Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25:1

THe men] It is likely that these sentences were at the first scattered in divers of Solomons books, and that Ezechiah caused them to be compiled & gathered together by certaine men whom he had deputed thereunto.

Proverbs 25:2

The glory] God sheweth the height of his Majesty, in that without any communication, or consultation with others, he doeth, and governeth all things excellently through his secret providence, Isaiah 40:13. Romans 11:33-34. and by this means keeps all his creatures in humility and adoration. Whereas it is honourable for arlly Princes, to participate of other mens counsells, and to make mature deliberations, because they have not within themselves all those perfections which are necessary for their office.

Proverbs 25:3

And the heart] Namely their thoughts and intentions; unlesse it please them for to reveale them, by most, certaine proofs: how much more impossible is it then to search out the judgements and secrets of God? Romans 11:33.

Proverbs 25:4

Take away] As it is impossible for a gold-smith to make any handsome piece of worke, unlesse his mettal be well purged, and refined: so must wicked men be put out of the Court, and out of the Kings service, before the kingdome can be well governed.

Proverbs 25:7

Whom thine eyes] who hath honoured thee by admitting thee into his presence, and now by his sight doth encrease thy shame.

Proverbs 25:8

Thou know not what to doe] The Italian, Lest thou doe something] That shall be unseemely, being provoked by the injuries which are done to thee.

Proverbs 25:9

Debate] If thou canst not avoyd strife or contention, yet abstaine from interesting, or bringing in any third person, by revealing any thing which hee hath privately, and as it were in trust spoken unto thee, lst thou be disgraced, as disloyall.

Proverbs 25:12

An eare-ring] Which is no dishonour, but a true and precious ornanient.

Proverbs 25:13

To them] He is a singular case, and comfort unto them, casing them through his wisedome, loyalty and care, of their solicitude and anxiety concerning businesses which are farre off, doubtfull, and of great consequence.

Proverbs 25:15

By long forbearng] The Hebrew, by slownes to wrath.

Proverbs 25:16

Hast thou found] The Italian hath it, If thou find] A generall precept for the sober and temperate use of all things, bee they never so pleasant; which some referre particularly, to the familiar conversation with friends, which is spoken of in the next verse.

Proverbs 25:18

A maule] An instrument of death and ruine.

Proverbs 25:19

A broken tooth] A deceitfull thing, which maketh some shew, but is for no use in time of need.

Proverbs 25:20

As he that taketh away] That is to say, is like to him that doth things altogether unfitting, and untimely As vineger] Which hath a naturall contrarietie, with Nitre dissolving it, and causing it to lose its vertue. Even so singing and rejoycing to one that is afflicted, doth not comfort nor ease him, but doth more vexe and distemper him, and increaseth his griefe.

Proverbs 25:22

Thou shalt-heap] If thy benefits will not mitigate his malice towards thee, yet will they bring. Gods curse upon him, and his blessings upon thee.

Proverbs 25:23

Angry countenance] That is to say a good mens austere severity, which sheweth in his countenance how displeasing slanders are to him, causeth the slanderer to hold his peace, or to goe away.

Proverbs 25:26

Falling downe] namely, that through timorousnesse dares not oppose him, but is afraid of him, and yieldeth to him, or doth dally with him, and flatter him Is a troubled] Hee is not good nor profitable, neither for edification, nor corrections, having troubled the purity of his soule, and life, with the mudde of carnall respects, and worldly interests, or by the basenesse of his mind.

Proverbs 25:27

To search] Beyond the bounds of divine Revelation, and beyond the measure of the light which is conserred upon him: See Deuteronomie Chapter the nine and twentieth, verse the nine and twentieth Their owne glory] The Italian, Him who is the glory of men] Namely, God, his Majesty, and his secrets. So GOD is called the glory of man, as being the onely Sunne, which shining upon man in grace, light and glory, lendeth him all the light he hath: but will have him bee content with that small parcell of glory, and nor search out the depth of it through rashnesse of judgement, or curiosity of knowledge Is not glory] The Italian Is a glorious thing] Hebrew is glory, that is to say, it is a thing too high to be undertaken. Or too rash, and bold an attempt.

Proverbs 25:28

No rule over, &c.] Which may bee applyed to wrath, or any other passion, motion, or affection of man.