(14) The law of the wise.--Or, rather, his instruction. (Comp. Proverbs 10:11.)

Snares of death.--Set by the devil (2Timothy 2:26).

Verse 14. - The law (instruction) of the wise is a fountain of life (Proverbs 10:11), which has and imparts life (Ecclus. 21:13; Psalm 36:9). The rules and teaching of wise men are a source of life to those who follow them, so that they depart from the snares of death (Proverbs 14:27). Obedience to good teaching saves from many dangers, material and spiritual, especially from the snare of the devil (2 Timothy 2:26). With "snares of death" we may compare Psalm 18:5 and Horace's ('Carm.,' 3:24. 8)

"Non mortis laqueis expedies caput." Septuagint, "The fool shall perish by the snare."

13:14. The rule by which the wise regulate their conduct, is a fountain yielding life and happiness. 15. The way of sinners is hard upon others, and hard to the sinner himself. The service of sin is slavery; the road to hell is strewed with the thorns and thistles that followed the curse. 16. It is folly to talk of things of which we know nothing, and to undertake what we are no way fit for. 17. Those that are wicked, and false to Christ and to the souls of men, do mischief, and fall into mischief; but those that are faithful, find sound words healing to others and to themselves. 18. He that scorns to be taught, will certainly be brought down. 19. There are in man strong desires after happiness; but never let those expect any thing truly sweet to their souls, who will not be persuaded to leave their sins. 20. Multitudes are brought to ruin by bad company. And all that make themselves wicked will be destroyed. 21. When God pursues sinners he is sure to overtake them; and he will reward the righteous. 22. The servant of God who is not anxious about riches, takes the best method of providing for his children. 23. The poor, yet industrious, thrive, though in a homely manner, while those who have great riches are often brought to poverty for want of judgment. 24. He acts as if he hated his child, who, by false indulgence, permits sinful habits to gather strength, which will bring sorrow here, and misery hereafter. 25. It is the misery of the wicked, that even their sensual appetites are always craving. The righteous feeds on the word and ordinances, to the satisfying of his soul with the promises of the gospel, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Bread of life.The law of the wise is a fountain of life,.... Or "doctrine" (n); the doctrine of those who are taught by the word, and are wise unto salvation; the words or doctrines of the wise, which are given forth by one Shepherd; the instructions of such who are like Scribes, well instructed themselves unto the kingdom of heaven: these are as a fountain of living water; which are the means of quickening dead sinners, and of reviving and refreshing the souls of weary saints; and bring life and immortality to light, and point and lead to eternal life: and so direct souls

to depart from the snares of death; the snares of sin, Satan, and the world, to shun and avoid them; with which men being entangled, are brought to destruction and death.

(n) "doctrina", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius, Schultens.