A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
Ver. 10. A reproof entereth more into a wise man, &c.] A word to the wise is sufficient. A look from Christ brake Peter's heart, and dissolved it into tears. Augustus being in a great rage, ready to pass sentence of death upon many, was taken off by these words of his friend Maecenas, written in a note, and cast into his lap, Tandem aliquando surge carnifex. Pray rise at last executioner! a When Luther was once in a great heat, Melanchthon cooled him and qualified him by repeating that verse, Vince animos iramque tuam, qui caetera vincis: b Master your passions, you that so easily master all things else.
Than an hundred stripes into a fool.] Hic enim plectitur, sed non flectitur; corripitur, sod non corrigitur: Beaten he is, but not bent to goodness; amerced, but not amended. The cypress, the more it is watered, the more it is withered. Ahaz was the worse for his afflictions; so was the railing thief. Jeroboam's withered hand works nothing upon his heart. He had herein as great a miracle wrought before him, saith a reverend man, c as St Paul had at his conversion, yet was he not wrought upon, because the Spirit did not set it on.
a Aναστηθι ηδηποτε δημιε. - Dio., l. 55. c. 7. s. 2. 6:397
b Joh. Manl., loc. com.
c Dr Preston.