Proverbs

5. Christ when he teaches, makes men willing to learn. Men may teach others, but they have no mind to learn (Proverbs 1:7): Fools despise instruction; they rage at the word, as if a patient should rage at the physician when he brings him a cordial: thus backward are men to their…

If a surgeon comes to heal a man's wound, he will not be healed, but bolts out his surgeon, is the surgeon bound to heal him? (Proverbs 1:24). I have called, and you refused. (Psalm 81:11). Israel would none of me.

Some will rather lose their souls than lose their jest: these are guilty of taking God's name in vain. Tremble at it: such as mock at Scripture, God will mock at their calamity (Proverbs 1:26). 3. They abuse God's Word, and take his name in vain, that bring Scripture to countena…

(1.) In hearkening to their counsel. Proverbs 1:8: Hear the instruction of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother. Parents are as it were in the room of God; if they would teach you the fear of the Lord, you must listen to their words as oracles, and not be as the d…

God will not pity them. They derided his Spirit, and now he will laugh at their calamity (Proverbs 1:26). The Saints will not pity them: they persecuted the Saints upon earth, therefore they will rejoice to see God's justice executed on them (Psalm 58:10).

(1.) The bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27): She does not eat the bread of idleness. An idle person does vivere aliena quadra, he lives at another body's cost, and is at their finding (Proverbs 1:25): His hands refuse to labor. We must not be as the drones which eat the honey th…

Q. Did God procure man's deliverance, because man did so deserve? A. Man deserved it not, but the contrary, because he fell wilfully from that happy estate wherein he was created, whereas he might have continued happy if he would: therefore it had been no unrighteous thing if Go…

2. The soul is shown, or made to see the sufficiency of Christ Jesus: it could never see it, or believe it, if it were not shown, by a powerful work of the Spirit. Yes, the heart of man makes strong opposition against the way of the Gospel, it hates the knowledge thereof (Prover…

3. They have seen something of the enmity, and opposition of their hearts against the knowledge of the truth, and the light of the Gospel; the heart naturally is full of this enmity, and opposition (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5). The true believer knows something of this, of those stro…

First, it serves to press us to hearken to the Lord's call; many are kept off by vanity and pleasures, others by their own fears. To the first sort I shall only represent the danger of neglecting God's invitation, and slighting a call (Proverbs 1:25, 26): You have set at nought…

Does not Scripture say quite otherwise? Proverbs 1:32: 'The prosperity of fools destroys them.' So also Psalm 73.

Is it a happiness to command others, and be more slaves to the worst of creatures, than any can be to them? The wicked man's well spread table sometimes proves his snare and his destruction is bound up in his very prosperity: (Proverbs 1:32) and the prosperity of fools shall des…

And when the Gospel comes and tenders the way and means for the soul's delivery, offering its aid and assistance to that end; this also is looked on as an enemy, and is rejected, and all its offers to that end. See (Proverbs 1:20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) and (John 3:19). This then i…

For some man may think that the same things may be said for them that here in answer to this eleventh objection are said for the parishes in England: such one must remember two things: first, that we do not say simply, a covenant makes a company a true church, but (as was said b…

He is burdened with mens sins, and desires to bring punishments upon them; as a man under a great burden desires to be eased; In Isaiah 1. Oh! I will ease me of mine Adversaries. And in Ezekiel 5:13. you shall find there that God in threatning of wrath says, that he would do thu…

Contrary, is forbidden general ignorance of good and evil (Hosea 4:6; Ephesians 4:17). To love it, desire it, delight in it (Proverbs 1:22). Practice is the following or flying of the thing known to be commanded or forbidden.

And therefore to press this use a little, we shall show you here, 1. what it is that we exhort you to, and 2. what is the force of this motive. 1. We would commend to you in general, that you would endeavor the salvation of your own souls, this is it, He cries to you (Proverbs 1…

They shall go with their flocks and herds to seek the Lord, but they shall not find him; for he has withdrawn himself from them. (Proverbs 1:24) I called, and you refused; verse 26. then this must follow, verse 28. (as also John 8:21, the like is) they shall call upon me, but I…

Verse 32: For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies. 3. In the Lord's crying to sinners (Proverbs 1:20): Wisdom cries, she utters her voice in the streets. The word is to cry with strong shouting, either for joy (Psalm 81:2), or sorrow (Lamentations 2:19), which expre…

4. Because that love which is built upon holiness is the most durable and lasting. There is a confederacy in evil, as between drunkards with drunkards, and robbers with robbers (Proverbs 1:14): Cast in your lot among us, let us all have one common purse. Or when men conspire aga…

That his suggestions might make the greater impression upon her, he manages all his discourse with her, that all the advice which he seems to give her, proceeded of his love, and good affection towards her and her husband; pretending a more than ordinary desire and care of man's…

This kind of tempting of God is compounded of unbelief and presumption. There is unbelief in it, when we dare sin against the clear light and checks of conscience, and venture upon his threatenings: You cannot drive a dull ass into the fire that is kindled before him (Proverbs 1…

And by these shall we finde the true Church of God in England, Ireland, Scotland, Germanie, France, &c. Againe, in that the Church is called our Mother, the Papist gathers that her commandements must be obaied, Prov 1:8. and therefore in their Catechismes, beside the commandemen…

Again, this condemns the damnable opinion of atheists, who think all things come to pass by nature, or fortune; and that doomsday is but a dream: and that stick not to say, It is in vain to serve God, and what profit is it, that we have kept his commandments; and that we have wa…

He therefore oftentimes makes them stand confounded, to the end men may know that their wisdom is nothing else but a vanishing smoke. For there is no true wisdom but that which is grounded upon the fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, as Solomon teaches (Proverbs 1:7 a…

Moreover it seems the fear of God should be added for an exposition, that the Prophet might the better manifest that the knowledge of which he spoke was the guide of piety, being neither idle nor vain, but penetrating with efficacy into our hearts to conform us to the fear of Go…

The devil would beg as earnestly as you, if he had any hope to get salvation by it, and yet be as much of a devil as he is now. What can have more justice in it than that in Proverbs 1:24-28: Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regard…

All these are mercies additional to that great mercy CHRIST, Matth. 6:33 they are given with him, as in Romans 8:32 this is the Tenure by which we hold them, 1 Corinthians 3. 21, 22, 23. Look, what we lost in Adam, is restored again with Advantage in Christ: immediately upon the…

(3.) Consider, that if ever you be rescued out of that miserable condition you are in, such cross Providences, as these you complain of, are the most probable means to do it. Alas! prosperity and success is not the way to save, but destroy you, Proverbs 1:32 You must be bound in…

And it is of a person that by convictions had been fetcht off from his wicked companions, and entered into a reformed course of life; but after this, through the inticement of his old companions, the subtilty of Satan, and corruption of his own heart, did again relapse into the…

To others nothing is sanctified either as an Instrument or occasion of any spiritual good; but as the worst things are ordered to the benefit of the saints, so the best things wicked men enjoy do them no good. Their prayers are turned into sin, Psalm 109:7 The Ordinances are the…

Interchangeable dispensations, take up all our affections, with all our graces: for they are gracious affections, exercised and seasoned with grace, of which we speak. The stirring of natural affections as merely such, is but the moving of a dunghill to draw out a stinking steam…

Therefore we read (Acts 7:5): "You stiff-necked people, and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you have always resisted the Holy Ghost"; meaning the preaching of the word, by the ministry of his Apostles. So (Proverbs 1:24): "I have called, and you have refused, etc." But then sec…

But when ignorance comes to be willful, that a man does not know, and he will not learn — a man is an ignorant man yet he thinks he knows more than all the preachers can tell him — this is a sad sign you are not effectually called. Hence you read (Proverbs 1:22): How long, you s…

But the word is indifferent; [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]; and notes only a recompense suitable to that whereunto it is applied. So is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], used by our Apostle (Romans 1:27), excellently expressed by Solomon (Proverbs 1:31): Sinners shall eat of the fruit…

There is such a phrase in war, when they go violently upon a place, they are said to storm the place, to storm the gates of a castle or of a city; so here, they fell upon them, that is, they came violently upon them like a storm. In (Proverbs 1:27), destruction is described to c…

But God deceives none: whoever comes to him on his proposal of repentance, shall find forgiveness. It is said of some indeed, that he will laugh at their calamity, and mock when their fear coms, Proverbs 1:26. He will aggravate their misery, by giving them to see what their prid…

My fruit (saith wisdom) is []ter then fine gold—I cause to walke in the way of righteousnes, and in the m[]ds of the paths of judgment. Prov. 1[]. 23. The wise heart guids the mouth wisely, and adds doctrine unto his lips.

Let this excite violence in the things of God; it is the main errand of our living here; shall we go out of the world and forget our errand? 4. How violent are the wicked in ways of sin! violent for their malicious lusts (Proverbs 1:16): Their feet run to evil. Violent for their…

It is even so as to spiritual seasons. Christ neglected, and grace despised, in the season when God offers them, are irrecoverably lost (Proverbs 1:28). Then (that is, when the season is over) they shall call upon me but I will not hear.

And has pointed them to know where it is treasured, namely in Christ (Colossians 2:13): in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, bids them come to him for it, and encourages them so to do (James 1:5): if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask it of God, that gives…

Both which are clear in Scripture, if we confess that we are debtors to the Lord, and to his just law, and his holy sovereignty, in that he yields his influences, and in his having mercy on whom he will, and in hardening whom he will, in the Lord's drawing of men or his not draw…

For he cites these Scriptures. So (Proverbs 1) Wisdom crys without, she uttereth her voice in the streets. Christ, the eternal wisdom of the Father, never proclaimed the wisdom of the Gospel, which has so many Gospel-promises annexed to it, to the stupid Brasilians: read Proverb…

Jeremiah 51:9. We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: well then, it follows, forsake her, let us go every one into his own Country, for her judgement is reached up to heaven, and is lifted up to the skies. So God is clear, and even Babylons refusing to be healed, a…

Answ. But his cannot (as Mr. Fenner says) does not hinder. If a wicked man's cannot only did hinder him, he might excuse himself before the tribunal of Christ; Lord, you know, I did my best, I would have been ruled by your Word, but I could not; I would have been humbled and ref…

Experience, in my weak apprehension, may speak influence of grace oyls the wheels of the soul. Prov. 1:5. A wise man will hear, and encrease learning: and a man of understanding, shall attain to wise counsels. We grow hot, like hot iron redded in the fire, by praying, and are so…

1. Are there any who abhor God? such a sad word is spoken of the Jews (Zech. 11:8): Three Shepherds also I cut off in one month, and my soul loathed them, and their soul also abhorred me. Departing from God, as a whorish woman forsakes her husband, is charged upon the confederat…

Psalm 119:1. Blessed are they that walk in the law of the Lord, they shall do no iniquity; then upon the account of a holy walk, the Lord must bestow influences of grace to preserve men from doing acts of iniquity. And there must be a promise of influences, that such as walk in…

It's dreadful in the lower actings of God in the word to despise the Spirit, and to give him battle in his first approaches. I called, and you refused (Proverbs 1:24; Isaiah 65:1, 2, 3). A contradicting of, and a warring against the Spirit at the first face is much to be feared.

He who shows mercy on whom he will, and hardens whom he will, and that by a strong mighty will which no man can resist, he can find fault with no man, though he sin and harden his own heart; for his absolute sovereign will is far above me and my strength; but so does the Lord, s…

Third, God's knowledge is easy; it is without any difficulty. We study and search for knowledge (Proverbs 2:4). If you seek for her as silver.

Answer 1. In general, take pains for it: we cannot have the world without labor, and do we think to have grace? If you seek her as silver (Proverbs 2:3), a man may as well expect a crop without sowing, as grace without labor. We must not think to have grace as Israel had manna —…

2. Few that are entangled in the sin of adultery recover out of the snare. Proverbs 2:19: None that go to her return again. That made some of the ancients conclude that adultery was an unpardonable sin.

And we may see from hence, (1.) how necessary it is for us according to the command of our Savior to search the Scriptures (John 5:39). [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], to make a scrupulous enquiry, a diligent investigation, to find out things hidden, or parcels of gold ore. So are…

6. It is a sin usually accompanied with impenitency; namely, as it wears out remorse, and every spark of good conscience; read those cutting places (Proverbs 22:14). The mouth of a strange woman is a deep pit, and he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein: so (Proverbs…

For it is the Hebrew phrase of speech to use a negative, when it intends a superlative. There is a parallel expression in (Proverbs 2:19), None that go to her return again, that is, very, very few, not one of a thousand, but some there are; as Mary Magdalene out of whom Christ d…

Which spiritual marriage between Christ and his Church, is also taught in the type of the marriage between King Solomon and Pharaoh's daughter (Psalm 45). The consequence of the proposition is plain in reason; for there is no marriage but by way of covenant; no woman becomes a m…

Now follows the interpretation of it: where is declared what is commanded and forbidden. In the interpretation of the Law, must be seen what is commanded and forbidden (Proverbs 2:9). Generally, jointly in the whole body of the law joined together, and in the general division of…

Leviticus 18:18. Take not one woman to another to vex her, by uncovering the shame of her that is married upon this, in her life. Proverbs 2:17. Which forsakes the guide of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God. Malachi 2:14. But you say, Therefore? Because the Lord has…

Also a bowing down to look to it (James 1:25; Psalm 119:15). To incline our heart to understanding, to cry after wisdom, to search for it as for hid treasure (Proverbs 2:3). Here again our great coldness, wavering minds, and multitude of other like infirmities, is condemned.

He says, I saw a Princess daughter with a Crown on her head, (Revelation 21:10) He showed me the great City, the holy Jerusalem descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God: Even an enemy who saw the land a far off, and was not near the borders of it, says, (Number…

But the Gospel teaches us a real and personal mortification, and that we are to be holy as he is holy, perfect as he is perfect; that is, a new-covenant command (Genesis 17:1). That we should walk before him and be perfect, that we should walk after the Lord (Deuteronomy 13:4),…

Implying, that in hearing we shall find him, and in finding Christ we shall find life; be diligent therefore to hear, and when you have heard it go home, and search whether it be true or no; and if you have liberty be doing this often, be conferring about it, as you can have any…

1. The first is, between prince and people, so the high priest made a covenant, between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the Lord's people, and such a covenant there is usually in all well governed commonwealths, unless the king comes in…

In temporal things we will soon confess there must be means used, for if any would not work, neither should he eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). In warfare no victory is to be hoped for without fighting; only in spiritual matters we think to do well enough, though we never put to our…

For as it is a common, so is it also a great sin. For it is the breach of the covenant of marriage, made in the presence of God, and to God: and therefore it is called the covenant of God (Proverbs 2:17). It is the punishment of idolatry (Romans 1:24).

Persons thus engaged in their hearts will strive to enter in at the narrow gate, and will be urgent for heaven. Their practice will be agreeable to the counsel of the wise man in Proverbs 2 at the beginning: 'My son, if you will receive my words and treasure up my commandments w…

This shows the goodness of those matters which concern the soul, that they are very hard to be got. Seek for wisdom as for silver, and dig for it as for hidden treasure (Proverbs 2:2-4). And then, 2. Diligence is required not only to get grace, but to keep it; and it is no less…

But the Apostle addes a second here, partly to manifest the importance of the matter he treated of, and partly to stir them up to a diligent search of the Scripture, where the same truths, especially those that are of most concernment to us, are stored up and down in sundry plac…

They who have strong desires after Christ, labor strongly after Christ. So they are expressed (Proverbs 2:4) where Solomon speaks of wisdom, which is Christ and all that is Christ's. If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; such is the search and en…

your gift; that is, your sacrifice; whereof the Iewes had two kindes: Propit[]ator[]e, and Gra[]lator[]e, or of thanksgiuing: and they are here called gifts, because in sacrificing the people gaue some thing unto God: in which respect a sacrifice differs from a Sacrament, wherei…

The husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church. And therefore as all direction and consolation is derived from Christ; so should the husband likewise derive down and communicate knowledge, and comfort, and guidance to the wife; called therefore her…

O sirs, if you knew your souls' want, and the worth of divine things, your prayers would have another accent, and be put up with more fervency than usually they are: and you might have hopes to speed: so says the wise man, if you cry after knowledge, and lift up your voice for u…

When you read the Word, look on it as a soul-enriching treasury. Search here as for a vein of silver (Proverbs 2:4). In this word are scattered many divine aphorisms, gather them up as so many jewels.

They that have them not must needs die without knowledge, it is the main design of the means to point us to this; God gives pastors to feed men with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3:15). What he says of his Proverbs, may be applied to the whole book of God (Proverbs 2:3-4…

1. Means used are the Lord's way of coming to us, and our way of coming to him, whether in the word preached (Acts 2:36, 37; Acts 4:4; Acts 10:44; Acts 16:14; John 4:9, 10, 14–29, 30, 39, 40, 41; John 4:50, 51), or in miracles or any other lawful way. 2. Because to some certain…

But the Lord makes the suitable active concurrences of sinless nature and of grace stirring in its influences to join together and accord friendly, connaturally, and without jarring, or violence done to nature, and so carries on the supernatural and gracious actings of obedience…

He who shows mercy on whom he will, and hardens whom he will, and that by a strong mighty will which no man can resist, he can find fault with no man, though he sin and harden his own heart; for his absolute sovereign will is far above me and my strength; but so does the Lord, s…

We should herein be as the merchant man that seeks for pearls; he seeks for all sorts of them, but when he has found one of great price, he parts with all to make it his own (Matthew 13:45, 46). The Scripture is the field, the place, the mine where we search and dig for pearls;…

And upon this account it is that they never are recovered, because God has no delight in them. If this be not enough, view one Scripture more, Proverbs 2:18, 19. For her house inclineth to Death, and her paths to the Dead: None that go to her reture again, neither take they hold…

By consent (say they) of both parties married to attain a greater and more perfect estate, marriage consummated may be loosed from bed and cohabitation. Answer 1. In marriage there is a covenant of God (Proverbs 2:17) as well as of the two parties: the consent therefore of parti…

This did the heathen by light of nature observe. 3. The titles and names, whereby a husband is set forth, do imply a superiority and authority in him, as Lord (1 Peter 3:6), Master (Esther 1:17), Guide (Proverbs 2:17), Head (1 Corinthians 11:3), Image and glory of God (1 Corinth…

The High way to Heaven is so plain, that the wayfaring Men, or Strangers, though they be Fools in Understanding, shall not err therein, Isaiah 35:8. A Man that labors in his daily Calling, in the City or the Field, or a Servant in the lowest Rank of Life, may, with due Applicati…

We are to consider with what heart we go about it. (Proverbs 2:16): The Lord weighs the spirits. That which he puts into the balance of the sanctuary is, with what spirit, with what heart we go about the work, that's what he weighs and regards.

Therefore you know the promise in the 5. of Matthew, Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after vighteousnessfor they shall be satisfied. Therefore if you would but bring your hearts to this frame as to hunger after the strength of the Inward man, you shall have it, or if you…

What is it to hide the word in our hearts? 1. To understand it, to get a competent knowledge of it; we take in things into the soul by the understanding (Proverbs 2:10), When wisdom enters into your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul. There is first an entrance by kno…

In (2 Peter 1:8): for if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. There may be an empty belief, and a naked and unactive apprehension of Christ, which stirs up no affection: but t…

Many men that are unrenewed, may be stored with general truths concerning the misery of man, redemption by Christ, the privileges of a Christian; but they do not reflect the light of these truths upon themselves, so as to consider their own case; and so it serves rather for matt…

To make himself known so as you may love him, fear him, trust him. When we can apply this for our comfort, O then, cry for knowledge, lift up your voice for understanding; seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures (Proverbs 2:3-4). Go to God, and be earnest…

It is the bound of those actions that look inward: the senses report to the fantasy, that to the mind, and the mind counsels the heart. If wisdom enter the heart (Proverbs 2:10), it is the well-spring of those actions that look outward to the life (Proverbs 4:23): keep your hear…

A superficial knowledge has no efficacy and hold upon us; therefore by deep meditation, search and study, we come to be more thoroughly acquainted with the mind of God revealed in his Word. We are bidden (Proverbs 2:4) to dig for knowledge as for silver. Mines do not lie in the…

So he challenges it as his prerogative (Job 38:26): Who has put wisdom into the inward parts, or given understanding to the heart? The exercise of the outward senses is from God, who gives the seeing eye, the hearing ear; much more the right exercise of the internal faculties; a…

Secondly, in what manner we should pray. 1. With earnestness: slight prayers bespeak their own denial; (Proverbs 2:1-5) My son, if you will receive my words, and hide my commandments with you; So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding: indeed,…

Good and holy works are of the light (and give light, for they shine (Matthew 5:20)) but wicked works are from darkness; who but blind men would walk in dirt up to the ears, indeed over head and ears? Solomon speaking of wicked men (Proverbs 2:13) says, that they leave the paths…

Then shall you know if you follow on to know, when we track the [illegible] of the truth, in all the [illegible] until we have viewed the whole progress of it, from truth to truth from point to point. This it is to [illegible] for wisdom (Proverbs 2:2) when men have found a mine…

[illegible] heart that finds his special corruption his greatest [illegible] with which he is most pestered, is indeed [illegible] willing to be rid of that, which is most [illegible] to him, and indeed the word that meets [illegible] directly, and works most powerfully, his wil…

Third, it reproves those who, instead of mourning for sin, rejoice in sin. Proverbs 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:12: Who take pleasure in iniquity. Wicked men are worse in this sense than the damned in hell; for the damned take little pleasure in their sins.

Let me lay down two or three directions for the attaining of grace. If we would be enriched with this jewel of grace, let us take pains for it; we are bid to search for knowledge as a man searches for a vein of gold (Proverbs 2:2-3). Our salvation cost Christ blood; it will cost…

We should herein be as the merchant man that seeks for pearls; he seeks for all sorts of them, but when he has found one of great price, he parts with all to make it his own (Matthew 13:45-46). The Scripture is the field, the place, the mine where we search and dig for pearls (s…

I have read of one Benchorat, who spent forty years in finding out the motion of the Eighth Sphere; what pains then should we take in finding out the knowledge of God in Christ? There must be digging and searching for it, as one would search for a vein of silver, Proverbs 2. 3.…

Resp. 1. Because they are more holy (Hebrews 12:10). 2. Because they are more in God's favor (Proverbs 3:12). The goldsmith loves his gold, when in the furnace.

It is one thing to love our mercies, another thing to love the Lord: then a deliverance is in love, when it causes love. 2. Then a deliverance is in love, when we have hearts to improve it for God's glory: the wicked, instead of improving their deliverances for God's glory, impr…

God often displays the banner of his love in an ordinance, and pours in the oil of gladness into the heart. All God's ways are pleasantness, his paths are strewed with roses (Proverbs 3:17). 3. Serving the true God is beneficial; they have great vails here, the hidden manna, inw…

David tasted the Word sweeter than the honey and the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10). There is that in Scripture that may breed delight: it shows us the way to riches (Deuteronomy 28:5; Proverbs 3:16), to long life (Psalm 34:12), to a kingdom (Hebrews 12:28). Well then may we count thos…

Drive a trade of holiness. This merchandise is better than the merchandise of silver (Proverbs 3:14). Live in a calling, but especially live by faith.

Thirdly, Vain thoughts in hearing discover much want of love to God. Did we love God, we should listen to his words as oracles, and bind them upon the table of our heart (Proverbs 3:3). When a friend whom we love speaks to us, and gives us advice, we mind it with seriousness, an…

2. As may enable us to honor God with works of mercy. (Proverbs 3:9.) Honor the Lord with your substance. But all the danger is, when the world gets into the heart.

O let it never be said that the Devil's servants are more active than Christ's, that they serve him better, who rewards them only with fire and brimstone, than we do God who rewards us with a kingdom. 21. The labour we take for Heaven is a labour full of pleasure (Proverbs 3:17)…

Musicians love to sound their trumpets where there is the best echo, and God loves to bestow his mercies where there is the best echo of praise: and it is not only offering the calves of our lips that is enough, but we must show our thankfulness by improving the gifts which God…

It was Paul's heaven to serve God (Romans 7:22). The ways of wisdom are pleasantness (Proverbs 3:17). It is like walking among beds of spices, which cast forth a sweet perfume.

'Tis our duty still to consult with God; you ought to say, if the Lord will, etc. (James 4:15). 'Tis a piece of religious manners; we forget to bid ourselves Godspeed when we do not acknowledge the dominion of God in all these cases (Proverbs 3:5): "In all your ways acknowledge…

1. The wisest choice and best bargain: So did Job (Job 28:28), To man he said the fear of the Lord that is wisdom, and to depart from evil that is understanding. So did the wisest among mere mortals (Proverbs 3:15), She is more precious than Rubies and all the things you can des…

Second, a Father's hand correcting you in love and faithfulness. Proverbs 3:11: Whom the Lord loves he corrects, as a father the son in whom he delights. O if you could but see affliction as a rod in a Father's hand, proceeding from his love and intended for your eternal good —…

Health, the salt of blessings, as one calls it, is bestowed upon the laborer, when many that wallow in abundance, have those torturing diseases which embitter their pleasures. If some want those worldly ornaments which others have, may they not have more wisdom than those that e…

Fifthly, the matter promised; [to walk together in all such ways of worship and mutual edification, as the Gospel requires of churches and church-members] they bind not themselves to observe any devices of their own, nor inventions of men, but such things as the word of God requ…

Secondly, this life of grace has that which every man seeks, it has much pleasure. All her ways are ways of pleasure (Proverbs 3:17). Those that walk in the ways of God are full of pleasure; this life brings a double pleasure, first, the reward of it, second, the comfort in perf…

We many times talk about vain and slight things, because we have nothing else to talk of; but did we understand the way of God's precepts, we should be furnished with discourse of the wondrous works of God. And then, it's a great WORD, because that they are of great concernment;…

Here is forbidden first, the want of these, and the contrary, as to waver or doubt (Psalm 13:1, 3; Psalm 88:15); to leave our hope (Hebrews 10:39); to despair (Genesis 8:13); impatience (Jeremiah 20:14, 18); to have trust in ordinary means, and to make flesh our arm, is forbidde…

2. There is a [reconstructed: delectation] in a communion with God. This is one general point — Proverbs 3:17. All wisdom's ways are ways of pleasure; to the spiritual soul, every step to heaven is a paradise. 1. What sweetness is in the sense of the love of Christ to delight al…

The way to have your Houses filled with Plenty, is to honor the Lord with your Substance, and with the first Fruits of all your Increase. Proverbs 3:9. And as it is your Duty and Interest well to support your pastor, so it concerns you to pray earnestly for him, and each one to…

Psalm 138:6. Though the Lord be High, he hath Respect unto the Lowly. Proverbs 3:34. He giveth Grace unto the lowly. Isaiah 57:15. Thus saith the high and lofty One who inhabiteth Eternity, whose Name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrit…

Look upon the ruined estates and bodies you may every where see, and behold the truth of the Scriptures evidently made good in those sad Providences. The Word tells you, that your departure from the way of integrity and simplicity, to make use of sinful policies, shall never pro…

An instance of the former you have in Genesis 17. 18, 20. On the contrary, you have the threatning, Zechariah 5:4 and both together, Proverbs 3:33 The Curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked, but he Blesseth the habitation of the just. True it is, that both these imply t…

Indeed there is nothing else can stand a man in stead to any purpose, if that be lost, all's lost. A man that is in danger of drowning will lay hold upon any thing, upon a straw, upon a rush, though it have no strength to support him: men in danger will lay hold upon somewhat; t…

You will find a new life, a new pleasure, a new satisfaction, in all that you doe. Have you yet ever understood that of the Wiseman, Proverbs 3:17. The wayes of wisdom are pleasantness, and her paths are peace?

These parts in men's bodies have not much beauty in them; and therefore, it seems, that by them the Lord points rather at what is inward and useful, in the spiritual complexion and constitution of believers, than what is outward and visible in their walk, that serving no less to…

There is added here a more express description of her posture: in this ascending, she is leaning on her beloved; that is, as they who are weak, make use of a staff, in climbing of a strait and steep ground, or ease themselves by leaning upon one that is strong, and especially on…

It is true, these are the arbitrary and immediate effects of the sanctifying and sealing Spirit, yet ordinarily comfort is dropped from Heaven into the believing soul in a way of duty and holy endeavor, the nearer we approach to the Sun, and the more light and heat, now exercise…

[reconstructed: It] is a sign of a man given over to the Devil. God scorns the scorner (Proverbs 3:34). And sure he shall never live with God, whose company God scorns.

And indeed it must be a very improper Use of Language, to speak of those as performing Acts of Religion with all their Hearts, whose Heart the Scriptures do abundantly represent as under the reigning Power of Sin and Unbelief, and as those that do not give God their Hearts, but…

One dram of grace is far beyond all the glory of this world; it's more precious than gold which perishes (1 Peter 1:7). The price of it is above rubies, and all that you can desire is not to be compared with it (Proverbs 3:15). There is a great deal of spirit and vigor in a litt…

What, now slack-handed, when so near to my everlasting rest (Romans 13:11)! Or have you found the work of God so unpleasant to you (Proverbs 3:17)? Or the trade of godliness so unprofitable (Psalm 19:11)?

The expense of your sweat fills your purses, you get estates by your diligence and labor; but what are your gains to the gains of Christians? They can get in an hour, that which they will not part with for all the gold and silver on earth (Proverbs 3:14). So that compare these l…

1. Hence we are to commit our free will to the Lord's dominion of grace, and not to believe that such a tottering goddess as free will which has lost and destroyed Angels and the first man Adam, can guide well enough; yes, 2. we are to bless the Lord for that impotency (if so it…

1. Means used are the Lord's way of coming to us, and our way of coming to him, whether in the word preached (Acts 2:36, 37; Acts 4:4; Acts 10:44; Acts 16:14; John 4:9, 10, 14–29, 30, 39, 40, 41; John 4:50, 51), or in miracles or any other lawful way. 2. Because to some certain…

Whose adorning, says the Apostle, let it not be that outward adorning, of plaiting the hair, and of wearing gold, or of putting on of apparel: But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in t…

So graciously has God been pleased to twist interests with us, as to enjoin the same thing under the notion of a duty, which he proposes and promises under the notion of a privilege. Justly may we say, that we serve a good Master, whose yoke is easy (Matthew 11:30) — it is [non-…

Ask your father and he will show you, your elders and they will tell you (Deuteronomy 32:7), that the fear of the Lord that is wisdom, and to depart from evil, that is understanding (Job 28:28). They will tell you, that religion's ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths…

NOw that you may be further convinced that in the choice of the ways of godliness, you shall not lose, but change pleasures; you shall finde pleasures sweet and satisfying, of a higher nature in them then ever before your souls were acquainted with; consider what Solomon says of…

It is the speech of an Ancient, That a reproacher is beneath a man, but the reproached that bear it well, are equal to the Angels. The Hebrew word that signifies scorners, has many other significations which set out the vileness, the dangerous evil there is in a scornful spirit;…

The Scripture speaks of the familiar converse that God has with his people here, that they are called friends: Abraham was called The friend of God, and the Disciples were called friends, but hereafter the friendship shall be much more full and sweet; Job shall have his desire,…

Wo to that wretched Family into which this flying Roll shall enter; Wo, I say, to the wretched Inhabitants thereof. The Curse of the Lord (says Solomon) is in the house of the wicked; but He blesses the [habitation] of the just, Proverbs 3:33. Tuguriolum, (i. e.) says Mercer, hi…

But now when once Christ appears to the soul, when he is known in his excellency, all these things as without him have their paint washed off, their beauty fades, their desirableness vanishes, and the soul is not only contented to part with them all, but puts them away as a defi…

Their wisdom will be folly, their love hatred. Upon these grounds it is taken for a thing granted, that parents (who tender the good of their children as they should) do chastise their children as need requires: for it is said, that the Lord corrects whom he loves, as a father t…

First: because it empties the soul of its own wisdom, understanding, and fullness, that it may act in the wisdom and fullness of Christ. The only advice for preservation in trials and temptations lies in the words of the wise man: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean…

Now for supply of our brethren's necessities, one good help is, the retrenching of our own superfluities, turn the stream into that channel where it will refresh your brethren, and enrich yourself; and let it not run into the dead sea. Your vain excessive entertainments, your ga…

They are good, as they make us more useful for God and man. For God, as having more advantages for the honoring of God: (Proverbs 3:9) Honor the Lord with your substance, and with the first-fruits of all your increase. And of doing good to others: That we may have to distribute…

(1.) It is necessary for his honor, that God may still be acknowledged; that the creature may be kept up in a constant dependence upon God, and may go about nothing, but may ask his leave, counsel, and blessing. Proverbs 3:6. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct…

2. The Fear of God is a main branch of wisdom. 'Tis called, the Head of wisdom, Proverbs 1:7. Wisdom is more precious than Rubies, Proverbs 3:15. No Jewel we wear, does so adorn us as wisdom; now the fear of God is our wisdom: Job 28:28.

So far as any nation was touched with a sense of a divine power, they would never venture upon anything without consulting with their gods. And it is enjoined as a piece of religious good manners, to own God upon all occasions (Proverbs 3:5): In all your ways acknowledge him. It…

Behold I have taught you statutes: keep, therefore, and do them, for this is your wisdom. And to be wise is an honor: I may say of every commandment of God, as (Proverbs 4:9). It shall give to your head an ornament of grace.

Contend for Scripture. Though we should not be of contentious spirits, yet we ought to contend for the Word of God; this jewel is too precious to be parted with (Proverbs 4:13): "Keep her, for she is your life." The castle of Scripture is beset with enemies — heretics fight agai…

1. I shall speak concerning wisdom in general. Solomon says, wisdom is the principal thing (Proverbs 4:7). 'Tis better than riches (Proverbs 31:14).

Such as scoff at holiness shall be cast out of heaven. 2. Use of Exhortation: Above all things pursue after sanctification; seek grace more than gold (Proverbs 4:13). Keep her, for she is your life.

An idle person stands for a cipher in the world, and God writes down no ciphers in the Book of Life. We read in Scripture of eating the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27), and drinking the wine of violence (Proverbs 4:17). It is as well a sin to eat the bread of idleness, as to…

(Psalm 141:3) Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth. (4.) Look in a special manner to your heart (Proverbs 4:23). Keep your heart with all keeping.

Lastly, seeing we have this corruption of nature in us, we must keep our hearts with all diligence, and set watch and ward about them. So Solomon says: Counterguard thy heart my son, Proverbs 4.23. Why does Solomon give this commandment?

[〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], is to give light or knowledge by teaching; the same with [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] which therefore is so translated oft-times by the Greeks. As by Aquila (Exodus 4:12; Psalm 119:33; Proverbs 4:4; Isaiah 27:11) as Drustus observes. And it is so by t…

It appears thus; our great work every day is with our own hearts, and we must watch them, and keep them for Christ. He has so commanded (Proverbs 4:23). The heart is the temple of God in which he desires to dwell; and we must endeavour to keep it for him, lest we prove treachero…

Faith raises our fame; righteousness exchanges our fetters for a crown. A crown of glory shall she deliver to you (Proverbs 4:9). By espousing godliness, we are better than others (Ecclesiastes 7:8).

Thus is our wine mingled with water, our honey with wax, and our silver with tin. All the trial is, that the better part prevails; and that we are still growing and pressing on to perfection, as the morning sun does to high noon (Proverbs 4:18). For actual sanctification, which…

Proverbs 4:23. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. The heart of man is his worst part before it is regenerate, and the best afterwards; it is the seat of principles, and fountain of actions.

2. Christ's yoke is easy in comparison of the yoke of the law, which neither we, nor our fathers were able to bear. 3. As wisdom is easy to him that understands, so is Christ's yoke easy, and his burden light to those that are well acquainted with it, and have good experience of…

To whom Abraham said: God shall provide for himself a small beast for the sacrifice my son: when they went both together. Proverbs 4:3. When I was a son with my father, tender, and only beloved before my mother. 4. He teaching me, said to me: Let your mind hold my words, keep my…

1. Be transformed, that you may be transfigured, be you transformed by the renewing of your minds (Romans 12:2). The change must begin in the soul (2 Corinthians 3:18), and from there it is conveyed to the body; the luster of grace makes way for the splendor of glory (Proverbs 4…

The good things, that we are to do, we must do them with all our might (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Our duty is to keep our hearts in the fear of God, and we must do it with all diligence (Proverbs 4:24). It is our duty to seek God's kingdom, and we must take it with violence.

If this will not do the deed, God has in store, his corrections, and judgments, to be as a hedge to hem us in (Hosea 2:6). This being so, our duty is to guard and enclose ourselves, specially our hearts (Proverbs 4:23), and all the senses and powers of our souls (Psalm 141:3), b…

And so it is with too many Believers: They are all Trees planted in the Garden of God, some thrive, some decay for a season, but the growth of the best is secret. Sanctification is a progressive work — a river continually fed by a living fountain may as soon end its streams befo…

How great pleasure arises from a constant diligent self-inspection! When a man's spirit dwells within itself, resides at home, seeks not itself abroad; remains within its own bounds, is intent upon itself; watches over its own motions as its proper charge; is formed to a complia…

Keep your selves in the love of God, Jude 21. Keep your hearts with all diligence, Proverbs 4:23 Though Providence keep you, yet it is in the way of your duty. The Ninth Performance of Providence.

And therefore, when all the diligence you can put forth in the ways of God is little enough to save the soul, and all little enough to keep on a good profession in the ways of grace — when you have done all you can, stand. Proverbs 4:24: "Keep your heart with all diligence," etc…

And then, 2. Diligence is required not only to get grace, but to keep it; and it is no less skill to keep grace, than to get it, there are so many temptations lie in your way. And then, 3. To watch the heart, that does conspire against your grace, and against your soul (Proverbs…

And it is so used by Nazianzen, [in non-Latin alphabet]; a little beam of a great light. It answers exactly to the Hebrew [in non-Latin alphabet], or [in non-Latin alphabet]; that is, the Morning Light (Proverbs 4:18), The path of the righteous, [in non-Latin alphabet], ut Lux s…

Job eschewed evil, whatever led him to evil, all the appearances of evil, as the Apostle speaks; we cannot avoid the sin, if we will not avoid the occasion. When Solomon cautions to take heed of the path of the wicked, he uses four expressions and all to the same purpose, Avoid…

In sum, it describes the spiritual beauty of the Bride in these properties, 1. That it is radiant, and shining, there is no true glory but this, which is like the light, all other beauty is but dark; grace makes one shine like a light in a dark place (Philippians 2:15). 2. It is…

Yet, 4. We say there is no ground to think, but Solomon knew much of the mind of the Spirit in this Song, indeed, more than many learned men nowadays. For, 1. He was not only a believer, but one eminent for gifts and knowledge; and none will say but he was so for divine knowledg…

We find that God gives an honorable testimony concerning Abraham, and confides in him upon this account (Genesis 18:19): "I know Abraham, that he will command his children, and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment." And Sol…

And if you thus do, he that is able to keep you from falling, will present you faultless before [reconstructed: the] presence of his glory with exceeding joy (Jude 24). 5. Carefully watch your hearts; though God has undertaken to guard you, yet you are bound to watch your own he…

As to the last, I pray you to keep this treasure, and let it not be in the least impaired, wasted or prejudiced: I tell you it is a greater loss to lose one grain of grace than a mine of gold, or both the Indies; the gaining of the world cannot countervail the loss of a soul, an…

Ahab violently took away Naboth's vineyard (2 Kings 21:11). Hell is taken by this violence (Proverbs 4:17): Who drink the wine of violence. This wine will turn to poison at last (Psalm 11:5): Him that loves violence God's soul hates.

This the Apostle in Romans 3:15 cites as belonging to the Description of all natural Men. So in the Description of the Wicked, Proverbs 4:14-19. It is said, that they sleep not unless they have done Mischief, that they drink the Wine of Violence, etc. and yet by the wicked there…

1. Means used are the Lord's way of coming to us, and our way of coming to him, whether in the word preached (Acts 2:36, 37; Acts 4:4; Acts 10:44; Acts 16:14; John 4:9, 10, 14–29, 30, 39, 40, 41; John 4:50, 51), or in miracles or any other lawful way. 2. Because to some certain…

But the Lord makes the suitable active concurrences of sinless nature and of grace stirring in its influences to join together and accord friendly, connaturally, and without jarring, or violence done to nature, and so carries on the supernatural and gracious actings of obedience…

Malachi 4:2. But to you that fear my Name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and you shall go forth, and grow as calves in the stall. Proverbs 4:18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more, to the perfect day. In w…

He who shows mercy on whom he will, and hardens whom he will, and that by a strong mighty will which no man can resist, he can find fault with no man, though he sin and harden his own heart; for his absolute sovereign will is far above me and my strength; but so does the Lord, s…

That this spiritual life is in its nature and constitution such as will abide, thrive and grow to the end, is three ways testified to in the Scripture. 1. In that it is compared to things of the most infallible increase and progress: for besides that, its growth is frequently li…

"Train up a child," says Solomon, that is, while he is young and tender: and again, "He that loves his child nurtures him early." Thus was Samuel sent when he was very young to be trained up under Eli (1 Samuel 1:24), and Solomon was instructed by his father when he was tender (…

I shall speak to the former first as the spring of the latter, Keep your heart with all diligence. For all depends upon that for from there are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). And if so, then the regulating of the tongue, and eyes, and feet and all will follow.

The most do thus — walk at random, give attendance on public worship, and have some customary way of private prayer, but further do not eye how they walk, what is their carriage all the day long, what they speak, how they are in company, and how alone, which way their hearts go…

Certainly, he that would not be foiled, needs a great deal of holy moderation, and constant jealousy over his heart; he had need to guard his senses (Psalm 119:37): Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity; and to look to his company (Psalm 119:115): Depart from me, you evil doer…

A sermon (Number 1418) delivered on Lord's Day morning, June ninth, 1878, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is your life." -- Proverbs 4:13. Faith may be well described as taking hold u…

A sermon (Number 179) delivered on Sabbath morning, February 21, 1858 At The Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens, by C. H. Spurgeon. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”—Proverbs 4:23. If I should vainly attempt to fashion my discourse after lo…

A sermon (Number 2058) by C. H. Spurgeon “Let your eyes look right on, and let your eyelids look straight before you.”——Proverbs 4:25. These words occur in a passage where the wise man exhorts us to take care of all parts of our nature, which he indicates by members of the body.

It is a poor kind of love parents express to their children, in providing great estates and portions for them, or bringing them up in trades that they may thrive in the world; but when you train them up for heaven, there's the best love. (Proverbs 4:3-4) For I was my father's so…

3. Observe, this practical obedience is expressed by having respect to the ways of God. To respect God's ways, is to take heed that we do not turn out of them, to regard them and ourselves: observe to do them (Joshua 1:8), and it is called elsewhere, pondering our path (Proverbs…

Men remember what they heed and regard. Proverbs 4:21. Attend to my sayings, keep them in the midst of your heart. Where there is attention, there will be retention.

It is but a formal account we can give, without serious consideration. We must therefore keep our hearts with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23). 3. There needs in many cases a serious search: for instance, in deep desertion, when God withdraws the light of his countenance, and men h…

For the Lord sees not as man sees, for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. Proverbs 4:23: Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. Cast salt into the spring.

Job does not only take notice of his eyes when they did stir up carnal thoughts for the present (Job 31:7), but says, "if my eyes have walked after my heart, and if my steps have turned out of the way;" he speaks twice of the disorders of his eyes. The heart may be corrupted by…

I know a Christian is not infallible, besides his general godly course, he may have his particular slips and errors; yet because the world is apt to take prejudice, we should not but upon the constraining evidence of conscience, enter upon any ways of dissent or contest, lest we…

If any one shall ask where this house of bondage is, where is the place of Hell? I wish you may never know feelingly — Chrysostom says, let us not so much labor to know where Hell is, as how to escape it. Yet to satisfy curiosity, Hell is Locus subterraneus, some place beneath (…

Where murder is forbidden, there envy and rash anger are forbidden which may occasion it. Where adultery is forbidden in the commandment, there is forbidden all that may lead to it, as wanton glances of the eye, or coming into the company of a harlot (Proverbs 5:8). "Come not ne…

Fourthly, adultery is destructive to the body. (Proverbs 5:11) And you mourn at last, when your flesh and your body is consumed. It brings into a consumption.

God may give Satan leave to cast us into prison, to clap bolts upon us again, and to become a lying spirit of bondage to us, as he became a lying spirit in the mouths of Ahab's prophets. And he may give up our hearts to be fettered with the cords of our own sins, and to be ensna…

I answer: they are spiritual chains, suitable to the spiritual nature of angels: such as these, 1. Guilt of conscience, which binds them over to judgement; the consciences of wicked angels know that they are adjudged to damnation for their sin; this is a sure chain, for it faste…

Thus Job secured his heart from this temptation — Job 31:4: 'Does he not see my ways, and count all my steps?' — therefore he made a covenant with his eyes in verse 1. After the same manner Solomon teaches us to retort this temptation — Proverbs 5:20-21: 'And why, my son, will y…

When age and experience has made him wise, when sickness and the approach of death makes him serious and impartial, then he changes his note, and those things which were gain to him, he now accounts loss, those lusts which he formerly doted upon, and used to chew under his tongu…

All other things that you do they may be sweet for the present; yet as it is said of drunkenness (Proverbs 23:32), so may it be said of them, that they bite like a serpent, and sting like an adder, though they seem sweet. The strange woman is sweet: yet (Proverbs 5:4) her end is…

(Genesis 26:8) And it came to pass, when they had been there many days, that Abimileck, king of the Philistims, looked by the window, and saw that, behold, Isaak played with Rebekka his wife, therefore calling Isaak, he said to him: Surely, behold she is your wife. (Proverbs 5:1…

What fruit (says the Apostle) had ye in those things, whereof you are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death, Romans 6:21 Doth not the Providence of God verifie upon them those threatnings that are written, in the experience of all ages? Proverbs 23:29 Proverbs 23:21…

(2.) How near you have been brought to the brink of sin, and yet saved by a merciful hand of Providence. May you not say with him in Proverbs 5:14 I was almost in the midst of all evil: or as Psalm 73:2 My feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slidden. O merciful Provide…

It seemes to be taken from the word, [in non-Latin alphabet] erravit, to erre, or wander variously. Prov. 5:20. the word is used for delight, to stray with delight. In her love [in non-Latin alphabet] you shall erre with delight, we have translated it, be ravished, noting affect…

Touching the measure of our alms, there is no particular commandment in Scripture: but yet these generall Rules may thence be gathered. First, that a man is not bound to give all that he has: Prov. 5. 15, 16. Drinke the waters of yours own []isterne, and flowing streames out of…

2. His carriage is described, with her observation of it. The commendation she gives him is, "He is like a roe, or a young hart" — these creatures are famous for loving and kindly carriage to their mates, as also for loveliness and pleasantness in themselves (Proverbs 5:19). Thu…

2. They are useful to give suck and food to others. 3. They signify warmness of affection, and lovingness, as (Proverbs 5:19), let her breasts always satisfy you; and (Chapter 1:13), the Bride expressing her affection to Christ, says, he shall lie all night between my breasts; a…

So (Proverbs 15:3), "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." And (Proverbs 5:21), "The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord" — he knows them, as if he were looking on them with eyes, all things are so naked and discernible to him. This a…

The particular that is again repeated is her breasts, which are compared to a cluster of grapes, or wine, as it is in the eighth verse. We conceive, by breasts here, is signified her love and affection, whereby he is entertained; so (Chapter 1:13) he shall lie all night between…

And how dreadful an echo of conscience will this be? And yet we are told that thus it will be in the end (Proverbs 5:11, &c.), and you mourn at last, &c. and say, how have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof? &c. 6. Hence think what a doom is hastening upon you, a…

For 1. That is to reproach God, this is like the malcontentedness of Satan and of Hell: for the damned complain that ever they were born, and that they cannot be annihilated, and that hills and mountains cover them not quick in soul and body; yes, they storm and rage because God…

And 3. The man wishes he might be a patient in the removing of it, and frets that God will not take it away, while he sleeps, but withal he refuses to be an actor; 1. In sorrowing according to God, and in loathing it. 2. In challenging himself (Proverbs 5), How have I hated inst…

If you apply it not to your selves, I have Iaboured to no purpose, the Pen of the Scribe is in vain: But God may make such an application of them, in one Storm or another, as may make your hearts to tremble. O Sirs! when Death and Eternity look you in the face, Conscience may re…

Now, Oh that I migh[•] prevail with you to repent of this wickedness, an[•] break the force of this customary evil among you▪ Will you but give me the reading of a few page[•] more; and weigh with the reason of men, what yo[•] read? If you will not hearken to counsel, it is a fa…

This was delivered upon Mount Sinai, with the greatest solemnity and terrour, by the mouth of God himself. Turn to, and ponder the following Scriptures, among many others, Proverbs 5:2, 3, 4. Acts 5. 29.

But on the contrary, when men cater for the flesh, provide for it, indulge carnal distempers, and feed them with that diet which they affect: these tempt themselves, and seem willing to lie under their bondage, and to be glad of it. 3. When a man is a sinner to his loss; and has…

A sermon (No. 667) delivered on Sunday morning, December 31, 1865 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. “At the last.”—Proverbs 5:11. The wise man saw the young and simple straying into the house of the strange woman.

A Sermon (Number 915) delivered on Sabbath morning, February thirteenth, 1870 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. “His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be held with the cords of his sins.” — Proverbs 5:22. The first sentence ha…

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 5:6). O! when a man is brought off from this spiritual idolatry of making his bosom to be his oracle, and his own heart to…

Thus when his case was thought desperate does mercy work for him. 2. Effectivè — when we ourselves run into the snare, and are held with the cords of our own vanity (Proverbs 5:22): "His own iniquities shall take [reconstructed: the] wicked himself, and he shall be held with the…

On sin's side consider, when you look back to what is past, (the Lord grant you may make this reflection) (Romans 6:21), what fruit had you in those things of which you are now ashamed: you cannot look back without horror of conscience. As the unclean person when he looks back,…

Oh, mind the good of your soul, and do not bring on yourself this great, universal, intolerable and eternal damnation. Take heed lest, (Proverbs 5:11-13) when your flesh and your body are consumed, and your soul damned, you say too late, how have I hated instruction, and my hear…

Some starve their families to feed their lusts, which has turned many a house out of door, and brought great estates to a morsel of bread, beside what comes hereafter. Lusts consume health and wealth (Proverbs 5). Gluttony, drunkenness, and uncleanness are costly and chargeable…

First, our Houses are miserable through us, if they do not serve God. It is hinted as a most extraordinary misery upon any person, in Proverbs 5:35: He shall die without instruction. Fearful and woeful will be the case of those in our Houses, whom our instruction shall not endea…

Then does sin appear to be hateful. The wise man therefore gives wholesome advice (Proverbs 5:10, 11): Let not strangers be filled with your wealth, and then mourn at last when your flesh and your body are consumed. Yet further, sin carries guilt and horror along with it: consci…

Christian: Why, I think you did not consent to her desires? Faithful: No, not to defile myself; for I remembered an old writing that I had seen, which said, “Her steps take hold on Hell” (Proverbs 5:5). So I shut my eyes, because I would not be bewitched with her looks (Job 31:1…

He has not given them for the fuel of our pride and luxury; but for the good of our souls, and the comfort of our poor brothers. We have our waters not only to drink ourselves, but also to disperse abroad (Proverbs 5:15-16). Good works are taken either in a more large sense for…

And that is seen principally in these five things, these five errors or false conceits. First, in judging some trouble of mind, some light sorrow for sin to be true repentance; and so thinking they do repent, hope they shall be saved; for sin is like sweet poison, while a man is…

There is no man that sees Christ by a spirit of grace, but he begins to see that he has sinned against the Gospel of Christ, and this is to pierce Christ: and this afflicts him deeply, that the word of his grace which he has caused to be sent forth for my conversion and salvatio…

Again, the same distinction and property, is allowable by the written law of God. Solomon teaches (Proverbs 5:15) that a man must let his waters flow out of his cistern, but he must keep the fountain to himself. And (Proverbs 10:22) it is the blessing of God to be rich, and he a…

It is not God's will, that we should give all that we have in alms, and keep nothing for ourselves, but that we keep a due proportion in giving, and do that good to others, whereby we may not ourselves be hindered or oppressed. Our fountains and rivers must run, to serve the nec…

It is worthy to be observed how strict this charge is, given to the daughters of Jerusalem, which is repeated three times over in the book of Canticles (2:7; 3:5; 8:4). In the second chapter and six first verses, is represented the supports Christ gives his church, while she is…

The Law of the Lord is perfect. It is an exact model and platform of religion; it is the standard of truth, the judge of controversies, the pole-star to direct us to heaven (Proverbs 6:23). The commandment is a lamp.

God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, etc. That God should give Christ to us, and not to the angels that fell; that the Sun of Righteousness should shine in our horizon; that he is revealed to us and not to others; what wonderful love is this (Proverbs 6:28…

If I see a smoke come out of the top of a chimney, what a fire burns within? "A wicked man walks with a perverse mouth — frowardness is in his heart" (Proverbs 6:12, 14). Solomon shows the reason why the mouth is so perverse: frowardness is in his heart.

In this sacred mine we dig, not for a wedge of gold, but a weight of glory. First, the Scripture is a sacred eye-salve to illuminate us (Proverbs 6:23): the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. [illegible], Clement of Alexandria.

When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel. Image worship enrages God (Proverbs 6:34). Jealousy is the rage of a man: It makes God divorce a people (Exodus 32:7). Your people, lo-ammi (Hosea 2:2). Plead with your mother, plead, for she is not my wife (Song of…

Would not Christ have his coat rent, and can he endure to have his body rent? Sure God will never father them who are not sons of peace: of all them who God hates, he is named for one, who is a sower of discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:19). 5. If God be our Father, then we lov…

The inanimate creatures are in motion: the sun goes its circuit, the fountain runs, the fire sparkles. And animate creatures; Solomon sends us to the ant and pismire to learn labor (Proverbs 6:6; Proverbs 30:35). The bee is the emblem of industry; some of the bees trim the honey…

Fifthly, adultery is a purgatory to the purse, as it wastes the body so the estate. (Proverbs 6:26) By the means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread. Whores are the Devil's horseleaches, sponges that will soon suck in all one's money.

What do virgins among harlots? The company of the wicked is very defiling, it is like going among those who have the plague (Proverbs 6:27). He that touches pitch shall be defiled.

When Eli's sons had sinned and profaned their priesthood, they turned their glory into shame; the text says they made themselves vile (1 Samuel 3:13). Sin casts an indelible blot on a man's name (Proverbs 6:32-33): Whoever commits adultery with a woman, a wound and dishonor shal…

Whoredom and Wine take away the heart; these two are mentioned, because usually they go together, and both take away the heart, besot the conscience, take away the tenderness of the affections: so that men are not ashamed of sin, insensible of danger, and unfit for duty; and so…

When we lean to our own wisdom, we distrust the providence of God (Proverbs 3:5): trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. Trust in God and leaning to our own wisdom are opposed to one another as inconsistent; or when a man has some great co…

As if a man that goes into strange company, company which are altogether unsuitable to him, yes, perhaps they speak another language, and have altogether other customs, and diet than we have, we are weary of them, and we turn from them and are tired in the society, for they are…

They have sown salt in it: that is, they have sown their passions, they have sown contention, and they have sown the seeds of discord, for that has been the cause that our field that we have had, those opportunities that we have enjoyed for God has been so barren, there has been…

Our conversation is in heaven, but our employments are here upon the earth, diligently taking pains in our callings, ever very busy in outward employments. Observe the Ant, learn her ways, and be wise (Proverbs 6), be busy like Ants, morning and evening, early and late, and labo…

It is the punishment of idolatry (Romans 1:24). It is a sin greater than theft (Proverbs 6:30, 32). The committers of this sin cut off themselves from human society, and become men of death, and women of death, according to God's law.

Lord, my Heart is not haughty, [〈…〉] neither do I exercise myself in great Matters, or in Things [〈◊◊〉] for me. Proverbs 6:16, 17. These six Things does the Lord [〈◊〉], [〈◊〉] serve are an Abomination unto him; a proud Look, &c.

God has his certain days, or appointed seasons of the exercise both of mercy and judgment. There are some seasons that are remarkable times of wrath, that are laid out by God for that purpose, for his awful visitation, and the executions of his anger; which times are called days…

Least wee should mistake Christs meaning, wee must knowe that there bee two kindes of care; a godly moderate care; and a distrustfull carking care. The moderate honest care is inioyned us by Gods commandment: Prov. 6. 6. wisdom sends the sluggard to learne diligence and prouiden…

The second step or degree of this love, and the similitude illustrating it, is in these words, jealousy is cruel as the grave: it is the prosecution of the same purpose, only, what she called love before, is here termed jealousy; jealousy may be taken in a good sense, or an evil…

Indeed such necessity does somewhat mitigate the heinousness of the offense; but that is not at all considerable in the direction of our practice, since it continues a sin still, and deserves eternal damnation. The wise man tells us (Proverbs 6:30-31): Men do not despise a thief…

But, fourthly; We must honor our parents, by hearkening to their good instructions, and imitating their godly practices. So (Proverbs 6:20): My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not the law of your mother. For although good instruction be for the matter of it, alw…

Secondly, consider, that it is a sin most contrary to the nature of God, who is truth itself; a sin that he hates and abominates. (Proverbs 6:17) These six things does the Lord hate; indeed, seven are an abomination to him; a proud look, a lying tongue, etc. And (Proverbs 12:22)…

And therefore says the Psalmist (Psalm 44:20-21), "If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched forth our hands to a false God: shall not God search out this? for he knows the secrets of the heart." Thirdly, jealousy as it is searching and inquisitive, so it is an angr…

For although there be a shame consequent upon the act of every sin; yet the credit and reputation of a man is never so deeply blemished, nor so foully stained by any sin as that of adultery. Proverbs 6:32-33: Whoever commits adultery with a woman, lacks understanding: he that do…

The Devil is the father of lies, and liars (John 8:44) — and which is most eligible, to be children of God, or children of the Devil? A lying tongue is one of the seven abominations which the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:16-17). And is there any good you can get by your lying, compara…

1. By the heart in divine soliloquies, and heavenly meditations, in warming notions and elevating motions, these keep the Christian good company, so that he is never less alone than when alone; as a very heathen could say: Scripture truths are sweet and satisfying companions in…

Thus Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner gave themselves over to wickedness and strange sins; and then justice quickly trussed them up for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. That man is even ripe for hell, that is become a contriver of…

If then he should not reap and mow, and gather in his store; how should he live, when for the snow he can't move out of door? (Proverbs 10:5) The little ants, and painstaking bees; by nature's instinct led; These have their summer granaries, for winter furnished. (Proverbs 6:6-7…

2. Because to some certain using of means in faith, there is a promise of an effectual blessing made (Proverbs 2): My son, if you will receive my words, and hide my commandments with you (ver. 2), so that you encline your ear to wisdom (ver. 5), then shall you understand the fea…

2. Therefore as the Lord's dominion determines the Sun to rise and move, rather than not to rise, and the Hawk and Eagle to fly toward the North, rather than not to fly toward the North; he destroys not the nature of necessary and natural causes, so we must not bid farewell to t…

For those who never heard of these things, who never had any conviction of sin and judgment, to put the evil day far from them, is not much to be admired: but for you who have Christ preached to you, who own a necessity of coming to him, to put it off from day to day upon such s…

Or if the Scripture speaks of them as men, yet it allows them but the external shape of men, not the unde[•]standing of men. Among the Jews they were called Fools in Israel, 2 Samuel 13:13. and so Proverbs 6:32. Whoso commits adultery with a woman, lacketh understanding. And sin…

The many good fruits which the Holy Spirit notes to proceed from due reproof do show that it is a duty of which parents ought to make conscience as they desire to promote the good of their children: and so much the rather because many good fruits redound to the parents that repr…

Psalm 19:9 and 43:3 and 119:105, 130. Proverbs 6:23. Isaiah 9:2. Hosea 6:5. Matthew 4:16 and 5:14. John 3:20, 21: It is a Light so shining with the majesty of its Author, as that it manifests itself to be his.

2. If sins be debts, and an increasing debt, so that man is ever treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath; it presses us to be more careful to get out of this condition. Says Solomon (Proverbs 6:3-5), If you are in debt, flee as a swift roe from the hand of the hunter, and a…

When you go, it shall lead you; when you sleep, it shall keep you; and when you awake, it shall talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.”—Proverbs 6:20-23. You have here before you the advice of King Sol…

A Sermon (Number 1017) Delivered on Lord's Day Morning, October twenty-second, 1871 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "When you awake, it shall talk with you."—Proverbs 6:22. It is a very happy circumstance when the commandment of our father and the l…

Fear is that flaming Sword, which turns every way to keep sin from entring. Proverbs 6:16. Fear stands Sentinel in the Soul, and is ever upon it's Watch-Tower.

When we have a good store of the word of God it will burst out in prayer. 4. It will be a great help to us in all businesses and affairs (Proverbs 6:21-22). Speaking of the precepts of God, Bind them upon your heart, when you go it shall lead you; when you sleep it shall keep yo…

It is meditation that makes truths always ready and present with us. (Proverbs 6:21-22) Bind them continually upon your heart; when you go, it shall lead you; when you wake, it shall talk with you. But I forbear.

2. To keep it in our hearts is to have an affection to it. Keeping the Word relates to our chariness and tenderness of it, when we are as chary of the word as a man would be of a precious jewel (Proverbs 6:20-21). My son keep your father's commandments, bind them continually upo…

I observed out of the 18th verse, when the saints called upon God, they do not say, Lord make a plainer law, but Lord give me better eyes. We are dark, and need the illumination of the Spirit; the Scriptures are light (Proverbs 6:23). The commandment is a lamp, and the law is li…

One truth or another will rise up in defiance of the temptation. The greater impulsion to duty, the more of the Law of God, the more it urges the conscience (Proverbs 6:22). It makes us more useful in all our relations (1 Peter 3:7).

We hate that most which is contrary to our nature; so it is contrary to God's nature. There are six things God hates, and a lying tongue is one of them; twice it is mentioned (Proverbs 6:17, 19), and (Proverbs 12:22): Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord: but they that deal…

It is elsewhere called the good way wherein we should walk (1 Kings 8:36), and the way of God (Psalm 27:11), and the way of understanding (Proverbs 9:6), and the way of holiness (Isaiah 55:8), and the way of righteousness (2 Peter 2:21): Better they had not known the way of righ…

Though the Gospel has enough in it to evidence itself to the consciences of men, yet God must make use of his creating power before this light can break in upon our hearts with any efficacy and influence. The Law is light (Proverbs 6:23), yet not comprehended by darkness. The li…

In the original it is eyes full of the adulteress, and the eye kindles impure flames in the heart. (Proverbs 6:25) Lust not after her beauty in your heart, neither let her take you with her eyelids: gazing on the beauty of women kindles foul flames within the breast, and we feel…

1. The law of God does universally bind, and the obligation thereof never ceases; so as there can be no truce with sin for a while, nor any intermission of grace for a moment. (Proverbs 6:21-22) O my son, keep your father's commandments, and forsake not the law of your mother: b…

(Psalm 119:11) Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you. And (Proverbs 6:21-22), bind his commandments upon your heart, tie them upon your neck. When we look for the deep implanting of the word in our hearts, this is the sound heart here described.

King Henry's emblem, a crown hung in a bush of thorns. There is a far greater proportion of bitterness than pleasure in this life (Proverbs 7:17). I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

As that Cardinal said, let him but keep his cardinalship of Paris, and he was content to lose his part in Paradise. Lust first bewitches with pleasure, and then comes the fatal dart (Proverbs 7:23): "Till a dart strike through his liver." This should be as a flaming sword to sto…

Such a one was Messalina, wife to Claudius the Emperor. (Proverbs 7:7, 10) I discerned a young man, and there met him a woman with the attire of a harlot, so she caught him and kissed him. Better are the reproofs of a friend, than the kisses of a harlot.

The adulterer hastens his own death. (Proverbs 7:23) Till a dart strike through his liver. The Romans had their funerals at the gate of Venus' temple, to signify that lust brings death.

To be unchaste is a sin, but to put on a mask of religion to play the whore makes the sin the greater. Proverbs 7:14: I have peace-offerings with me; this day have I paid my vows, come let us take our fill of love. She speaks as if she had been at church, and had been saying her…

Sinners hackney themselves out in the Devil's service: What pains do some men take to satisfy their unclean lusts! They waste their estates, wear the shameful marks of their sin about them; they will visit the harlot's house though it stands the next door to Hell (Proverbs 7:27)…

As for the pleasure of sin: first, it is but seeming, it is but a pleasant fancy, a golden dream. Second, and besides, it is a mixed pleasure, it has bitterness intermingled (Proverbs 7:17). I have (says the harlot) perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

Birds fly abroad, but so as they may come to their nests at night: So men should endeavor, as much as may be, to take few occasions of being from their dwellings: and when they needs must, to let it be for as short a time as may be. For, as it is a sign of a light woman, Proverb…

Those who would be wise, must familiarize wisdom to their minds, by a continual free converse with it. They must say to Wisdom, You are my sister, and call Understanding, your kinswoman (Proverbs 7:4). So will wisdom have power in and over their minds.

No, the very sight of it in a woman, is found to overwhelm men more than strong drink (Mark 6:22). And necessarily draws with it, that which Solomon gives to unchaste women: That her feet dwell not in the house (Proverbs 7:11).

1 Timothy 5. They will go from house, &c. Proverbs 7:11. Her feet dwell not in the house. The duties of married folk in the family, are of two sorts, First, mutual.

2. Temptation is an act of moving, or stirring the powers of the man: as when wine is stirred, and wine and dregs are jumbled through other; or a Fountain troubled, and water and clay mixed in one; hence every tempted person is some way a sufferer, though he know not particularl…

So (Matthew 9:21) the diseased woman has heart-Logic within herself, if a touch of the border of his garment may heal me, then I'll go to Christ; and the unjust Steward cast Syllogisms, thus; I cannot work, and a lodging in heaven I must have, and there is but one way to come by…

5. What greater reason than to hear this (Song of Solomon 5:2): Open to me, my sister, my dove, my love, my undefiled. And wisdom's voice is sweet (Proverbs 7:14): Hearken to me therefore, O you children, and attend to the words of my mouth. (Isaiah 49:1): Listen, O Isles, to me.

Now these are the devil's agents, and the more dangerous, because they use Christ's name against his offices, and the form of his religion to destroy the power thereof; as the Dragon in the Revelations pushed with the horns of the Lamb. Others are not venomously and malignantly…

1. Because he cannot overcome you without your own consent. The wicked are taken captive by him at his will and pleasure (2 Timothy 2:26), because they yield themselves to his temptations, like the young man (Proverbs 7:22): He goes after her straightway, as an ox goes to the sl…

And herein (2.) it is unstable. For that which is vain is various, inconstant, unfixed, light, as a natural Mind is; so that it is like Hell it self for Confusion and Disorder; or the Whorish Woman described by Solomon, Prov. 7. 11, 12. And this has befallen it by the loss of th…

[⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] is to hide, or to be hid, kept secret, close, undiscovered. From where a virgin is called [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], one not yet come into the public state of matrimony; as by the Greeks on the same account [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], one shut up, or a r…

I will early destroy the wicked of the land, the word is, I will destroy the wicked of the land in the morning, and the meaning is only this, I will with all diligence and all care root out of the land all wicked persons. So there is an expression (Proverbs 7:15) which illustrat…

Their salvation depends on it. It is the note of a harlot; she is seldom at home (Proverbs 7:11-12). Her feet abide not in her house; now is she without, now in the streets.

Inasmuch as they have a price in their hands, and have not a heart to make use of it; and from where is that, but because they are fools; according to Proverbs 17:16: Therefore is there a price in the hands of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he has no heart to it? They have life an…

But as the conscience is sinfully wakened by itself in blaspheming the God of Heaven (Revelation 16:9, 11), because of pain, it also frets against providence, but is not pained for the want of saving grace and holy influences which might have prevented sin. Yes, their blasphemin…

He who shows mercy on whom he will, and hardens whom he will, and that by a strong mighty will which no man can resist, he can find fault with no man, though he sin and harden his own heart; for his absolute sovereign will is far above me and my strength; but so does the Lord, s…

5. As to the pretence of your occasions and business, there is a ready way to disappoint the craft of Satan in that pretence, namely, to mix thoughts of Christ, and the renovation of your resolutions, either to come or to cleave to him with all your occasions. Let nothing put it…

And Prov. 23. 31, 32. it is said of the wine that moveth its self, sparkling in the cup, at the last, it biteh like a Serpent, and stingeth like an Adder. The yong man that follows the enticings of the Whore, Prov. 7. 22, 23. He goes as an Ox to slaughter, and as a fool to the s…

This may be but a fabulous Story: But I am sure it is true of the Harlot, whose Syren-Songs have allured thousands to their inevitable destruction. It's a captivating sin, that leads away the sinner in triumph; they cannot deliver their souls: Proverbs 7:22. He goes after her st…

Ahab doubtless promised himself much content in the Vineyard of Naboth, but his blood paid for it in the portion of Iezreel. The Harlots Bed was perfumed to entice the simple young man, Proverbs 7:17. But those Chambers of Delight proved the Chambers of Death, and her House the…

If their wives live at home they will be abroad, mealing and lodging where their wives shall not know: their own house is as a prison to them: they are not well, but when they are out of it. Of the like lewd conceit and practice are many wives, who on no other occasion than mere…

The prophet tells us, that lust will do thus wholly, when it comes to the height (Hosea 4:11): Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart — the heart, that is, the understanding, as it is often used in the scripture. Solomon tells you of him who was enticed by the lewd w…

The former are, as the arrows that fly by day, but this, as the pestilence that walks in darkness, as these two are mentioned together in the Psalm, it spreads and infects secretly and insensibly, is not felt but in the effects of it; and it works either by calumnies altogether…

The second reason is, therefore should we hide the Word in our hearts, because God does so in the work of conversion (Hebrews 8:10): I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts. The mind is compared to tables of stone, and the heart to the Ark; and so this…

My son keep your father's commandments, bind them continually upon your heart, and tie them about your neck. Sometimes it alludes to the apple of the eye (Proverbs 7:1-2). Keep them as the apple of your eye.

2. For the matter, I will keep your words. Keeping God's word notes, an exact and tender respect, when a man keeps it as a jewel, as a precious treasure that it may not be hazarded; or keeps it as the apple of his eye (Proverbs 7:2). The eye is soon offended with the least dust:…

So for uncleanness and other sins, if the practice and execution of many lusts were but delayed, we would not be so frequent in them as we are to the dishonor of God, and scandal of religion. It is said of the young man enticed by the harlot, that immediately he went after her (…

Did men see the danger that attends sin and wickedness; would they follow it to [reconstructed: destruction]? Oh no; he goes after her as a [reconstructed: fool] to the Stocks, till a Dart strikes through [reconstructed: his] Liver; as a Bird hastens to the snare, and knows not,…

2. Gratifying the sensual appetite and carnal inclination; they are much for the lust of the eye and of the flesh too, as well as for the pride of life; as (Ecclesiastes 11:9 and 12:1) tells us, that they are much set upon pleasure, the young man's favorite. The Prodigal (who wa…

Amnon, a young man, was (though the son of a very holy father) a monster of uncleanness; he set his eyes on his own sister, and then did wickedly after the sight of his eyes, by which means he made himself one of the fools in Israel, and came to an unhappy and untimely death at…

Our Lord Christ observes of the Pharisees, they pray to be seen of men, and fast so that they may appear to men to fast (Matthew 6:5, 16). Sixthly, there is a forensic zeal, that runs out upon others, like the candle in the lantern that sends all the heat out at top, or as the l…

Thus [reconstructed: the] thieves entice their companion to side with them in their course (Proverbs 1:13): we shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our [reconstructed: houses] with [reconstructed: spoil]. So the harlot inveigle the young man, and presents nothing bef…

As the [illegible] hides his sting that may poison, and shows only his speckled skin that may please the eye, so it is with [illegible], it presents nothing to the view but that which may please the flesh, either profits to enrich, or honors to advance, or pleasures to delight,…

Poverty of spirit is a kind of self-annihilation; such an expression I find in Calvin; The poor in spirit (says he) are they who see nothing in themselves, but flee to mercy for sanctuary; such a one was the publican (Luke 18:13): God be merciful to me a sinner. Of this temper w…

The sinner is in the bond of iniquity, and being bound he must obey. He is said to go after his lust, as the fool to the stocks, Proverbs 7:22. The pinion'd malefactour can assoon untie his own armes and legs, and so run from his Keeper, as he from his lusts.

And Absalom covers treason and rebellion against his father and prince, with the whiteness of a vow at Hebron. What better is the whore and what more devout to say (Proverbs 7:14), I have peace offerings with me, today have I paid my vows? Under the veil of zeal (they think it)…

All men says Chrysostome, are ambitious of honor; behold then the honor of the godly! Proverbs 7:8. Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom, exalt her, and she shall promote you, she shall bring you to honor, when you embrace her: The Trophies of the Saints' renown,…

Hence sin is compared to a way, because it leads men to destruction. Proverbs 7:27. Her house is the way to Hell, going down to the chambers of death. Hell is an undesirable place; therefore sin which is the way there, must needs be an evil way.

What more effectual argument can they use to allure our affections to the love and liking of sin than to set this false gloss upon it? When the strumpet would entice the young man to commit folly with her, she does not give her sin the right name of filthiness which it deserved…

And so the whorish woman thinks the like water will purge away all the filthiness of her lusts. I have peace-offerings (says she, encouraging herself, and her youth in their sins) at home, and I have paid my vows (Proverbs 7:14). This seems also to have been the deceit of the Ph…

7th Commandment: You shall not commit, etc. He breaks this commandment: who looks on a woman to lust after her (Matthew 5:28); who commits incest (Leviticus 18:22); who commits sodomy (1 Corinthians 6:9); who commits fornication with married or single or contracted people (Deute…

Wicked men confess sin they have committed, yet they are bold and adventurous to commit the same sin again which they have confest. And thus the Harlot did, Prov. 7. 14. I have peace-offerings with me, this day I have payed my vows.

Fourthly, If the heart be not deceived by cursed hypocrisy, this engagement to God will greatly influence it to a peculiar diligence and watchfulness against all sin. There is no greater evidence of hypocrisy, than to have the heart like the whorish woman (Proverbs 7:14), to say…

And he is, the text says, 〈in non-Latin alphabet〉, King of Kings. He has a preeminence of all other Kings, he is called the Prince of the Kings of the Earth (Revelation 1:5), 〈in non-Latin alphabet〉 — He must needs be so, for by him Kings reign (Proverbs 8:15). They hold their c…

God is the supreme monarch, all power is seated originally in him; and the powers that be are of God (Romans 13:1). Kings hold their crowns from him (Proverbs 8:15). By me kings reign.

Grace may suffer an eclipse, not a dissolution. It is called substance for its solidity (Proverbs 8:21), and durable riches for its permanency (Proverbs 8:18). It lasts as long as the soul, as heaven lasts.

Response. God is the Father of Christ in a more glorious transcendent manner. Christ has the primogeniture; he is the eldest Son, a Son by eternal generation: Proverbs 8:23. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

He is not more wise, more holy, more powerful than the other persons are; a priority, not superiority. 2. The second person in the Trinity is Jesus Christ, who is begotten of the Father before all time (Proverbs 8:23-25). I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or eve…

To have the precious soul endangered is far worse than to have the body endangered. Sin wrongs the soul (Proverbs 8:36). Sin casts this jewel of the soul overboard.

Psalm 102:15, 16, 17, "Of old you have laid the foundation of the Earth and the Heavens are the work of your hands; they shall perish but you shall endure, yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment, as a vesture shall you change them, and they shall be changed, but you are t…

Q. How is he King over all creatures? A. In sustaining and disposing of them all by his providence, as may be for his glory, and the good of the elect (Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Proverbs 8:15-16; Isaiah 43:14-15). Q. And how is he King of the visible Church?

Q. Had this world a beginning by creation, or was it from everlasting? A. The scripture in many places, and especially in the first of Genesis does declare that the world was not from everlasting, but had a beginning by the Lord's creating of it (Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 4:11; P…

And then take up words of pleading for yourself — it is for your life. Desire him to remember what he has been thinking of from everlasting — thoughts of peace and mercy toward us, whose number cannot be told (Psalm 40:5), which he has been thinking of with the greatest of delig…

1. The words are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God, considered as to be incarnate, for the redemption of the Church. As such, he was always in the bosom of the Father, participant of his counsels; especially of those which concerned the Church, the children of me…

2. This faith carries out the soul to God, and that in these three respects: (1.) as looking to him for all it wants; (2.) in acknowledging him, in all it has; (3.) in uniting the heart to God in love. 1. In looking to him for all it wants: faith leads the soul to wisdom's gates…

For they say he was continually occupied in making many little worlds, which he continually destroyed as he made them, because none pleased him till he made this. But we must rather say, that some things are revealed which God did then, as that he decreed what should come to pas…

God surpasses the praises of the archangels; he is encircled with glory and majesty (Psalm 104:1). He does infinitely outvie all the powers of the earth: princes hold their crowns by immediate tenure from him (Proverbs 8:15); his dominions are largest, his possession longest. Th…

If he tarries longer than we expect, he is not stuck (2 Peter 3:9). But we are hasty; he wants no affection to us — his delights were with the sons of men before they were created (Proverbs 8:31). And certainly now he is so deeply interested in us, as having bought us with his b…

Psalm 36:3. He has left off to be wise and to do good, where the last words expound the former. More particularly wisdom in this place is that which the generality of the Jews rejected, and that was Christ (who is called Wisdom, Proverbs 8, and who is made to us of God wisdom, a…

Were our hearts [illegible] they ought to be when we read the Word, we would tremble at that more than at any manifestation of God since the world began in all his Works; and if so be you do not see more glory of God in his Word than in his Works, it is because you have little l…

Whatever we do which evil does necessarily follow it, is accounted by God, as we brought the evil on purpose upon our selves. Surely they set not up silver and gold on intention to destroy themselves, but because destruction does necessarily follow, therefore God accounts it don…

Theology as a complex of spiritual gifts — Extraordinary or ordinary gifts — Ordinary gifts peculiar to the ministry or common to all — Christ the bestower of all gifts (Psalm 68:19; Acts 2:33; Ephesians 4:8) — The Hebrew word signifies both to receive and to give — Christ the a…

We must be prepared in our hearts, by a great reverence of the most heavenly, most constant and profitable wisdom of the Lord for us, contained therein (Psalm 119:129). By a sure hope to find understanding in the plain light of the Lord (Psalm 119:130; Proverbs 8:9). By an earne…

1. In his undertaking of the bargain, his willingness appears; when burnt offerings and sacrifices would not do it, and when there was no obligation on him to do what he did, then comes in his free offer and consent, and that with delight (Psalm 40): Then said I, Lo, I come: in…

He comes in and says (as we have it, (Psalm 40)) Lo, I come, in the volume of your book it is written of me, I delight to do your will, O my God; I am here, Father, as if he had said, I offer myself and accept of the terms heartily and delightfully; I rejoiced, says he, (Proverb…

For the next thing, namely, the clearing and confirming of it; it might be cleared and confirmed from many grounds, but we shall only touch on some, that may make it out most convincingly, that it is most delightsome to Jesus Christ, to see sinners making use of Him, and getting…

Hence, Observe, That our blessed Lord Jesus was most hearty in laying down His life for sinners, was most cheerful in undertaking, and most willing and cheerful in executing what He did undertake; He makes not two words of the bargain, (to speak so) but when sacrifice and offeri…

The Lord answers that calumny (Ezekiel 18): And here, as I live, I delight not so (so as you slanderously, and blasphemously say) in the death of a sinner, by my life, I desire you may repent and live, nor have I pleasure to punish innocent men, for no sin at all. And the second…

Doctrine: According to, or upon our having, or not having of Christ, depends our having or not having of life. The note is of special weight in our Christian experience, and therefore let us take so much the more care in opening of it; He that finds me (which is all one with, he…

And besides, endeavor to find him in the means (verse 3): Hear, and your souls shall live; listen diligently to the Word of God. It is a notable promise that in Proverbs 8:34: Blessed is the man that hears me, watching daily at the posts of my gates, for he that finds me, finds…

And for you that do not believe savingly, whose faith will not put you in possession of eternal life, though this Scripture was not so much written for your use and benefit, as for them that already believe, yet since there is no means to come to faith but by the Word, be not yo…

Christ is the Son of God properly so called, a Son only begotten (John 3:16), God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. Eternally begotten (Proverbs 8:22-23), I was set up from everlasting, the Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way before his works of ol…

Bless the Lord ye his Angels, that excel in strength, that do his Commandements, hearkning to the voice of his Word. 2. The matter which he speaks, and we hear, is the doctrine of the Gospel, it is the most sweet, excellent, and comfortable doctrine that can be heard or understo…

The contrary Affection of Hatred also, as having Sin for its Object, is spoken of in Scripture, as no inconsiderable Part of true Religion. It is spoken of as that by which true Religion may be known and distinguished, Proverbs 8. 13. The fear of the Lord is to hate Evil.

'Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have Respect to all thy Commandments.' Proverbs 8:13. 'The Fear of the Lord is to hate Evil.

And the Lord God formed Man of the Dust of the Ground, and breathed into his Nostrils the Breath of Life, and Man became a Living Soul. (1.) There is the Matter whereof he was formed; (2.) The Quickning Principle added thereunto; And (3.) the Effect of their Conjunction and Unio…

Again, he delights in you — I speak to such of whom this may be supposed. And it is indefinitely said his delights were with the sons of men (Proverbs 8). Think what he is, and what you are; and at once, both wonder and yield.

How much Christ appears as the Lamb of God, in his invitations to you to come to him and trust in him. With what sweet grace and kindness does he from time to time call and invite you: 'Unto you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men' (Proverbs 8:4). And Isaiah 55:1-…

1. That the whole mystery of his will antecedently to the revelation of it, is said to be hid in God, that is, the Father (Ephesians 3:9); it lay wrapped up from the eyes of men and Angels, in his eternal wisdom and counsel (Colossians 1:26, 27). The Son indeed, who is, and from…

So (Psalms 29:3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) those things are ascribed [in non-Latin alphabet] to this voice of the Lord, which elsewhere are assigned [in non-Latin alphabet] (Hebrews 1:3) to the word of his Power, which the Syriac renders by the Power of his Word, intending the same thin…

Besides they observe the number of the verses at the end of every book: as also that [in non-Latin alphabet] in [in non-Latin alphabet] Leviticus 11:42 is the middle letter of the Law; [in non-Latin alphabet], Leviticus 10:16 the middle word; Leviticus 13:33 the middle verse; th…

For although [in non-Latin alphabet], be frequently used for [in non-Latin alphabet] from before the face or sight, as the words of the Targumist are here vulgarly translated, (as in the Translation in the Polyglott Bibles) a facie admirabilis Consilii Deus, which is blamed by C…

Now when he is about to speak parables, he says, I will open my mouth. When wisdom calls for audience and obedience (Proverbs 8:6), she says, Hear, for I will speak of excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be right things. David invokes God to open his mouth, when h…

That is, between God the father, who sends him, and himself; There lay the counsel of peace making between God and Man in due time accomplished by him who is our peace, Ephesians 2:16. So he speaks, Proverbs 8:30, 31. Then I was by him as one brought up with him, and I was daily…

Now the fruit of this single eye is, to make the whole bodie light; that is, to bring the whole life into good order, guiding it in the paths of righteousnes, and making [illegible] abound in good works. Prov. 8. 19, 20. My fruit (saith wisdom) is []ter then fine gold—I cause to…

And so the second end, subordinate to the former, is in the end of verse 10. in these words, for the daughters of Jerusalem, that is, for their good that are weak and far short of perfection; it's not only fitted for his glory, but also, it's fitted and confirmed to them, so as…

If taken passively, he is gone down to feed, that is, that himself may eat, and it is the same with what was, (Song of Solomon 5:1) I have come to my garden, I have eaten, etc. and the scope in both, looks to be the same. So the meaning of the similitude is, that as men have the…

But there is also another rank of fathers, and they are political; Patres Patriae, the fathers of their country, to whom we owe honor and reverence by the obligation of this command. And these are the magistrates and governors that God has set over us: They are his deputies and…

2. Consider the state into which you are counseled, for this end observe, 1. Who is your counselor, Jesus Christ, who indeed is the only counselor, the wisdom of the Father, who best understands the law of heaven, and what will stand you in stead, in the court of God; he that mi…

But what was borrowed, or the naked ground. O melting consideration! that the glorious Son of God, Ioh, 1. 14. The Lord of glory, Iam. 2. I. The brightness of his fathers glory. Heb. 1. 3. Who was rich, 2 Cor. 8. 9. And it no robbery to be equal with God. Phil. 2. 8. who from al…

1. Means used are the Lord's way of coming to us, and our way of coming to him, whether in the word preached (Acts 2:36, 37; Acts 4:4; Acts 10:44; Acts 16:14; John 4:9, 10, 14–29, 30, 39, 40, 41; John 4:50, 51), or in miracles or any other lawful way. 2. Because to some certain…

And then fourth, the righteous Lord loves righteousness, yet the Lord absolutely and simply willed rather the holy, free submissive obedience of the second Adam to be, than he wills the final obedience of the first Adam; and he wills more the manifestation of the glory of his fr…

Therefore whatever your misery or distress be, whether of conscience or estate, be sure, that you go to God and say to him, If evil parents can be so merciful to their children when they ask it of them, what then shall I have of him that is mercy itself? (Matthew 7:11) So likewi…

When men have laid aside the veil of modesty, and their consciences are [reconstructed: seared], then they fall to scoffing at religion; and when once they are come to this, their case is desperate — no reproofs will reclaim them. Tell them of their sin, and they will hate you t…

Who would for a cup of pleasure drink a sea of wrath? (Proverbs 9:18) Her guests are in the depths of hell. A wise traveler when he comes to his inn, though many pleasant dishes are set before him, yet he forbears to taste, because of the reckoning which will be brought in.

2. We are to celebrate the Lord's Supper, because it is provoking to Christ to stay away. (Proverbs 9:2) Wisdom has furnished her table. So Christ has furnished his table, set bread and wine (representing his body and blood) before his guests, and they willfully turn their backs…

Qu. 10. How do we in and by them build up our selves in our most holy faith? Answ. By the exercise of that communion with God in Christ Jesus, which in their due observation he graciously invites and admits us to, for the increase of his grace in us, and the testification of his…

But I know not how to come to Christ. Ans. The blind and the lame are invited to the wedding (Matthew 22), and Wisdom calls fools (Proverbs 9:5). Whoso is simple, &c.

Mistake not, I do not say this is the duty of all persons in all times and companies: God has made this a duty (for there is a sinful silence as well as a sinful speech) but Christian prudence must direct the time and manner of it, and other circumstances. In some cases you know…

The first Thing is the drying the Streams of the Wealth of the new Babylon, the temporal supplies, revenues and vast incomes of the Romish Church, and riches of the Popish Dominions. Waters in Scripture language very often signify provision and supplies, both temporal and spirit…

He persuades us to evil by profit, pleasure, necessity; we cannot live without it in the world. He hides the hook, and shows the bait only; he conceals the Hell, the horror, the eternal pains that follow sin, and only tells you how beneficial, profitable and delightful the sin w…

He therefore oftentimes makes them stand confounded, to the end men may know that their wisdom is nothing else but a vanishing smoke. For there is no true wisdom but that which is grounded upon the fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, as Solomon teaches (Proverbs 1:7 a…

As he promises in the third verse: 'Incline your ear and come to me; hear, and your soul shall live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.' And so in Proverbs 9 at the beginning — how gracious and sweet is the invitation there! 'Whoeve…

And so perished in their sins. This is the summe of the blessed invitation given by wisdom, Proverbs 9:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. And here men stumble, fall, and perish, Proverbs 1:29, 30.

First, the King here spoken of is Christ, as was cleared (verse 4). His Table or feasting-house is the Gospel (Proverbs 9:1, etc.), where the feast of fat things is prepared (Isaiah 25:6). His sitting at his Table, or her sitting with him at it, imports familiar fellowship with…

4. It may be said to be of the wood of Lebanon, that is excellent and durable, for so the wood of Lebanon was, for which cause it was made use of in building of the Temple; and so all the materials of this Covenant, and its properties are excellent and durable, it's an everlasti…

The last motive is taken from the entertainment she would give him; If (says she) you would familiarly manifest yourself, and if once I had found you, and gotten you brought to my mother's house, then I would cause you to drink of spiced wine, of the juice of my pomegranate: in…

He who shows mercy on whom he will, and hardens whom he will, and that by a strong mighty will which no man can resist, he can find fault with no man, though he sin and harden his own heart; for his absolute sovereign will is far above me and my strength; but so does the Lord, s…

Our narrow heart, and narrow faith, is like the little hand of the child, who has not fingers to hold the large and great apple. The fool wants a heart (Hosea 7:11; Proverbs 9:4). Then must the fools of this world know little of an enlarged and wide heart, as little as the horse…

The wisdom of God this day has stood, and still stands before you, pleading with you, crying to you to come in and embrace her, to make a happy choice for your soul; folly likewise has her pleadings, and persuasions to draw you to the lusts of the flesh, both make their offers u…

It is the speech of an Ancient, That a reproacher is beneath a man, but the reproached that bear it well, are equal to the Angels. The Hebrew word that signifies scorners, has many other significations which set out the vileness, the dangerous evil there is in a scornful spirit;…

This is a sin that has a scent of fire and brimstone with it, wherever you meet with it in Scripture. The Harlots guests are lodged in the depths of Hell, Proverbs 9:18. No more perfumed beds; they must now lie down in flames. Whoremongers shall have their part in the Lake that…

That they have such a fellowship proved (1 Corinthians 1:9; Revelation 3:20; Song of Solomon 2:1-7) opened. Proverbs 9:1-5. Of that distinct communion which we have with the person of the Father, we have treated in the foregoing chapters; we now proceed to the consideration of t…

Michal the wife of David (2 Samuel 6:20, etc.), and Job's wife (Job 2:10) (though they gave just occasion to be most sharply reproved, yet) shall rise up in judgment against these wives, because they were silent after they were reproved, and replied not. Solomon often titles suc…

Our covetousness, and generally our unholy and unchristian conversation? This fear would make men tremble so as to shake them out of their profane customs, and to shake their beloved sins out of their bosoms; the knowledge of the holy one causes fear of him (Proverbs 9:18). But…

By the way of truth, is meant true religion, as 2 Peter 2:2: By whom the way of truth is evil spoken of. It is elsewhere called the good way wherein we should walk (1 Kings 8:36), and the way of God (Psalm 27:11), and the way of understanding (Proverbs 9:6), and the way of holin…

The grace that comes to us [illegible] the grace which is brought to you at the Revelation of Jesus Christ — God's grace is brought home to our doors, we seek not after it but it seeks after us. Salvation is gone forth, says the Prophet, to find out lost sinners: wisdom has sent…

And therefore both Solomon, and a greater than Solomon, our Savior Christ himself, have forbidden us to misplace reproofs upon those who are desperate. Solomon tells us, he that reproves a scorner, gets to himself shame; and he that rebukes a wicked man, gets to himself a blot (…

That sinners dare not own what they have done, but are ashamed of it, is evident by this: they deny that they have sinned, and commit a sin to cover sin; 'tis a hard and difficult thing to bring sinners to confession, sin is such a shameful thing. 'Tis said of the adulterous wom…

Or else there would be some Ordinances of God like to humane Ceremonies, empty and beggarly. Answ. 2. Morall duties, even in Pagans, may edifie the Church, as Abimeleths reproofe of Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 20; Proverbs 9:10). Answ. 3. Singing of Psalmes is accompanied and ble…

The things of the world have in them no solid subsistence, though foolish carnal men call them substance. But now grace is a substantial good, so our Lord Christ calls it (Proverbs 9:21): That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], to i…

So when sin grows to a head and the disease turns to frenzy, then people quarrel with those who tell them of their sins. It argues wisdom to receive a reproof (Proverbs 9:8): rebuke a wise man and he will love you. A wise person would rather drink a sharp medicine than die of hi…

Second, who they are who are in the nearest capacity to be baptized, he explains when he shows that the covenant promise is made to those who are far off — to the Gentiles, whom the Lord shall call. Then all who are under the call and offer of Christ in the preached gospel — as…

If a man drinks of a fountain, he benefits himself, not the fountain: if he beholds the light of the Sun, he himself is refreshed by it, not the Sun. If we turn from our sins to God, God is not advantaged by it; it is only we our selves reap the benefit; therefore selflove shoul…

Reproof to a proud man, is like pouring water on lime, which grows the more hot; a gracious soul loves him that reproves, Proverbs 9:8. Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Christ also does still continue to invite sinners to come to him, by his messengers whom he sends to preach the Gospel in his name. Wisdom has sent forth her maidens, she cries upon the highest places of the city, whoever is simple let him turn in here, come eat of my bread, and…

5. All the duties in Religion are for our good. We shall have the benefit; If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thy self, Proverbs 9.12. God has twisted his glory and our good together.

And it is not often seen but that they who are led away with erroneous opinions, and vain and empty whimseys are very defective even in catechetical points. The voice of error is, whoever is simple, let him come here (Proverbs 9:16). 3. And as a means of both the former, it is v…

1. He reports of God to us, that it is his Father's will that we be saved (John 6:39). 2. Christ reports of himself, for it befits Christ to be a broker for Christ; and wisdom to cry in the streets — who will have me? (Proverbs 1:21-22; Proverbs 9:1-5). It became the Lord Jesus…

He will mock when their calamity comes upon them of a sudden like a whirlwind (Proverbs 1:26). He will take pleasure in their confusion, as they have made themselves pastime with his Ordinances and servants, he will put contempt upon such persons (Proverbs 9:12 and Proverbs 14:6…

First, 'tis to be wise for our selves. There's an expression (Job 22:21): "He that is wise is profitable to himself"; and (Proverbs 9:12): "If you be wise, you shall be wise for your self"; intimating, that wisdom regards a man's own interest and advantage, and he is not a wise…

(9) Because, the Apostles did instantly, and without the delay of one day, baptize all those that professed the Christian Religion (Acts 2:38, 41; Acts 8:12; John 3:26). (10) Because, the preaching of the Gospel, is appointed by God, as an ordinary means, no less for the convers…

Quest. But what is it to have other gods besides the true God? I fear upon search we have more idolaters among us than we are aware of. Resp. To trust in any thing more than God, is to make it a God. 1. If we trust in our riches, then we make riches our God: we may take comfort,…

A vain tongue shows a light heart. A good man's words are weighty and prudent; his lips are as a tree of life to feed many; his speech is edifying: Proverbs 10:20. The tongue of the just is as choice silver. Gracious words drop as silver from him, to the enriching the souls of o…

Get the serpent's eye. Proverbs 10:14: wise men lay up knowledge. Faith without knowledge is presumption; zeal without knowledge is frenzy.

Since you have been precious in my sight, you have been honorable. (2.) God will put honor upon our names (Proverbs 10:17). The memory of the just is blessed.

It is bad for a sinner to forget God, but it is worse to contemn him. Proverbs 10:13: Why do the wicked contemn God? An enlightened sinner knows that by his sin he disobliges and angers God; but he cares not whether God be pleased or no, he will have his sin.

He therefore that labors for favor with men, and neglects the favor of God; he may get a good name, but it shall prove a rotten name in the end. Proverbs 10.7. The memorial of the just shall be blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot. The good name of the wicked is rotten:…

If our strength and duties be derived by faith from God, the more we engage in them, the more it will be increased. The way of the Lord is strength to the upright (Proverbs 10:29). Where we are upright in the way of God, the very way itself will supply us with new strength conti…

Wherefore even kings, and the greatest personages that be, are as much bound to use this petition as the poorest. God's blessing is riches, says Solomon (Proverbs 10:22). You may eat and not have enough, be clothed and not warm, earn wages and put it in a broken bag (Haggai 1:6)…

Secondly, every one that believes God to be a father, and in Christ his father, must as a good child be obedient to his father's will. So Solomon says, A wise son makes a glad father (Proverbs 10:1). How?

It is a saying of Luther, whom God has a mind to destroy, he lets them play with scripture: But in this sense the righteous is more excellent. The tongue of the just is as choice silver (Proverbs 10:20). Gracious words drop as silver from him to the enriching the souls of others…

Set the trumpet to your mouth (Hosea 8:1). The tongue of the just is as choice silver (Proverbs 10:20), and both these, and all the rest of their musical instruments, were expressions and signs of joy (Psalms 98:6 & 89:15). Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound.

To use means without respect to God, is proudly to contemn him; to depend upon God without the use of means, is irreligiously to tempt him; in both we abuse his providence — in the one we disobey him in not using the means he has appointed; in the other, presumptuously impose up…

If the heart be full of life, the tongue is full of good speeches. Proverbs 10: the words of the righteous are as refined silver, because there is a treasure within them; but the words of the wicked are nothing worth, because their hearts are evil. As it is said of evil men, tha…

But let parents learn to give God the glory of their children, and to bring them up to the glory of God, then they may rejoice in them indeed as a great mercy of God. In (Proverbs 10:1): "A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is heaviness to his mother." Why is a wis…

Therefore, even kings, and the greatest personages that be, are as much bound to use this petition, as the poorest. God's blessing is riches, says Solomon (Proverbs 10:22). You may eat, and not have enough, be clothed and not warm, earn wages, and put it in a broken bag (Haggai…

And to see them come in to him for grace and mercy, and to walk in truth, rejoices him much more; for he thereby sees of the travail of his soul, and so is satisfied. Certainly what Solomon says of parents (Proverbs 10:1), that a wise son makes a glad father, etc., is much more…

For a man to rise early, and go to bed late, and eat the bread of carefulness, not a sinful, but a provident care, and to avoid idleness, cannot endure to spend any idle time, takes all opportunities to be doing something, early and late, and loses no opportunity, go any way and…

There is sure dependence on the Lord's, but none on Satan's promises. Young men that are to begin the world, take up this resolution, take what God sends, but resolve never to take wealth out of Satan's hands; what God sends in the fair way of his Providence by his blessing on y…

So Isaiah brings in Jacob covered with shame and confusion, in regard of the vices and wickednesses of his posterity. For as a wise son is the glory of his father, so a fool is a heaviness to his mother (Proverbs 10:1). Although mothers do coddle their children most, yet are the…

The labor of the foolish wearies every one of them; because he knows not how to go to the city. Proverbs 10:32. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable.

He provides that fresh recruits shall still spring up to them in their way. For all their supplies are of him, and are acknowledged to be so; in as much as by waiting upon the Lord they renew strength and mount up with wings as Eagles, run without weariness, and walk without fai…

Sinful policies in their first appearances, are pleasant and promising, in their management difficult, in their event sad. Some by sinful ways have gotten wealth; but that Scripture has been verified in their experience, Proverbs 10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing. Eith…

And then it will not only bring peace, but it brings profit also. I may say as Solomon says (Proverbs 10:4): The hand of the diligent makes rich. I am sure the hand of a diligent Christian, that is industrious in God's ways, will make him rich in grace; when those who are spirit…

One would think there is trouble enough, in troubles, when they come, a man should not trouble himself with them, before they come. Besides, it is said (Proverbs 10:24) respecting wicked men, that God will bring that which they fear upon them, so that it seems, God is angry with…

Ye looked for much, and lo, it came to little, and when it came home I did blow upon it. The consideration whereof must teach us to commend all the sober care and labour of our lawfull callings to God by prayer for his blessing: for it is his blessing that maks rich, Prov. 10. 2…

2. Prudence and moderation in discourse, and so dropping is opposed to floods, that with violence overflow. 3. This phrase signifies a continuance in seasonable, prudent and edifying discourse, as Job 27:22, My words dropped on them, and Deuteronomy 31:2, My doctrine shall drop…

5. The conversation of all others, though never so fairded with much civility, and great profession, and many parts, is yet naked and abominable before God, and subject to bruisings, stumblings, and such inconveniences, as feet that are bare are liable to. 6. A well ordered walk…

This contradicts not Christ's prohibition (Matthew 6:19), "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth," for that is in opposition, this in subordination to the true Treasure, and divine Providence, as Joseph's hoarding corn was. And it's called a good Treasure in opposition…

A wise physician can tell you the virtue of every simple, and can extract some good out of those herbs, that an ignorant person casts away, as useless weeds. (Proverbs 10:14) It is said, wise men lay up knowledge, that is, they consider all objects and occurrences, how they may…

1. Let me ask you, and do you ask yourselves if you pretend to such a treasure, how you came by it? Men usually know how they get a treasure, the hand of the diligent makes rich (Proverbs 10:4), that is, the blessing of the Lord upon diligent endeavors, verse 22. Men that would…

Every man is ready to think the best of himself. What Solomon says of love to our neighbor, is most true of self-love, [reconstructed: it] hides a multitude of evil (Proverbs 10:12). A man looking upon himself in Philautiae speculo, in the glass of self-love, his virtues appear…

Good husbands are careful in Summer to provide for Winter, then they gather in their Winter store; food and fuel for themselves, and fodder for their cattle. He that gathers in Summer is a wise son, but he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame (Proverbs 10:5). A well…

The Husbandman would never endure the husks, chaff, and dry stalks to remain in the field, if it were not for the good corns sake; he would quickly set fire on it, but that the corn is among it, which he highly prizeth; and be assured, God would never suffer the wicked to abide…

Solomon has two proverbs concerning thriftiness and increase in the world. In (Proverbs 10:4) he says, The hand of the diligent makes rich. And (Proverbs 10:22) he says, The blessing of the Lord makes rich.

He who shows mercy on whom he will, and hardens whom he will, and that by a strong mighty will which no man can resist, he can find fault with no man, though he sin and harden his own heart; for his absolute sovereign will is far above me and my strength; but so does the Lord, s…

Some, it may be, that are of my own size, or judgment, or that I am otherwise obliged to, I can delight to converse with: But O, where is that largeness of heart, and general delight I should have to, and in all your People? How many of my old dear Acquaintance are now in Heaven…

What have they left of all their mirth and jollity, but a tormenting sting? It convinceth them clearly also that in matters of deep concernment, it is an high point of wisdom, to apprehend and improve the right seasons and opportunities of them Proverbs 10:5. He that gathers in…

Among other needful cautions for parents to be observed in laying up for their children, these three are especially to be noted. 1. That justly they come by that which they lay up: and lay nothing toward a child's portion which is any way unjustly gotten; for the treasures of wi…

Suppose a man is not a believer but only a professor of the gospel: what can the heart of such a person do? Proverbs 10:20 says the heart of the wicked is little worth — and surely that which is little worth in anything is not much worth in this. A wicked man may in outward thin…

Many a man is pierced through with worldly cares, and still the world frowns upon him, so all his care comes to nothing. (Proverbs 10:4) it is said, The hand of the diligent makes rich; compare it with verse 22. and it is said, The blessing of the Lord, it makes rich, and he add…

The babbler is another extreme, who thinks the commendation of a duty is to be long in it; and affects to say much, rather than well; whereas serious and short speech makes the best prayer. (Proverbs 10:19) In the multitude of words there lacks not sin: either to God, or men, it…

5. The Fear of God tends to life, Pro. 19:23. It is true, 1. In a temporal sence, Proverbs 10:27. The fear of the Lord prolongeth daies; in the Original it is, It addeth days.

A good Christian has not only the Law of God in his Heart, Psalm 37:31. but in his Tongue, verse 30. The body is the Temple of God, 1 Corinthians 6:19. The Tongue is the Organ in this Temple, which sounds in Holy discourse, Proverbs 10:20. The tongue of the Iust is as Choice Sil…

The very way therefore for us to show in deed and in good earnest, that we belong to God, and are enlightened by his holy spirit and by his word, is to discover things which should else as it were lie lurking a long time, if we drew them not forth into the light. True it is that…

The Word may be reduced to doctrines, promises, threatenings. For doctrines, lay up knowledge (Proverbs 10:14). It is a notable preservative against sin, and an antidote against the infection of the world, when we have a good stock of principles (Psalm 37:31).

As the constitution of the mind is, so are their words. A wicked man has a vain heart, and therefore his discourse is idle and frivolous (Proverbs 10:20). The tongue of the just is as choice silver: but the heart of the wicked is little worth.

Because of exercise, it's fuller of spirits, and strength: To him that has shall be given (Matthew 13:12), and he shall have abundance. The more we exercise grace, the more we shall have of it (Proverbs 10:29). The way of the Lord is strength to the upright.

We desire to know the way that we may come to the end of the journey; to inquire the way and sit still, will not farther us: Blessed are they that hear the word and keep it (Luke 11:28). He is in the way of life that keeps instruction (Proverbs 10:17). None but desire to be happ…

For a man to have his will, and whatever he desires, what a happiness is that? If his soul be set upon holy things, he shall have what he desires, the Lord will not be wanting (Proverbs 10:24). The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall…

7. By every intermission we may lose ground, and possibly may never wholly, if we recover it in part again. We may lose ground, for the way of the Lord is strength to the upright (Proverbs 10:29). The more we continue in it, the fitter we are to walk in it.

The poor man is as it were an altar, if we bring our alms and lay upon it, with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Faith though it has sometimes a trembling hand, it must not have a withered hand; but must stretch forth itself to works of mercy: There's nothing lost by charita…

For a cup of cold water they shall have rivers of pleasure. In fact, God will make it up some way or other in this life (Proverbs 11:25). The liberal soul shall be made [reconstructed: fat]: as the loaves in breaking multiplied, or as the widow's oil increased by pouring out (1…

When death's gun goes off away flies the estate. (1 Timothy 6:7) It is certain we can carry nothing out of the world: So that there is no making sure any thing here below, but we may make sure of the kingdom of heaven (Proverbs 11:18): To him that works righteousness is a sure r…

3. Blessed in his estate. Omni rerum copia affluet, Proverbs 11. 25. The liberal soul shall be made fat. He shall not only have the venison, but the blessing.

—Credula vitam Spes fovet, & melius cras fore, semper ait.— A sinner's hope is in this life; he hopes to increase his estate, he makes the wedge of gold his hope; it is a perishing hope (Proverbs 11:7). But the righteous man's hope excels, his hope is in Christ, his hope is both…

4. Not any society or multitudes of men: he spared not the old world (2 Peter 2:5). No leagues and combinations can maintain your cause against God, though the wicked go hand in hand, they shall not escape unpunished (Proverbs 11:21). Briars and thorns may be intricated, and inf…

First, That God will come to sow Righteousness in time. Those that plow and sow in Righteousness God will come in way of grace and goodness to them (Proverbs 11:18). To him that sows Righteousness shall be a sure reward.

We have had a fair season, and we have seemed to be very busy, the Lord grant we do not sow the wind, as it follows in the next words, They have sown to the wind: This is a proverbial speech that signifies, the taking a great deal of pains to little purpose: as a man that should…

Secondly, with a mantle of faithfulness, not to discover the sins of others further than will be of necessity for the healing of them. If a man be fallen under his burden, or under his beast, and he is not able himself to help him up, he must then call them that are of strength,…

God beholds all things in Heaven and on Earth with one simple single act of his understanding; without composition, discourse, or representation of species. 12. Every believing prayer has a sure reward: He will reward you openly: Not a good word to God, or work for God, shall be…

This metaphor of sowing, does elsewhere signify all the moral actions of a man's life, whether they be good or evil. Of good actions Solomon says, He that sows righteousness, has a sure recompense (Proverbs 11:18). Of evil actions, he says, He that sows iniquity, shall reap affl…

The Word tells us, that there is no such way to improve our Estates, as to lay them out with a cheerful liberality for God; and that our withholding our hands, when God and duty calls to distribute, will not be for our advantage. See Proverbs 11:25 Isaiah 32:8 Proverbs 19:17 Pro…

Here are Kings, men that have great power; Counselors, men full of wisdom; Princes that have riches, so much gold that they can stuff their graves with it, yet these cannot defend themselves against death: death will not obey the authority of Kings, nor does it fear their frowns…

Fourthly, another kind of theft is in buying and selling; and this is a very large and voluminous deceit: for the subtlety of men has found out so many artifices to defraud and over-reach one another, that to recount them, is almost as hard as to escape them. Here come in the fa…

First, since usually all actions in law and judgment concern either the person, or the estate of your brother, by a false witness you not only wrong him in his name and reputation, but in one of these, and so are not only a slanderer, but a thief or murderer. Proverbs 11:9: "An…

We see in other things use makes prompt and perfect: it is use chiefly that makes the right hand stronger than the left: a key much used is bright, dis-use makes it rusty: a pump much used brings forth water easily and abundantly: instruments of iron and steel are brighter with…

HEaring a whole quire of Birds chirping and twinking together, it ingaged my curiosity a little to enquire into the occasion of that convocation, which mine eye quickly inform'd me of; for I perceived a dead Hawk in the bush, about which they made such a noise, seeming to triump…

It is a fearful thing when a man and all his hopes die together. Thus says Solomon of the wicked: when he dies (many of them before, but at the utmost then all of them) then die his hopes (Proverbs 11:7). But the righteous has hope in his death (Proverbs 14:32).

Christ was to be the sinner in law, and was to suffer in our stead. Solomon has a passage concerning suretyship; (Proverbs 11:15) He that is surety for a stranger, shall smart for it: or, (as the Hebrew will bear it) sore-bruised, or, (as it is in the margin) shall be bruised an…

A sermon (Number 626) delivered on Sunday Morning, April 23, 1865, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. “He that waters shall be watered also himself.”—Proverbs 11:25. The general principle is that in living for the good of others, we shall be profited a…

A sermon (Number 642) delivered on Sunday morning, July 30, 1865, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. “He that withholds corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that sells it.”—Proverbs 11:26. If I dared, I should al…

A sermon (Number 850) delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. “He that wins souls is wise.”—Proverbs 11:30. The text does not say “he that wins sovereigns is wise,” though no doubt he thinks himself wise, and perhaps in a certain grovelling sense…

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise.” —Proverbs 11:30. I had very great joy last night—many of you know why but some do not.

We find in any art of common learning, the more we confer about things with others, the more understanding we get ourselves. (Proverbs 11:25): The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that waters, shall be watered also himself. It is spoken of alms; it is true of spiritual alm…

This was the cause of David's trouble, and this puts a sting into all miseries. God's children smart under their sins here in the world, as well as others (Proverbs 11:31). Behold the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner. Recompensed i…

And then will I profess to them, I never knew you; depart from me you that work iniquity. (Proverbs 11:31) Behold the righteous shall be recompensed upon the earth, much more the wicked and the sinner. (Exodus 32, etc.) 2. That he may go on in ungodliness, injustice, intemperanc…

Thus is greedy getting seen by unjust means, and the immoderate use of lawful means to the oppression of the body and soul. (2.) The other discovery is an unworthy detention (Proverbs 11:24): There is that withholds more than is meet, but it tends to poverty. This covetousness i…

Delight yourself in the Lord and he shall give you the desire of your heart, his business is to maintain communion with God, and his desires will not miscarry. 2. When they are granted it shall do you no hurt (Proverbs 11:23). The desire of the righteous is only good, but the ex…

4. Opportunity of molesting God's servants is taken away, and afflicting the church by their oppressions, and so way is made for the enlarging of Christ's kingdom. 5. As God's justice is manifested (Proverbs 11:10): "When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices: but w…

(Psalm 5:5) You hate all the workers of iniquity. (Proverbs 11:20) They that are of a froward heart are an abomination to the Lord, but such as are upright in their way are his delight. The more obedient the more God loves us, the less obedient the less God loves us.

Though sentence of absolution takes place as to their persons and state, yet in this life they may smart sorely for the breach of the Law. In time of trial God will make the world know he is impartial, that none shall go free, but the sentence of the Word shall be executed (Prov…

He can discern integrity, and prefers it before all manner of service and pomp in worship that is yielded to him. Now this delight of God is not only in the thing itself, in the uprightness, but in the persons of the upright, upon account of their uprightness: so Proverbs 11:20:…

Now nothing will support us but the faithfulness of God. Proverbs 11:18: The wicked works a deceitful work, but to him that sows righteousness there shall be a sure reward. Men think to be happy by their sin, but find themselves deceived at last; but none can be deceived that tr…

4 Sinners then must lose the hopes they had of heaven: wicked men have no reason to hope for heaven, and yet they will hope, though against hope; as Abraham and good men hope against hope when they have God's promise; so the wicked hope against hope, notwithstanding God's threat…

4. Godliness is the surest profit, as it is safe, so it is sure, men make great ventures for the world, but all runs upon uncertainties; many venture much, and wait long, and yet find no return but disappointment, they sow much, and yet reap nothing. But the gain of godliness is…

2. Those duties that find acceptance with God, must be done in sincerity, God does not take our duties by count, nor judge of us according to the frequency of our performances, but according to the sincerity of our hearts in the performance. It is this that commends both the doe…

The best way to encourage your ministers, is, to let them see the travail of their souls in your new birth. It is a great comfort when a minister does not only woo souls, but win souls (Proverbs 11:30). He that wins souls is wise.

Objection 1: We may give, and so in time come ourselves to want. Answer: Let Basil answer this: 'Wells which have their water drawn spring ever more freely' (Proverbs 11:25). The liberal soul shall be made fat.

A contentious person vexes himself and eclipses his own comfort. He is like the bird that beats itself against the cage; he troubles his own flesh (Proverbs 11:17). He is like one who pares off the sweetness of the apple and eats nothing but the core.

O what a sad thing is it, that one should go from a precious Sermon, a sweet prayer, and bring nothing away but a grudge against the instrument God used; as we see in the Pharisees and others at Christs preaching. Secondly, you robbest your self of the joy of your life; He that…

3. It is used thus, when a man is given in place of another. (Proverbs 11:8): The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his stead. (Job 34:24): And he makes others to stand in their place, as before in the Hebrew.

Death frees a man from other debts, but it will not free him from this: not the death of the debtor, but of the creditor dischargs this debt. 10. There is deceitfulness in sin, (Hebrews 3:13). (Proverbs 11:18). The wicked works a deceitful work.

Noah was perfect in his Generation. Truth resembles God, and when God sees a sincere heart, he sees his own Image, and he cannot choose but fall in love with it, Proverbs 11. 20. He that is upright in his way, is God's delight. 2. Sincerity makes our services find acceptance wit…

8th Commandment: You shall not steal. He breaks this commandment: who lives in no calling (1 Thessalonians 3:11); who neglects his calling (Jeremiah 48:10); who spends his wealth in riot and provides not for his family (1 Timothy 5:8); who is not content with his estate but seek…

I have learned of my Lord to be kind, and have found by experience that I have gained thereby. There is that scatters, and yet increases; and there is that withholds more than is meet, but it tends to poverty: There is that makes himself rich, yet has nothing; there is that make…

Seventhly, the reward which is set before you. It is a sowing of seed (2 Corinthians 9:6), a scattering which tends to increase (Proverbs 11:24). There is no duty which has more copious promises of reward than this of mercy and good works.

If you love anything, love something which is better than yourself; and that only is Christ, who is altogether lovely. 2. Riches avail not in the day of wrath, Proverbs 11.4. Riches are no lifeguard to defend us from divine fury; but how lovely is Christ who can screen off the f…

Possibly now in the time of your peace and prosperity you regard not these spiritual wants; but when the days of sorrow and darkness shall come upon you, when God shall drop into your consciences a little of his wrath and displeasure, you may as well seek to cure a wound in your…

There is a way of sin that seems good to a man, but the issues thereof are death; but on the contrary, when a man keeps his heart in a gracious frame, whatever comes from him is lively, if a word, or an affection, there is life in it; the thoughts of the righteous are right (Pro…

May magistrates lawfully call a Synod of ministers, and other fit persons to consult, and advise with, about matters of religion? Yes (Isaiah 49:23; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Matthew 2:4-5; Proverbs 11:14). Well then, do not the Papists err, who maintain, that the civil magistrate has no…

He is the exemplar and pattern of justice. Objection: But how does it seem to stand with God's Justice, that the wicked should prosper in the world, (Proverbs 12:1) Why does the way of the wicked prosper? This has been a great stumbling, and been ready to make many question God'…

1. Speaking that which is false. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 12:22). To lie is to speak that which one knows to be an untruth.

Proverbs 12:26. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor. Solomon was a man of renown, he was the world's wonder; he discoursed of trees from the cedar-tree in Lebanon unto the hyssop that springs out of the wall (1 Kings 4:33).

This falls so heavily sometimes upon the body, that it sinks under the weight, and is cast into such diseases as are never more worked off, or healed in this world. Heaviness in the heart of a man makes it stoop, says Solomon (Proverbs 12:25). The stoutest body must stoop under…

Oh the strength of spirit that there is in men when the way is their own, says the text there, They cease not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way. I beseech you observe it, 'tis but a several expression, own doings, and own way, the doings were their own, such thi…

And here to of the first sort of duties concerning Christian holiness in the family. The other, concerning the things of this life, is, conveniently to provide the necessary things of this life, as that they have convenient clothing, food, rest, and (if on certain causes need be…

It was said of Reuben (Genesis 49:4): Reuben you shall not excel; [illegible] nor be an overplus in praise, its to remain or abound either in quantity or quality; for his incest deprived him of his excellence. (Proverbs 12:26): The righteous is more abundant (the same word) more…

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to cast down every high imagination, and to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. God leaves us not one thought free, nor are we willing to have our thoughts free (Proverbs 12:15). The tho…

The restoration of God's image in human nature was the ground on which God renewed his covenant with Noah and restored mankind's dominion over creation (Genesis 9:1-2) — had God not designed to renew his image in our nature by Jesus Christ, and as the foundation thereof to take…

God has renewed them, and stamped his own image upon them, and made them partakers of his holiness. They are more excellent than their neighbors (Proverbs 12:26); yes, they are the excellent of the earth (Psalm 16:3). They are lovely in the sight of the angels; and their souls a…

He spares the wife, but it was that she might further vex the husband. His mercies are like the mercies of wicked men, their tender mercies are cruel, that is, they are no mercies at all (Proverbs 12:10). There is a punishing mercy, and there is a sparing cruelty among men.

The married Church or people, are said to be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, when the grace of Christ has its native effect among them; as the conversion of souls proves to faithful ministers their crown and joy (1 Thessalonians 2:14), so does it to the great Bishop an…

(Proverbs 6:17) These six things does the Lord hate; indeed, seven are an abomination to him; a proud look, a lying tongue, etc. And (Proverbs 12:22) lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. And therefore we have so many express commands given us against this sin.

Surely, the Lord, being a God of Truth, is much offended with this sin of lying. God delights, says Solomon, in them that deal truly, but lying lips are an abomination to him (Proverbs 12:22). Lying was one sin of Israel, for which their land did mourn (Hosea 14:2, 3).

A Christian's treasure must be drawn out — 1. Speedily. 2. Seasonably. 3. Sincerely. 4. Suitably. 1. The Christian is to bring forth things new, as well as old; lately obtained, as well as long since hoarded: you are to improve truths at the first rebound: many good convictions,…

Good or bad thoughts are every man's treasure, and possession; and these center and settle in the heart; these are the spring and source of actions and expressions. Now it is said of a godly man (Proverbs 12:5), the thoughts of the righteous are right, that is, judgment, law, me…

'Tis said of Plato and Ambrose, that bees swarmed in their cradles, as presages of their future eloquence: so the honeycomb of Scripture truths drops at the Christian's tongue's end; his speech is seasoned with salt, because his heart is seasoned with grace; his discourses (like…

So it is said of the wicked, Psalm 140:3: They have sharpened their Tongues as a Serpent, Adder's Poison is under their Lips; which the same Apostle in the same Place also cites as what is said of all natural Men. The very same gross Sins which are here mentioned in the fiftieth…

A broken and contrite heart you can not despise; God can despise Princes, and Emperors of the earth, when they sit upon their Thrones, but a broken and a contrite heart he cannot despise; let him be never so despicable in the eyes of the world, God cannot despise him, no more th…

These devout Souls in the Text were chiefly busying their Thoughts about God and Heaven. It is the inseparable sign of a Godly man to imploy his chief Thoughts about God, Proverbs 12:5. The Thoughts of the Righteous are Right.

It is profitable therefore in reading of the word, to joyn with it such disjunctions as these which follow, either it is the word or it is not, if it be, then it is true or not true. If true, then infallible, for so it is if it be the Word of God, and thus ought we to build on i…

It is good to have a spiritual tongue that will heal the wounds that others make in men's reputation. (Proverbs 12:18): There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. Some carry a sword in their mouths; others balsam to heal the wounds…

Prop. 2. Whoever would keep in with God, he needs good counsel and direction in all his ways. Both in regard of the darkness of his understanding, his corrupt affections, and inordinate self-love, man is not able to rule and govern himself, but needs counsel (Proverbs 12:15). Th…

We hate that most which is contrary to our nature; so it is contrary to God's nature. There are six things God hates, and a lying tongue is one of them; twice it is mentioned (Proverbs 6:17, 19), and (Proverbs 12:22): Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord: but they that deal…

All that are acquainted with the matter are accountable to God — you are responsible for your ear, as they for their tongue. It is good to have a healing tongue, to heal that which others wound (Proverbs 12:18): "The tongue of the wise is health" — it is healing, and therefore w…

Who has the better service, he that attends on the uncertain will of men, indeed of the greatest princes, or he that waits on the Lord? Your work is more noble, (Proverbs 12:26): The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor. What an unprofitable drudgery is the service of t…

In short, that the matter of God's commands deserves our delight and esteem, is evident, 1. Because those that are unwilling to submit to them, count them good and acceptable laws: when their particular practice, and sinful customs, have made them incompetent judges of what is f…

(Proverbs 10:20) The tongue of the just is as choice silver (a precious commodity) but the heart of the wicked (and therefore his tongue) is little worth, it is but dross; he pays too dear by a farthing, that pays but a farthing for that which is nothing worth: and this is so li…

They scorn to be instructed, they are in love with folly: How long you simple ones will you love simplicity? (Proverbs 1:22). A fool will not hearken to counsel (Proverbs 12:15). Indeed though instruction come from a father, yet a fool despises it (Proverbs 15:5).

Surely, says God of his people, they are children that will not lie (Isaiah 63:8); to be sure, they will not make a trade of it, nor live in or by lying. And it's added, so he was their Savior, as if God would not save a cheating hypocrite, a lying professor, no nor will he with…

4 Sin is against the quiet of a man's natural conscience, for it wounds the spirit, and makes it intolerable; a wounded spirit who can bear (Proverbs 18:14)? While that is sound and whole, all infirmities are more easily borne, but when that is broken, the supports fail: and thi…

A godly man is a weighty man. It is said in Proverbs 12:26, a righteous man is more excellent than his neighbor. One such man will weigh down multitudes and myriads of other men.

Hence it is the wise man passes sentence of a man's estate by the common road of his thoughts. As the mind is, the man is; as the frame and constant stirring of the heart, so is his estate and condition (Proverbs 12:2). A good man obtains favor of the Lord, but a man of wicked d…

Answer, first: To pass by an injury without revenge is no eclipse to a man's credit. Solomon tells us it is the glory of a man to pass over a transgression (Proverbs 12:16). It is more honor to bury an injury than revenge it, and to slight it than to write it down.

Fourth, he who sows peace shall reap peace. Proverbs 12:20: To the counselors of peace is joy. The peacemaker shall have peace with God, peace in his own bosom — and that is the sweetest music which is made in a man's own breast.

Sloth is the rust of the soul; it is the disease of the soul — a sick man cannot run a race. The slothful man roasts not that which he took in hunting (Proverbs 12:27); he will rather fast than hunt for venison. Shake off sloth; abandon this idle devil if you intend to run a rac…

Let us not be as Pharaoh's kine, which devoured the fat and yet still were lean; let us not be still devouring sermons and yet never the fatter. Fruitfulness is one of the best distinctive characters of a Christian (Proverbs 12:12): the root of the righteous yields fruit. Fruitf…

Behold the deplorable condition of all ungodly ones, in the other world, they shall have a life that always dies, and a death that always lives: May not this affright men out of their sins, and make them become godly, unless they are resolved to try how hot hell fire is? 2. What…

That may be known, 1 By the way we walk in; it is a private retired way, wherein only some few holy ones walk: therefore it is called a Path-way, to distinguish it from the common road, Proverbs 12. 28. In the path-way thereof is no death. 2 If we walk with God, then we walk in…

And (Chapter 15:4) a wholesome tongue is a tree of life. Hence also we read of the fruit of the mouth (Proverbs 12:14). In a word, that man is a fruitful Christian, who is duly observant of that excellent rule laid down by the Apostle (Ephesians 4:29): Let no corrupt communicati…

A good name is a Saint's Heir, it lives when he is dead. 3. Grace raises a man's worth, Proverbs 12:26. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor.

6th Commandment: You shall not kill. He breaks this commandment: who bears malice to another (1 John 3:15); who is given to hastiness (Matthew 5:22); who uses inward fretting and grudging (James 3:14); who is froward of nature, hard to please (Romans 1:31); who is full of rancor…

Psalm 37:26: "He is ever merciful and lendeth." He is far from cruelty, not only to men, but even to the brute creatures (Proverbs 12:10): "A righteous man regards the life of his beast." There is nothing more contrary to the nature of God, than a cruel and savage disposition, n…

When the heart is kept above all keepings, then out of it are the issues of life, otherwise, out of a heart ill kept, are the issues of death; but being well kept, whatever proceeds from us, whether it be thoughts of the mind, or affections of the heart, or words of our lips, or…

The first is, in the time of anger to conceale the same; both in word and deede. The indignation of a foole (says Salomon, Proverbs 12:16.) will be knowne the same day; but the wise man couereth his shame: that is, he restraines his anger, which if it should presently break fort…

In the Old Testament we have uprightness, integrity, righteousness, doing good and eschewing evil, fearing, trusting, obeying, believing in God, holiness and the like; but the name of virtue does not occur therein. It is true we have translated [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] a virt…

(6) Because, Solomon says, my son, if sinners entice you, consent you not, if they say come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent, walk not you in the way with them (Proverbs 1:10-11). (7) Because, a righteous man regards the life of his beast,…

Quest. 7. How may we comfort such as complain they do not grow in grace? Resp. They may mistake; they may grow when they think they do not (Proverbs 13:7). There is that makes himself poor, yet he is rich.

O create in me a clean heart; send your Spirit into me to refine and purify me, that I may be a temple fit for the holy God to inhabit. 3. Walk with them that are holy (Proverbs 13:20). He that walks with the wise shall be wise.

4. Associate with sanctified persons. They may by their counsel, prayers, and holy example, be a means to make you holy: As the communion of Saints is in our Creed, so it should be in our company (Proverbs 13:20). He that walks with the wise shall be wise.

They lose all their treasure, their white robes, their sparkling crowns; they lose their hopes, (Job 8:14) Whose hope shall be cut off. Their hope is not an anchor but a spider's web: if hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12), what then is hope disappointed? They lo…

Q. But how if they be not willing to be catechized? A. It is much more a sin and shame, if being ignorant they refuse to have their ignorance helped by being instructed (Psalm 58:5; Proverbs 17:22; Proverbs 13:18; Proverbs 15:32). Q. But is it not indeed a reproach and shame to…

A slip grafted into a good stock, partakes of the virtue and influence of the root. The righteous are more excellent; be often among these spices, and you will smell of them (Proverbs 13:20). He that walks with wise men, shall be wise.

A sinner does in effect say, What care I for the commandment? I will go on for all that; but a godly man fears the commandment (Proverbs 13:13). If a law of God stands in his way, he durst not go forward; he fears more to break a law, than to meet with the Devil in all his ruff,…

Bladders blown up with wind will not lie close together, but prick them and you may pack a thousand in a small room. 'Only by pride comes contention' — Proverbs 13:10. When we over-rate ourselves, we think we are unworthily treated by others, and that provokes.

5. Take heed of pride and passion. I join them together, because they usually go together, only by pride comes contention (Proverbs 13:10). These sins are odious in all men, but especially in persons professing godliness, because it directly contradicts the great command and exa…

Arise and thresh, oh Daughter of Zion, I will make your horn iron, and you shall beat in pieces many people, and I will consecrate their gain to the Lord, and their substance to the Lord of the whole Earth: This was when many nations were gathered against Zion (verse 11). The we…

Are we not all sinners? (Proverbs 13:13) Whoever despises the Word, shall be destroyed. That is: looks upon any thing in God's Word as a light thing.

Such as they must perform to them, are duties of Instruction. Reforming. [Proverbs 13:24. He which keeps back his rod, hates his son, but he which loves him, does give him instructions betimes. Proverbs 15:32. He which withdraws himself from instruction, despises his soul: but h…

The end is, that we may apply all to ourselves, examine our hearts by it, and so in calling on the Lord, wholly to endeavor ourselves to put it in practise (Psalm 19:26-27; 59-60; Proverbs 2:1). Here is condemned the profane abusing of the same, in jests, plays, &c. (Proverbs 13…

That which every one is taken withal he loves to do with his friends, therefore they that love God delight in those that love him, those that are most apt to stir them up to the remembrance of everlasting things, and the preparation necessary, so they are of singular use to us.…

(1.) That as God is glorious in himself, so he makes him that comes to him partaker of his glory. For certainly all communion with God breeds some assimilation and likeness to God: it is clear in heavenly glory when we see him as he is, we shall be like him (1 John 3:2), and it…

A man will bear any heaviness, when he can say as David, Heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Solomon tells us, that the hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12). How sick then are they who are hopeless, or who have quite lost their hope?

Now this severity must be used early, before age and spirit have hardened them against the fear or smart of correction. The wise man has told us, (Proverbs 13:24) He that spares his rod, hates his son: but he that loves him, chastens him early. This is the way;

First, pride, and an over-weening conceit of ourselves. Pride is the fruitful mother of many vices; but it nurses none with more care and tenderness than this of anger; and therefore the wise man tells us (Proverbs 13:10). That only from pride comes contention; and indeed, as th…

A seventh direction to obtain a treasure, that is, trade with God in every performance: rest not satisfied with a bare outside of duties, or a trudging in the common road or round of formality: if you look not beyond ordinances in the use thereof, you will get no more treasure t…

A treasure imports the laying up of things for necessary use in after-times, and holds forth these seven particulars, all which suit with the laying up of spiritual provision in general. 1. Laying up a treasure implies carefulness, anxious thoughts, solicitous endeavor; it is ea…

Cheat not yourselves with counters instead of gold; Bristol stones may make as fair a show as pearls; true grace is a rare and rich commodity. Thousands conceit to themselves a treasure, that are empty; proud, conceited professors are apt to boast of their attainments, while som…

Saint Austin calls idleness the burial of a man alive. There are some faint velleities; oh that I had heaven! but a man may desire venison, and want it, if he does not hunt for it (Proverbs 13:4). The soul of the sluggard wishes and has nothing.

There is no doubt to be made of it, that God in his providence has of late given the world the art of printing, and such a great increase of learning, to prepare for what he designs to accomplish for his church in the approaching day of its prosperity. Thus the wealth of the wic…

This comes either from a scornful, disdainful stomach (for a scorner hears not rebuke) or from a base, servile, stupid, blockish, brutish nature, that is not moved with any smart or pain, like a restive jade that will not stir though he be whipped or beaten never so much. Solomo…

Hereby you may know whether you come under another King: Do you fear a commandment? That is the description of a good man, (Proverbs 13:13). It is not he that fears a punishment, but he that fears a commandment, when the heart is brought under an awe of Christ's laws: so that wh…

The heart is never right, but when it lies under the awe of a command. Many will fear a punishment, but it is said (Proverbs 13:13): He that fears the commandment; if the commandment stands in his way, he dares not break through, it is more than a hedge of thorns, or if lions st…

If a commandment stand in the way, it is more to a gracious heart, than if a thousand bears and lions were in the way, more than if an angel stood in the way with a flaming sword. (Proverbs 13:13) He that fears the commandment, shall be rewarded. Would you have blessings from Go…

1. Because affections when strong are painful, and affect the body with impressions answerable thereto. 2. Not only the denial, but the delay of satisfying the affection, increases the pain; when they have not what they do desire, they are even broken in heart, as (Proverbs 13:1…

There is fearing the commandment, and despising the commandment. Fearing the commandment, that's the effect of a wise heart (Proverbs 13:13). He that fears the commandment, shall be rewarded.

God hates it, therefore a righteous man hates it. (Proverbs 13:5) A righteous man hates lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and comes to shame. 7. It's a sin which God has expressly threatened to punish in this life, and in the life to come.

It is my debt, and I must pay it, or I shall answer it at my peril in the great day of accounts; it is not only commended but commanded (2 Kings 5:13): If the Prophet had [reconstructed: bidden] you do some great thing, would you not have done it — how much rather then, when he…

"I will have Heaven whatever it costs me" is the voice of a desiring saint. 3. Such desires as are active and industrious, not a remiss will (Proverbs 13:4): "The soul of the sluggard desires and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." Cold raw wishes are u…

2. If they be not like, intimacy and converse will make them like: every man is wrought upon by his company. We imitate those whom we love, and with whom we often converse; (Proverbs 13:20) He that walks with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. A…

Would men venture to break a known law, if they did consider that it was the command of God, that has power to save and to destroy? Surely want of faith in the precepts is a great cause of their coldness in duty, boldness in sinning; (Proverbs 13:13) Whoever despises the word, s…

The humble and the meek, for the proud procure their own just dislike and disappointment. Solomon tells us, only by pride comes contention (Proverbs 13:10). Pride is the great impediment and hindrance to all Christian offices.

Secondly, it betrays itself in contention with equals. Wrath and contention come by pride (Proverbs 13:10). Everyone seeks to be eminent, and would excel — not in graces and gifts; that is [illegible], a holy emulation — but in rank and place.

They that look long for good, and the help of his promises, the delay is troublesome to them. Hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12). Hope belongs to love; and the affections of pursuit and love make absence tedious, when afflicted in the interim; but faith and depe…

Inclinations will come into acts, and they into customs and habits, if not checked and restrained. But if you thus meet with them early on, you may prevent a great deal of sin; it is the best proof of your love (Proverbs 13:24). And it may be they will say as David did to Abigai…

Sin will not let husband and wife, parents and children live quietly, but sets them at variance, and many times a man's enemies are those of his own house and bosom; they who eat bread at our table, lift up their heel against us, and familiar friends become enemies. Lust makes w…

To some of them smart Words, to others of them smart Blows, will be too often due. Tis said in (Proverbs 13:24), He that spareth his Rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him, chastens him betimes. Frowns are due to all, and Rods to some Transgressors in the Family.

Hence sinners are said to be filthy (Psalm 14:3): they are altogether become filthy. And to be loathsome (Proverbs 13:5): a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame. And to be abominable (Titus 1:15): being abominable and disobedient and to every good work reprobate.

The less the thing, the worse your heart, the greater your offense that will trample a command under your feet for a trifle, your spirit never affected with this, nor have you made conscience of it to this day. This argues a heart that not only hates sin but hates to be reformed…

The fresh waters running among the salt taste brackish. 6. If you would be pure, walk with them that are pure; as the communion of saints is in our Creed, so it should be in our company (Proverbs 13:20). He that walks with the wise shall be wise; and he that walks with the pure…

Try by this if you are poor in spirit; while others complain they want children, they want estates, do you complain you want grace? This is a good sign; there is that makes himself poor, yet has great riches (Proverbs 13:7). Some beggars have died rich; the poor in spirit, who h…

Wise men measure things by the end; what is the end of godliness? It brings a kingdom; a man's sin brings him to shame (Proverbs 13:5; Romans 6:21): What fruit had you in those things of which you are now ashamed? But religion brings to honor (Proverbs 4:8); it brings a man to a…

Has a Christian hopes of heaven, and not rejoice (Proverbs 10:28)? The hope of the righteous shall be gladness. But may some say: it is long before we shall enter upon possession of heaven, and hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12). It is not long (Revelation 22:12…

Such holy sparks may be thrown into your breasts, as may enkindle devotion in you. It is good to be among the Saints to learn the trade of godliness, Proverbs 13:20: He that walketh with wise men shall be wise.

But Peter's deceitful heart, thinking itself too much disabled, answered, "Why cannot I follow you now?" So true is that, even in spiritual riches, which Solomon speaks of the earthly, "There is a poor man who makes himself rich" (Proverbs 13:7). Therefore excellently David, not…

Christian: So do many that are never like to come there. “The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing.” (Proverbs 13:4). Ignorance: But I think of them, and leave all for them.

Two were here cast away when Christian came by; and although, as you see these ways are since stopped up with chains, posts, and a ditch, yet there are those that will choose to adventure here rather than take the pains to go up this hill. Christiana: “The way of transgressors i…

Rejoicing in hope. A Christian's hope is not in this life, but he has hope in his death (Proverbs 14:32). The best of a saint's comfort begins when his life ends.

But spiritual joy lies most within: your heart shall rejoice. Divine joy is like a spring of water which runs under ground; a Christian does [illegible Greek text], others can see his sufferings, but they see not his joy (Proverbs 14:10). A stranger does not intermeddle with his…

Get the serpent's eye, have a quick insight into the mysteries of the Christian religion. Knowledge is the beauty and ornament of a Christian (Proverbs 14:18): the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Get the serpent's eye; be divinely illuminated.

Cyprian calls it Vulnus occultum, a secret wound; it hurts a man's self most — envy corrodes the heart, dries up the blood, rots the bones. (Proverbs 14:30) Envy is the rottenness of the bones. It is to the body as the moth to the cloth, it eats it, and makes its beauty consume.

Fifth, the pleasures that arise from the meeting and joining of this fuel with their lusts are only like sparks. Job calls sparks 'the sons of fire,' being engendered by it upon fuel. Pleasures are the sons of your lusts when the object and they couple together. And they are not…

There is nothing of that new man, of which we read (Ephesians 4:24). He that is thus wrought upon, is not a New, though another man: and though he walk on now, in a way not so manifestly filthy and vile; yet really and indeed, the end thereof is the ways of death, as (Proverbs 1…

While he is fighting with temptation, hope is a helmet; while he is upon the waters of affliction, hope is an anchor; the anchor of a ship is cast downwards, the anchor of the soul is cast upwards in heaven. A saint's hope is a purifying hope (1 John 3:3), a deathbed hope (Prove…

1. Dreams in opinion, which are very rife now, the old world is apt to dote: idle and ungrounded notions, how plausible soever, are but the dreams of a misty sleepy brain: to prevent these take these rules. 1. If you would beware of dreams, beware of a blind mind, men sleep in t…

You are spectators of their felicity, but do you understand their inward gripes? (Proverbs 14:13) Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful. Can silken curtains or purple clothes confer a happiness upon those who have a mortal plague-sore poisoning their bodies, and are ready to e…

In other lives, every one according to his humor has his delights, but yet they are not permanent, because he delights in transitory things; but he that lives the life of grace, delights in things that are truly delightful at all times: other delights are but delights at some ti…

After this true acknowledging of the Lord out of his word, must proceed: first a sure confidence in the Lord, with the fruits of the same (Psalm 100:3); then the other affections of love, reverence, fear of the Lord. Also a sure confidence in the Lord, is from the assurance of h…

Exercises must be only for the refreshing or strengthening of the body or mind, or both, for by this they differ from all other benefits granted of God. Therefore as he that oppresses the heart with meat and drink abuses those benefits, and his action is unchristian, so he that…

I said of laughter (says Solomon, Ecclesiastes 2:2) it is mad, and of mirth what does it? And (Proverbs 14:13) even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of that mirth is heaviness: though often times our laughter may not be so sinful, yet it readily more indisposes us…

Third, in urging this doctrine more hardly upon the people, to cause them not to rest on the letter of the law, but seek to the promised Messiah, in whom only was their righteousness — as young heirs and minors are kept under tutors while their minority expires. But, first, who…

The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, Hebrew, words of will, or of good will; Christ was greater than Solomon, and is a higher Preacher than he, and seeks out words to the heart, that burn the heart (Luke 24:32). Surely, there is more of heaven, more life, and fire,…

Certainly men are at liberty to choose their company, as their interests and course of employments leads them. This may be a society for trade or civil respect, it cannot be a true and proper friendship, for riches which are so frail and slippery can never make a firm tie and bo…

Oh when God finds a soul alone by itself, having set itself purposely to meet him, then he reveals his love, unveils his face, unlocks his blessed chest, distributes gifts of love and grace, kisses it with the kisses of his mouth, and sends it not away empty, but full of grace a…

And men must be warned not to abuse Peter's example in bolstering themselves in their naughty ways: by saying, we are all sinners, that the best man alive is a sinner, that the just man falls seven times a day. For the place in the Proverbs 14:16 is spoken of affliction and not…

This phrase of speech is very frequent in Scriptures, as we see in Job 1:1, of whom it is said, that he was an upright and just man, fearing God, and avoiding evil. Solomon also says (Proverbs 14:16), That a fool rages; but the wise man fears; and departs from evil. Well, the Pr…

Verse 9. 'He has dispersed abroad, and given to the Poor.' Proverbs 14. 31. 'He that honors God, has Mercy on the Poor.' Proverbs 21. 26. 'The Righteous gives, and spares not.'

And you shall put more gladness in my heart. Proverbs 14:13. A good conscience is a continual feast. Men are never more merry, than when they are at a feast; godly men, they carry clear consciences about them, and that makes them as joyous and pleasant, as if they were always at…

Revelation 18:4. Come out of her my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you partake not of her plagues. Proverbs 14:7. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you perceive not in him the lips of knowledge. EXPLIC. V.

Otherwise be assured that all his intemperate speeches, and rash actions, shall be imputed to you, and are your sins as well as his; and whatever revilings he discharges against you, shall at last also be charged upon you: And what a foolish thing is it for you to bear the sting…

With how much more ease may a Christian go through his Christian course with, than without, a solid knowledge? For wisdom is profitable to direct: indeed it strengthens the wise more than weapons of war: therefore it excels folly as far as light excels darkness: practical wisdom…

2. Another spring that feeds holy thoughts is spiritual graces, the fruits of the Spirit, which exceedingly help the fruits of the lips; if the will and affections be sanctified with a principle of true holiness, the lips and the life will bring forth heavenly expressions and ac…

Indeed God is so much in him, as well as to him, that he can live comfortably when other things are dead. A good man is satisfied from himself (Proverbs 14:14), that is, he shall have sufficient content from his own conscience. [reconstructed: This] is but one word there for a b…

He who shows mercy on whom he will, and hardens whom he will, and that by a strong mighty will which no man can resist, he can find fault with no man, though he sin and harden his own heart; for his absolute sovereign will is far above me and my strength; but so does the Lord, s…

His affections are at full speed, hurried on with an impetus, which is as uneasy as it is hazardous. Who is that good man that is satisfied from himself (Proverbs 14:14)? Who but the quiet man that needs not go abroad for satisfaction, but having Christ dwelling in his heart by…

The discretion of a man defers his anger (Proverbs 19:11). I would beat you (said Socrates to his servant) if I were not angry; but he that is hasty of spirit, that joins in with his anger upon the first rise of it, exalts folly (Proverbs 14:29). The office of reason is to gover…

Christian prudence is very much the beauty and strength of Christian piety. Though it will secure the welfare of our own souls if we walk in our integrity, yet it is necessary for the preserving of the credit of our profession, that we walk in wisdom, that wisdom of the prudent…

The reproaches of Gods people are the reproaches of Christ in a special manner; because Christ is the head of the Church, and it is from the fulness of Christ, that they have that grace conveyed which is reproached; and the union they have with God, and with the Spirit, is by Ch…

A natural chearful spirit can be able to undergo great things, that one that is naturally timorous cannot; the Wise man says, The Spirit of a man shall sustain his infirmities: A man that has a natural chearful spirit, is able to sustain many infirmities that others cannot; As f…

The Troubles of the Saints are sanctified to them, but mine are fruits of the Curse. They have spiritual Consolations to ballance them, which flow into their Souls in the same height and degree, as Troubles do upon their Bodies, 2 Corinthians 1:5. But I am a stranger to their Co…

Thus says Solomon of the wicked: when he dies (many of them before, but at the utmost then all of them) then die his hopes (Proverbs 11:7). But the righteous has hope in his death (Proverbs 14:32). Death, that cuts the sinews of all other hopes and turns men out of all other inh…

And an immoderate use of carnal pleasure shall be called Christian rejoicing, or Christian cheerfulness. Therefore as there needs love to withstand the potency of temptation, by the suitableness of the bait to our own affections; so there needs the fear of God (Proverbs 14:27).…

The more ample God's heritage is, the more is his glory known. In the multitude of the people is the king's honor; and the glory of a shepherd lies in the number of his flock (Proverbs 14:28): so Christ's kingdom, the more it is enlarged, the more honor God has. That your way ma…

Those things which seem to affect us so much, cannot allay one unquiet passion, certainly cannot still and pacify the least storm of the conscience; and therefore whatever face men put upon temporal enjoyments, if they cannot see God's special love in them, they want sincere joy…

5. It is a joy that ends well. Carnal rejoicing makes way for sorrow, the end of that mirth is heaviness (Proverbs 14:13). It is a poor forced thing, says Cooper.

2. It argues that they have a due sense of things though others have not. 1. They have a due sense of the evil of sin, (Proverbs 14:9) Fools make a mock of sin, they sport at it, and jest at it, and count it nothing: but gracious and tender hearts have other apprehensions, they…

Others do but tickle the senses, a little refresh the outward man, please the more brutish part, but this the heart. And this is such a joy as can be better felt than uttered, (2 Peter 1:8) it is unspeakable, and none can know the strength and sweetness of it till it be felt; a…

Partly because that which God has promised in the world to come is only satisfactory, and able to quiet a man's mind, and make him patiently wait upon God in all his troubles. Here is enough to countervail all difficulties, to support us under them, to recompense us for them; it…

Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin. We are not generally to expect any connection, either of sense or sentences in this book of the Proverbs.

The simple believes every word (which he would not do but that he is simple, a very fool) but the prudent man looks well to his goings. The wise man fears, and departs from evil, but the fool rages, and is confident (Proverbs 14:15-16). Did men consider what it is they do when t…

4 That sinners find sin a painful thing, and are ashamed of it, is clear by this, that they are tormented while taking their pleasure, and are stung with eating the honey; their conscience accuses them when it takes them in the very act (Romans 2:15). Even in laughter the heart…

After sin has cost you so many sighs and tears, and aching hearts, will you make work for more! You will have your bellyful, for the backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, he will have enough of it one day (Proverbs 14:14), and then cry out, Oh, what an evil and…

Poor distracted persons that have lost their understanding wear out their days to less loss and disadvantage than sinners do. 3. Then they that make a mock at sin, are worse than fools and madmen: fools make a mock at sin (Proverbs 14:9). Tell them (as Lot did his sons-in-law) t…

Now if in singing they had only spiritually rejoiced, and not expressed their joy and their song in audible and lively voice, the Prisoners could not have heard them. The stranger does not know nor meddle with the spiritual joy of the heart (Proverbs 14:10). Object. 1. The place…

To propagate religion is to magnify and glorify the Lord. It is said in (Proverbs 14:28): "In the multitude of people is the king's honor": as it is said of an earthly, so may it be said of the heavenly King. Now if we cause our houses to serve God in conjunction with ourselves,…

2. If we look at comfort, religion is the most comfortable profession, there are no comforts to be compared to the comforts of grace and godliness. 1. Worldly comfort is only outward, it is but skin deep, in the midst of laughter the heart is sorrowful (Proverbs 14:13). But now…

This is the quintessence of vengeance, an unseen evil; [reconstructed: and] in truth inconceivable — the terrors of death and the torments [reconstructed: of] Hell are nothing in comparison of this. When the glorious and blessed God, through the just desert of sin, leaves the cr…

A good man's words are weighty and prudent; his lips are as a tree of life to feed many; his speech is edifying: Proverbs 10:20. The tongue of the just is as choice silver. Gracious words drop as silver from him, to the enriching the souls of others: But, Proverbs 15:2. the mout…

If a man who was unclean by a dead body did carry a piece of holy flesh in his skirt, the holy flesh could not cleanse him, but he polluted that (Haggai 2:12). Till the kingdom of grace be in our hearts, ordinances do not purify us, but we pollute them; the prayer of an ungracio…

4. Consider the sad farewell this sin of adultery leaves; it leaves a hell in the conscience. Proverbs 15:4: The lips of a strange woman drop as a honeycomb, her end is bitter as wormwood. The goddess Diana was so artificially drawn, that she seemed to smile upon those that came…

Question. But why does God delay an answer of prayer? Response. 1. Because he loves to hear the voice of prayer (Proverbs 15:8). The prayer of the upright is his delight.

Q. But how if they be not willing to be catechized? A. It is much more a sin and shame, if being ignorant they refuse to have their ignorance helped by being instructed (Psalm 58:5; Proverbs 17:22; Proverbs 13:18; Proverbs 15:32). Q. But is it not indeed a reproach and shame to…

Behold, when we enter the profession of Christianity, we are set upon an high mountain: for the way of life is on high; and Christianity is the high calling of God. We therefore must be wise, as Solomon says, Proverbs 15:24, and look well to our conversation, having a strait wat…

Who could scorn preferments, laugh at imprisonments, snatch up torments as crowns; and whose love to Christ burned hotter than the fire; insomuch that the heathens cried out, Vere magnus est Deus Christianorum; Great is the GOD of the Christians. 8. The prayers of a righteous ma…

4. It presses you to skill and watchfulness; you had need be sound in the faith, that you may discern between good and evil, yes to have your senses exercised (Hebrews 5, ult.). A soft credulity is soon abused; (Proverbs 15) the simple believes every word: there is no reason but…

He that will not hear the clapper must not pull the rope. 'Grievous words stir up anger,' says Solomon — Proverbs 15:1. Do not only pray and resolve against it, but get as far as you can out of the way of it.

The eye of God is upon the whole circle of the creatures' motion. In all the revolutions in the world, there is the eye of God's omniscience to see them, and the arm of his omnipotence to guide them: not the most retired corner, or the darkest cell, not the deepest cavern, or mo…

Such as they must perform to them, are duties of Instruction. Reforming. [Proverbs 13:24. He which keeps back his rod, hates his son, but he which loves him, does give him instructions betimes. Proverbs 15:32. He which withdraws himself from instruction, despises his soul: but h…

What heart-secrets devils know from the disposition of body, paleness, redness, trembling, dejected countenance, are good conjectures; and surer it may be than we can apprehend, but no certain knowledge. God only knows all the thoughts of man, and his secrets (1 Kings 8:39): "Fo…

Nature's dark candle cannot show it (verse 23). God understands the way thereof, and he knows the place thereof (Proverbs 15:24). The way of life is on high; the way of the life of all excellent lives is a high and an exalted way, every man knows it not.

For a man to rise early, and go to bed late, and eat the bread of carefulness, not a sinful, but a provident care, and to avoid idleness, cannot endure to spend any idle time, takes all opportunities to be doing something, early and late, and loses no opportunity, go any way and…

"He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you." And you shall have it with contentment (Proverbs 15:6): "In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble." And better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with sin…

It further makes a man to yield of his right, and not to prosecute the matter in rigor, and extremity, and so it is opposed to severity (1 Corinthians 4:21): Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love, and the Spirit of meekness? Hence arises another property; it bridles the ton…

But above all we see how they scorn God with a desperate presumption, as if by their fetches they were able to dazzle his eyes. For when they purpose to beguile the simple, it suffices that they may do it closely: as if perhaps, they could deceive his eyes [who in all places beh…

Second, if you would improve your assurance, preserve a clear conscience, both towards God and man. A good conscience is a continual feast (Proverbs 15:15). Assurance — I may say of it as the Father speaks of the Holy Ghost and the comforts thereof — the Spirit of God is a very…

Certainly if the fire of those sacrifices had delighted God, if he had smelled a savor of rest in them (as he is said to have done, when Noah offered sacrifice after the flood (Genesis 8:21)) he would never have sent a fire from Heaven to consume them. That is conceived by expos…

The Israelites in the wildernes were not content with Manna, but would needes have flesh to eate, and God gaue them their desire, but while the flesh was in their mouthes, his wrath fell upon them: therefore let us lust after no more then God gives upon our sober use of lawfull…

3. A sort of shame may be in it, I am now out of a posture, and I think shame to rise, and to be seen: Which shows, 1. That it's hard to raise one that has fallen into security. 2. To lazy souls every thing looks like an insuperable difficulty, their way to duty is as an hedge o…

Render not evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but on the contrary blessing (1 Peter 3:9). The second blow breeds the quarrel, and the second reviling word breeds the strife; give to a hard speech the return of a soft answer (Proverbs 15:1): A soft answer turns away wrath, b…

2. To compose a soft answer. This Solomon commends as a proper expedient to turn away wrath, while grievous words do but stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1). When any speak angrily to us, we must pause a while, and study an answer, which both for the matter and manner of it, may be mi…

If he has but a little, he has it from God's love, and with his blessing, and behold all things are clean and comfortable to him. The wise man has determined it (Proverbs 17:1): Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith, than a house full of sacrifices with strife: and (Pro…

The money which Micah's mother had, was her God (it is Bishop Hall's note) before it had the shape either of a graven or a molten image, else the loss of it would not have set her a cursing, as it seems it did (Judges 17:2). Those that are greedy of gain, trouble their own heart…

When the Spouse in the Song of Solomon had given a description of her beloved to the daughters of Jerusalem, the same who before had scornfully asked, what is your beloved more than another beloved? Now as seriously enquire, where is your beloved gone, that we may seek him with…

Their throat is an open sepulchre, with their tongues they have used deceit, the poyson of Asps is under their Lips, their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. But to be short, we find the Spirit of God in Scripture comparing the Tongue to a Tree, Proverbs 15:4. A wholesome…

The many good fruits which the Holy Spirit notes to proceed from due reproof do show that it is a duty of which parents ought to make conscience as they desire to promote the good of their children: and so much the rather because many good fruits redound to the parents that repr…

But now the Lord sees whether his will be kept, yes or no. (Proverbs 15:3) The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Wherever you are, God is with you.

A sermon (Number 177) delivered on Sabbath morning, February 14, 1858, At The Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens, by C. H. Spurgeon. “Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?” — Proverbs 15:11. You have often smiled at the ign…

A sermon (Number 1948) delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain."—Proverbs 15:19. You must have noticed how frequently godly people almost wear out th…

Who would not come with their humble addresses to God, when he is so pleased with them? Proverbs 15:8. But my deserts are nothing?

This satisfaction shall not cease; it shall be a Cordial in death, and a Crown after death. 7. The fear of God makes a little to be sweet, Proverbs 15:16. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord.

3. It is so dangerous to miss it, that this should quicken us to be earnest with God. 1. It is so worthy to be found, it is the way to eternal life, and escape eternal death, and in matters of such a concern no diligence can be too much (Proverbs 15:24). The way of life is above…

For the will is known by fixedness of intention, and earnestness of prosecution; he that makes it his work to grow great in the world. So (Proverbs 15:27). He that is greedy of gain, troubles his own house. Desires are the vigorous motions of the will, when they are eager, impat…

3. He is neither ignorant nor forgetful of our prevarications and disobedience. The Rechabites were tender of the commandment of their dead father (Jeremiah 35), who could not take cognizance of their actions; Our father commanded us: certainly we should be tender of the command…

Pride is a sure note and forerunner of destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Proverbs 15:25. The Lord will destroy the house of the proud; but he will establish the border of the widow. Weak and oppressed innocence stands upon surer terms than the proud, though they excel in wealth and…

First, an enlightened understanding: that is, the directive part of the soul; and it is sound, when it is kept free from the leaven and contagion of error. (Proverbs 15:21) A man of understanding walks uprightly. A sound mind is a good help to a sound heart.

And therefore the wise man tells us, a word spoken in season, how good is it? It is like apples of gold in pictures of silver, that is, very beautiful and pleasing (Proverbs 15:23). There are some happy seasons wherein the most rugged natures are accessible; and it is a great pa…

There is as much difference between a good and bad tongue, as between soundness and wounds, health and sickness. Yet once more (Proverbs 15:4) a wholesome tongue is a tree of life (which is for healing) but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit: and a wounded spirit who…

A fool will not hearken to counsel (Proverbs 12:15). Indeed though instruction come from a father, yet a fool despises it (Proverbs 15:5). Though you add correction to instruction, yet one reproof enters more into a wise man, than a hundred stripes into a fool (Proverbs 17:10).

Persons of quality and honor that are used to, and deserve civility, will not bear such provoking words, nor take them but on the point of their rapier, and return it to the giver's throat. Great sins are committed from such beginnings; therefore Solomon tells us (Proverbs 15:1)…

The pains of hell got hold of me; there's no ease in hell. 3 Destruction is joined with it, to be in hell is to be destroyed (Proverbs 15:11). Hell and destruction are before him, and he can destroy body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:28).

In good men God accepts (very often) the will for the deed, if to will be present with them, though to do they have not power; if they be as willing to do as to will the deed, God accepts the will for the deed, though they cannot do it (2 Corinthians 8:12; Matthew 26:41). So whe…

Hunger after that righteousness which delivers from death (Proverbs 10:2). This is the righteousness which God himself is in love with (Proverbs 15:9): He loves him that follows after righteousness. All men are ambitious of the king's favor — but what is a prince's smile but a t…

So Chrysostom and Theophylact render it; through Christ God is favorable toward us and takes all we do in good part. A wicked person being out of Christ is out of favor; as his plowing is sin (Proverbs 21:14), so his praying is an abomination (Proverbs 15:8). God will not come n…

Excellency 6. Grace has a soul-raising excellency; it is a divine sparkle that ascends. When the heart is divinely touched with the lodestone of the Spirit, it is drawn up to God (Proverbs 15:24): the way of life is above for the wise. Grace raises a man above others; he lives i…

This fruit is sweet and mellows, growing under the Sun of Righteousness; this is that ripe fruit God delights to taste of (Micah 7:1). The fruit of good discourse (Proverbs 15:4): a wholesome tongue is a tree of life. Gracious speeches fall from the lips of a godly man as fruit…

A man that has any love of cleanliness, if casually plunged into the mire, he knows not what to do with himself; he fancies his own clothes to abhor him (as Job rhetorically speaks) so does as natural a pleasure attend purity: it has it even in itself. The words of the pure (say…

So the heart acts Heaven or Hell within the man (Psalm 14:1; Luke 12:19), they have a heart [illegible] busied in the College, studying and reading covetousness (2 Peter 2:14). 2. Propos. When the Lord tries the man, he tries the heart and the reins (Proverbs 15:11). Hell and th…

2. To be settled in religion is both a Christian's excellence and honor; it is his excellence, when the milk is settled it turns to cream; now he will be something zealous for truth, walk in close communion with God. And his honor (Proverbs 16:31). The hoary head is a crown of g…

God is not only our benefactor, but our founder; the rivers come from the sea, and they empty their silver streams into the sea again. 2. Because God has made all things for his own glory (Proverbs 16:4). The Lord has made all things for himself; that is, for his glory.

Response 1. It is the crown and glory of a Christian to persevere, In Christianis non initia sed fines laudantur. (Proverbs 16:31) The hoary head is a crown of glory, if found in the way of righteousness. When gray hairs shine with golden virtues, this is a crown of glory.

3. God will set men's friends against them; where they used to have honey they shall have nothing but aloes and wormwood. When a man's ways please the Lord, he shall make his enemies to be his friends (Proverbs 16:7). But when he opposes God, he makes his friends to be his enemi…

He who loves not his wife, is the likeliest person to embrace the bosom of a stranger. (13.) Labor to get the fear of God into your hearts (Proverbs 16:6). By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.

Now for the clearing of this point, I shall: 1. Show you that there is a Providence. 2. What that Providence is. 3. Lay down some maxims or propositions concerning the Providence of God. 1. That there is a Providence: There is no such thing as blind fate, but there is a Providen…

To consider how odious and base a thing sin is, would be a means to keep us from sinning. 3. If you would be kept from actual sins, get the fear of God planted in your hearts; Proverbs 16:6. By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. Cavebis si pavebis; fear is a bridle to si…

Q. For what end did God make the world? A. For the declaration of his own glory (Proverbs 16:4; Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:16). Q. What was the state of all things by creation?

Behold, the Church of God is the school of Christ: and if a man have lived long therein (as twenty, or forty years) and yet be no wiser in religion, than a young child; is it not a shame unto him? and shall we not condemn him of great negligence? Wherefore, let all aged persons…

And in that sense it is derived from Cipper in Pihel which signifies to remove or take away, and consequently to be propitious and merciful in taking away of sin, as also to appease, atone, reconcile, and purge, whereby sin is taken away. See Genesis 32:20, to appease; Proverbs…

Answer. Because God's glory must be preferred before all things, because it is the end of all creatures and of all the counsels of God. Proverbs 16:4. The Lord has made all things for his own sake: indeed even the wicked for the day of evil. And from the order of the petitions h…

Commit your way to the Lord, and trust in him, and he shall bring it to pass (Psalm 37:5). Commit or roll your works upon the Lord, and your thoughts shall be directed (Proverbs 16:3). Whereby we are admonished to take pains in our callings to get meat and drink, etc.

Therefore when we see any want, defect, or deformity in any of them, we must have recourse back again to the apostasy of our first parents, and remember our fall in them, and say with a sorrowful heart, this comes to pass by reason of man's most wretched sin, which has defiled h…

Lastly, that we might ease our minds by pouring out our hearts before the Lord: for to this end has he made most sweet and comfortable promises. Proverbs 16:3. Psalms 37:5. Objection: What need men use prayer, considering God in his eternal counsel has certainly determined what…

So for men, they are wolves one to another, yet God can change them: the Gospel civilizeth, and pulleth the beast out of men's bosoms where it worketh least: see Isaiah 11:7, 8, 9. The hearts of men are in God's hands; he can either destroy their persons, or restrain their rage,…

Means 4. Consider how sweet a thing it is for a Christian to conquer his corruptions and carry away the spoils of them. 'He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that rules his spirit, than he that takes a city' — Proverbs 16:32. Is there any contentment in ind…

(Psalm 37:16) A little that a righteous man has, is better than the riches of many wicked, not better than many riches of the wicked, but better than the riches of many wicked, better than all the treasures of the whole mass of the wicked world; others have them in a providentia…

And verse 19 it is made one of the things that the soul of God does hate, that a man should sow discord. And so in (Proverbs 16:28) Froward men sow strife. Oh! how many are there among us that go from one place to another, and tell you such a tale, and such a report, and sow not…

Psalm 37:5: Commit your way to the Lord, and trust in him, and he shall bring it to pass. Proverbs 16:3: Commit or roll your works upon the Lord, and your thoughts shall be directed: whereby we are admonished to take pains in our callings to get meat and drink, etc. If the Lord…

Answere. Because Gods glory must bee preferred before all thinges: because it is the end of all creatures, and of all the counsels of God. Proverbs 16:4. The Lord has made all thinges for his owne sake; yea, euen the wicked for the day of evil. And from the order of the petition…

13: “And every creature that is in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, I heard saying, ‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.’” For since God has worked all things…

Here is forbidden first, the want of these, and the contrary, as to waver or doubt (Psalm 13:1, 3; Psalm 88:15); to leave our hope (Hebrews 10:39); to despair (Genesis 8:13); impatience (Jeremiah 20:14, 18); to have trust in ordinary means, and to make flesh our arm, is forbidde…

Because recreation must be in indifferent things, neither simply commanded nor forbidden, therefore things sanctified to some especial and holy use, must not be made a recreation: as we must not pray, use the word, or such like, for recreation, but for necessary duty, in that ma…

When Abraham is willing that glory to the Lord should be written with the ink of his son Isaac's blood; and the Martyrs, that their pain may praise God, they then level at the right end; for that must be the most perfect intention, that comes nearest to the most perfect. This is…

In your book were all my members written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there were none of them. He that works all things according to the counsel of his will, as (Ephesians 1:11), he of whom, and through whom, and for whom are all things, as (Romans 11:36), h…

No; angels are made of God, and for God, and to God; then by the Apostle's reason, they could not give first to God, to engage the Almighty to a recompense, they could not first set their free-will to work their own standing in court, before God did with his grace separate them…

And you shall have it with contentment (Proverbs 15:6): "In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble." And better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with sin (Proverbs 16:8). And you have it so as not to lose other…

Trust in the Lord (says the Prophet) and you shall be assured (2 Chronicles 20:20). And Solomon says, Roll your care on the Lord (Proverbs 16:3). By means of this faith the heart of the righteous is fixed and established (Psalm 112:7-8).

An old man is to be regarded: but specially, a good old man, who is more to be respected than twenty of younger years. Now aged persons when they grow in age, and not in the spirit, they lose their honor, for age is a crown of glory when it is found in the way of righteousness (…

And to say the truth, look where the fear of God bears sway, there must needs be steadfastness. For the power and thrones of kings is established by justice; as Solomon says (Proverbs 16:16). Neither does it serve to comfort princes only, to the end they may be able to pass thro…

But this phrase is worthy of observation, it would have been good for that man if he had never been born; for though the condition of Judas was wretched, yet to have created him was good in God, who, appointing the reprobate to the day of destruction, illustrates also in this wa…

Therefore that frivolous evasion or refuge, which the schoolmen have of foreknowledge, does fall down. For Paul does not only say, that the ruin of the wicked is foreseen of the Lord, but is ordained by his counsel and will: as Solomon also teaches, that the destruction of the w…

The Strength of the good Soldier of Jesus Christ, appears in nothing more, than in steadfastly maintaining the holy Calm, Meekness, Sweetness, and Benevolence of his Mind, amidst all the Storms, Injuries, strange Behavior, and surprising Acts and Events of this evil and unreason…

The great End for which we were made, for which we were brought forth by the Power of God into this World, is to Worship him and to give glory to him. For he made all things for himself or his own Glory (Prov. 16. 4.) to be rendred to him according to the Abilities and Capacitie…

And till our hearts come to the like resolve, we can have no peace within. Commit your works unto the Lord, and your thoughts shall be established, Proverbs 16:3 By works he means not only every enterprize and business we undertake, but every puzzling, intricate, and doubtful ev…

See Isaiah 54. 15, 16, 17. and 8. 8, 9, 10. expounded by 2 Kings 18:17 & seq. See you at any time a rub of Providence diverting the course of good men from falling into evil, or wicked men from committing evil; how loudly do such Providences proclaim the truth and certainty of t…

Fifth Consideration. How great and sure an expedient have the saints ever found it to their own peace, to commit all doubtful issues of Providence to the Lord, and devolve all their cares upon him, Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works unto the Lord, and your thoughts shall be establi…

Some have observed how Providence has doubled all they have laid out for God, in ways unexpected to them. The Word assures us, that the best expedient for a man to settle his own interest in the consciences and affections of men, is to direct his ways, so as to please the Lord,…

This is not the method in which those mercies are bestowed. Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenews without right, Proverbs 16:8 better upon this account, that it comes in Gods way, and with his blessing, which never follows the way of sin. God has cursed the…

For all things, as well as man, were made for the glory of God. He made all things for himself (Proverbs 16:4). And they all declare his glory (Psalm 19).

Some [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], from the beginning being chosen to salvation (2 Thessalonians 2:13); [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] (Ephesians 1:4), before the foundation of the world (Romans 8:29; chapter 11:5; Matthew 20:16; 2 Timothy 2:10; Revelation 21:27). Others are appointed t…

O how long did these hang upon him, with many serious and weighty, with many pious and divine (much misapplied) discourses: he could not get rid of these, whose words were as drawn swords, often making his wounded soul bleed and breath out sad complaints; and yet they came to co…

It is therefore natural and necessary unto God to do all things for himself. It is impossible he should have any other end; and he has done so accordingly, Proverbs 16:4. The Lord has made all things for himself.

Againe, of those which concerne God, the first concernes Gods glorie it selfe, the other two the meanes whereby Gods glorie is manifested and inlarged among men: for Gods name is the[] glorified among men, when his kingdome does come, and his will is done. Now this petition for…

The first is her lips: which are commended from this, that they drop as the honeycomb: By lips, as verse 3, and frequently in the Song (and so in the Proverbs, a man of lips is taken for a man of talk) is understood her speech, words or discourse, especially to others. These her…

Both these in the result come to one; and this being a special piece of Christ's loveliness to his people, contributing exceedingly to the Bride's scope here, and the analogy being clear, and lips being frequently made use of in Scripture to signify speech or words, we conceive…

Besides, the fear of detection, and the shame and punishment which will follow upon it, must needs be a continual disturbance to them: Whereas what is gotten with a good conscience, and in an honest and lawful calling, whether it be more or less, it brings this contentment with…

Thirdly; magistrates ought to distribute justice impartially, to maintain the cause of the poor oppressed, and to restrain the insolence of their proud oppressors; to crush them by his just authority, who would crush others by their unjust tyranny. This is a truly royal and prin…

Secondly, There is a more secret and sly conveyance of slander; and that is, by back-biting, whispering, and carrying up and down of tales, like those busy tongues (Jeremiah 20:10) that would gladly find, or make themselves some employment; saying, Report, and we will report: An…

God resists the proud (1 Peter 5:5), [illegible], he does as it were set himself in battle array against them. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). Pride was one of Sodom's sins, which city was burned with fire from heaven (Ezekiel…

The heart is ever best when it is serious; but this seriousness in religion must be mixed with cheerfulness. Cheerfulness conduces to health (Proverbs 17:22), it honors religion, it proclaims to the world we serve a good master. Cheerfulness is a friend to grace, it puts the hea…

But vain thoughts hinder the comfort of an ordinance, as a black cloud hides the warm comfortable beams of the sun from us. Will God speak peace to us when our minds are wandering, and our thoughts are traveling to the ends of the earth (Proverbs 17:24)? If ever you would hear t…

1. The absolution of the person from guilt. Justification in this respect properly stands in opposition to condemnation, which is the detaining of a person under guilt, and fastening of that guilt upon him, hence we have the opposition express (Proverbs 17:15): He that justifies…

Q. But how if they be not willing to be catechized? A. It is much more a sin and shame, if being ignorant they refuse to have their ignorance helped by being instructed (Psalm 58:5; Proverbs 17:22; Proverbs 13:18; Proverbs 15:32). Q. But is it not indeed a reproach and shame to…

If this be so, then God justifies wicked men; but God will not do so: it is against the nature of his holiness and Justice. And again, he that justifies the wicked, is abominable to God, Proverbs 17:15. Therefore God will not do so himself.

And it may be the end of this custom was, to increase the solemnity of the feast. But whatever in truth the end was, the fact itself was but a profanation of the time, and an abomination before the Lord: for Solomon says, He that justifies the wicked, and condemns the just, even…

And it is a mercy if we have any friends that are wise, faithful, and experienced. They are born for such a time as this (Proverbs 17:17). But be they what they will, they cannot pity as God, relieve and succor as he.

Children and numerous progeny is accounted a glory to people. That in which they do much glory, in (Proverbs 17:6): "Children's children are the crown of old men" — the Seventy say, "are the glory of old men." Parents use to glory and pride themselves much in their children; (sa…

As you livest, and as your soul liveth, I will not do this thing. Proverbs 17:19. For mine husband is not at home, he is gone a far journey, at the appointed day he will return again.] Contrary to this, is the ordinary abuse and negligence of this duty, which bringeth manifold i…

Hell and destruction are before the Lord, how much more than the hearts of the children of men. He that can read hell, and destruction, and all the secrets of darkness, can also read, as a book opened at noon-day, the midnight-thoughts of all the children of men (Psalm 44:21; Je…

For he died for his enemies, and so loved his neighbor more than himself. Thirdly, God is not only a justifier, but also just in justifying (Romans 3:26), because he justifies none but such as bring to him a true and perfect justice, either in themselves, or in their Mediator (P…

He illustrates this by a similitude, when he says, that their bones should receive new force and vigor, even as dead herbs wax green, after winter. Now he speaks of the bones, which become withered with sorrow, as Solomon says (Proverbs 17:22): as on the contrary, joy is wont to…

Many friends will come and rejoice with you, they will come to a feast with you, they will meet at a house of mirth with you; but they fall off and go back; when they must weep with you, when if they come, they must come to a house of mourning. Solomon (Proverbs 17:17) gives us…

6. It is a notable and singular consolation for folks to have Christ their friend — it is comfortable in life, death, and judgment, in prosperity and adversity. It implies these things in which he is forthcoming to his friends: 1. Constant kindness and faithfulness at all times;…

For those who act in the violence and paroxysms of their anger, do either they know not what, or else what they may have reason to repent of. And therefore Solomon tells us, that the discretion of a man defers his anger (Proverbs 19:11), and the beginning of strife is as when on…

Oh, what a confounding question will that be one day? (Proverbs 17:16) Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he has no heart to it? Observe it, God takes a strict account of our helps, and of our hoard, and expects a due proportion.

2. Is not this emptiness of good a dreadful sign of rejection? Solomon says, He that has a froward heart finds no good: nothing does him good, word, nor rod; but he says, the heart of the prudent gets knowledge (Proverbs 17:20; Proverbs 18:15); may not you sadly fear judicial ha…

How much more then may it be imputed to the latter, and their folly be reputed the paroxysm of madness? Inasmuch as they have a price in their hands, and have not a heart to make use of it; and from where is that, but because they are fools; according to Proverbs 17:16: Therefor…

But because of the opposition that there is in our corrupt hearts to this, as to other the graces of the Holy Spirit, I shall endeavor more particularly to show the excellency of it, that we may be brought, if possible, to be in love with it, and to submit our souls to the charm…

Reprehension is a kind of middle thing between admonition and correction: it is a sharp admonition, but a mild correction. It is the rather to be used because it may be a means to prevent strokes and blows, especially in ingenuous, and good natured children (for a reproof enters…

This comes either from a scornful, disdainful stomach (for a scorner hears not rebuke) or from a base, servile, stupid, blockish, brutish nature, that is not moved with any smart or pain, like a restive jade that will not stir though he be whipped or beaten never so much. Solomo…

Thirdly, it cannot be genuine upright goodness that has its dependence upon the goodness of others that are about us; that as they say of the vainglorious man, his virtue lies in the beholder's eye, if your meekness and charity be such as lies in the good and mild carriage of ot…

A sermon (No. 899) delivered on Lord's Day morning, November seventh, 1869, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." —Proverbs 17:17. There is one thing about the usefulness of which all me…

Sinner, again I say the door is open; run to the mercy of God in Christ and be safe. Portion of Scripture read before sermon— Proverbs 17.

They cry peace where there is no peace, and dishearten those that are sincere, that is to apply playsters where there is no sore, and to strengthen the hands of the wicked. But of this I will say no more but that, Proverbs 17:15. He that justifies the wicked and condemns the jus…

I can (says the Apostle) want andabound, I can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth me; examine then whether when you are abused and reproached for Christ whether you can bear it patiently; that is, can you be content to suffer reproach and disgrace for Christ? if you…

Psalm 15:3: when an inhabitant of Zion is described, it is said, he that receives not a report, and takes it not up against his neighbor. So (Proverbs 17:14): a wicked doer gives heed to false lips, and a liar gives ear to a wicked tongue. It is not only a point of wickedness to…

Promises, oaths, covenants all broken; and therefore so many jealousies, because so much lying; all trust is lost among us. This lying is always ill, but especially in magistrates, men of public place (Proverbs 17:7): Lying lips become not a prince. So ministers (Romans 9:1): I…

Some dress up themselves in such vain attire and indecent fashions to draw the eyes of others to gaze upon them; this is a great affront to God's worship. Solomon says (Proverbs 17:24): "The fool's eyes are to the ends of the earth." One cause of distraction is the curiosity of…

It is hard to say which is worse, railing, or receiving (Psalm 15:3). A Citizen of Zion is described to be one that takes not up a reproach against his neighbor, and you shall see on the contrary (Proverbs 17:4): "A wicked doer gives heed to false lips: and a liar gives heed to…

A case of conscience may be proposed: How could David be comforted by God's judgments, for it seems a barbarous thing to delight in the destruction of any? It is said (Proverbs 17:5): "He that is glad of calamities shall not be unpunished." Answer 1. It must be remembered that j…

As iron sharpens iron, so does a man the countenance of his friend. When a man is dull, his friend puts an edge upon him, he is a mighty support and stay to us (Proverbs 17:17). A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

As a leathern sack long hung up in a smoking chimney, so was he dried up, and shriveled, and wrinkled, by long continued troubles and adversity. We are told, Proverbs 17:22, that a merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. A cheerful heart helps…

It is true, there is a time to speak, as there is to be silent (and happy they that improve it well) but yet it is seldom that a multitude of words are without sin; and therefore he that refrains his lips is wise (Proverbs 10:19). Silence discovers wisdom, and conceals ignorance…

I proceed. 3 To show man's folly, as to non- or ill-improvement of means, when made known in truth and clearness; though the will of God as to worship be revealed, yet sin makes men fools still, either in this that they use not, or in this, that they make an ill use of the revel…

4 Sin is against the quiet of a man's natural conscience, for it wounds the spirit, and makes it intolerable; a wounded spirit who can bear (Proverbs 18:14)? While that is sound and whole, all infirmities are more easily borne, but when that is broken, the supports fail: and thi…

The Scripture calls them fools, and therefore they are so. Prov. 17:21. He that begets a fool does it to his sorrow; and the father of a fool has no joy. A profane young man is that fool, whose father has sorrow and no joy in him; one such son is enough to damp the joy which he…

A wise man will not meddle with strife; it is like putting one's finger into a hornets' nest. Or to use Solomon's simile (Proverbs 17:14): the beginning of strife is as when one lets out water. To set out the folly of strife, it is like letting out water in two respects.

Now says God, I shall lose my child if I do not correct him; then God in love smites, that he may save; Aristotle speaks of a bird that lives among thorns, yet sings sweetly; God's children make the best melody in their heart, when God hedges their way with thorns (Hosea 2:14).…

If you endure chastenings, God deals with you as with sons. God had one Son without sin, but no son without stripes: Afflictions are refining (Proverbs 17:3). The fining pot is for silver; and the furnace for gold.

2. Propos. When the Lord tries the man, he tries the heart and the reins (Proverbs 15:11). Hell and the heart both are naked before him (Proverbs 17:3). Theodoret. God acts the noon-day sun meridionaliter in every heart: the man himself is without, and God within (Jeremiah 17:9).

13:18. Proverbs 17:15. To shew or declare one righteous; to appear righteous; to judge any one righteous.

Justify; it is Verbum [reconstructed: forense], a judicial word, used in courts of judgment, or a law-term, which usually is opposed to condemnation. And it signifies to absolve, to acquit from guilt, and accepting a man as righteous, or to pronounce him just and righteous, or g…

When he saw them in anguish, and distress, then he could conceal his affection no longer, but cried out, I am Joseph your brother. For a brother, says Solomon, is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17), namely, then to discover his affection, if he have any. So when these two saw t…

But when they are in the furnace and refining pot, then we may see them both distinctly. That which is the furnace to the gold, the refining pot to the silver, the same, says Solomon (Proverbs 17:3), is the Lord's flaming eye to the heart of man; even in the midst of the greates…

8th Commandment: You shall not steal. He breaks this commandment: who lives in no calling (1 Thessalonians 3:11); who neglects his calling (Jeremiah 48:10); who spends his wealth in riot and provides not for his family (1 Timothy 5:8); who is not content with his estate but seek…

But as it is said (Acts 3:16) his name, through faith in his name had healed the man that had been lame, so it may be said Christ and his righteousness, through faith in him and his righteousness does justify the sinner. For these grounds are certain and cannot be denied: 1 That…

Christ is sent to bind up those that are broken in will or heart: the Hebrew will include both (Proverbs 15:31). He that listens to reproof, gets a heart, possesses his heart — so Vatablus — the meek spirit which in obedience submits to rebukes, possesses his heart, and possesse…

And here it is not to be expected, nor indeed can it be performed by any man, to reckon up the several particularities of all those vain thoughts which run through man's heart; I will insist only on some more general discoveries, to which particulars may be reduced, for a taste…

Eighthly, by participation (Ephesians 5:7): and thus they do sin that are [reconstructed: receivers of stolen goods]. Ninthly, by defending another man in his sin: for he that justifies the wicked, and condemns the just, even they both are an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 17…

It requires skill to get out every splinter, to meet with every scruple, and to set all straight again. It is also called the wounding of the spirit: 'A wounded spirit, who can bear?' (Proverbs 18:14). As the power of sin wounds, so also its guilt; and the one is as incurable as…

It is compared to the bruising of a reed — which when it is bruised, who can make it stand upright again? It is called 'the wounding of the spirit' (Proverbs 18), which no creature knows how to reach and heal — none but God who is the Father of spirits, who made them and knows h…

There rest — there die. To this purpose serves that of Solomon in Proverbs 18:10: 'His name is a strong tower, and the righteous flee to it and are safe.' Now what is the purpose and use of a tower in a city but that when all outworks are taken, the walls scaled, all fortificati…

The law needs not bring brimstone from Heaven to burn sinners, nor open the mouth of the great deep to drown them, nor shatter the frame of nature about our heads; alas, we cannot bear up under the burden of our own consciences, or the weight of our own grief, when he lays his f…

So the nature of a Lot lies wholly in this, that although the thing be of us, yet the disposition is wholly of God, that is, he uses not here our means of cunning, practice, strength, steadiness of hand, or such like; but takes it wholly to himself. And this shows the nature of…

In a word, faith carves not to God the way of salvation, but sweetly submits to the way He has carved out. A sixth expression is, hiding of ourselves in God, or in Christ, so the word trust in God, signifies, to hide ourselves in Him as in a place of refuge, according to that (P…

It is no wonder that wicked men, wrestling with everlasting vengeance, cannot endure it. The Devil's predominant sin being blasphemous despair, he tempts most to his own predominant sin; the issue and final intent of all his temptations is despair: because Devils are living and…

4. In the choice of these few friends we must use caution. 1. Such as are near to us, with whom we have frequent and familiar converse, and perform a mutual interchange of all offices of love (Proverbs 18:24). A man that has friends must show himself friendly, and there is a fri…

1. The great convenience there is in privacy for prayer, and the good providence of God, bestowing upon us private rooms which implicitly call us to the performance of that duty. For there is in retirement a great advantage for the managing of any work of wisdom (Proverbs 18:1).…

Take an instance of both. The Scripture plainly asserts the dominion of Providence over this affair in Proverbs 19:14 A prudent Wife is from the Lord: and Proverbs 18:22 Whos. finds a Wife, finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the Lord. So for Children, see Psalm 127:3 Lo, C…

That where desires are true, they presently produce endeavors. He that longs for a thing will labor for it, they are digging presently (Proverbs 18:1): Through desire a man having separated himself, intermeddles with all wisdom. If it be death a man desires, he will be endeavori…

Revel. 2. 9. Thirdly, hence the poore must learne to carie themselues submissiuely towards the rich of whome they receive great helpe and comfort by their giving and lending: Prov. 18. 23. The poore (saith Salomon) vtters supplications: noting their humilitie, which reprooues ma…

It imports, 1. A privilege on the believer's part, to be admitted to special league of friendship with him, when others are slaves or enemies. 2. A special friendliness in Christ's carriage to them; familiarly, freely telling them all his mind, so far as is needful for them to k…

It's known also, that in nature, the navel has much influence on the child in the womb, which may be especially taken notice of here, as appears by the following commendation, namely, that it's like a round goblet, that is, well formed and proportioned (opposite to a navel not c…

First, that we are not to weigh sins by the opinion of men, but by the censure and sentence of God: he has no more allowed you to take his name in vain, than he has to blaspheme it: the irreverent using of it is as expressly forbidden, as the abjuring and cursing of it: and when…

Some put their trust in their wealth and riches. (Proverbs 18:11) The rich man's wealth is his city, and a high wall in his own conceit. God has by the fire, which has consumed so much of the wealth of the city, shown how insufficient a foundation wealth is for any man's confide…

Do not think you can hoard up in a crowd, Satan loves to fish in troubled waters, but so does not Christ: the noise of Cain's hammers in building cities drowns the voice of conscience. A man shall best enjoy himself alone: solitary recesses are of singular advantage, both for ge…

2. Is not this emptiness of good a dreadful sign of rejection? Solomon says, He that has a froward heart finds no good: nothing does him good, word, nor rod; but he says, the heart of the prudent gets knowledge (Proverbs 17:20; Proverbs 18:15); may not you sadly fear judicial ha…

To draw near to God is our safety. God is a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10). It is good in times of danger to draw near to a fort or castle (Habakkuk 3:4).

Etc. Other troubles a man may bear, but this he cannot bear (Proverbs 18:14). And therefore doubtless seasonable and gracious revivings will come.

We must show our meekness not only to those above us, that we stand in awe of, but to those below us, that we have an authority over. The poor indeed uses entreaties, but whatever is the practice, it is not the privilege of the rich to answer roughly (Proverbs 18:23). We must sh…

Thus is the power of the word in many, baffled by the power of prejudice. They do not believe, because they are resolved they will not: they conclude that no good thing can come out of Nazareth (John 1:46), and will not be persuaded to come and see: thus do they prejudge the cau…

As he is an abomination to God, so he is an abomination to men, Prov. 24:9 The scorner is an abomination to men; scornful spirits love to cast shame and ignominy upon others. And in Prov. 18:7 A fools mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul; we should th…

The second is this, it calls for a trembling heart from those that shall rejoice at the reproaches of Gods people: Perhaps you art one that will not reproach yourself, yet you mayest rejoice at the reproaches of Gods people: There is a great deal of evil in this: Surely you hast…

A help while both live together, and when one is by death taken from the other. In this respect it is said (Proverbs 18:22) whoever finds a wife, finds a good thing, which by the rule of relation is true also, of a husband. No such help can man have from any other creature as fr…

And it does indeed, fall first upon them. It is their task indeed to be diligent, and as the Apostle exhorts his Timothy, to attend on reading, but above all to study to have much experimental knowledge of God, and his Son Jesus Christ, and for this end, to disentangle, and free…

Salvation has God appointed for walls and bulwarks (Isaiah 26:1), what more safe than to be walled with salvation itself. So (Proverbs 18:10) The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous fly into it and are safe. Now the causes are two.

A sermon (Number 491) delivered on Lord's Day Evening, October 26th, 1862, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. “The name of the Lordis a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe.” {safe: Hebrew set aloft}—— Proverbs 18:10. Strong towers wer…

“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.” —Proverbs 18:12. Almost every event has its prophetic prelude.

A sermon (2494) intended for reading on Lord's Day, December sixth, 1896, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington on Thursday Evening, April sixteenth, 1885. “The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?”—Prover…

A sermon (No. 120) delivered on Sabbath Morning, March 8, 1857, by C. H. Spurgeon at The Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens. “There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”—Proverbs 18:24. Cicero has well said, “Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the use…

A man is known what country he belongs to by his Language. He who belongs to the Jerusalem above speaks the Language of Canaan; none of Gods children are dumb; their mouth is a well-spring of Wisdom, Proverbs 18:4. Here I may draw up a bill of Indictment against five sorts of Pe…

(Luke 9:44) Let these things sink down into your hearts; let them go to the quick. (Proverbs 18:1) Through desire a man having separated himself, intermeddles in all wisdom. Then is a man fit for these pure and holy thoughts, for intermingling in all wise and divine matters, whe…

4. Rather undergo the greatest calamities, than commit the smallest sin (Hebrews 11:25): Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. 5. That all crosses are nothing to desertions of God, and terrors of conscience…

The good and evil of the spiritual life is greater than the good and evil of any other life whatever. As their joys are unspeakable and glorious, so their sorrows are sometimes above expression: A wounded spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:14). Common natural courage will carry a…

Riches and worldly greatness make men insolent, and despisers of others, and care not what burdens they impose upon them; they are entrenched within a mass of wealth and power, and greatness, and so think none can call them to an account. Solomon speaks of two sorts of people (P…

This will hold out till all probabilities be spent. (Proverbs 18:14) "The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit who can bear?" Till a man be struck at the heart, his reason will support him.

If we must give an account of idle, what account shall we give of filthy and ill-working words! of words that are corrupt, and do corrupt others! Solomon upon this account tells us (Proverbs 18:21), death and life are in the power of the tongue; a man shall be judged and sentenc…

Omissions make way for commissions (as it did in our first parents) and it will be worth our while to observe a few texts that speak of sluggards (from where sins of omission generally arise) (Ecclesiastes 10:18): by much slothfulness the building decays, and through idleness of…

3 Sin is against man's health: Hence come all diseases and sicknesses, till sin there were no such things: For this cause (in general) many are weak and sick among you: Let a man take the best air he can, and eat the best food he can, let him eat and drink by rule, let him take…

Of a time-losing man, the Scripture says, he is a fool. It says in (Proverbs 18:16), Therefore is there a price in the hand of a fool? Secondly, the prevention of sorrow thereby shows that it is wisdom for men to discern and improve their time.

The wise man therefore gives wholesome advice (Proverbs 5:10, 11): Let not strangers be filled with your wealth, and then mourn at last when your flesh and your body are consumed. Yet further, sin carries guilt and horror along with it: conscience does smart and sore because of…

For the quality of it, it is the most distressing. Not but that there are degrees in it, as will anon appear, but in the kind, it is the greatest of any; there is no other sort of distress that a child of God meets with that is comparable to it; all are tolerable in comparison w…

3. Resolve then to adventure your selves upon God. Run into his name; you are encouraged so to do (Proverbs 18:10), the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runs into it, and is safe. And therefore if you find such resolutions stirring in you, nourish and prosecute…

In these perplexities the sinner as a man under his burden would shift shoulders, try all conclusions, turn every stone, wind every way, if any way he could get ease or relief. And if the counsel of carnal friends can lessen the trouble, company allay it, false reasonings of his…

That it is so, appears two ways. 1. By the testimony of Scripture (Proverbs 18:14): "A wounded spirit who can bear?" A wound in the name, in the estate, in the body, is sad; but a wound in the conscience, who can bear?

Gregory compares the Saints in their sad differences to two cocks, which Satan the Master of the pit sets on fighting, in hope, when kill'd to sup with them at night. Solomon says, Proverbs 18:6. The mouth of the contentious man calls for stroakes.

Christs carnal friends bid Christ show himselfe; pride loves to climbe up, not as Zaecheus, to see Christ, but to be seen himself. The fool (Solomon tells us) has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover it self, Proverbs 18:2. Pride would be some body, and t…

By this use of the lot, Saul was chosen to be king over Israel (1 Samuel 10:21), the scapegoat was separated from that which was to be sacrificed (Leviticus 16:8), the land of Canaan was divided among the children of Israel (Joshua 14:2), the trespass of Achan was found out (Jos…