Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1896-09-15


virtues and vices. These can be re"en-
forced and illuminated by light from
other Scriptures. and especially other
references in the Proverbs References
to the past history which exempliry these
virtues and vices will be noted.
Temperance applications can be made
at almost every point, since intemper-
ance intensifies every vice and evil. ana
in a temperance atmosphere all virtues
flourish. And especially Is temperance III
its deeper meaning. which lies at tne
basis of total abstinence from all that
can intoxicate. taught and ennobled by
verse 81.
To-day's lesson includes verses 22-35.
chapter 16 Book Of Proverbs, as follows:
%. Understanding, wisdom, true
and accurate knowledge, with desire 10
live according 10 it, 1t is not knowledge
of science alone or of the world, but or
all things pertaining to life,-a knowl-
edge of God, of the heart, of the law or
God. of the principles of true living. 1t
embraces in its survey heaven and earth.
things temporal and spiritual rs Wen
spring" fountain. ''of life" If a man mas
real understanding and wisdom, a good
outward life will flow from it as freely
and naturally as water flows from
fountain. And there is no other way in
which to have a good life. Eye must be
born again." For the instruction OF
FOOLS" not that instruction which fools
give. but the training, the discipline the
schooling of fools. lis folly, is utterly
wasted and useless. so long as they re-
main fools.
%. The heart of the wise teacheth the
mouth" If the heart is wise. the words
spoken will be wise. Words are the
easiest expression of the thoughts.
a. Pleasant words are as honey
comb" The comparison with honey Is
common in all language and all times.
Sweet to the soul, and health 10 the
bones CHAP Is: 30). Bone always
means our innermost and substantial be-
| ing."-John Miller
2S. "A forward man, subversive
man. perverse. bent on MISCHIEF. devils
| ing ways of overthrowing good ana IN
| juring others. "Soweth strife as one
| sows evil seed broadcast. to spring up
| wherever there is congenial soil. fhe
| character intended is the perverse man.
| who distorts the truth, gives n wrong
impression, attributes evil motives: such
| all one occasions quarrels and heartburn
| ings" "And whisper separateth chief
| friends (chap. Il: 81. Nirgan is either a
| chatterer," or "a whisperer," 'calumnia-
| tor" In chapters1S:S and %: 70. y 1t is
| translated "talebearer.
| &c. Here the froward mans methods
/ are described. He shutteth his eyes to
| devise froward things" He let's nothing
interfere from without. but gives himself
| wholly to studying new wicked sayings.
| caggers of speech. poison of asps SEEDS
| If Upas trees. so that wien he moves
| his lips" to speak. The bringeth evil to
| pass" LET two idle tongues utter Il
| tale against some third person who never
| offended the babblers. and how the tale
spreads like fire. lighted none knows how.
| in the heritage of an American prairie;
| who shall put ii out?
81. The hoary head is crown or
1 plory'' (cban (F'Or GROWN see
| on chap. 1850 Old age is the reward OF
a good life. and therefore is an honor to
a man comp. chap. 3:2. l6; 4:lO: 9:Il: l0:
20. IF 1t be found" rather. 1t shall be
found-''n the way of righteousness /:
the gIerdon of obedience and holiness:
whereas bloody and decetful men shall
not live out half their days" PSs'. 55:2S).
| --Deane.
81 He that is slow to anger con-
trolls his temper and passions, lis better
than the mighty" for it requires more
strength and courage than any feats OF
physical strength. And he that ruleth
| his spirit than he that taketh a city.
| Because ii costs more: it requires more
WILL more power, more courage. more
| self-denial. and the victory is worth more
| when ii is gained. Ones whole nature is
like a city, with many passions and feel
ings good and bad. and no city is so hard
| to control and perfect
| g. '"rhe lot is cast into the lap. The
bosom or fold of the garment tchap.. D:
81; 1923: 2l:14). For the lot probably
they employed stones differing In shape
| or color or having some distinguishing
| mark. These We're placed in vessel or
| in the fold of a garment, and drawn or
| shaken thence. Such practice has been
common in all ages and countrie'.-Deane
The whole disposing thereof Is or the
| Lord" In these cases the j. learned
| to see, in what we call chance. the over
ruling OF divine power.-Deane. There
| is a divinity that shapes our ends. rough
| hew them how we Will Ii Is u blessed
comfort to know that all things thai
come to us from whatever source. arr
| under the control not of chance. nor Oh
men, nor of demons. but OF God.