THis Chapter ( as I suppose ) maybe diuided into three parts . In the first Di. 1 is conteined a Proeme or Preface to the whole worke , setting out the Writer , the ende , vse , and profite of the same : from vers. 1. to the ende of the 6. In the seeond is comprehended an exhortation to goodnesse , and an Di. 2 admonition to auoide the entisements of sinners ; from vers. 7. to the end of the 19. In the third is declared the great paines that Gods wisedome taketh Di. 3 to drawe men vnto him , but how little it preuaileth amongst them : which sinne of theirs they shall not carrie away vnpunished ; from vers. 20. to the end of the Chapter .

Vers. 1. THe Parables [ i. Se. the figuratiue and darke kinde of speaches ( sée Psal. 49.4 . also 78.2 . sée also Matth. 13 , 3.10 , 11.34 , 35. ) True it is , that the Hebrue word signifieth all kinde of figuratiue speaches whatsoeuer ; of which sorte wee shall sée manie in this Booke : somtimes expressed by similitudes , sometimes by Allegories , sometimes by Metaphores , and sometimes by one meanes , and sometimes by another : and yet I thinke it may verie wel be taken for sentences , words or speaches , which as they are grauelie & shortlie vttered , so doo notwithstanding containe in them plentie of good matter . ] of Salomon , [ Here we sée who was the pen-man & vtterer of these graue sentences : sée 1. King . 4.32 . and when he saith of Salomon , he meaneth , that Salomon spake them : and these I take as also all that follow , to be Salomons owne words speaking of himselfe in the third person ] the sonne of Dauid [ vz. who was a man according vnto Gods owne heart ; and this serueth both for the commendation of Salomon and of his Booke . So that we sée in this verse the work to be commended : first , for the excellencie of it , vnder the word Parables : secondly , of the Writer , vz. Salomon the wisest man that euer was : thirdlie , of the Writers Parents , vz. Dauid a verie godlie man : & lastly , of the state & condition wherin either the Father or the Writer or both were , vz. King of Jsrael [ i. : ruler & gouernor of the people , that was called by the name of their great grandfather Iaakob . And though this word King of Israel , may séeme to be referred both to Dauid and Salomon , because they were both Kings ouer that people , yet I take it , that it ought chieflie and onelie in this place to be referred to Dauid . ] Vers. 2. To know [ vnderstand héere thus much ; which parables and graue sentences were written to this end , that men might learne and know ] wisedome , [ i. absolute , stedfast and effectuall knowledge both of heauenlie and worldlie things , ] and instruction [ vz. concerning men & their duties , to the ende that they that by nature are rude and vnskilfull , may by this doctrine be reclaimed to a better trade and course of life , ] to vnderstand [ q. d. whereby also a man may vnderstand ] the words of knowledge , [ i. such spéeches and sentences , as are with skill , knowledge and iudgement vttered and spoken . Some thinke that there are thrée sorts of knowledge set down in this verse , which may be obteined by the reading of this Booke : vnderstanding by wisedome , the certaine and assured knowledge of euerie thing : by instruction , the waies and meanes to attaine to that knowledge , which héere is set after it , because the other in dignitie and worthinesse goeth before it : and by vnderstanding the words of knowledge , he vnderstandeth prudence ; as when by the helpe of wisedome and knowledge , a man obteineth abilitie to iudge of matters , and to perceiue one thing by another . ] Vers. 3. To receiue [ vz. from the mouth of thy teacher , if thou be a scholler and learner : for in this verse he sheweth the profite that it will bring to learners , and in the next verse how it will inable teachers . ] instruction [ sée vers. 2. meaning also by instruction , good rules , holie counsell , and right order : ] to doo wiselie , [ vz. in all the waies that thou shalt walke , and all the things that thou shalt attempt , ] by iustice , and iudgement , and equitie . [ This place is turned , as though these things were meanes & instruments of a good mans wise dealing : whereas I suppose it should be turned thus , as also some doo turne it ] To receaue the instruction of vnderstanding , [ i. wise and skilfull instruction ] of iustice , iudgement , and euerie right thing . [ vnderstanding by iustice , iust , holie , and good workes ; by iudgement , that sentence whereby euerie man hath his owne yéelded him ; and by equitie , or in the plurall number ( as it is in the Hebrue text ) equities , ( which also maketh some to turne it euerie right thing ) vpright & equall dealing one with another . ] Vers. 4. To giue [ vz. by the meanes of the master and teacher ] vnto the simple [ i. to him that not onelie hath little knowledge , and is ( as a man would saie ) vnskilled , but though he haue some iudgement , is notwithstanding easilie and in a moment ( as it were ) induced to beleeue anie thing ; and is carried ( as it were ) hether and thether , from the waie of trueth : see Prouerb . 14.15 . where the same word in our English text is turned , foolish ] sharpnesse of wit , [ he vnderstandeth hereby , not onelie quicknesse of sight to perceaue the subtilties of the enemies ; but also soundnesse of iudgement , that he be no more carried awaie , as he hath been . ] and to the childe [ i. vnto him that is vnaduised , and wanteth discretion it giueth ] knowledge , [ i. sound iudgement , ] and discretion , [ viz. how and after what sort to behaue himselfe , and to walke : see Eph. 4.14 . ] Vers. 5. A wise man [ q.d. These things profite not the simple and vnlearned onelie , but euen they that haue attained some measure of light and knowledge , shall both be confirmed and increased in iudgement ] shall heare [ vz. these things : vnderstanding by hearing , not onelie the bending of the outward eares , but also the inclining of the minde thereto ] & increase [ vz. thereby ] in learning : [ i. in all maner of knowledge : q.d. he shal be more wise and learned than he was before . ] and a man of vnderstanding [ i. he that by experience ( as it were ) hath attained to a more measure of knowledge and iudgement than others : see ver. 2. of this chap. ] shall attaine [ vz. by this meanes , meaning also by attayning , not only the getting , but the possessing , keeping , and vsing , ] vnto wise counsels [ vz. not only in himselfe , but shall bee able to profite others thereby . ] Vers. 6. To vnderstand [ vz. by meanes of the holie and wholesome rules propounded in this booke ] a parable [ see vers. 1. of this chapter . ] and the interpretation : [ vz. of parables , or of any fine , or eloquent speech whatsoeuer . ] the words of the wise [ yea , though they speake neuer so wisely ] and their darke sayings . [ q.d. yea , though they speake neuer so darklie also . And all these profites , the holie Ghost alleadgeth , not only to shewe the excellencie of the booke , but also to drawe men to the loue and liking of his doctrine . ] Vers. 7. The feare of the Lord [ i. a reuerence of Gods maiestie in mens hearts , with an acknowledgement that wee onely trust in him , and a care and a conscience , being loth and fearefull to displease him ] is the beginning of knowledge : [ i. is not onely the first meane and way to attayne the sound knowledge of God and all goodnesse , but is as it were the fountaine and foundation of all good things . Salomon in this followed his father Dauid , as may appeare Psalme 111.10 . ] but fooles [ i. wicked and vngodlie persons : as generallie throughout this booke , and more particularlie Psalme 14.1 . ] despise [ vz. either proudlie , or careleslie , but yet both wayes to their owne hurt ] wisedome and instruction . [ see vers. 2. of this chapter . ] Vers. 8. My sonne [ Salomon speaketh this to euerie one that is willing to learn , as the teacher being great either in yeres or credit , may speake to the partie that is to be instructed : see Psalme 34. 12. ] heare [ vz. attentiuelie and diligentlie , sée also vers. 5. of this Chapter ] thy fathers instruction , [ i. the instruction and good counsell that thy father giueth thée ] and forsake not [ vz. at anie time , but kéepe carefullie with thée ] thy mothers teaching : [ i. those thinges which thy mother shall instruct and teach thée : he maketh mention of mother , because he had before spoken of father , meaning by both together , the counsels and commandements of their parents : and yet because mothers admonitions & perswasions , are of great force in their children , while they are young , he speaketh also particularlie of them . ] Ver. 9. For they [ i. the instructions and doctrines of thy parents , if they be rightlie receiued on thy behalfe ] shall be a comely ornament vnto thy head , and as chaines for thy necke , [ i. they shall garnish and decke thee verie excellentlie , euen as a Crowne set vpon the head , or a chaine about the neck adorneth a man , meaning that they shall make him gracious and acceptable both before God & men . And this is a reason of his exhortation , hauing respect therein , to the very maners & affections of children , who are much moued with gifts , & sundrie sorts of ornaments : euen so men should be drawne to the obedience of Gods will , by his great & large promises . ] V. 10. My sonne , [ see vers. 8. of this chapt . ] if sinners [ 1. notorious wicked men , as Psal. 1.1 , 5. ] doo intise thee [ vz. to any manner of wickednesse whatsoeuer , their intisements he rehearseth afterwards , vers. 11 , 12 , 13 , 14. ] consent thou not [ vz. at any hand , to those their vngodlie prouocations , much lesse doo the euill . ] Vers. 11. If they [ i. those wicked ones ] saie [ vz. either openlie or closelie , and that either by word or deede , for a mans gestures and actions , speake after a sort , ] come , [ vz. and go with vs , that is , be a companion with vs in the mischiefe we will performe . ] we will lay waite [ vz. closely and craftelie ] for bloud , [ i. for mens liues to take them away , meaning that they would commit murther , and all manner of outrage to other mens hurt : see Esay . 1.15 . also Psalm . 5.6 . also Psalm . 51.14 . and sundrie other places . ] and lie priuelie [ vz. in waite : see Psalm . 10.8.9.10 . ] for the innocent [ vz. to catch and snare him : see Psalm . 141.9 . ] without a cause [ vz. on their behalfe giuen , to practise so against them : see Psalm . 119.161 . and these may bee either the wicked mens words , who in the testimonie of their owne conscience say , they persecute the godlie without any cause at all , or els the words of the holie Ghost iustifying the good ; but I incline rather to the former . And note , that as in this verse they bragge , what mischiefe they will closelie and craftelie performe against them , so in the next verse , they doo shamefullie vaunt , what open mischiefe they will commit . ] Vers. 12. Wee [ vz. in the pride and crueltie of our owne hearts ] will swallow them vp [ i. will quite and cleane destroy the godlie ] aliue [ i. being either in good health and sound , or els florishing in glorie , wealth , &c. but the former is the better , though the Rabbins allow of the latter . ] like a graue [ i. euen as a graue doth receiue and take in dead corpses , and neuer is satisfied : see Prouerb . 30.15 , 16. so will they destroy the good , and neuer leaue off . ] euen whole [ i. wee will spare no part or peece of them , neither skinne , flesh , nor bones ] as those that go downe into the pit . [ i. as those that are buried whole , so shall these bee destroyed whole . ] Vers. 13. Wee shall finde [ i. not only certainlie finde , but assuredlie also obteyne and possesse ] all precious riches , [ i. all manner of precious and rich things : and this perswasion is drawne from profite . ] and fill our houses [ i. we shall haue great store and aboundance ] with spoyle [ vz. of the good people : meaning that they should haue , as a plentifull pray , all manner of rich and precious things . ] Vers. 14. Cast in thy lot amongst vs , [ i. haue a portion and a part with vs , and ioyne thy selfe vnto vs in these things . But I would rather reade it in the future tense , q.d. Looke what part wee haue , thou shalt haue the same : and we looke for none but good , therefore thy portion shall be plentifull . ] we will all haue one purse . [ this is another intisement of the wicked : q.d. we will be share and share like , and as we put all into one bagge ; so we will haue it equallie diuided , and none shall be preferred before another . ] Vers. 15. My sonne , [ see vers. 8. of this Chapter . ] walke not thou in the way with them , [ i. be not conuersant with them at any hand , neither haue any fellowship or dealing with them , either openly nor priuately . ] refraine thy foote from their path , [ i. walke not in their wicked waies , least thou bee partaker with them , as of the same sinnes , so of the same punishments . ] Vers. 16. For their feete runne to euill [ i. they are swift to commit iniquitie ] and make hast to shed bloud : [ i. to murther and kill men , and to take away their liues : see vers. 11. of this Chapter : and this is a reason , why the godlie should not hearken to the intisements of the wicked . ] Vers. 17. and 18. as they are read in the Geneua text , seeme to carrie with them this sense : that as the Fowler hath no cause giuen him on the behalfe of the bird to catch the bird , and yet notwithstanding doth take the same : so the wicked lye closelie in waite , to destroye the good , though the godlie haue giuen them no occasion so to doo . But others varieth both in sense and reading thus . ] for in vayne [ i. to no purpose at all . ] is the net [ vz. of the Fowler ] spread before the eyes [ i. openlie and in the sight ] of all that hath wing , [ i. of euerie birde and fowle , q.d. though these men make an account , as though they had gotten the praie , yet they can no more certainlie saie that they can bring to passe their counsels and purposes , than an vnskilfull fowler ( which laieth his snares & grinns openlie ) can certainlie affirme , that he will catch the birds that flie by , and obserue his nets : and so it is as another reason ; that as before hee had perswaded them not to yeeld to the inticements of the wicked , because all things they did tended to iniustice and crueltie : so here he disswadeth them , because they can looke for no certeine euent of their purposes . ] Vers. 18. Moreouer , [ q.d. this is an other reason , why you should not yeelde to their prouocations , ] they themselues [ i. the wicked and vngodlie ] laie waite for their owne blood : [ i. worke mischiefe , euen to the destruction of themselues ] in that they hide themselues : [ vz. thinking thereby to catch and insnare others : ] it is against their owne soules , [ i. it is hurtfull to themselues : sée to this end Psal. 7.14 , 15 , 16. And so here is a third argument , taken from the heauie destruction of the wicked , which they purchase vnto themselues by their own wicked doings ] V. 19. Such [ i. so dangerous and deadlie ] are the waies [ i. the purposes and practises ] of euerie one [ i. of what state or condition soeuer he or they be of ] that is greedie of gaine , [ i. that is giuen to it , and gapeth after vniust gaine , ] he [ i. the wicked ] would take awaie [ vz. for the satisfying of his owne greedie and couetous desire ] the life of the owners thereof . [ i. of such gaine or good things as other men haue and they desire . Some readeth it otherwise , & make an other sense of the latter part of the verse thus ; ] in such state [ vz. both for wicked purposes and great dangers ] are the companies [ i. the societies , fellowships , or corporations ( as a man would saie ) : for he seemeth to allude to that which was spoken before vers. 14. see Gen. 37.25 . where mention is made of a companie of Ishmaelitish marchants also , ] of all that are giuen to gaine . [ i. to vniust gaine : and in that terme also he sheweth , that none of them can escape death and destruction ; because the iudgement which God will laie vpon them cannot be auoided . ] Gaine [ i. vniust gaine ] taketh awaie the soule of them [ i. the life of them ] that are giuen theretoo . [ vz. greedelie and aboue measure . This is it ( as I take it ) that the holie Ghost dooth sententiouslie conclude , that the wicked shall not escape vnpunished : and all this is done , to draw the godlie that they consent not to their wicked allurements . ] Ve. 20. Wisedom [ It is in the Hebrue text in the plural number , by which he noteth most high & excellent wisedom , vz. euen the eternall wisedome of God ( Iesus Christ ) of whom see afterward chapt. 8. and in whome are hid all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge Coloss. 2.3 . ] crieth [ vz. earnestlie and continuallie : by which he setteth out his great loue to the conuersion of men . ] without , [ i. abroad and openlie , ] she vttereth her voice [ i. she speaketh freelie and plainlie ] in the streetes : [ vz. of the Citie : both these layde together , sound q.d. both openlie and priuatelie , in the citie and in the fields , wisedome ceaseth not to call men to amendement . ] Vers. 21. She calleth [ vz. men to amendment ] in the high streate among the prease , [ q.d. she is in the great assemblie and concourse of people , taking thereby the greatest and best opportunitie of well dooing . ] in the entring of the gates , [ vz. whether people were wont to repaire for matters of iustice and iudgement : as Gen. 34.20 . Ruth 4.1 . q.d. both in the market place and in the iudgement place , wisedome seeketh to draw men vnto her , ] and vttereth her words [ vz. verie plainlie and sensiblie , that all may vnderstande ] in the citie , [ i. in euerie place and quarter of the citie : see Psalm . 55.9 , 10 , 11. ] saying : [ vz. vnto the wicked and vngodlie : ] Vers. 22. O ye foolish , [ or simple rather , as ver. 4. of this chapter : for he vseth one and the selfe same wordes in both places . ] how long will ye loue foolishnesse ? [ q.d. will ye neuer leaue off this sheepishnesse and simplenesse ? ] and the scornfull , [ of these see Psalm . 1.1 . who turne all things into scoffes , the wickedst people that can be ] take their pleasure in scorning ? [ i. how long wil you delight in it , to your own hurt and destruction in the end , vnlesse you repent ? ] & the fooles [ this word doth not onlie comprehend such as are spoken of before vers. 7. of this chapter , who are giuen to false opinions , and follow waies directlie contrarie to wisedome ; but also want wisedome , and giue not their mindes thereto ] hate knowledge ? [ vz. offered them . Marke how in this verse he passeth sodainlie from the seconde person to the third . ] Vers. 23. Turne you [ vz. from your euil waies : neither speaketh he this , as though they had either will or power to doo it without God ; but to shew that now the meane was offered them , which if they refused , it would be a greater iudgement against them . ] at my correction , [ i. now that I doo by words and speaches labor to correct and amend you , ] loe [ q.d. if you will doo this , see what benefites you shall draw and pull to your selfe . ] J will powre out my minde vnto you , [ i. I wil make you plentifullie acquainted with the fulnesse of all good things which dwell in me , ] and make you vnderstand my words . [ i. the words which I shall speake for your amendment : q.d. till I giue you vnderstanding thereof , they can be no otherwise to you , but as a sealed or closed booke . ] Vers. 24. Because I haue called [ vz. earnestlie vnto you , for your amendement and good ] and ye refused ; [ vz. to hearken and yeelde obedience vnto my voyce . ] J haue stretched out mine hand , [ q.d. I haue beckened vnto you with my hand , and giuen you signes and tokens of my calling and protection , ] and none [ vz. amongest you ] would regard . [ vz. these testimonies and tokens of my loue towardes you . ] Vers. 25. But [ q.d. moreouer and besides all this ] ye haue despised , all my counsell , [ i. through your rebellion you haue contemptuouslie cast from you , all that I purposed and offered vnto you for your good : ] and would none of my correction . [ i. would not accept or regard anie meane that I vsed , either of word or chastisement for your bettering and amendment . In these two verses , he reckoneth vp their sinnes , in the next followeth their iudgements . ] Vers. 26. I will also laugh ( i. I will not care for you or regarde you . Laughter attributed to God according to man : see Psalm . 2.4 . ] at your destruction , [ The word properlie signifieth a vapor , exhalation , or clowde ; but here by a Metaphore it is taken for calamitie or miserie , which bringeth destruction vpon men ; and that in a double respect , because as clowdes and vapors darken the daie , so calamitie and miserie make dark manie times the glorie and renowme of men : againe , as vapors and exhalations arise sodainlie , and sodainlie depart againe : so dooth the glorie of the wicked when the tempest of miserie beginneth once to blowe vpon it . ] and mocke [ vz you in your miserie : and this is spoken of God according to mans capacitie ] when your feare commeth [ vz. sodainly , as in the next verse vpon you : vnderstanding by feare , not only the things which the wicked feare , but also the time of their calamitie , in which they shall be in great feare & doubting ; yea the very anguish & griefe of their hart also . ] Ver. 27. When your feare [ see ve. 26. commeth [ vz. vpon you , and that certainlie and assuredlie , which he signifieth by speaking in the present tense . ] like sodaine desolation , [ i. like such destruction and wasting , as for the sodainnes of it , can neither be easely borne , nor well preuented . That word which is here turned desolation , dooth properly signifie , a sodaine and furious breach or destruction of any thing , breaking and ouerthrowing euery thing that it méeteth with . ] and your destruction [ i. the destruction which is appoynted for you ] shall come [ vz. vppon you ] like a whirlewind , [ i. both sodainlie and with great violence : he expresseth one thing vnder sundrie termes ] when affliction and anguish [ i. when trouble and griefe , either outward in the bodie , or inward in the minde ] shall come vppon you [ vz. iustly from God : q.d. I will not only then laugh at your destruction , but you your selfe shall pray and not be heard . ] Vers. 28. Then [ i. in the time of their trouble and sorrowe ] shall they [ i. the wicked : marke the sodaine change of the person , from the second to the third ] call vpon me [ i. pray vnto me , as Psalme 50.15 . ] but I will not answere : [ i. graunt them their requestes : yea , by with-holding the thinges they pray for , I will testifie my wrath against them , ] they shall seeke me earely [ i. very diligently , carefully , and as it were incessantly : q.d. they shall spare no paines , yea they shall breake their sleepes in the morning . ] but shall not finde me , [ vz. gracious and merciful vnto them in their griefes , because God wil be found of none but of such as seeke him according to his will reuealed in his word , and that with the same affection of heart , which he in the same requireth . ] Vers. 29 Because they hated knowledge , [ see vers. 22. of this Chapter , he doth here againe repeate the causes of the ruine and destruction of the wicked . ] and did not chuse [ vz. when it was graciouslie tendred and offered them . ] the feare of the Lord ] see vers. 7. of this Chapter . ] Vers. 30. They would none of my counsell , but despised all my correction . [ see vers. 25. of this Chapter . He meaneth that in the pride of their owne hearts , they were set , to contemne and despise whatsoeuer God would do for them . ] Vers. 31. Therefore [ vz. for this their great contempt and rebellion ] shall they eate [ vz. in al aboundance , plentie and fulnes ] of the fruite of their owne way [ i. they shall bee satisfied , with their wicked counsels , and haue iust punishments layd vpon them for the same , euen the wickednesse which they haue sowne , they shall reape with all fulnes : see Chapter 22.8 . ] and be filled with their owne deuices [ i. : with the punishments and mischiefes , which they themselues had deuised against others . ] Vers. 32. For ease [ i. not only the peace and quietnesse which they here inioy , but their stubbornnes and setlednes in euill , wherein they please themselues , and promise vnto themselues all prosperitie : see Ieremiah 48.11 . Zephani . 1.12 . ] slaieth the foolish [ i. the simple , which knowe not how to vse it , as vers. 22. of this Chapter ] and the prosperitie of fooles [ i. that prosperitie which fooles and wicked persons enioy ] destroyeth them [ i. plungeth them daylie more and more into destruction . ] Vers. 33. But he that obeieth mee [ vz. in doing the things which I command him ] shall dwell safelie [ vz. from all naughtie men , or any mischiefe they can imagine against him : see Psalm . 4.8 . ] and be quiet from feare of euill [ i. not only , no euill it selfe , but no suspition or feare of it shall go to his heart , he shall bee so strengthened through Gods promises , and defended by his almightie power .