An exposition with practical observations continued upon the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters…

Yet the word being in Hyphil, is of an active signification, and ¹when it is in construction with Beth (as Grammarians observe) it imports to give credit unto, or confide in a person; and so here, he put no trust; that is, he did not credit or confide in those servants, or he did not believe on them. He saw somewhat in them, which might betray them to disloyalty, if himself withdrawing his assistance should make an experiment, or try what was in their hearts. And this sense is most suitable to the state and office of a servant: trusting or not trusting, faithfulness, or unfaithfulness, are acts proper to that relation, Lord and Servant. So then the Lord put no trust, or he could not confide in his servants, they being such as he found not perfectly sure and loyal unto him. We say commonly of a man whom we cannot rust, We will not give our word for him, and we will not take his. Our Lord Christ is therefore called a faithful High Priest, because his Father trusted him with the whole business of our salvation, without the least misgiving thought of his faithfulness, or the miscarriage of the work. Thus Solomon describes a faithful Wife and a confiding Husband, Prov. 31, 10, 11. A rare couple indeed, and as rarely found. Therefore he makes proclamation for such a woman; who can find a virtuous Woman? for her price is far above Rubies, the heart of her Husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil: there's confidence to the height, the heart of her Husband doth safely trust in her. A Husband that hath such a Jewell to his Wife, knows, she will order the family with discretion at home, when he's abroad: he knows she is faithful to him body and goods. Her chastity or her frugality never came in question before ⟨p. 128⟩his thoughts; therefore (saith he) I shall have no need of spoil, which some interpret thus: her care and wisdom in providing for the family, will make it like an Army, which hath overcome the ²Enemy in the field, or won a wealthy City, where the Soldiers have spoil or pillage enough, they need no spoil. Or as others, He shall have no need of spoil, that is, he shall have no need to spoil or oppress others, to help his family. All things shall be so ordered by his wives prudence, that he shall not need to take any unjust way, to provide for, or supply his household.