(without which no kingdom can subsist), as himself to undertake the defence of those who were in danger to lose a good cause, for want of an advocate to plead it for them, or to open the true state of it, &c. Especially she commends to him the patronage of strangers, orphans, and poor indigent people. The first of which, in the Hebrew, are called children of change, or that are passed by ; that is, persons who have changed their country, or that are in danger to suffer grievous alterations in their condition, if right be not done them, or who are deserted by all, and have none to stand by them. Several other ways there are to explain the phrase, but to the same purpose. [g] But the great care of parents being to see their son well married, she concludes with the description of such a wife as she would have him seek; which takes up the rest of the chapter, from ver. 10. to the cad. And it is in the form of a poem, (as St Hierom takes it), consisting of a sort of Iambic verses; each of which begins with a new letter of the alphabet in order, the tenth with Aleph, the eleventh with Beth, and so to the bottom. Which was an elegant sort of composure among the ancients, and a help to memory also, as we see in several psalms, and other parts of scripture. Now, whether she composed these verses herself, or got her sense expressed by some eminent poet, cannot be known, nor is it material. But I do not think fit to follow the conjecture of Huetius, (in his late Demonst. Evang.), who imagines the words of Lemuel's mother to end with the ninth verse; and here to begin a distinct composition of some other person, suppose Solomon. For though this following poem be disjoined from the foregoing words, in the LXX. and differs herein from the rest that is in the beginning of every verse, the order of the Hebrew alphabet is observed; yet there being no words in the head of it, as there is in chap. xxx. and beginning of this chapter, to denote it to belong to another author, I take it to be of the same piece with the first nine verses; that is, to be a copy of verses, delivered to Lemuel by his mother, in commendation of an excellent woman; which perhaps she did not make herself, (though there be no proof of that, and both Deborah and Hannah we find were poets), but, notwithstanding, being recommended to him by her, would, she thought, have the same authority with him, as if she had been the author. And it is very observable, that the general character of such a woman as she would have him marry, is escheth chajil, a virtuous woman, we translate it. Which word chajil signifies both strength, (or rather valour and courage), and riches, and virtue. And, in the description of fitting persons for the magistracy, Jethro in general saith, they should be anschee chajil, (Exod. xviii. 21.), which we translate able men; and then follows more particularly wherein their ability should consist, such as, fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness. I take, therefore, escheth chajil to include in it a great fear of God, (mentioned after ward, ver. 30.), which is so powerful as to endue one with courage to do well, when piety is contemned, nay, laughed at and abused; I have not, therefore, omitted this among other words, to express the force of this phrase. [h] And then follow, after this, abundance of other good qualities, which are included in this; such as chastity, and such a care of her husband's estate, that he might have a perfect confidence in her management; love to him without moroseness; diligence in all household affairs; frugality, gentleness in the government of her family, a prudent care in the education of her children, and in setting all the family to some employment or other; and increasing also her husband's estate, and yet giving liberally to the poor; affability and courtesy to all, &c.; which excellent endowments if her son found in a wife, she knew it would be a certain means to preserve him from following other women, (ver. 3.) when he took perfect delight in her company; and from drunkenness also, (ver. 4.), which few fall into who entirely love their wives, and study to please them in all things; for they generally abhor this loathsome vice, In order to this, she would have him marry such an one as he could perfectly confide in, and never in the least suspect of any levity, or unfaithfulness, or carelessness, when he was abroad, ver. 11. and would never be cross to him, but always loving, and kind, and pleasing, when he was at home, ver. 12. [i] An excellent housewife also, prone to take any pains herself, that she might give a good example to others; particularly in the linen and woollen manufacture, in which the greatest women, it appears by ancient authors, constantly employed themselves heretofore, with such diligence, as is highly praised in their books, ver. 13.; where, to express her propension to this work, he ascribes a willingness and forwardness to her hands, just as, Prov. xxi. 25. he makes the hands of the sluggard to be averse to labour. [k] Which turns to a great account, she shews, both in foreign commodities, ver. 14. and in the purchase of land, ver. 16. which the good housewife herself views, and walks about with great expedition, (ver. 17.), tucking up her garments, (as we speak), that she may be fit for motion every where, and not minding fine clothes more than her business, nor, for fear of spoiling them, neglecting that, but preferring strength in her arms acquired by labour, before the ornaments wherewith they are wont to be adorned. [1] The profi: of which she finds is so great, that it makes her love labour better than sleep, and when there is haste of work, to continue it all night; so ver. 18. may be expounded. After which follows, ver. 19. another instance of humble greatness. Then her charity to the poor, ver. 20. her care of her own family, ver. 21.; where the last word having different senses, I have expressed them all in the paraphrase. [m] And then is wisely mentioned, ver. 22. her magnificence in the hanging of her house, and of her bed, and in her own apparel; which was the more allowable when the poor were not neglected, and the decking herself and house did not make her forget their necessities. The particular words there I have not room to explain. Nor those which follow, ver. 23. (after she had mentioned the honour her husband would get by such a wife, ver. 24.), for I think it is needful to give a brief account of ver. 25. [n] Which seems not unfitly translated by Castalio to this sense, "That she, being thus amply provided, and fortified, as it were, against accidents, need not fear any want in future times. But considering what follows, ver. 26. 27. I have chosen only to touch on that sense, and to take the strength and honour for the excellent qualities belonging to her; which I have called her principal ornaments, ecause the Hebrews are wont to express that which adorns any person, and is most proper to them, by the name of clothing; as Psal. cxxxii. 9. "Thy priests shall be clothed with righteousness." [o] The rest I must wholly omit, and only observe, that the fear of the Lord in the conclusion (ver. 3c.) is the foundation of all these virtues, (which will either not be found where there is no devout sense of God, or not be constant and equal, but vary as several passions govern and rule their spirits), especially when it is in such a high degree, that a woman values herself for fear of the Lord, more than any thing else. So the LXX. translate it: "A prudent woman is commended, but she praises the fear of the Lord;" which may have this sense also, that her virtues commend religion unto others. Religion itself is honoured by her excellent virtues, which are so exemplary, that they make others in love with them, as well as with her. I conclude all with the observation of Melancthon, That this description, which he calls speculum honesta matrona, is altogether simple and plain, without any such allegories as Simonides used, who said, "He was happy that married a wife like a bee;" and that all this, in a manner, is comprehended by the apostle in those words, 1 Tim. ii. ult. "She shall be saved in child-bearing, if they continue in faith, and charity, and holiness, with sobriety." Faith, saith he, is the acknowledgement of the true God, and confidence in his Son Jesus Christ, (that is, belief of the whole gospel), out of which springs the love of God, and from thence the love of her husband and children; and then holi ness, or sanctification, which is that virtue we call chastity; and lastly, temperance, as he translates it, moderation in meat and drink, or rather, all manner of sober behaviour, and prudence, in the government of the family, and in the moderation of all sorts of expences, &c. Which things the apostle particularly mentions; because in the enumeration of virtues, it is the manner of the holy writers, to name those only which are most proper and suitable to every one's state and vocation. Ver. 1. THE words of King Lemuel; the prophecy that his mother taught him.] Unto those sayings of Agur, let these of King Lemuel be added and considered; which are weighty sentences also, (xxx. 1.), which his mother taught him with such authority, as if she had been a prophetess. See Arg. [a] Ver. 2. What my son, and what the son of my womb? and what the son of my vows?] And with no less tenderness and affection also, saying, Hearken, my dear son, for whose well-doing, O how much am I concerned! I want words to express the care I have about it; I am at a loss how to instruct thee according to my wishes; what shall I desire thee to do for my sake, who endured so much for thee, when I carried thee in my womb, and brought thee forth from thence? what shall I pray thee to do? for whom I have made so many prayers to God; and vows too, if I might but see thee come safe into the world, and grow to be a man, and sit upon a throne. See Arg. [b] Ver. 3. Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.] In the first place, let me prevail with thee, as thou lovest me, and as thou lovest thyself, to be chaste in thy desires of bodily pleasures, and not to give up thyself to follow thy lust after women, which will destroy the strength of thy body, weaken thy mind, and exhaust thy treasures: that is, engage thee in such courses as are the bane of kings, and, by making them neglect their government, have brought many of them and their kingdoms to utter ruin. See Arg. [c] Ver. 4. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes strong drink;] And next to this, O Lemuel, kings of all other men, kings, I say, should be sparing, very sparing in the use of wine, and of all other intoxicating drink; and so should their counsellors, and commanders of armies, and judges, and all other ministers and officers. See Arg. [d] Ver. 5. Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgement of any of the afflicted.] For they may injure more than themselves, when they are in drink. If a cause, for instance, be brought before a prince or a judge, and his thoughts are confused by the fumes of wine, he may quite forget the standing rules whereby he ought to determine it; and things appearing to him quite otherwise than they are, he may not only judge amiss, but unjustly condemu those that ought to have been acquitted, and undo poor and afflicted people, by giving away their right, when the comfort of their whole life depends upon his justice. Ver. 6. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that be of heavy hearts.] If the liberal use of wine and strong drink is to be indulged to any body, it is to those miserable wretches, and the meaner sort of persons; whom it may be charity to comfort therewith, when they are in danger to perish for want of the necessary supports of life, or are oppressed with grief and sorrow in any other deplorable condition. See Arg. [e] Ver. 7. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and in a good humour, but all the days of her life, even remember his misery no more.] Then bring forth after he is dead, if she survive him. See Arg. [h] plenty of wine, and set it before such a disconsolate Ver. 13. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh person; let him drink freely till he hath cheered his willingly with her hands.] Idleness is so hateful to heart, and raised his drooping spirits, and be able to her, that she need not be desired to employ herself in think of something else beside his poverty and mise- some good housewifery, but of her own accord sets ry, nay, till he be so merry, as quite to forget the up a linen and woollen manufacture; to which she apcares and wearisome labours that it brings upon him. plies her own hands so willingly, as well as dextrousVer. 8. Open thy mouth for the dumb, in the cause of ly, that it appears she delights in the work. See Arg. [i] all such as are appointed to destruction.] And that is Ver. 14. She is like the merchant-ships, she bringeth the third thing I beg of thee, to administer jus- her food from afar.] And therewith she maintains her tice exactly to all thy subjects, and not merely com- family without expence, by carrying on a gainful mit the care of it unto others; but sit thyself upon traffic for foreign commodities, (which she gets in the bench, and if thou seest a man in danger to lose exchange for these), as if her husband set out a fleet his right, because he is not able to make it out, and of merchant ships, to fetch them from far distant through fear, or ignorance, or want of elocution, can- countries. not speak for himself, keep not silence, but under. take his defence, especially if it be the cause of strangers, who understand not the laws, and perhaps are in danger to suffer some great damage, in their bodies, credits, or estates. See Arg. [f] Ver. 9. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.] And when thou hast cleared the righteousness of their cause, fear not to pronounce the sentence boldly, according as the laws require; let no man persuade thee to admit delays, but bring the business to a speedy issue, that he who is poor, nay, a mere beggar, may neither be op pressed by doing him injustice, or by deferring to do him right. Ver. 10. Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.] And now, next to this, I shall commend a good wife unto thee; in the choice of whom a singular care ought to be employed. But, alas! such a woman as I would have is scarce, and hard to be found;-one that is not only industrious, but pious, and can command herself, as well as govern her family; being enriched with all those virtuous qualities, which make her far more valuable than all the pearls and precious stones, that women love to be adorned withal. See Arg. [g] Ver. 11. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.] I can only give the character of her, (which may serve to direct others as well as thee, in their search after such a person), in whose chastity, as well as prudence, frugality, and fidelity in ordering affairs at home, her husband hath such a confidence, that he may go abroad, and attend the public affairs, without the least care or solicitude what will become of his domestic concerns; and not be tempted to enrich himself, or supply his own necessities, with the spoil of other men. See Arg. [h] Ver. 11. She will do him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.] She will not only endeavour to answer his love with an equal affection, but to provoke and excite it, by pleasing him in every thing, and avoiding whatsoever is ungrateful to him; nay, by deserving well of him, and studying to promote the interest of him and his family, and to maintain his honour and reputation, and that not only by fits, and Ver. 15. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidene.] Nor doth she indulge herself in over-much sleep, but is an early riser, before the break of day, to make provision for those that are to go abroad to work in the fields, and to set her maidens their several tasks at home. Ver. 16. She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.] So far she is from wasting her husband's estate, that by her prudent management she continually increases it; first purchasing a field for corn, when she meets with one she judges worth her money, and then, out of the mere product of her own labour, adding a vineyard to it, which she causes to be well planted. Ver. 17. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.] And as her diligence is unwearied, so she is neither slow in her dispatches, nor refuses any pains; but nimbly bestirs herself, and goes roundly (as we say) about her business; nay, exercises her arms to the strongest labours, both within doors and without. See Arg. [k] Ver. 18. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night.] For, finding by experience, not only how wholesome labour is, but what profit her traffic yields, she doth not conclude her work with the day, but continues it as much in the night as can be spared from necessary sleep. See Arg. [1] Ver. 19. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.] And she doth not think it be neath her quality to put her hands to the spindle, but twists the thread or the yarn with her own fingers, and winds them with her own hands. Ver. 20. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hand to the needy.] Which she stretches forth with no less forwardness to relieve the poor; being not only for getting all she can, but for giving liberally, out of her gains, to needy people, whom she supplies chearfully as well as bountifully, and extends her charity, not only to those who are near, but to those who are remoter from her. Ver. 21. She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.] Yet such is her prudence withal, that her own family and domestic servants are in no danger to suffer hereby, in the hardest winter; for she provides them with change of raiment for the several seasons, and with double garments when the weather is cold; nay, not only clothes them, but adorns them so, that they may appear in a splendid manner, when they are to wait upon her. See Arg. [1] Ver. 22. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.] The furniture of her house also is very noble, and her own apparel suitable to it; in which her greatness is not the less, but the more conspicuous, because they are of her own making. See Arg. [m] Ver. 23. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.] And so are her husband's robes, which make him noted when he comes into the courts of judicature, and sits among the senators of the country; who call him a happy man, in such a wife as doth him honour, and eases him of all his cares, but only those of the public business; which her wisdom, diligence, and prudent management, gives him leisure wholly to attend. Ver. 24. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it, and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.] For such is her industry, that she exercises more arts than one or two to enrich her family, making, for instance, very fine linen, with embroidered belts, and girdles curiously wrought, which she sells to the Phoenician merchant. Ver. 25. Strength and honour are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come.] But her principal ornaments are, the firmness, constancy, and vigour of her mind; her modest, comely, and decent behaviour; her generous and honourable way of dealing with every one; which (accompanied with the fore-named diligence, &c.) make her so happy, that they free her from all fear of what may be hereafter, and prepare her to meet old age and death itself, with joyful fatisfaction. See Arg. [m] Ver. 26. She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness.] Unto which add this singular grace, that as she is neither silent nor talkative, so she loves not to talk of frivolous, but of serious things, of which, when occasion serves, she discourses pertinently and judiciously, not expressing her passion, but her wisdom; which shews itself not only in the constant softness of her unprovoking language, but in the instructions and exhorta tions she gives unto doing good, exercising mercy, living peaceably and lovingly together; which is the lesson she inculcates every where. Ver. 27. She looketh well to the ways of her housebold, and eateth not the bread of idleness.] But especially in her own family, where she narrowly observes the motions and manners of every one, whom she neither suffers to gad abroad at their pleasure, nor to labour at home without good instructions; but teaches them how to live as they ought, and by this, if she did nothing else, deserves the bread she eats. Ver. 28. Her children arise up, and call her blessed ; ber busband also, and he praiseth her.] Happy are the sons of such a mother, whose care both of their good education, and to make provision for them, excites them, when they are grown up, to extol her virtues ; happy is the husband of such a wife, whom he can never sufficiently commend, but having recited all her praises, saith, Ver. 29. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.] Daughters may do much by their housewifery, but nothing like to the care of a virtuous wife; and of all the wives that have done worthily, and mightily advanced the state of their family, there were never any comparable unto thee, whose merits far transcend them all. Ver. 30. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.] A handsome shape and graceful behaviour is very taking, and so is a good complexion and lovely features; but, alas! as the greatest beauty soon fades and vanishes, so many ill qualities may lie concealed under goodly looks, (which will utterly spoil all the happiness that a man promised himself in such a choice); and therefore a truly religious woman, who dares not any way offend the Lord, is that amiable person, and she alone, who will please a man always, and deserve perpetual praises. Ver. 31. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.] Let every one extol her virtue, for I cannot do it enough; let her not want the just commendations of her pious labours; but while some are magnified for the nobleness of the stock from whence they spring, others for their fortune, others for their beauty, others for other things, let the good deeds which she herself hath done be publicly praised in the greatest assemblies, where if all men should be silent, her own works will declare her excellent worth. |