[12] We may remind ourselves that, according to the most probable conjecture, this introduction to Solomon's Proverbs (chaps, i.-ix.) dates from the reign of Josiah (640-609 B.C.). [13] Isa. i. 15. [14] Isa. lix. 7. [15] Micah iii. 10. [16] Jer. ii. 34. [17] Jer. xxii. 17. [18] Prov. i. 14. Compare the proverb, xvi. 29, "A man of violence enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him in a way that is not good." [19] Prov. ix. 13-18. [20] Prov. v. 12-14. [21] Prov. vi. 32 and v. 22. [22] Prov. i. 19. [23] A dog-chain sold in London at one shilling and threepence was found to have cost, for materials twopence, for labour three-farthings. (Evidence before Lord Dunraven's Commission on the Sweating System). [24] See Prov. i. 13. [25] Prov. ii. 22. [26] Prov. i. 19. [27] Prov. ii. 19. [28] Prov. i. 17. [29] Prov. i. 25. [30] Prov. i. 31, 32. [31] Prov. i. 24-31. III. _THE EARTHLY REWARDS OF WISDOM._ PROV. iii. 1-10. The general teaching of these nine introductory chapters is that the "ways of Wisdom are pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." We are taught to look for the fruit of righteousness in long life and prosperity, for the penalty of sin in premature destruction. "The upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the land, and they that deal treacherously shall be rooted out of it."[32] The foolish "shall eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the backsliding of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto Wisdom shall dwell securely, and shall be quiet without fear of evil."[33] "By Wisdom thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; and if thou scornest, thou alone shall bear it." The ways of Folly have this legend written over the entrance-gate: "The dead are there; her guests are in the depths of Sheol."[34]