 6. Instruct a childe in his way, and he wil not, &c. 19. 18. Chastise thy son whilst there is hope. 29. 15. The rod and reproof give wisdome, but a childe left to himself shames his mother, v. 17. 22. 15. Iniquity in the heart of a childe, the rod of correction drives it away. 23. 13. With-draw not correction from a childe. 15. 5. A foole despiseth his fathers correction. 13. 23. He that with-drawes his rod, hates his childe. 6. 18. My soone, receive the instruction of thy father. 1. 8. My soone, heare the instruction of thy father and mother. 4. 1. Children, heare the discipline of fathers. 23. 22. Obey thy father that begat thee, &c. 13. 1. A wise soone heares his fathers instruction.

3. Of Husbands and Wives.

Prov. 18. 22. He that findes a woman, findes a good thing. ch. 14. 1. A wise woman buildeth her house. 11. 16. A gracious woman shal attaine glory. 19. 14. A wise woman preferred before Land. 12. 4. A wise woman is the crowne of her Husband. 31, 10. Her price is above the pearles, v. 11, &c. 21. 9. 25. 14. Better to be in the corner of an house, then in a wide house with a contentious woman. 21. 19. Better to dwell in a Wildernesse, then with her. 19. 13. 27. 15. A contentious woman a continuall dropping. 30. 23. The hated married, intollerable. Eccles. 7. 29. One man just I have found, but not a woman. Prov. 5. 15. Drinke water out of thy owne cisterne. See also ver. 16, 17, 18. 19.

4. Of Servants.

Eccles. 7. 22. Least thou heare thy servant cursing, Prov. 17. 2. A wise servant shall rule over a sonne foole. 14. 35. A King hath pleasure in a wise servant. 29. 19. A servant not instructed by words. 29. 21. He that delicately useth his servant shal have, &c. 30. 23. The earth is moved at a maid servant, an heire. 19. 10. It becomes not a servant, to rule over free, 11. 29. The foole a servant to the wise in heart. 27. 18. He that waits on his Master shal be honoured.

5. Of the preservation or overthrow of houses.

Prov. 1…. 12. The house of the wicked shall be overthrowne. ch. 22. 33. A curse in the house of the wicked. 2. 7. The house of the righteous shal stand. 24. 3. An house is established by wisdome. 15. 27. A covetous man troubles his owne house. 11. 29. He that troubles his house inherits the wind.

Politicall common places.

1. Of counsell and warre.

PRov. 24. 5. A wise man is strong. ch. 24. 6. By counsel make war. 21. 31. A horse prepared for battel, but safety, &c. 28. 10. Cogitations confirmed by counsell, 21, 22. The wise goeth into the City of the strong. 15. 22. Cogitations dispersed, when no counsell. 21. 14. Where no counsel, the people fall.

2 Of the preservation of Kingdomes.

Prov. 14. 34. Righteousnes exalts a Nation. ch. 28. 2. For the sins of a Land many rulers. 29. 4. The King by justice establisheth the land. 16. 12. Abomination for Kings to doe iniquity. 20. 28. Mercy and truth keepe the King. 28. 16. A Prince without understanding multiplies rapine. 29. 18. Where union is not, the people perish. 29. 5. Remove the wicked from the King, &c. 11. 11. For the blessing of the upright a City is exalted, but by the wicked overthrowne. 28. 28. When the wicked are exalted men hide themselves. 29. 2. When the righteous rule, the people rejoyce.

p. 5103. Of Kings and Princes.

Prov. 30. 22. Against Subjects domineering over Kings, c. 19. 10. 31. 4. It is not for Kings to drinke wine. 29. 7. The just knoweth the cause of the poore. 16. 10. 13. A divination in the lips of the King. 17. 7. A lying tongue mis-becommeth a King. 25. 2. The glory of a King is to search out a secret. v. 31. A Kings heart not to be found out. 8. 15. By me Kings reigne. 24. 11. Deliver those that are taken away to dye. 22. 22. Doe not teare the needy in the gate. 17. 15. To justifie the wicked, and condemne the righteous. 16. 13. Kings love them that speake right. Eccl, 10. 16. Woe to thee (O Land) when thy King is a Childe, and eates in the morning. ch. 4. 13. Better is a poor Childe that is wise, then a King old and foolish. 3. 16. I saw iniquity in the place of justice. Prov. 28. 15. As a roaring Lion, and hungry Beare, is a wicked Prince. 19. 12. The wrath of a King, as the roaring of a Lion. 16. 14. The wrath of a King a messenger of death. v. 26. 20. 8. A King sitting in judgement disperseth evil. 14. 28. The honour of a King is the multitude of his subjects. 29. 12. All the servants of a Prince that hearke… to lyes are wicked. 17. 8. A bribe in the eyes of a ruler as a precious stone. v. 23 The wicked take bribes out of the bosome. 15. 27. He that hates bribes shal live, 18. 16. Roome is made for him that brings gifts. 29. 4. A King by judgement establisheth the earth, but he that takes gifts destroyeth it. Eccles. 7. 8. A bribe weakens the heart.

4. Of Lawes.

Prov. 22. 28. Remove not the bounds. 23. 10. 13. 14. The law of the wise a veine of life.

5. Of messengers.

Prov. 25. 13. A faithful messenger is as snow-water in summer. ch. 13. 17. A wicked messenger shall fall into evil. 26. 6. As he that cuts off the feet, so a foolish messenger. 10. 26. As vinegar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so is a sl… messenger.

6. Of measures and weights.

Prov. 11. 1. False weights are an abomination to the Lord. ch. 16. 11. Scales and weights are the Lords worke, v. 23. 20. 10. A double measure and weight abominable to God.

7. Of respect of persons.

Prov. 24. 2. To have respect of persons in judgement not good. See also, 28. 21. 18. 5.

8. Of Surety-ship.

Prov. 6. 1, 2. If thou beest surety for thy friend thou art insnared ch. 20. 16 27. 13. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger. 17. 18. A man without an heart is surety. 22. 26. 11. 15. He shall be torne surely that's surety for a stranger.

9. Of Sedition.

Prov. 24. 21: Feare God, and the King, and meddle not with changers. ch. 17. 26. To smite Princes for right, not good. 30. 3. Give not thy selfe to destroy Kings. Eccles. 8. 2, 3. Observe the Kings word, and oath of the Lord, he wil doe what he willeth, 10. 20. Curse not the King in thy secret chamber.

10. Of Witnesses true and false.

Prov. 24. 28, 29. Be not a false witnesse against a neighbour. ch. 12. 17. A lying witnesse is a deceiver. 6. 17. God hateth a false witnesse. 19. 28. A wicked witnesse derideth judgement. 21. 28. A false witnesse shall perish. 25. 18. A false witnesse, as a hammer, a sword, and arrow. 19. 5. A lying witnesse shall be punished. 14. 5. A true witnesse lyeth not, ver. 25.

Theologicall Common places.

1. Of the Creation.

Prov. 8. 27. I was with God when he made the Heavens, and the Fountains. 20. 12. The Eye to see, and the Eare God made, 3. 19. God in wisdome made heaven and earth. 26. 10. the great God made all. 30. 4. Who gathereth the wind in his fist, and stablisheth the bounds of the earth. Eccles. 3. 11. He hath made all things excellent, and placed the world in the midst. 7. 20. God made man righteous.

p. 5112. Of the Church.

Prov. 9. 1. Wisdome hath built her house. Vers. 3. 4. She hath sent out her Maidens, that is the Doctors of the Church. c. 11. 30. He that teacheth souls is wise.

3. Of the confession of sin.

Prov. 28. 13. He that confesseth and forsaketh his sins, shall have &c.

4. Of Hypocrites.

Prov. 30. 12. Pure in his own eyes, unclean. ch. 11. 9. The hypocrite corrupts his friend with his tongue. 29. 28. The mouth of the hypocrite covers iniquity.

5. Of Hell.

Prov. 25. 11. Hell and destruction before the Lord. ch. 11. 31. The just shall be recompenced, much more the wicked.

6. Of God and his Son.

Prov. 30. 4. What his name, and his Sons? Wisdome. ch. 1. 20. Wisdome cryeth abroad. 8. 1. Wisdome uttereth her voice. v. 12. I dwell with knowledge. v. 22. The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his wayes. 15. 3. God is in every place with his eyes beholding the good and bad. 20. 27. 17. 3. 5. 22. The wayes of a man, in the sight of the Lord. 16. 2: That ponders the spirits is the Lord. 16. 1. Of man are the preparations of the heart, but the answer of the tongue from God. 22. 12. The eyes of God keep knowledge. 20. 24. The goings of a man directed by God. 16. 7 He whose wayes please God, his enemies shall be his friends. 21. 1. The heart of a King is in Gods hands as the rivers of water. 16. 33. The lot disposed by the Lord. 29. 26. Every ones judgement is from the Lord. 19. 21. The counsell of the Lord standeth. 21. 30. No wisdome or knowledge against God. v. 31. The horse prepared to battell, the victory of God. 18. 10. As a strong tower the name of the Lord. v. 16. 3. Roul thy works upon God, and stablisht shalt thou be 3. 6. In all thy wayes acknowledge God. Eccl. 5. 7. If thou seest the oppression of the poor, or subreption of judgement, it is from Gods will, the high that is above the high, observes it. Pr. 16. 4. God made all things for himself, and the wicked &c.

7. Of Hope.

Prov. 10. 28. The expectation of the just is joy, but the hope of the wicked perisheth. 16. 20. Happy is he that trusts in God. 13. 12. Hope deferred is a fainting to the bones. 14. 32. The just hopeth in his death. 25. 19. The hope of a sinner is as a broken tooth, or a sliding foot. 11. 7. When the wicked dyeth, his hope perisheth.

8. Of Mans ignorance.

Prov. 30. 2. The understanding of a man is not in me, I am more foolish, &c. Eccles. 3. 21. He knows not whether his spirit shall ascend upward, and the spirit of a beast down. 8. 17. Man cannot finde the worke done here.

9. Of Piety and fear of God.

Prov. 1. 7. The fear of God the beginning of wisdome, 9, 10. 15. 24. 3. 5. Trust in God, and lean not to thy own understanding. v. 7. Be not wise in thine own eyes, trust in God. 24. 21. My son fear God. 30. 26. Our trust to be put in God▪ as Conies in &c. 16. 6. In the fear of God is departing from evill. 14. 26. In the fear of God is sure confidence. 22. 4. For humility, and the feare of God, riches, and glory. v. 19. Keep the word, and God shall be thy trust. 10. 27. The fear of God lengthneth dayes. 14. 27. The feare of God a veine of life. 28. 25. That trusts in God shall be fat. 28. 14. He is blessed that feareth alwayes, 16. 20. Eccles. 7. 19. That feareth God comes out of hurt.

10. Of Prayer and Sacrifice.

Prov. 21. 27. 15. 8. The sacrifice of the wicked an abomination to God. 21. 13. That stops his ears at the cry of the poor. he shall cry, and not be heard. …. 29. He is far from wicked, but hears the prayers of right. 28. 9. He that hears not the law, his prayer an abomination. 27. 3. To doe justice better then sacrifice. Eccles. 4. 17. Be readier to hear then to sacrifice, as fools.

11. Of Scorners.

Prov. 15. 12. A scorner loves not a reprover. 14. 6. A scorner seeks wisdome p. 512and findes it not. 13. 1. A scorner loves not reproof. 9. 12. If thou be a scorner, thou alone shalt suffer. 29. 8. Scorners insnare a City. 19. 29. Judgements are prepared for scorners.

12. Of Thoughts.

Prov. 12. 5. The thoughts of the just are judgement. ch. 12. 2. A man of evill thoughts God will condemne. 24. 8. He shall be called a man of evill thoughts. v. 9. The evill thought of a fool is sin. 14. 22. Doe not they erre that thinke evill? 5. 2. Attend to wisdome, and keep thy thoughts. 15. 26. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination. 6. 18. God hateth the heart that thinketh evill.

13. Of trusting in God.

See before under Piety.

14. Of Vows.

Prov. 20. 25. It is destruction after vows to enquire. Eccles. 5. 3. To performe thy vows to God, delay not.

15. Of the wicked and godly.

Prov. 14. 2. He that walks uprightly, feareth God. c. 11. 23. The desire of the just is onelyonly good, but of the &c. 16. 17. The way of the just is to decline from evill. 21. 15. It is a joy to the just to do justice, but &c. 4. 16. The path of the righteous as the light, but &c. 20. 16. The work of the righteous is to life, but &c. 28. 18. He that walks uprightly shall be safe. 10. 7. The memory of the just blessed, but the name of the wicked rots. 11. 8. The just is delivered out of streights, and the wicked &c. 13. 25. The just eats to fatnesse. 10. 30. The just shall not be moved for ever. v. 6. 19. 28. Blessings upon the head of the just. 20. 7. The children of the just walker shall be blessed. 21. 18. The wicked given for the redemption of the just. 11. 6. The justice of the just shall deliver them. 12. 28. In the path of justice is life. 11. 5. The righteousnesse of the perfect directs his way. 12. 13. The just shall come out of streights. 12. 21. v. 12. 13. 6. Justice keeps the perfect in the way. v. 13. 14. c. 14. 19. The wicked bow before the good. 2. 21. The righteous shall inhabit the earth. 16. 30. He that shuts his eyes to thinke evill, moves his lips. 21. 10. The soule of the wicked desireth evill. 4. 14. The wicked sleep not till they have done evill. 16. 27. The wicked diggeth evill, and is as burning f…re. 8. 5. Evill men understand not judgement. 21. 29. The wicked hardens his face. 10. 23. It is a sport to fools to do abominably, 25. c. 24. 2. The lips of the evill speak wickedly. 28 4. They that forsake the law praise the wicked. 17 4. The evill give eare to an evill tongue. 26. 11. As a dog to his vomit, so a fool to his folly. 13. 19. It is an abomination to fools to depart from evill. 11. 18. The wicked doth a lying work, v. 19. 21. 13. 21. Affliction followeth sinners, but good to the just. 1. 27. The destruction of the wicked comes as a whirlwind. 2. 22. They shall be rooted out of the earth. 18. 3. When the wicked comes, contempt comes. 29. 6. There is a snare in sinning, but the just sings. 11. 21. Though hand joyne in hand the wicked shall not prosper. 12. 12. God subverts the wicked for their evill. 5. 22. The wicked taken with sin as with ropes. 12. 3. The wicked not stable but the just takes root. 22. 5. Thornes and snares in the way of the wicked. 14. 32. The wicked shall be expelled for his sin. 2. 7. God overturns the house of the wicked. 22. 1. He that soweth iniquity shall reap it. 13. 9. The light of the just, and of the wicked. 23. 20. 31. 9. The way of the wicked abomination to God. Eccle. 8. 12, 13. Although a sinner sin a hundred times, and God prolong his dayes, it shall not go well v. 14. There is a vanity, that it happens to the just, as to the wicked, and to the wicked &c. 9. 1. A man knows not the things that are before him, love or hatred, v. 2. 3. 7. 15. There is a just man that perisheth in his justice, and a wicked prolonging his life by his wickednesse.