| * 以 弗 所 書 14:7-9 腓 立 比 書 9:39 雅 各 書 16:1-4,6,12 約 翰 一 書 5:25 歌 林 多 前 書 6:10 啟 示 錄 14:13
CONCLUDING REMARKS ON THE BOOK OF PROVERBS.
The wisdom of all ages, from the highest antiquity, has chosen
to compress and communicate its lessons in short, compendious
sentences, and in poetic language, which were readily conceived
and easily retained, and circulated in society as useful
principles, to be unfolded as occasion required. Indeed, such
short maxims, comprehending much instruction in a few words,
and carrying their own evidence with them, are admirably
adapted to direct the conduct, without overburdening the
memory, or perplexing the mind with abstract reasonings; and
hence there are, in all countries and in all languages, old
proverbs, or common sayings, which have great authority and
influence on the opinions and actions of mankind. Such maxims,
however, want their proper basis, the sanction of a Divine
Original; and being generally the mere result of worldly
prudence, are often calculated to impose on the judgment, and
to mislead those who are directed by them. But the proverbs in
this book not only are far more ancient than any others extant
in the world, and infinitely surpass all the ethical sayings of
the ancient sages; but have also received a Divine imprimatur,
and are infallible rules to direct our conduct in every
circumstance of human life. They are so justly founded on the
principles of human nature, and so adapted to the permanent
interests of man, that they agree with the manners of every
age; and are adapted to every period, condition, or rank in
life, however varied in its complexion or diversified by
circumstance. Kings and subjects, rich and poor, wise and
foolish, old and young, fathers and mothers, husbands and
wives, sons and daughters, masters and servants, may here learn
their respective duties, and read lessons of instruction for
the regulation of their conduct in their various circumstances;
while the most powerful motives, derived from honor, interest,
love, fear, natural affection, and piety, are exhibited to
inspire an ardent love of wisdom and virtue, and the greatest
detestation of ignorance and vice. These maxims are laid down
so clearly, copiously, impressively, and in such variety, that
every man who wishes to be instructed may take what he chooses,
and, among multitudes, those which he likes best. "He is
wise," say St. Basil, "not only who hath arrived at a complete
habit of wisdom, but who hath made some progress towards it;
nay, who doth as yet but love it, or desire it, and listen to
it. Such as these, by reading this book, shall be made wiser;
for they shall be instructed in much divine, and in no less
human learning.... It bridles the injurious tongue, corrects
the wanton eye, and ties the unjust hand in chains. It
persecutes sloth, chastises all absurd desires, teaches
prudence, raises man's courage, amd represents temperance and
chastity after such a fashion that one cannot but have them in
veneration."
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