Proverbs 2

Proverbs 2:1

HIde] The Italian, Lay up] that is to say, keepe them safely in thy heart and memory, like unto some pretious things, and make provision for thy soule out of them, a phrase taken from those places where they keep victuals or treasure.

Proverbs 2:7

Sound wisdome] The Italian, Right] that is to say, a just protection and defence of their innocency, and the reward of their righteousnesse.

Proverbs 2:8

The paths] That is to say, just men together with all their actions, and their whole life.

Proverbs 2:9

Good path] Or path of goodnesse, that is to say, all just and vertuous proceedings.

Proverbs 2:12

From the way of] The Italian, from the evill way] That is to say, from the way of evill.

Proverbs 2:13

Of darkenesse] Namely of sin and voluntary ignorance, out of the secure light and guide of Gods Law, see Job 24:13.

Proverbs 2:16

Strange woman] That is to say, an adulteresse who having a husband, ought to be held as a stranger to any other. Others beleeve that in this book common whores are called strange women, because that infamous exercise was forbidden to Israeltish women Deuteronomy 23:17. and they who by abuse or toleration did do it, were strangers; or if they were any of Gods people; as it seemeth that Salomon speakes ouch, verse 17. they were held as prophane and excommunicate persons.

Proverbs 2:17

The guide] Namely her lawfull husband, who is the head of the woman, 1 Corinthians 11:3. to whom she was married in her youth, see Jeremiah 3:4 The Covenant] The faith of matrimony, of which God is the author and preserver, it being alwayes contracted in his name; and hee being alwayes called upon as a judge and witnesse in it, See Malachy Chapter 2. verse 14.

Proverbs 2:18

Her house] Her conversation and acquaintance bringeth men to perdition: Unto the dead] The Italian, Unto gyants] that is to say, unto the damned. See the reason of this manner of speaking upon Job, 26. 5.

Proverbs 2:19

None that] Without Gods speciall grace, it is hard, nay impossible for man that hath begun to keep company with her, for to avoid perdition.

Proverbs 2:20

That thou mayest] This is the consequence of the 12 and 16 verses.

Proverbs 2:21

Shall remain] That is to say, they shall never perish, or they shall survive the wicked, which shall be rooted out.