A plain and familiar exposition of the eleventh and twelfth chapters of the Proverbs…A plaine and familiar exposition of the eleuenth and twelfth chapters of the Prouerbes…

Doct. A slanderous tongue will be as ready to defame them whom it ⟨p. 41⟩speaketh unto, as whom it speaketh against. It trafficketh altogether by exchange, it will deliver nothing to you, but upon condition to receive somewhat from you. It will never bear an empty pack, but desireth where ought is uttered, and taken out, there to take somewhat to be put in, that it may have choice for other places. This is the cause why the Lord forbiddeth to chaffer, or to have any dealing at all with such manner of persons, though they make show of never so great love and kindness towards us. He that goeth about as a slanderer, discovereth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips, Prou. 20. 19.

Doct. A slaunderous tongue will be as readie to defame them whom it ⟨p. 41⟩speaketh vnto, as whom it speaketh against. It trafficketh altogether by exchaunge, it will deliuer nothing to you, but vpon condicion to receiue somewhat from you. It will neuer beare an emptie packe, but desireth where ought is vttered, and taken out, there to take somewhat to be put in, yt it may haue choise for other places. This is the cause why the Lord forbiddeth to chaffer, or to haue any dealing at all with such manner of persons, though they make shew of neuer so great loue and kindnes towards vs. Hee that goeth about as a slaunderer, discouereth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips, Prou. 20. 19.

Reasons. First, the same cause that moved him to relate others mens affairs to thee, will likewise induce him to discover thine to other men: and that is want of love, a desire to be plausible in satisfying itching ears, and hypocrisy, making resemblance to hate those faults which he censureth in others.