This book is supposed to have been written by David, the son of Jesse, called the sweet psalmist of Israel. He had a taste for the arts, a real genius for poetry and song. Many of the poems are beautiful in sentiment and celebrated as specimens of literature, as are some passages in Job; but the general tone is pessimistic. David's old age was full of repinings over the follies of his youth and of his middle age. The declining years of a well-spent life should be the most peaceful and happy. Then the lessons of experience are understood, and one knows how to bear its joys and sorrows with equal philosophy. Yet David in the twilight of his days seemed to dwell in the shadows of despair, in sackcloth and ashes, repenting for his own sins and bemoaning the evil tendency of men in general. There is a passing mention of the existence of women as imaginary beings in the Psalms, the Proverbs, and The Song of Solomon, but not illustrated by any grand personalities or individual characters. Psalms ii. To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba. 1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. David's treatment of Uriah was the darkest passage in his life; and to those who love justice it is a satisfaction to know that his conscience troubled him for this act to the end of his days. We are not told whether Bath-sheba ever dropped a tear over the sad fate of Uriah, or suffered any upbraidings of conscience. PROVERBS ix., 13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. xi., 16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches. xiv. Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. xvii., 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her that bare him. xix., 14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord. xxi., 9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. xxi., 19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. xxvii., 15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. xxx., 21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: 22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; 23 For an odious woman when she is married; and a handmaid that is heir to her mistress. xxxi., 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.