17. “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.” The meanest fare with the love of him that invites, and with agreement among the guests, is much better than the most sumptuous entertainment of him that hates us; or among those that quarrel and contend, even then when all differences should be forgotten.
18. “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.” A man prone to wrath will easily disturb the most peaceable company, being apt to quarrel for very trifles: but a meek and patient person is so far from raising strife, that he will endeavor to compose it, when he finds it is begun by others.
24. “The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.” The way to be perfectly happy, a truly wise man sees, is to raise his thoughts, desires and hopes above this earth, and to have respect to God in all his actions.
25. “The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but He will establish the border of the widow.” Trust not in riches and power, but in the great Lord of the world, who possesses and disposes all things; for He will overturn the family of haughty men (who forgetting Him, trample upon their inferiors) though never so strongly supported: but will preserve the poor widow, who hath no helper in her right; when such insolent persons invade it.
26. “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.” For the Lord abhors all wicked designs, and mischievous contrivances: but the kind consultations and discourses of such as seek the welfare and comfort of others, are no less pleasing to Him than they are pure.
28. “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.” A good man thinks it is soon enough to speak when he is asked about a business; and deliberates within himself to speak nothing that is not to the purpose: but bad men are rash and forward to utter their mind; and generally doe more hurt than good.
31. “The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.” He that lends an attentive ear to wholesome reproof, and is obedient to it, is to be numbered among the wise; and shall at last be able to give good instructions unto others.
32. “He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.” And whosoever he be that refuseth, much more that contemneth, such instructions and reproofs, he sets his own soul at naught; and despiseth the means of his safety: but he that diligently hearkens to it, knows what is good for himself; and keeps his soul from being lost for want of understanding.