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. It is not good for any man to speak as much, and as often as he can, but as often, and as much as he ought. Many wise sayings and sentences, are inserted by the spirit of God into this book, to teach men how to be heedful for the observation of this rule. As when it is said, that the tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; Chap. 15. 2. And that a fool poureth out all his mind: but a wise man keepeth in till afterwards; Chap. 29. 11.

Doct. It is not good for any man to speake as much, and as often as he can, but as often, and as much as he ought. Many wise sayings and sentences, are inserted by the spirit of God into this booke, to teach men how to be heedfull for the obseruation of this rule. As when it is said, that the tongue of the wise vseth knowledge aright; Chap. 15. 2. And that a foole powreth out all his mind: but a wise man keepeth in till afterwards; Chap. 29. 11.

Reasons. 1 First, this sparing of speech, when men reserve themselves for fit occasions, and only utter that which serveth for use, doth give a clear testimony of a mind that is stored with understanding and judgement. And this reason our text in hand doth offer unto us, when it is said, that a wise man hideth knowledge, as a fool on the other side doth exercise the contrary. We deem them not the most thrifty husbands and wealthiest men that will look up nothing in their coffers, nor keep any thing close in their purses, but carry all their money in their hands, and show it to every comer by; and so do they that have no more matter within their ⟨p. 178⟩hearts, then all the standers by shall hear their lips deliver.

Reasons. 1 First, this sparing of speech, when men reserue themselues for fit occasions, and only vtter that which serueth for vse, doth giue a cleere testimony of a minde that is stored with vnderstanding and iudgement. And this reason our text in hand doth offer vnto vs, when it is said, that a wise man hideth knowledge, as a foole on the other side doth exercise the contrarie. Wee deeme them not the most thriftie husbands and wealthiest men that will looke vp nothing in their coffers, nor keepe any thing close in their purses, but carrie al their monie in their hands, and shew it to euery commer by; and so doe they that haue no more matter within their