Pro 24 | Wesley | STEP | Sick - I was not sensible of it. Again - At present my condition requires sleep to settle myself, and when I am composed, I purpose to return to my former course.

Proverbs 24

Sick - I was not sensible of it. Again - At present my condition requires sleep to settle myself, and when I am composed, I purpose to return to my former course. Destruction - How they may oppress and destroy others. Through wisdom - There is no need that thou shouldest raise thy family by ruining others, which thou mayest more effectually do by wisdom. By knowledge - Which in scripture phrase includes the love and practice of what we know. Is strong - Is courageous and resolute, and able by wisdom to do greater things than others can accomplish by strength. Thy war - War is better managed by wisdom than by strength. A fool - For a wicked man, whose sins enfeeble his mind, and make it incapable of wisdom. Openeth not - He knows not how to speak acceptably, and profitably in the publick assembly. Shall be called - Though he cover his wicked devices with fair pretences, he shall be branded with that infamy which is due to him. The thought - The very inward thought or contrivance of evil, is a sin in God's sight. Deliver - When it is in thy power. Drawn - By the violence of lawless men. Consider - That this is only a frivolous excuse. Eat - This is not a command, but a concession, and is only here expressed to illustrate the following verse. Honey in those parts was an usual food. A reward - It is not only sweet for the present, but brings a sure and everlasting reward. Falleth - Into calamities, of which he evidently speaks both in the foregoing verse, and in the following branch of this verse. Fall - Frequently into irrecoverable destruction. Falleth - Into mischief. From him - Understand, upon thee, which is implied in the Hebrew phrase. No reward - All his happiness shall quickly and eternally perish. The candle - All their comfort and glory shall cease. To change - That are unstable in their obedience to God or to the king. Who knoweth - Who can conceive how sore and sudden will be the ruin of them that fear not God, and the king. These - The counsels following, to the end of the chapter, no less than those hitherto mentioned, are worthy of their consideration. Rebuke - That publickly and judicially rebuke and condemn the wicked. Delight - The peace of a good conscience. Shall kiss - Shall respect him. A right answer - That speaks pertinently and plainly, and truly. Received - I learned wisdom by his folly.