Wounds - The sharpest reproofs. Kisses - All the outward profession of friendship.
Wandereth - That flies from place to place, whereby she is exposed to all the arts of fowlers, and to birds of prey. So - So is he who through vanity or lightness changes his abode, or his calling.
Neither go - For comfort and relief, so as to forsake thy friend for him. A neighbour - The friend, who hath shewed himself to be a good neighbour. Near - In affection.
Reproacheth - For being the father of a wicked son.
Blesseth - That praises him to his face. A loud voice - That both he, and others, may be sure to take notice of it. Rising early - To shew his great forwardness. A curse - His friend will value this kind of blessing no more than a curse.
Hideth - Attempts to smother her passion. Right - hand - Which being the great instrument of action, by its much stirring, diffuses the savour of it.
Iron - Iron tools are made sharp and fit for use, by rubbing them against the file, or some other iron. The countenance - The company or conversation of his friend.
So he - That serves him faithfully, prudently, and diligently.
So - So one man resembles another in the corruption of his nature.
Hell - The grave devours all the bodies which are put into it, and is always ready to receive and devour more. The eyes - The desires, which discover themselves by the eyes.
To his praise - Or, according to his praise. So a man is tried by praise.
Flock - Flocks and herds are here put for all possessions, because anciently they were the chief part of a man's riches.
For - What thou dost now possess, will not last always. If a man had the wealth of a kingdom, without care and diligence it would be brought to nothing.
The hay - Another encouragement to diligence; God invites thee to it by the plentiful provisions wherewith he has enriched the earth for thy sake. The mountains - Even the most barren parts afford thee their help.
The price - By the sale whereof thou mayest either pay the rent of the field which thou hirest, or purchase fields or lands. Goats might better be spared and sold than sheep, which brought a more constant profit to the owner.
Goat's milk - Or, if thou chusest rather to keep thy goats, the milk will serve thee for food to thyself and family. In ancient times men used a plain and simple diet.
But - By a wise and good prince.
It like - Is like a violent rain or flood, which washes away the very seeds in the earth. He is the worst of all oppressors.
Contend - Are so far from praising them, that they severely reprove them.
Judgment - What is just and right. All things - Which are necessary to be known by them.
Better - In a much happier condition.
Causeth - That by evil counsel, or example, or artifice, draws them into evil.
Rejoice - Are promoted. Glory - In that common - wealth. Rise - Are advanced to authority. Hidden - Wise and good men, who only are worthy of the name of men, withdraw themselves into obscure places.
Alway - In all times, companies, and conditions.
Oppressor - The tyranny of a prince, is a manifest sign of folly. Prolong - By God's favour, the peace and satisfaction of his own mind, and the hearty love of his people.
Violence - That sheddeth any man's blood. Shall flee - Shall speedily be destroyed. Shall slay - None should desire or endeavour to save him from his deserved punishment.
At once - Once for all; so he shall never rise more.
Faithful - Who deals truly and justly in all his transactions.
For - When a man hath once accustomed himself to take bribes, a very small advantage will make him sell justice.
Evil eye - Is uncharitable to persons in want, and envious to those who get any thing besides him. Poverty - And consequently that he shall need the pity and help of others.
The same - Is a thief and robber.
Fat - Shall live happily and comfortably.
Wisely - Distrusting his own judgment, and seeking the advice of others, and especially of God.
Men - Righteous men are afraid to appear publickly.
Judgment - By the free and impartial exercise of justice. Gifts - Bribes.
Wrath - The wrath of God or of men, who were enraged against it.
Whether - Whether he, the wise man, deal sharply with him, or mildly, there is no rest, no end or fruit of the debate.
Seek - To preserve it.
Left - Suffered to follow his own will without restraint and chastening.
No vision - No prophecy; no publick preaching of God's word.
A servant - Who is so not only in condition, but also in the temper of his mind, disingenuous, and stubborn. Words - By mere words. Tho' - Though he know thy mind, and his own duty.
Hasty - Who is rash and heady in the management of his affairs.
Delicately - Allowing him too much freedom, and familiarity. A son - Will find him at last grow insolent, and forgetful of his servile condition.
Bewrayeth it not - Which he is bound to do for the publick good.
A snare - Is an occasion of many sins.