Simon Patrick on the Proverbs 1683
11. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding." He that takes pains in an honest employment, suppose in tilling his land, shall find it requite him with sufficient, if not plentiful, provision for himself and his family: but he that is idle, falling into the company of loose and wicked persons, will find at last (by the desperate courses into which they will lead him) that he wants not only bread, but understanding.
12. "The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth frit.' The wicked desires two things, first to do as much mischief as he can by his wiles and arts of deceiving, and then to be secure in his wickedness: but the righteous make everybody the better for them, and thereby enjoy that safety which the other have only in their wishes and desires.
13. "The wicked is snored by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall carte out of trouble." The wicked ensnares himself by that deceitful! talk, wherewith he designed to have ensnared others: but the righteous escapes the danger; nay, by his prudent discourse avoids very great difficulties, wherein other-ways he might have been entangled.
14. "A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him." There is no man gives good counsel and advice (especially in public affairs) but he shall reap the fruit of it abundantly himself: and there is not good work he doth for the benefit of others, but God will requite it, and make it turn to his own good account.
15. "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." A fool is so conceited that he consults nobody but himself; for whatsoever he doeth, in his own opinion he is always in the right: but a wise man will not rely upon his own judgment alone; but suspecting himself, makes use of the sound advice of other men.
16. "A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame." A fool (like a beast) is no sooner provoked but he grows angry; and which is worse, it appears immediately in his countenance, words and actions: whereas a prudent man is not unseemly transported by his passion; but stifles his resentments, even of the most reproachful injuries that are done him.
17. "He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit." He that freely and boldly speaks the truth and all the truth, and nothing but the truth, demonstrates himself an honest man and doth justice unto others: but he that conceals the truth or forges falsehoods, and testifies unto lies, declares himself both a deceitful and mischievous person.
18. "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." A cut-throat is not more pernicious than he; and they are not much better, whose business it is by secret calumnies to wound the reputation of their neighbors, or to make discords and divisions among them: which a good man uses all his skill to cure; persuading them to love, unity and peace.
19. "The lip of truth shall be established forever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment." He that speaks the truth (being always conformable to himself) hath this advantage, that he can never be disproved, nor consequently discredited: but a liar, though he may at present be believed, is soon confuted; for he is apt to contradict himself and blast his own reputation forever.
19. "Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counselors of peace is jay." They do but deceive themselves, who look for any satisfaction from dissentions and disturbances; which they cannot contrive without much fear and anxiety of mind: but as they are always cheerful who consult nothing but peace, concord, and happy settlement, so they will have great joy, whatsoever the issue be of such good designs.