PR 31:31
Referensi Silang:
{m} perbuatannya memuji {m}
	/TB  Ams 11:16 
==TSK==
* of the.
	. 16 11:30 Ps 128:2 Mt 7:16,20 Ro 6:21,22 Php 4:17
* and let.
	. Mr 14:7-9 Ac 9:39 Ro 16:1-4,6,12 1Ti 5:25 Heb 6:10 Re 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 honour, 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."