{"collection":"Bible & Christianity","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/bib/cmt/mhcc/pro018.htm","path":"bib/cmt/mhcc/pro018.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/bib/cmt/mhcc/pro018.htm","text":"Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible, by Matthew Henry\nIf we would get knowledge and grace, we must try all methods of improving ourselves.\nThose make nothing to purpose, of learning or religion, whose only design is to have something to make a show with.\nAs soon as sin entered, shame followed.\nThe well-spring of wisdom in the heart of a believer, continually supplies words of wisdom.\nThe merits of a cause must be looked to, not the person.\nWhat mischief bad men do to themselves by their ungoverned tongues!\nHow base are those that sow contention! and what fatal effects may be expected from small beginnings of jealousy!\nOmissions of duty, and in duty, are fatal to the soul, as well as commissions of sin.\nThe Divine power, made known in and through our Lord Jesus Christ, forms a strong tower for the believer, who relies on the Lord. How deceitful the defence of the rich man, who has his portion and treasure in this world! It is a strong city and a high wall only in his own conceit; for it will fail when most in need. They will be exposed to the just wrath of that Judge whom they despised as a Saviour.\nAfter the heart has been lifted up with pride, a fall comes. But honour shall be the reward of humility.\nEagerness, with self-conceit, will expose to shame.\nFirmness of mind supports under many pains and trials. But when the conscience is tortured with remorse, no human fortitude can bear the misery; what then will hell be?\nWe must get knowledge, not only into our heads, but into our hearts.\nBlessed be the Lord, who makes us welcome to come to his throne, without money and without price. May his gifts make room for him in our souls.\nIt is well to listen to our enemies, that we may form a better judgment of ourselves.\nIt was customary sometimes to refer matters to God, by casting lots, with solemn prayer. The profaning the lot, by using it in matters of diversion, or coveting what belongs to others, forms an objection to this now.\nGreat care must be taken to prevent quarrels among relations and those under obligations to each other. Wisdom and grace make it easy to forgive; but corruption makes it difficult.\nThe belly is here put for the heart, as elsewhere; and what that is filled with, our satisfaction will be accordingly, and our inward peace.\nMany a one has caused his own death, or the death of others, by a false or injurious tongue.\nA good wife is a great blessing to a man, and it is a token of Divine favour.\nPoverty tells men they must not order or demand. And at the throne of God's grace we are all poor, and must use entreaties.\nChrist Jesus never will forsake those who trust in and love him. May we be such friends to others, for our Master's sake. Having loved his own, which were in the world, he loved them unto the end; and we are his friends if we do whatever he commands us, Joh 15:14.","title":"Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible: Proverbs: Proverbs Chapter 18","type":"page"}