The sin we are here warned against is luxury and sensuality, and the indulgence of the appetite in eating and drinking, a sin that most easily besets us. 1.

As some are given to appetite so others to covetousness, and those Solomon here takes to task. Men cheat themselves as much by setting their hearts on money (though it seems most substantial) as by setting them on dainties. Observe, I.

Those that are voluptuous and given to appetite are glad to be where there is good cheer stirring, and those that are covetous and saving, that they may spare at home, will be glad to get a dinner at another man’s table; and therefore both are here advised not to be forward to accept of every man’s…

We are here directed not to cast pearls before swine and not to expose things sacred to the contempt and ridicule of profane scoffers. It is our duty to take all fit occasions to speak of divine things; but, 1.

Note, 1. The fatherless are taken under God’s special protection; with him they not only find mercy shown to them but justice done for them. He is their Redeemer, their Goël, their near kinsman, that will take their part and stand up for them with jealousy, as taking himself affronted in the…

Here is, 1. A parent instructing his child. He is here brought in persuading him to give his mind to his book, and especially to the scriptures and his catechism, to attend to the words of knowledge, by which he might come to know his duty, and danger, and interest, and not to think it enough to…

Here is, 1. A necessary caution against entertaining any favourable thoughts of prospering profaneness: ” Let not thy heart envy sinners; do not grudge them either the liberty they take to sin or the success they are to be pitied rather than envied.

Here is good advice for parents to give to their children; words are put into their mouths, that they may train them up in the way they should go. Here we have, I.

Solomon here gives fair warning against the sin of drunkenness, to confirm what he had said, Prov. 23:20. I. He cautions all people to keep out of the way of temptations to this sin : Look not thou upon the wine when it is red.