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Proverbs 1
We have here a new way of writing, wherein Divine wisdom is taught us in Proverbs or short sentences, which contain their whole design within themselves, and are not connected with one another. And these Proverbs of Solomon are not merely a collection of the wise sayings which had been formerly delivered, but were the dictates of the Spirit of God in Solomon: so that it is God by Solomon that here speaks to us. I say, to us: for when Solomon speaks to his son, St. Paul says, The exhortation speaketh to us, as unto children. The nine first chapters are as a preface exhorting us to the study and practice of wisdom, and warning us against the things that would hinder it. We have then the first volume of Solomon's Proverbs, chap. 10-24. After that a second volume, chap. 25-29. And then Agur's prophecy, chap. 30. And Lemuel's, chap. 31. The scope of all is, to direct us so to order our conversation, that we may see the salvation of God.

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The title of the book, shewing the general design of it, ver. 1-6. The first principle of it recommended, ver. 7-9. A caution against bad company, ver. 10-19. Wisdom's reasonings with the sons of men, and the certain ruin of those who will not hearken unto them, ver. 20-33.

Verse 2.   To know - Written to help men to know throughly and practically. Both human wisdom to conduct our affairs in this life, and Divine wisdom. Instruction - The instructions delivered either by God, or men, in order to the attainment of wisdom. To perceive - Which teach a man true understanding.

Verse 3.   To receive - Willing to receive the counsels of others. Such as makes men wise and prudent, and to teach just judgments or equity.

Verse 4.   Simple - Such as want wisdom. Young man - Who wants both experience and self-government.

Verse 5.   Will hear - Is willing to learn. Attain to - The art of governing himself or others.

Verse 7.   The fear - Reverence and obedience to God. Beginning - The foundation without which all other knowledge is vain. Fools - That is, wicked men, are so far from attaining true wisdom, that they despise it, and all the means of getting it.

Verse 8.   My son - He speaks to his scholars with paternal authority and affection. Of thy mother - Those pious instructions, which thy mother instilled into thee in thy tender years.

Verse 17.   In vain - The fowler who spreads, his net in the sight of the bird looseth his labour. But these, are more foolish than the silly birds, and though they are not ignorant of the mischief which these evil courses will bring upon themselves, yet they will not take warning.

Verse 18.   Their own blood - The destruction which they design to others, fall upon themselves.

Verse 19.   Greedy - That seeks gain by wicked practices.

Verse 20.   Wisdom - Having expressed the counsels of wicked men, he now declares the voice of wisdom. By wisdom he understands the wisdom of God revealed to men in his word. And this is said to cry with a loud voice, to intimate God's earnestness in inviting sinners to repentance. Abroad - Or, in the streets or open places. Not in corners, but openly before all the world.

Verse 21.   Gates - Where magistrates sit in judgment, and people are assembled. The city - Not only in the gate, but in every part of the city.

Verse 22.   Scoffers - That scoff at religion and contemn the word and faithful ministers of God.

Verse 23.   My words - By my spirit I will cause you to understand my word.

Verse 24.   Called - By my ministers, by my judgments, and by the motions of my spirit and your own conscience.

Verse 26.   Your fear - The misery you do or should fear.

Verse 28.   Early - With diligence and fervency.

Verse 29.   Knowledge - The practical knowledge of God and of their duty.

Verse 31.   Eat - They should receive punishment answerable to their sins. Filled - With the fruits of them.

Verse 32.   Turning - From God. Destroy - Shall prove the occasion of their ruin, by making them presumptuous, and secure.


Chapter 1: | Darby | Geneva | Gill | Jamieson Faussett Brown | Matthew Henry | Matthew Henry Concise | Wesley | Index | Read Proverbs 1 |

Introduction   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20   21   22   23   24   25   26   27   28   29   30   31   Psalms   Ecclesiastes

This version of Wesley's Notes on the Bible is a derivative of an electronic version, Copyright 1997, by Sulu D. Kelley. All rights reserved. Used by permission. It may not be modified or used commercially without permission of Wesleyan Heritage Publishing and Sulu Kelley. A special thanks to Mr. Kelley and Wesleyan Heritage Publishing for permission to create and post this version of Wesley's Notes on the Bible.

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