Simon Patrick on the Proverb 1683
21. "There shall no coil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief" The divine Providence takes a peculiar care of good men, to avert the harm that the iniquity of the wicked intends them: which shall fan upon themselves in such abundance as to overwhelm them.
22. "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight." It is thought no great matter if a man break his word, or any way deceive his neighbor; but know that this is a thing exceeding hateful! to the Divine Majesty: and on the contrary they that faithfully perform their promises, and in all things deal truly with their neighbors, are acceptable to Him.
23. "A prudent man concealeth knowledge; but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness." A prudent man conceals his knowledge, and will not make a show of being so wise as really he is: but a fool publishes his ignorance, as if he was ambitious that everyone should know he is a fool.
24. "The hand of the diligent shall hear rule: but the sloth shall he under tribute." He that taketh pains in an honest employment shall take his ease at last; nay, raise himself to dominion and power: but he whose sloth make him live by shirking and deceit, shall bring that toil upon himself which he would avoid; when his poverty and villainy have reduced aim to be a slave.
25. "Heaviness in the heart of nun: maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.' Anxious cares and solicitude how to lire depress the spirit of a man, otherwise magnanimous: but the kind and encouraging discourses of a friend (much more the gracious? promises of God) erect it; nay, make it glad.
26. "The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor: but the way of the wicked seduceth them." As in other things, so in this a righteous Mall is more excellent than his neighbor, that he doth not delude himself with vain hopes; nor miss his end, as the wicked doth in all his designs.
27. "The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious." There is nothing more vile than a lazy fellow that lives by cheating; who, if he catch, shall not be able to keep his prey: but he is a valuable man, who by honest diligence getteth wealth; which shall durably remain with him.
28. "In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death." True goodness leads unto endless prosperity and happiness: nor is there any one action of virtue that tends to make a man miserable; as all manner of wickedness doth.
There is nothing more dangerous than for a soul to
speak of truth, when not living in that truth.
It is the road to a fall.