16 Mind not high things - Desire not riches, honour,
or the company of the great.
17 Provide - Think beforehand; contrive to give as little offence
as may be to any.
19 Dearly beloved - So he softens the rugged spirit. Revenge not
yourselves, but leave that to God. Perhaps it might more properly be rendered,
leave room for wrath; that is, the wrath of God, to whom vengeance properly
belongs. Deut 32:35
20 Feed him - With your own hand: if it be needful, even put bread
into his mouth. Heap coals of fire upon his head - That part which is most
sensible.
"So artists melt the sullen ore of lead, By heaping coals of fire upon
its head; In the kind warmth the metal learns to glow, And pure from dross
the silver runs below."
Prov 25:21, &c.
21 And if you see no present fruit, yet persevere. Be not overcome
with evil - As all are who avenge themselves. But overcome evil with good.
Conquer your enemies by kindness and patience.
