Proverbs

When a young man said to Carlyle that there was nothing in the Book of Proverbs, he replied: c Make a few proverbs and you will think differently of the book.”

He that would be wise, let him read Proverbs. He that would be holy, let him read Psalms.

1: 22. Simple ones — scorners — fools.

V. 25. They “would none of my reproof.” V. 30. “They would none of my counsel.” “Israel would none of me.” Ps. 81:11.

32. Bacon said,” Prosperity doth best discover vice, but adversity doth best discover virtue.”

4: 18. I am walking toward a great light, and the nearer

I get, the brighter it is. The last words from Longfellow’s pen: —

“Out of the shadows of night,
The world rolls into light:
It is day-break everywhere.”

When St. Cuthbert was overtaken in a terrible storm, his companions said to him, “The sea is before us, and the path behind us is blocked with snow. What shall we do?” He replied, “Thank God, the road to heaven is not obstructed.”

6: 22. Shall lead — shall keep — shall talk.

7: 18-20. Like a faithless wife, the world takes advantage

of the Lord’s absence to seek guilty pleasure; but this can only last till his return. On the other hand, the Lord’s return ends his people’s sorrows and brings them holy and everlasting

joy-

8: 34. Willing, watching, waiting.

10: 7. “The memory of the just is blessed.”

“Only the actions of the just
Smell sweet and blossom in their dust.”

22. The blessings we enjoy are not the fruit of our own merit, but the fruit of God’s mercy.

13: 15. “The way of transgressors is hard,” because, —

(1.) Sin begets sin;
(2.) it makes a guilty conscience;
(3.) it always turns out hideous;
(4.) it brings future punishment.

24. Better the child cry than the father sigh.

14: 12. The cream of earth’s pleasures floats on the top.

He that thinks by a deeper draught to find yet more, fares worse.

15: II. Some things come to the poor that can’t get into

the doors of the rich, whose money blocks the way: peace, contentment, etc.

16: 18. Be humble or you ’11 stumble.

17: 17. A true friend is like ivy — the greater the ruin, the

closer he clings.

18: 24. We have not to hold on to Christ; he sticks to us.

22: 6. Happy are they who learn their first lessons in their mother’s arms!

Children old enough to sin are old enough to repent.

Satan does not wait till the children grow up; — why should you?

28: 1. If Christians should shrink back at every contrary wind that blows, they would never make their voyage to heaven.