Proverbs 12

Proverbs 12:1

INstruction] The Italian, Correction] that is to say, not only instruction, but also reproof and punishment for his sins.

Proverbs 12:3

The root] That is to say, the ground and being of their subsistence, which is in God & his grace, 2 Tim. 2. 29.

Proverbs 12:4

A crown] A glory and ornament, 1 Corinthians 11:7 Maketh] That through her dishonest life, evill manners, small wisdome and worth dishonoreth her selfe and hers; Rollennesse] A cause of continuall annoyance and paine, which gnaweth and consumeth him, Proverbs 14:30.

Proverbs 12:6

Are to] They are deceitfull to insnare men into mortall dangers, through cunning deceipts, discovering of secrets, and diverse other wayes: The mouth] their wise, direct, prudent and discreet answers, do give no way to these deceits.

Proverbs 12:7

Are overthrowne] The Italian, In a turning] that is to say, they perish suddainly and in an instant, as one should say, in the twinckling of an eye, or in the turning of an hand

Proverbs 12:9

Despised] That lives plainely without any pompe or state, and yet hath all his commodities, and services duely performed.

Proverbs 12:10

Righteous] The good man is reasonable and mercifull even towards the beasts which are in his service, in not abusing or overworking them, and in giving them those things which are necessary for them.

Proverbs 12:12

Desireth] He studith to learne, and carefully practiseth the unlawful practices of wicked men: Whereas the righteous without any such thing do prosper, and are nourished and increased by the lively root of Gods grace and blessing.

Proverbs 12:13

The wicked is] The Italian, The snare of the wicked is in the] With which he desireth to ensnare other men, by traps and deceits: Or with which hee ensnareth himselfe to everlasting and unavoydable perdition? See Proverbs 18:7 Shall come out] Hee will not suffer himselfe to be catched by the wicked, v 6. or God will deliver him from any evill that shall overtake him.

Proverbs 12:14

Shall be satisfied] Shal receive abundant blessings from God, in reward of the good which he hath done with his mouth; by aiming all his speeches at the glory of God, the profit, instruction, comfort and edifying of his neighbour. A dainty allusion, his mouth hath satisfied many, with godly and helpfull words, therefore it shall be satisfied with good things.

Proverbs 12:15

The way] That which he undertaketh of his own head, and understanding without the counsell of any other, that seemeth to him to be very well devised.

Proverbs 12:16

Knowne] It is suddain and bursteth out presently in disordered and undecent actions and words Covereth] He hideth and represseth the blamefull boylings of his wrath. Others he regardeth not, and dissembleth the injury that is done him.

Proverbs 12:17

Sheweth forth] either in publicke judgements, or in private talke and conference Righteousnesse] Namely that which is not only true in the reality of the thing which is spoken, but is also just and upright, in regard of the intention and manner wherin it was spoken without any malignancie, wresting, or prevarication Deceit] either speaking an untruth, or in wresting the truth.

Proverbs 12:18

Piercings of a sword] Namely by his calumnies, revilings, and false accusations Is health] through his comforts, good advices, and wholesome discourses.

Proverbs 12:19

The lip] A man that speaketh truth continually shall never perish, but shall obtaine everlasting life at Gods hands. Or his affaires shall be maintained by God in a prosperous and invariable estate Is but for] that is to say, peradventure the lyer shall for a short time be undiscovered; and get some benefit by his cunning and deceits but through Gods usuall judgments, they shall come to light, and shall bring him forth no lasting nor durable profit, and if by chance he doth escape and prosper in this world, yet he shall receive from God eternall punishment.

Proverbs 12:20

Deceit] By the ensuing opposition it appeareth that the meaning is that the plotters of evill deceive themselves through false imaginations hoping to reape any good by their malice Councellours] that have in themselves thoughts of goodnesse and love, which they also preserve amongst men, by good and loyall counsels.

Proverbs 12:21

No evill] Or iniquity, that is to say God will preserve him from bieng tempted to sin.

Proverbs 12:23

Concealeth] Hee makes no vaine shew nor ostentation of it, but keepes it close as a treasure in wisdome and humility, to make no shew of it, but only opportunely and profitably, for the glory of God, and good of his neighbour.

Proverbs 12:25

A good word] Of hartie commiseration, and comfort.

Proverbs 12:26

More excellent] The Italian, More abundant] Namely in temporall, or spirituall goods, or in cntnment of minde, the righteous is alwayes rich and the wicked poore Seduceth them] The Italian Causeth them to wander] through misery or want.

Proverbs 12:27

Rosteth not] As he doth eschew labour, so he depriveth himselfe of the sweet profit, and enjoyment of it The substance] Through his industry he filleth his house with rare and excellent riches.

Proverbs 12:28

In the way] Those which seeke after justice and righteousnesse, preserve and increase in themselves the spirituall life of Gods grace, and of the presence of his spirit, and so attaine to everlasting life.