13. “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” Happy, more happy than can be expressed, is that man who attains to this degree of wisdom; and acquires (though it cost him the greatest pains and labor) such an understanding of God and belief of His providence, as, notwithstanding any troubles that befall him, still to adhere unto Him in faithful obedience. (v. 7.)
14. “For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.” If it were to be bought for money, one would purchase it at any rate: for the profit of it is infinitely to be preferred, before all the advantages that can be made by silver and gold.
15. “She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.” The most precious pearls are not so valuable: nor can our boundless fancy present anything to our wishes that is worthy to come in competition with it.
16. “Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.” For true wisdom presents us, as we say, with both hands: teaching us in the first place such prudence and moderation, as by the divine blessing prolong our days (which none of those things can do for us) and in the next place, adds both riches and honor; which men foolishly and vainly seek to get and to keep by other means.
17. “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” And besides all this, there is a singular pleasure, nay, the highest delight, in all the acts of virtue to which wisdom directs her followers: who are always, either in perfect safety by well-doing; or if any trouble come upon them, have that inward tranquility and satisfaction, which nothing else could give them.
18. “She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.” In short, wisdom leads into a paradise; and supplies the place of that tree of life, from whence our first parents were banished: that is, gives not only a present, but an immortal satisfaction, to all those that strongly apprehend and retain her precepts; and therefore I again pronounce him happy (v. 13) above all other men, and above all expression, who constantly and firmly adheres unto them.
19. “The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath He established the heavens.” For they are a participation of that wonderful wisdom and understanding, whereby the Lord settled the earth, in that place where it remains fixed; and disposed the heavenly bodies in that admirable and unchangeable order, which He would have us imitate.
20. “By His knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.” In works of mercy and goodness especially: whereby we plainly communicate with Him in that knowledge, by which the Lord made fountains of water gush out of the earth, for the use of all living creatures; and the clouds drop down plentifully their refreshing dews, for the cherishing of plants and grass, which in hot countries many times have no other moisture.
21. “My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion.” My son (to whom my affection is so great that I cannot but again repeat it, vv. 1,11) let me prevail with thee to fix these good instructions in thy mind: look upon them as the most solid wisdom, and the greatest cunning and policy; and accordingly observe them.
22. “So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.” For they will revive and cheer thee, when other things fail thee: and enable thee also with acceptable words to comfort those, whom the fame of thy wisdom shall invite to learn of thee.
23. “Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.” When thou goest abroad about thy business, thou shalt dispatch it the more cheerfully; because thou art sure of God’s providence over thee: and wisdom will direct thee to avoid those stumbling blocks, by which others fall into sin and danger.
24. “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” And when thou comest home to rest from thy labors, thou shalt not be troubled with fear of what may happen whilst thou art asleep; but (having nothing within to discompose thee) shalt lie down securely, and by a sound and sweet repose, be refreshed to return to thy employment.
25. “Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.” In which, if thou shouldst be interrupted by any rumors and reports of unexpected and approaching danger, let not that disturb thee: no, though thou shouldst see the wicked ready to lay all waste, or the divine vengeance bringing utter desolation upon them for their wickedness.
26. “For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” For a firm hope in the Lord shall be thy support, even when thou art in a tottering condition: nay, when thy skill quite fails thee, and thou knowest not what to do for thy safety; He shall so direct and guide thee, that thou shalt be preserved from falling into the hands of those that lie in wait to destroy thee.