Proverbs:20

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* Verse 1 - It seems hard to believe that men of the greatest abilities , as well as the ignorant , should render themselves fools and madmen , merely for the taste or excitement produced by strong liquors .2 . How formidable kings are to those who provoke them ! how much more foolish then is it to provoke the King of kings !3 . To engage in quarrels is the greatest folly that can be . Yield , and even give up just demands , for peace ' sake .4 . He who labours and endures hardship in his seed-time for eternity , will be properly diligent as to his earthly business . mhcc @Proverbs:20:5 . @ Verse 5 . -. Though many capable of giving wise counsel are silent , yet something may be drawn from them , which will reward those who obtain it .6 . It is hard to find those that have done , and will do more good than they speak , or care to hear spoken of . mhcc @Proverbs:20:7 . @ Verse 7 . -. A good man is not liable to uneasiness in contriving what he shall do , or in reflecting on what he has done , as those who walk in deceit . And his family fare better for his sake .8 . If great men are good men , they may do much good , and prevent very much evil .9 . Some can say , Through grace , we are cleaner than we have been ; but it was the work of the Holy Spirit .10 . See the various deceits men use , of which the love of money is the root . The Lord will not bless what is thus gotten .11 . Parents should observe their children , that they may manage them accordingly .12 . All our powers and faculties are from God , and are to be employed for him .13 . Those that indulge themselves , may expect to want necessaries , which should have been gotten by honest labour .14 . Men use arts to get a good bargain , and to buy cheap ; whereas a man ought to be ashamed of a fraud and a lie .15 . He that prefers true knowledge to riches , follows the ways of religion and happiness . If we really believed this truth , the word of God would be valued as it deserves , and the world would lose its tempting influence .16 . Those ruin themselves who entangle themselves in rash suretiship . Also those who are in league with abandoned women . Place no confidence in either .17 . Wealth gotten by fraud may be sweet , for the carnal mind takes pleasure in the success of wicked devices ; but it will be bitter in the reflection .18 . Especially we need advice in spiritual warfare . The word and Spirit of God are the best counsellors in every point .19 . Those dearly buy their own praise , who put confidence in a man because he speaks fairly .20 . An undutiful child will become very miserable . Never let him expect any peace or comfort .21 . An estate suddenly raised , is often as suddenly ruined .22 . Wait on the Lord , attend his pleasure , and he will protect thee . mhcc @Proverbs:20:23 . @ Verse 23 . -. A bargain made by fraud will prove a losing bargain in the end .24 . How can we form plans , and conduct business , independently of the Lord ?25 . The evasions men often use with their own consciences show how false and deceitful man is .26 . Justice should crush the wicked , and separate them from the virtuous .27 . The rational soul and conscience are as a lamp within us , which should be used in examining our dispositions and motives with the revealed will of God .28 . Mercy and truth are the glories of God 's throne .29 . Both young and old have their advantages ; and let neither despise or envy the other . mhcc @Proverbs:20:30 . @ Verse 30 . -. Severe rebukes sometimes do a great deal of good . But such is the corruption of nature , that men are loth to be rebuked for their sins . If God uses severe afflictions , to purify our hearts and fit us for his service , we have cause to be very thankful . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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