Of sacrifices; of the remainders of sacrifices, of which they used to make feasts; of which See Poole “Prov. 7:14”. Or, of slain beasts, as that word is used, Gen. 31:54, and elsewhere.

Shall have rule over a son that causeth shame; either as being by his father appointed tutor or guardian to his son; or being by his wisdom advanced to that estate and dignity which the other possibly hath lost by his folly.

The hearts of men cannot be searched and known by any human art, but by God only.

A wicked doer, or, a malicious or mischievous man, whose practice and delight it is to bring trouble to others, giveth heed to false lips, Heb. to lips of iniquity, to any wicked counsels or speeches, to false accusations and calumnies, which give him occasion and encouragement to do mischief.

Mocketh the poor; derideth or reproacheth him with or for his poverty. His Maker; God, who by his providence made him poor. See the same assertion Prov. 14:31. At calamities; at the miseries of other men.

The crown of old men; their honour and happiness, because they are in themselves blessings of God, and testimonies of God’s favour, although sometimes they may become the shame of their father’s house.

Excellent speech; either, 1. Discourse of high and excellent things far above his capacity. Or, 2. Lofty or eloquent speech, which fools oft affect, Or, 3. Virtuous and godly discourse.

As a precious stone; pleasant and acceptable, and withal dazzleth his eyes. Of him that hath it, Heb. of the lord or owner of it; either, 1. Of the giver; or rather, 2.

That covereth a transgression; that concealeth, as far as he may, other men’s faults against himself, or against their friends. Seeketh, i.e. findeth or obtaineth, as this word is used here below, Prov. 17:19, Prov. 11:27. Love; either 1. To himself. Or rather, 2.

Is more effectual for his reformation.

An evil man seeketh only rebellion; it is the constant study and business of wicked men to rebel, either, 1. Against men in authority. But this is not universally true, for many most wicked persons are not guilty of that sin. Or rather, 2. Against God. For, 1. Thus it is true of all wicked men. 2.

Robbed of her whelps, when she is most cruel and fierce. In his folly; in the heat of his lust or passion, because the danger is greater, all things considered, and more unavoidable.

From his person and family, because such a man is most hateful to God and to all mankind; God will punish him, and men will not pity nor relieve him.

Letteth out water, by cutting the bank of a river, in which case the water quickly widens the breach, and breaks in with irresistible violence and fury, and causeth great mischief and destruction.

That justifieth; that acquitteth him as innocent by a judicial sentence, or otherwise approveth or commendeth his evil practices; by which we may easily understand what it is to condemn the just.

Wherefore? the question implies that it is unworthily placed, and that it is to no purpose or benefit of the possessor. A price; possessions or riches, as all the ancient translators render it, of which this word is used, Isa.

A friend, a sincere and hearty friend, loveth at all times, not only in prosperity, but also in adversity, when false friends forsake us. A brother, who is so not only by name and blood, but by brotherly affection, is born for adversity; was sent into the world for this among other ends, that he…

Striketh hands, in token of his becoming surety; of which phrase, and of the thing itself, see on Prov. 6:1, Prov. 11:15. His friend: the friend here is either, 1. Before and to the creditor. Or rather, 2.

He loveth transgression that loveth strife, because contention is in itself a sin, and is commonly accompanied or followed with many sins, as detraction, malice, hatred, pride, &c. His gate; either, 1. His mouth, i.e. who speaketh loftily; for we read of the gate or doors of one’s mouth in Mic.

He that hath a froward heart, whose heart is not plain and upright, but false towards God or men, findeth no good; shall not get that advantage by his dissimulation which he intends and expects, but shall fall into mischief, as is implied from the opposite clause.

A fool; not a natural, but a wilful fool, or a wicked son. The father; and consequently the mother also. Hath no joy, which parents usually have in the birth of a child, and especially of a son; but hath great cause of sorrow, the contrary being implied in this and such-like expressions, as in…

A merry heart; cheerfulness of soul, especially that which is solid, and ariseth from the witness of a good conscience. Doeth good, even to the body; it contributes very much to the restoration or preservation of bodily health and rigour, as physicians observe, and experience showeth.

A wicked man, whether judge or witness. Out of the bosom; in secret, as this phrase is expounded, Prov. 21:14, being privily conveyed from the bosom of the giver into his own bosom. To pervert the ways of judgment; to give or procure an unjust sentence.

Before him; or, in (as the particle beth is used, Deut. 2:7, and is here rendered by divers interpreters) the face or countenance. The sense is either, 1. His wisdom appears even in his gestures and looks, which are modest, and composed, and grave. Or, 2.

This he said before, Prov. 15:20, and elsewhere; but he here repeats it as a point of great moment and constant use, and as a powerful motive to oblige both children to carry themselves wisely and dutifully to their parents, as they would not be thought to be unnatural or inhuman, and parents to…

Also: this particle seems to have relation to the next foregoing proverb, to imply that it is a very evil thing for children to cause grief to their parents, as it is also to do what here follows.

Spareth, Heb. restraineth, as at other times, so especially when he is provoked to passion, in which case fools utter all their mind. An excellent spirit; which he showeth by commanding his passions, and bridling himself from hasty and unadvised speeches.

Is counted wise, because he is sensible of his own folly, and therefore forbears to speak, lest he should discover it; which is a great point of true wisdom.