Proverbs 15 · John Wesley
2Shame - Both to himself, by his foolish management of the king's affairs, and to the king who made so foolish a choice of a servant.
3Aright - Expressing what he knows prudently and gracefully. Poureth out - Plentifully, continually, and vehemently, as a fountain does waters.
5Wholesome - Which utters sound and useful counsels. Tree of life - Is greatly useful to preserve the present life, and to promote the spiritual and eternal life, both of the speaker and hearers. Perverseness - False or corrupt speeches. A breach - Disturbs and wounds the spirits, both of the speaker and hearers.
7Revenues - Though he may obtain great revenues, yet they are attended with much trouble.
8Disperse - Freely communicate to others what they know.
9Sacrifice - All the religious services, yea, the most costly; one kind being put for all the rest. Prayer - The cheapest and meanest services.
12Destruction - The place of destruction, of which men know nothing but by Divine revelation.
15Foolishness - Wickedness is meat and drink to them.
16Afflicted - Of the troubled in mind. Evil - Tedious and uncomfortable. Chearful - Heb. of a good heart.
17Trouble - Tumultuous lusts and passions, vexatious cares, and horrors of conscience.
20An hedge - As a way hedged up with thorns, troublesome, perplexed, and full of difficulties. Plain - Is easy and pleasant to him, notwithstanding all its difficulties.
23Counsel - When men do not seek, or will not receive advice from others.
24The answer - By a wise, or good and seasonable answer.
25The way - The way a wise man takes to obtain life, is to place his heart, and treasure, and conversation on things above.
26The proud - Of the mighty oppressors. The border - The estate, the border being often used, for the land within the borders.
28Troubleth - Brings God's curse upon himself and family. Gifts - Bribes given to corrupt judgment. Live - Shall preserve himself and family from ruin.
29Studieth - He speaks considerately. The mouth - Not the heart; for he rashly speaks what comes into his mouth, without the direction of his heart or conscience.
31A good report - A good name. Fat - Not only chears a man for the present, but gives him such stable comfort as revives his soul, and gives vigour to his body.
32The ear - The man that hearkens to that reproof which leads to life, seeks and delights in the company of the wise.