Vers. 12-15.-Sullen folly and cheerful wisdom. I. DISLIKE OF CRITICISM. (Ver. 12.) Often seen in those who are most critical themselves. The jiber is easily galled by a telling retort. The satirical man least loves satire upon himself. But one of the lessons we learn from truly great minds is that of willingness to turn a jest against one'~ self, and to find positive pleasure in a criticism of one's own character that hits the mark, provided it be good-natured. But with ill nature no one can be pleased. Most necessary it is for the health of the soul to be often with those who know more than we do. II. THE APPEARANCE THE MIRROR OF THE MAN. The placid, serene, smiling, winning visage reflects the soul; and so with the downcast brow and dejected mien. It may surprise us that so commonplace an observation should be thought worth recording; but there was a time when such flashed upon man as a new discovery. Per- haps it may be a discovery to many that they may do much by assuming a cheerful manner to regulate and calm the heart. III. BuT APPEARANCES ARE NOTHING WITHOUT REALITY. (Ver. 14.) To be truly wise is not to know a great deal, but to be always on the track and pursuit of know- ledge; and to be utterly foolish it is only necesary to give the reins to vanity, to yield to idleness, to follow every passing pleasure. The countenance of the fool is expressive of what? Of the want of impressions, of vacancy and vanity. IV. THE FOLLY OF GLOOM AND THE WISDOM OF CHEERFULNESS. (Ver. 15.) In what sense can we ever say that our days are evil, except thn.t we have made them so? And. how more readily can we make them so than by yielding to the dark and gloomy mood, and ever looking on the dark side of things? The side of things on which we see the reflection of our narrow selves is ever dark; that on which we see God's attributes mirrored-the beauty of his nature, the wisdom of his providence-is bright and inspiring. It is, indeed, a feast to the soul to have found God; for thought, for feeling, for every practical need, he is present, he alone "shall supply all our need." Our Lord thus speaks of his body and his blood, of which to en.t is life.-J.
Vers. 16, 11.-Alternatives. I. POVERTY WITH PIETY, OR RICHES WITH DISCONTENT. Which shall we choose? Naturally all, or nearly all, will prefer to take riches with its risks rather than poverty with its certain privations. Our Bible is precious because it reminds us that there is another side in this matter. Riches are too dearly gained at the expense of peace of conscience; poverty is blessed if it brings us nearer to God. I[, SCANTY FARE WITH RIOH SPIRITUAL SEASONING, OR RICH FARE WITH A POOR HEART. Which? For ourselves and our personal comfort? For others and the hospitality we should like to dispense to them? For ourselves, high thinking with hw living; for others, slight fare with large welcome will make a true feast.-J.
Vers. 18-23.-Facets of moral truth. Again flashing upon us, mostly in the light of contrast. As, indeed, from precious stones and false paste, up to the highest truths of the spirit, we can know nothing truly except by the comparison of its oppos(te'. I. HASTE OF TEMPER AND LONG·SUl'FERING. (Ver. 18.) Quarrelsomeness, 1rntable words (would that wo could recall them!), a thousand stabs and wounds to the heart of 804 'l'HE PROVERBS. [oH. XV, 1-33,