A plain and familiar exposition of the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of the Proverbs…A plaine and familiar exposition of the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of the Prouerbs…

Vers. 14. The doctrine of a wise man is a wellspring of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Vers. 14. The doctrine of a wise man is a welspring of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Though the meaning of these words hath been showed, and prosecuted already in the eleventh verse of the tenth chapter, yet we will add somewhat to the explication thereof. When it is said therefore that the doctrine or instruction of a wise man is of such force, it is to be understood of wholesome and sound doctrine, such as he receiveth from God, and delivereth to his brethren: for wise men sometimes draw their instructions from their errors, and now and then from grosser corruptions, as David did, when he gave direction to Joab how he should cause Uriah to be made away. And as the lesson ought to be sound for the matter, so must it be seasonable for the manner, as spoken in due time, in meet place, and fitly applied, wherein Jobs friends much failed, though otherwise the men were godly, and their words very true and weighty. And yet further to these must be added of his part that will drink of this lively fountain, an attentive ear, and believing heart to hear and embrace the doctrine. And then it will be constant and not dried up like ditches or ponds that are fed with rain water: it will be comfortable, and refresh the hearts ⟨p. 39⟩of them that are in affliction: it will be profitable, and make them that receive it, fruitful: it will be necessary and forcible to deliver them from sin and destruction, though therein the similitude be altered: for that is meant by turning from the snares of death.

THough the meaning of these words hath been shewed, and prosecuted already in the eleuenth verse of the tenth chapter, yet we will adde somewhat to the explication thereof. When it is sayd therefore that the doctrine or instruction of a wise man is of such force, it is to be vnderstood of wholsome and sound doctrine, such as he receiueth from God, and deliuereth to his brethren: for wise men sometimes draw their instructions from their errors, and now and then from grosser corruptions, as Dauid did, when he gaue direction to Ioab how he should cause Vrijah to be made away. And as the lesson ought to be sound for the matter, so must it be seasonable for the manner, as spoken in due time, in meete place, and fitly applied, wherein Iobs friends much failed, though otherwise the men were godly, and their words very true and waighty. And yet further to these must be added of his part that will drinke of this liuely fountaine, an attentiue eare, and beleeuing heart to heare and imbrace the doctrine. And then it will be constant and not dryed vp like ditches or ponds that are fed with raine water: it will be comfortable, and refresh the hearts