not mercy and truth forsake thee; God's mercy in promising, and his truth in performing: live up
to them, keep up thine interest in them, and take the comfort of them. We must trust in the Lord
with all our hearts, believing he is able and wise to do what is best. Those who know themselves,
find their own understandings a broken reed, which, if they lean upon, will fail. Do not design any
thing but what is lawful, and beg God to direct thee in every case, though it may seem quite plain.
In all our ways that prove pleasant, in which we gain our point, we must acknowledge God with
thankfulness. In all our ways that prove uncomfortable, and that are hedged up with thorns, we
must acknowledge him with submission. It is promised, He shall direct thy paths; so that thy way
shall be safe and good, and happy at last.
Verses 7–12
There is not a greater enemy to the fear of the Lord in the heart, than self-conceit of our own
wisdom. The prudence and sobriety which religion teaches, tend not only to the health of the soul,
but to the health of the body. Worldly wealth is but poor substance, yet, such as it is, we must
honour God with it; and those that do good with what they have, shall have more to do more good
with. Should the Lord visit us with trials and sickness, let us not forget that the exhortation speaks
to us as to children, for our good. We must not faint under an affliction, be it ever so heavy and
long, not be driven to despair, or use wrong means for relief. The father corrects the son whom he
loves, because he loves him, and desires that he may be wise and good. Afflictions are so far from
doing God's children any hurt, that, by the grace of God, they promote their holiness.
Verses 13–20
No precious jewels or earthly treasures are worthy to be compared with true wisdom, whether
the concerns of time or eternity be considered. We must make wisdom our business; we must
venture all in it, and be willing to part with all for it. This Wisdom is the Lord Jesus Christ and his
salvation, sought and obtained by faith and prayer. Were it not for unbelief, remaining sinfulness,
and carelessness, we should find all our ways pleasantness, and our paths peace, for his are so; but
we too often step aside from them, to our own hurt and grief. Christ is that Wisdom, by whom the
worlds were made, and still are in being; happy are those to whom he is made of God wisdom. He
has wherewithal to make good all his promises.
Verses 21–26
Let us not suffer Christ's words to depart from us, but keep sound wisdom and discretion; then
shall we walk safely in his ways. The natural life, and all that belongs to it, shall be under the
protection of God's providence; the spiritual life, and all its interests, under the protection of his
grace, so that we shall be kept from falling into sin or trouble.
Verses 27–35
Our business is to observe the precepts of Christ, and to copy his example; to do justice, to love
mercy, and to beware of covetousness; to be ready for every good work, avoiding needless strife,