CmAP. tl.1 WISE CONDUCT BXEMPLIFIED. 301 



II. — A pfudent g&'vant shall rule over a JooUsh son, and divide the 

 inheritance among the brethren.^ 



In every jarring family there constantly rises up some 

 Servant or humble friend of sway, who takes upon him to 

 compose their differences at his own discretion ; to whom, for 

 that reason, the whole family, even the master himself, is 

 subject. If this man has a view to his own ends, he foments 

 and aggravates the differences of the family ; but if he prove 

 just and upright, he is certainly very deserving. So that he 

 may be reckoned even as one of the brethren, or at least have 

 the direction of the inheritance in trust. 



III. — // a wise man contends with a jool, whether he he in anger o/r in 

 jest, there is no quiet.^ 



We are frequently admonished to avoid unequal conflicts ; 

 that is, not to strive with the stronger : but the admonition 

 of Solomon is no less useful, that we should not strive with 

 the worthless ; for here the match is very unequal, where it 

 is no victory to conquer, and a great disgrace to be conquered. 

 Nor does it signify if, in such a conquest, we should some- 

 times deal as in jest, and sometimes in the way of disdain 

 and contempt ; for wliat course soever we take, we are losers, 

 and can never come handsomely off. But the worst case of 

 all is, if our antagonist have something of the fool in him, 

 that is, if he be confident and headstrong. 



IV. — Listen not to all that is spoken, lest thou shouldst hear thy sei'vant 

 curse thee J 



It is scarce credible what uneasiness is created in life by 

 an useless curiosity about the things that concern us ; as 

 when we pry into such secrets, as being discovered, give us 

 distaste, but afford no assistance or relief. For, 1. there 

 follows vexation and disquiet of mind, as all human things 

 are full of perfidiousness and ingratitude. So that though 

 we could procure some magic glass, wherein to view the 

 animosities, and all that malice which is any way at work 

 against us, it were better for us to break it directly than to 

 use it. For these things are but as the rustling of leaves, 

 soon over. 2. This curiosity always loads the mind with 

 suspicion, which is a violent enemy to counsels, and renders 

 them unsteady and perplexed. 3. It also frequently fixes the 



* Prov. xvii. 2. • Prov, xxis. D. ' Eccles. vii. 22. 



