Bridges on Proverbs 14:7
 
 
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 14:7
 
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7.  Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
 
Fellowship with the ungodly is absolutely forbidden, and it is never safe to contradict a plain command. (Chapter 9:6. 2 Corinthians 6:17.) Let us labour to win their souls to Christ. But the rule of prudence directs — “Cast not your pearls before swine.” ‘Avoid’ — says the holy Leighton — ‘the mixture of an irreverent commonness of speaking of holy things indifferently in all companies.’† Therefore when we perceive not in the foolish man the lips of knowledge, go from his presence. Some may be called to dispute with him. But take care that the call is clear. It is at least the safest path to dispatch your business with him as in a shower of rain, and not to loiter in his society.
Sweet indeed is the glow of the Savior's name upon the young Christian's lips. Its warmth may put elder Christians to shame. But we must warn him — Harm may be got in an imprudent endeavour to do good. Confess your Master, wherever he may open your door and your mouth. But better retreat from cavillers. (Chapter 26:4. 1 Timothy 6:4, 5.) You may be foiled by specious reasonings. Beware of tampering with your simplicity by the hazardous experiment, how much poison your constitution may bear. (1 Corinthians 15:33.) If our Lord exposed himself to moral danger; yet think of the impenetrable cover of his sanctity, his perfect self-government, his rules of godly prudence. Do we feel secure in the strength of our Christian habits? None are so confirmed as to be safe in relaxation of watchfulness, and wanton rushing into danger. There is a perpetual warfare with the old principles of corruption. No dependence can be placed upon any habits, that do not produce right conduct, and right apprehension of present duty. The path of sin is much more easily avoided than relinquished. We can far more readily keep out of the course of the stream, than stem the torrent. Walk closely with God; and under his cover and shield bear a protest against the ungodly. (Psalm 119:114, 115.) Commune much with his people. The very sight of a man of God is refreshing. (Chapter 27:9.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proverbs 9:6
6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
 
2 Corinthians 6:17
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
 
 
Footnote:
Matthew 7:6. Leighton in loco, vol. iii.
 
 
Matthew 7:6
6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
 
 
Proverbs 26:4
4 ¶ Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
 
1 Timothy 6:4, 5
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, {proud: or, a fool} {doting: or, sick} 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. {Perverse...: or, Gallings one of another}
 
 
1 Corinthians 15:33
33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
 
 
Psalm 119:114, 115
114 ¶ Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. 115 ¶ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
 
 
Proverbs 27:9
9 ¶ Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. {by...: Heb. from the counsel of the soul}