Wesley's Notes on the Bible Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. 18:1 Desire - Thro' desire of wisdom, a man having separated himself from the company, and noise, and business of the world, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom, uses all diligence, that he may search and find out all solid knowledge and true wisdom.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. 18:2 Understanding - In getting sound and saving, knowledge. The discovery - In uttering that folly and wickedness which is in his heart.
When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. 18:3 Cometh - Into any place or company. Contempt - He despiseth all instruction and reproof. Reproach - And he shews his contempt by ignominious and reproachful expressions.
The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. 18:4 A man's - A wise man's. As a brook - That wisdom which is in his heart is continually pouring forth wise and good counsels.
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 18:8 They go - They wound mortally.
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. 18:9 Is brother - Though they take several paths, yet both come to one end.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. 18:10 The name - The Lord, as he hath revealed himself in his works, and in his word by his promises.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? 18:14 Sustain - Will easily support him under any outward troubles. Wounded - Dejected with the sense of its own guilt and misery.
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. 18:18 Parteth - Gives to every one what is right or meet.
A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 18:20 Satisfied - Wise discourses tend to the satisfaction of the speaker, as well as to the good of the hearers.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 18:21 Death and life - Are brought upon men by, the good or bad use of their tongues. Lovest - That love much talking.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. 18:22 A wise - A good wife; one that deserves the name, and performs the duty of that relation. Favour - Obtains her not by his own diligence, but by God's good providence.
The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. 18:24 A man - Heb. A man of friends; who desires the friendship of others. Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible by John Wesley [1754-65] Bible Hub |
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