He that oppresseth the poor, &c.— He who spoileth the poor that he may abound in riches, shall himself give to the rich, and want. Houbigant. From this verse, there is scarcely any interpreter but has observed that another form of speech, very different from the preceding, begins and continues to the 25th chapter. From the beginning of the tenth chapter to this place, the instructions of wisdom are delivered in short sentences, and proverbs properly so called, which have seldom any connection. But now follow exhortations and precepts in the imperative mood, and those comprehended in two, three, or more verses. See Bishop Patrick and Calmet.
REFLECTIONS.—The inspired penman here changes his stile; and, as in the beginning, addresses himself to his son in a way of exhortation; and what he says to him, he says to all. Diligent attention, and heart-application, are necessary, if we would come to the knowledge of the truth, and understand the words of the wise; those inspired writers whom God hath employed to communicate to us his mind and will. And in order hereto, various arguments are suggested to engage our minds in the pursuit.
1. It is a pleasant thing, if thou keep them within thee; for heart-religion only, not formality, can bring us to taste the comforts of true godliness; and they who are most faithful will be most happy, and find that joy which a stranger intermeddleth not with.
2. It will be highly becoming. They shall withal be fitted in thy lips, or, be ordered by thy lips; spoken so as to minister grace to the hearers, and gain their regard and reverence.
3. Hereby our hearts will be established in faith and confidence in God; this being the blessed effect of his word, and the great end for which it was written, and is preached; and when we are enabled to trust, we shall see the great salvation of God.
4. The matter is clear, the subject infinitely important and highly excellent, designed to promote our eternal blessedness, written to convey perpetual instruction, and particularly addressed to us by name: to thee, reader, even to thee; therefore to-day, while it is called to-day, may the word of gospel-grace, sounding in thine ears, sink down into thine heart, as an ingrafted word, able to save thy soul!
5. The truths are certain, not cunningly-devised fables, but delivered by the inspiration of God; and by the perusal of them, with fervent prayer, we shall arrive at the full assurance of understanding; shall have an evidence of the certainty of the objects of our faith, strong as that of our being; so that not a doubt shall remain.
6. They will enable us to give an answer to every one that asketh us a reason of the hope which is in us, and out of the good treasure of our heart to communicate to them the lessons that we have been taught of God.