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…

It is very ordinary and common, that slothful persons be high ⟨p. 12⟩minded and luxurious. And that testimony is given of them by the Lord himself, who narrowly looketh both into their hearts and ways. He telleth us, that the sluggard is wiser in his own conceit ¹then seven men that can render a reason. And likewise that the sleepy doggish shepherds as they were insatiable for their gain so were they sensual for their bellies, saying, Come, I will bring wine, and we will fill our selves with strong drink &c. And Ezekiel ²linketh them all together as three lewd companions in the example of the Sodomites, saying, This was the iniquity of thy sister ³Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her, and in her daughters. And though the Scriptures should be silent herein, yet their own practise would publish the trueth of this point. Who seeth not apparently that they which do least good service to God or man, be most vain, garish, and luxurious? do not they that mind to set up the trade of laziness desire to creep into such families as where they may fare well, and go fine, & look bigly, and do nothing, unless it be to play the ruffians, & commit wickedness? Now then if it be certain, that they are proud and voluptuous, it will follow also that they must needs be greedy minded and covetous to maintain, if it were possible their credit and pleasures. This cause ariseth from their own sinful corruption, but an other proceedeth from Gods just judgement upon them. if they lusted, and obtained that which they wished for, it would be a pleasure to them: though they wanted that which they desired not, they would not greatly feel it: but now that they are so hungry for wealth, and yet kept fasting from it, when they see others so stored with plenty, this is a stroke of the Lords own hand, as a punishment of their sin, and addition to their misery. Hereof he speaketh in another place, saying, The desire of the slothful ⁴slayeth him, because his hands refuse to work. He coveteth evermore greedily, but the righteous giveth and spareth not.