Commentary on Proverbs: Introduction and Part 1 (No. F020)

Introduction

The book of Proverbs is a compendium of moral and religious instruction given to Israelite youth. It is claimed to be given to Jewish youth in the post-exilic period. It is exemplary of the Wisdom literature along with Job, which long preceded it, and Ecclesiastes which was contemporaneous with it, or at least its original forms. It is considered a small library of teaching materials of different origins and dates. Its four main parts are in 1:1-9:18; 10:1-22-16; 22:17-24:22; and 25:1-29:27. The title of the first is expanded in 1:2-6 to serve as an introduction stating the purpose of the person assembling the work. Five smaller pieces appear as appendices. One of these (24:23-34) is attached to the third main section and the remainder are placed together at the end of the book (see also OARSV Intro.).

Book I (1:1-9:18) consists of ten extended discourses of admonition and warning, two poems which personify wisdom (1:20-33; 8:1-36), a poetic allegory contrasting or explaining wisdom and folly (9:1-6, 13-18) and what are a number of shorter admonitions and poems. Modern scholars attempt to attribute the work to a teacher of the Fourth or Third century BCE who is credited with assembling and editing the whole work for use in his school (see OARSV Intro.).

Book II (10:1-22:16) and Book IV (25:1-29:27) are separately titled “Proverbs of Solomon” and the same heading has been used n 1:1. It is considered to be hardly a claim of Solomonic authorship and not a proof. The OARSV considers it “a conventional name for pithy maxims in poetic parallel lines.” Whilst Solomon's wisdom had become legendary, the scholars now try to distinguish this work from Solomon on the basis that his work was said to have concerned phenomena of nature rather than human behaviour based on the text of 1Kgs. 4:32-33. However, those three thousand proverbs and thousand and five songs were not so confined as to warrant this conclusion. It is more than likely that the three thousand proverbs of Solomon formed the core of the text.

Book III contains a series of exhortations resembling the instructions of Egyptian sages, that was modelled on the Egyptian book of Wisdom titled “The Instruction of Amen-em-ope” (pre-1000 BCE) (cf. OARSV n.). To this is attached the first of the five appendices (24:33-34). The other appendices are 30:1-9 which is a dialogue between a sceptic and a believer of the form of Job; 30:10-33 consists of admonitions and proverbs being of progressive numerical forms: 31:1-9; is a queen mother’s counsel to a young king; and 31:10-31, is a portrait of the ideal wife of a prominent man. These are considered the work of Solomon but the academics try to relocate the texts.

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Bullinger’s Introductory notes:

THE PROVERBS.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK AS A WHOLE.

INTRODUCTION. Proverbs 1:1. Proverbs 1:6.

Proverbs 1:6 - Proverbs 9:18. "THE WORDS OF THE WISE". FOR SOLOMON. (FOR. PRINCE AND. KING). SECOND PERSON ("MY SON", "THY", "THEE, "THINE"). THE "MOTHER".

Proverbs 10:1- Proverbs 19:19. PROVERBS BY SOLOMON. FOR ALL. THIRD PERSON ("HE", "HIS", "HIM", "THEY", "THEM").

Proverbs 19:20- Proverbs 24:34. PROVERBS FOR SOLOMON. FOR PRINCE AND KING. SECOND PERSON ("MY SON", "THOU", "THY").

Proverbs 25:1- Proverbs 26:28. PROVERBS BY SOLOMON. FOR ALL. "COPIED BY THE MEN OF HEZEKIAH". THIRD PERSON ("HE", "HIM"., "HIS").

Proverbs 27:1 - Proverbs 29:27. PROVERBS FOR SOLOMON. FOR. PRINCE AND. KING. SECOND PERSON ("MY SON", "THEE", "THY").

Proverbs 30:1- Proverbs 31:31. "THE WORDS OF AGUR" AND "THE WORDS OF LEMUEL". FOR SOLOMON. FOR. PRINCE AND. KING ("MY SON", "THY"). THE "MOTHER".

For Introduction and Analysis explanatory of the above Structure, see Appendix 74.

TITLE. The Proverbs. Heb. Mishlai; Greek, Paroimiai. any dark sententious saying; Vulg. Proverbia. Whence the English name. Heb. Mishlai is from Mashal. to rule (Genesis 1:18; 3:16; Exodus 21:8, &c). Hence applied to words which are to rule and govern the life. Not a collection of human wisdom, but of Divine rules from heaven for earth.

The book is quoted in the N.T.:

Proverbs 1:16 in Romans 3:15;

Proverbs 3:11 in Hebrew 12:5; 12:6; Revelation 3:19;

Proverbs 3:34 in James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5;

Proverbs 11:31 in 1 Peter 4:18;

Proverbs 25:21 in Romans 12:20;

Proverbs 26:11 in 2 Peter 2:22.

And also allusions, as in Romans 12:16, &c. The Structure (p. 864) distinguishes the main divisions of the book, marked by such expressions as "My son"; "The words of the wise"; and the pronouns "thy", "thee", &c.; and the Proverbs "for"; and Proverbs "by" Solomon. Some proverbs are for a ruler, others are general, and for all men.

Mashal is used of an Allegory (Ezekiel 17:2);. discourse (Numbers 23:7; 23:8); taunt (Isaiah 14:4); an argument (Job 29:1); byword (Jeremiah 24:9); lament (Micah 2:4): all Proverbs are distinguished by parallelism of lines, synonymous, or gradational, or synthetic (i.e. constructive), or antithetic (i.e. contrastive). These again are arranged (as to order) either in alternate or introverted lines.

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Proverbs Chapters 1-9 (RSV)

Chapter 1

¹The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: ²That men may know wisdom and instruction, understand words of insight, ³receive instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity; ⁴that prudence may be given to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth-- ⁵the wise man also may hear and increase in learning, and the man of understanding acquire skill, ⁶to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles. ⁷The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. ⁸Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and reject not your mother's teaching; ⁹for they are a fair garland for your head, and pendants for your neck. ¹⁰My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. ¹¹If they say, "Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us wantonly ambush the innocent; ¹²like Sheol let us swallow them alive and whole, like those who go down to the Pit; ¹³we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with spoil; ¹⁴throw in your lot among us, we will all have one purse" --¹⁵my son, do not walk in the way with them, hold back your foot from their paths; ¹⁶for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. ¹⁷For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird; ¹⁸but these men lie in wait for their own blood, they set an ambush for their own lives. ¹⁹Such are the ways of all who get gain by violence; it takes away the life of its possessors. ²⁰Wisdom cries aloud in the street; in the markets she raises her voice; ²¹on the top of the walls she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: ²²"How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? ²³Give heed to my reproof; behold, I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you. ²⁴Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, ²⁵and you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, ²⁶I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when panic strikes you, ²⁷when panic strikes you like a storm, and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. ²⁸Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. ²⁹Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, ³⁰would have none of my counsel, and despised all my reproof, ³¹therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way and be sated with their own devices. ³²For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacence of fools destroys them; ³³but he who listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of evil."

Intent of Chapter 1

v. 1 The author is King Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba. Modern academics attribute it to a later writer as an expansion of Books II and IV (see Intro.).

vv. 2-6 The purpose of the proverbs is to provide a person with an intellectual toolbox with which to fashion a mental model for the correct analysis of life’s data. With this toolbox, anyone, regardless of where they start in intellectual capability prior to undertaking the task of personal improvement, can fashion a plan to grow in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity, characteristics that the Creator desires His progeny to cultivate because doing so will make us like Him.

v. 6 a figure - a metaphor, parable or allegory so as to enforce a lesson when the hearer discerns its intention and completes it (see 25:14; 26:7; 30:18-19).

v. 7 This is the theme of chs. 1-9. An attitude of reverent obedience is necessary to attain Wisdom. Fools cannot find it because they do not recognize the source.

1:8-19 Proper training in the home is a moral safeguard and prepares the youth going into the world.

vv. 8-9 The instruction to the son is to hear (understand) both his father’s and mother’s instruction. It reinforces the institution of marriage and the family unit and the importance in getting two perspectives. At the material level, is this Solomon giving credit to his father, David, and his mother Bathsheba, or is it that the Spiritual Father has also a female counterpart (Wisdom), a union in which image we were created male and female?

v. 10 Sinners will entice. The instruction is to not consent. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

vv. 11-16 Essentially, the instruction is: Don’t join a gang, especially one devoted to plunder and violence. Compare Ps. 56:6, 35:35; Lk. 12:15, and Rev. 18:15.

v. 12 Sheol - the grave as the place of the dead cf. Gen. 37:35. The pagan Gnostic doctrines of heaven and hell have no place in Hebrew theology.

vv. 17-19 In vain...any bird - a popular proverb affirming that the consequences of crime are too obvious to be missed. Deceitful scheming corrodes and destroys the soul of its perpetrators even more than its victims. The implication is also to choose one’s friends wisely, or else. Compare Isa. 1:3, Mat. 27:5, and Jas. 5:1-4.

1:20-33 Wisdom personified as a prophetess.

vv. 20-21 Wisdom is not hidden. It is perceived in every prominent place. Compare Mat. 13:54, and Acts 5:20.

v. 22 Wisdom asks a rhetorical question of the simple, the scoffers, and the fools. How long will you remain so? Compare Mat. 17:17.

vv. 23-25 Wisdom reproves the simple, the scoffers and the fools for not listening. Compare Isa. 50:2 and Lk. 7:39.

vv. 26-27 The consequence of not listening and going their own way is calamity, and wisdom will not be there to extract them from it.

vv. 26-32 Compare Lk. 25:34-35, Mat. 7:22-23, Jn. 3:20, Gal. 6:7-8, and Heb. 12:25.

v. 32. turning away - waywardness.

v. 33 He that listens to God has a place of safety in Him and no fear of evil. Compare 1Pet. 1:5, and Rom. 8:38-39.

Chapter 2

¹My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, ²making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; ³yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, ⁴if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures; ⁵then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. ⁶For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; ⁷he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, ⁸guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his saints. ⁹Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; ¹⁰for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; ¹¹discretion will watch over you; understanding will guard you; ¹²delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, ¹³who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, ¹⁴who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil; ¹⁵men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways. ¹⁶You will be saved from the loose woman, from the adventuress with her smooth words, ¹⁷who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; ¹⁸for her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the shades; ¹⁹none who go to her come back nor do they regain the paths of life. ²⁰So you will walk in the way of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous. ²¹For the upright will inhabit the land, and men of integrity will remain in it; ²²but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.

Intent of Chapter 2

2:1-22 Fruits of the Search for Wisdom

Wisdom brings understanding or religion and morality, and guards against immorality and bad companions.

vv. 1-4 “My son” (an instruction to the physically or spiritually young), if you seek Wisdom diligently and with zeal, compare Mat. 13:44.

v. 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD (that is the beginning of wisdom) and find the knowledge of God. Compare Job 28:28.

v. 6 God GIVES Wisdom and SPEAKS knowledge to those who have sought it with diligence and zeal, Compare Lk. 21:15, and Isa. 8:20.

vv. 7-8 The Wisdom seeker becomes a saint expressing uprightness and integrity. As such, God gives the saint a continual supply of Wisdom, a shield, and a guard for his/her preservation. Compare 1Cor. 1:10, and Jn. 10:28-29.

vv. 9-11 The reward for seeking wisdom is understanding righteousness, justice, equity, and every good path. Compare Jer. 32:40-41, Jn. 14:6, Col. 3:16 and Eph. 5:19.

vv. 12-15 The Wisdom seeker will be delivered from evil, defined here as: perverted speech, forsaking the paths of uprightness, walking in the ways of darkness, rejoicing in doing evil, delighting in the perverseness of evil,men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways. Compare 2Cor. 6:17, and 1Cor. 13:6.

vv. 16-17 The male Wisdom seeker will be saved from the loose woman with smooth words, who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God. Compare Neh. 13:26-27. (see No. 152). Marital faithfulness is bound under the Seventh Commandment (No. 260) (see also Gen. 2:24; Hos. Ch. 2; Mt. 19:6).

This also has much deeper spiritual implications. While applying to any immoral sexual activity it is also a warning to any person seeking Wisdom to avoid the teachings (‘smooth things’) of false religions. It must be remembered that where women are mentioned in these texts it almost always has the duel meaning of church (including any false religious system) and women.

vv. 18-19 The path of the loose woman (also the church) leads to death, and the probability of repentance for those who follow her are extremely low, at best. Compare Rev. 21:8, and Mat. 10:24-26.

vv. 20-21 Again, God says that the upright and the person of integrity will escape the evildoer’s fate, and they will be secure in the land with long life. Compare Heb. 6:12, and Psa. 112:4-6.

v. 22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. Compare Isa. 3:11.

Chapter 3

¹My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; ²for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare will they give you. ³Let not loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ⁴So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. ⁵Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. ⁶In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. ⁷Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. ⁸It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. ⁹Honor the LORD with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; ¹⁰then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. ¹¹My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of his reproof, ¹²for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. ¹³Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding, ¹⁴for the gain from it is better than gain from silver and its profit better than gold. ¹⁵She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. ¹⁶Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. ¹⁷Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. ¹⁸She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy. ¹⁹The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; ²⁰by his knowledge the deeps broke forth, and the clouds drop down the dew. ²¹My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion; let them not escape from your sight, ²²and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. ²³Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. ²⁴If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. ²⁵Do not be afraid of sudden panic, or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes; ²⁶for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. ²⁷Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. ²⁸Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it" --when you have it with you. ²⁹Do not plan evil against your neighbor who dwells trustingly beside you. ³⁰Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. ³¹Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways; ³²for the perverse man is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence. ³³The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous. ³⁴Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor. ³⁵The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.

Intent of Chapter 3

3:1-12 The Laws of God lead to Morality and Ethics in Social Wellbeing.

vv. 1-2 Keep God’s commandments for long life and prosperity. The Law is not subject to any arbitrary whim of a ministry. Compare 1Tim. 4:8, and Rom. 15:13.

vv. 3-4 Loyalty and faithfulness to God and His commandments will provide one not only good repute with God, but also with men. Compare Jos. 1:17-18.

v. 5 Trust God (in prayer) over your own insight (which can only be flawed). Compare Jn. 14:27-28.

v. 6 Acknowledge God in ALL your ways, and He will direct your path. A promise. Compare Col. 3:23, and Jas. 1:5.

v. 7 Three points: You are not wise, so be humble; fear God because He is wise; and eschew evil because it is not wise. Compare Rom. 12:16, and Ecc. 12:13.

v. 8 Wisdom is medicine for good health and strength.

vv. 9-10 Tithing is honourable.

See CCG paper Tithing (No. 161) at: http://www.ccg.org/weblibs/study-papers/p161.html?cfet=y

vv. 11-12 Do not despise God’s chastening because it is a sign of His love. Compare Heb. 12:5-12. Knowledge without reverence is not enough.

13-18 True Wealth is not measured in material things but in the abundant life and happiness which Wisdom brings.

vv. 13-16 The return on investment in wisdom and understanding is greater than that in silver and gold. Not only does one obtain a healthy long life, but also silver and gold. Compare Mat. 13:44-46 and 2Cor. 6:10.

v. 17 The ways of Wisdom are pleasantness and peace (low stress). Compare Mat. 11:28-30, and Phil. 4:8-9.

v. 18 Wisdom is a tree of life to make its discoverer happy. Compare Gen. 3:22, and Rev. 2:7; 22:2.

vv. 19-20 Wisdom. Understanding and knowledge were the Divine tools, proceeding from the Nature of God in the Creation, that God used to establish the earth, create the heavens, and manipulate the waters. Compare Job 1:3, and Joel 2:23. This important theological maxim is further developed in 8:22-31.

The deeps were the abyss of waters under the earth (Ex. 20:4), from which it was believed springs and floods broke forth (see Gen. 7:11 n.). The word here for clouds means the highest clouds and effectively the sky.

3:21-35 Wisdom brings Peace of Mind through Confidence in God

vv. 21-22 Wisdom is divine as the created world. Wisdom gives peace of mind through confidence in God. Always do good, and no harm. God's blessing is on the one and His curse is on the other. Wisdom and discretion will give one long life and recognition. Compare Deut. 32:46-47, and Isa. 38:16.

vv. 23-26 With Wisdom, God will guide one’s steps, protect one from evil, and provide calmness in the midst of chaos. Compare Zec. 10:12, Eze. 34:15, and 1Sam. 2:9.

v. 25 Ruin, or “fury”

v. 27 If you have the power to do good for one deserving and in need, do so. Compare Gal. 6:10. See also Giving and the Providence of God (No. 010) at http://www.ccg.org/weblibs/study-papers/p010.html?cfet=y

vv. 28-29 Live peaceably with, and look after, your neighbour. Compare 1Tim. 6:18, and Mic. 2:1-2.

vv. 30-35 The rewards for the righteous and the wicked are contrasted. Compare Rom. 12:18-21, Gal. 5:21, 1Pet. 5:5, and Dan. 12:2-3.

v. 34 Scorners or “arrogant.”

Chapter 4

¹Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight; ²for I give you good precepts: do not forsake my teaching. ³When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, ⁴he taught me, and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live; ⁵do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Get wisdom; get insight. ⁶Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. ⁷The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. ⁸Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. ⁹She will place on your head a fair garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown." ¹⁰Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. ¹¹I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. ¹²When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble. ¹³Keep hold of instruction, do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. ¹⁴Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil men. ¹⁵Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. ¹⁶For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made some one stumble. ¹⁷For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. ¹⁸But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. ¹⁹The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. ²⁰My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. ²¹Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. ²²For they are life to him who finds them, and healing to all his flesh. ²³Keep your heart with all vigilance; for from it flow the springs of life. ²⁴Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. ²⁵Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. ²⁶Take heed to the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure. ²⁷Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

Intent of Chapter 4

4:1-9 The Teacher here is directed towards wisdom by his parents.

vv. 1-2 A father’s (The Father’s) appeal to His sons to take instruction. Implied here is the role of fathers to instruct their sons. Compare 1Thes. 2:11-12.

vv. 3-5 From generation to generation, fathers are to pass the instruction to get Wisdom and understanding to their sons. Compare Rom. 12:16; 2Tim. 3:15 and Jas. 1:5.

vv. 6-9 If you treat Wisdom and understanding as a lover, she will endow you with life, health, and success. This is sound advice on the spiritual level, but also for young marrieds on the physical level. Compare Eph. 3:1; Mk. 8:36-37; Dan. 12:3 and 1Pet. 3:4.

v. 7 A father gives his child the first education towards wisdom and the first lesson is reverence (1:7).

4:10-19 The pupil is admonished to profit by the lesson taught.

vv. 10-13 These passages continue to exhort the student to hearken to the instruction for the benefits previously listed. Compare 1Thes. 2:13 and Jn. 6:68.

vv. 14-15 An admonition to avoid the paths of the wicked. Compare Psa. 26:4-5 and 1Thes. 5:22.

v. 16 The wicked lose sleep, if they have not done something evil. Compare 2Pet. 2:14.

v. 17 Their meal is the bread of wickedness, not the Body of Christ, and the wine of violence, not the Blood of Christ. Compare Mic. 6:12.

v. 18 The path of the righteous is like the light of the dawn and grows stronger throughout the day. This tells us that righteousness is a process, a work in progress. Compare 2Pet. 1:19.

v. 19 The way of the wicked is darkness and stumbling. Compare 1Jn. 2:11.

vv. 20-27 Remembered Wisdom is a source of life health and personal integrity. Another admonition to listen and store the words in the heart, draw upon the store of understanding, and prosper. Compare Mat. 17:5, 12:35; and Jos. 1:7.

Chapter 5

¹My son, be attentive to my wisdom, incline your ear to my understanding; ²that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge. ³For the lips of a loose woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; ⁴but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. ⁵Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol; ⁶she does not take heed to the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it. ⁷And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. ⁸Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house; ⁹lest you give your honor to others and your years to the merciless; ¹⁰lest strangers take their fill of your strength, and your labors go to the house of an alien; ¹¹and at the end of your life you groan, when your flesh and body are consumed, ¹²and you say, "How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! ¹³I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors. ¹⁴I was at the point of utter ruin in the assembled congregation." ¹⁵Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. ¹⁶Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? ¹⁷Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you. ¹⁸Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, ¹⁹a lovely hind, a graceful doe. Let her affection fill you at all times with delight, be infatuated always with her love. ²⁰Why should you be infatuated, my son, with a loose woman and embrace the bosom of an adventuress? ²¹For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he watches all his paths. ²²The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is caught in the toils of his sin. ²³He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is lost.

Intent of Chapter 5

5:1-23 Warnings against sexual indulgence and an exhortation to Marital Faithfulness.

vv. 1-2 Learn Wisdom and understanding by paying attention to God’s Word and become discreet with regard to how you share it. Compare Rev. 3:6, and Mal. 2:6-7.

v. 3 The lips of the loose woman (not the chaste one that is Wisdom) drip with honey, and her message is “smooth”. Verses 2 and 3 present an interesting contrast between two kinds of “women”/churches. Compare Rev. 17:2-6, and Psa. 55:21.

v. 4 In the end, the loose woman’s speech is bitter as wormwood and sharp as two-edged swords. Compare Heb. 12:15-16, and Jdg. 16:15-21.

v. 5 The grave is at the end of the loose woman’s path. Compare Prov. 2:19.

v. 6 The loose woman wanders through life without purpose and without understanding her destination. Compare 2Thes. 2:9-10.

vv. 7-11 The admonition is to avoid her ways or you will lose everything that makes life pleasant. Compare Heb. 12:25, Eph. 5:11, Hos. 4:13-14, 7:9, and Rom. 6:21.

vv. 12-14 And what say you who follow the loose woman when you see your condition? You acknowledge that you have despised discipline, correction and the teachings of your instructors. Recognition of the plight is the beginning of repentance. Compare Jn. 3:19-20, Zec. 4:1-6, and Heb. 13:7. Consider also Lost Sheep and the Prodigal Son (No. 199),

http://www.ccg.org/weblibs/study-papers/p199.html?cfet=y

vv. 15-16 A metaphor for “Thou shalt not commit adultery”. Compare 1Cor. 7:2-5, and Heb 13:4.

vv. 17-19 Be loyal to the wife of your youth. Let her love infatuate you for the marriage reward. Compare Mal. 2:14-15.

v. 20 A rhetorical question – why go after the loose woman? Compare 1Kgs. 11:1.

v. 21 God sees all. Compare Heb. 4:13.

vv. 22-23 An undisciplined man gets caught in the iniquities of others and tied into the coils of his own sin, finally, he is dragged down to the grave by his own folly. Compare Eph. 5:5-6, and 2Pet. 2:15-22.

Chapter 6

¹My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger; ²if you are snared in the utterance of your lips, caught in the words of your mouth; ³then do this, my son, and save yourself, for you have come into your neighbor's power: go, hasten, and importune your neighbor. ⁴Give your eyes no sleep and your eyelids no slumber; ⁵save yourself like a gazelle from the hunter, like a bird from the hand of the fowler. ⁶Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. ⁷Without having any chief, officer or ruler, ⁸she prepares her food in summer, and gathers her sustenance in harvest. ⁹How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? ¹⁰A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, ¹¹and poverty will come upon you like a vagabond, and want like an armed man. ¹²A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, ¹³winks with his eyes, scrapes with his feet, points with his finger, ¹⁴with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; ¹⁵therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing. ¹⁶There are six things which the LORD hates, seven which are an abomination to him: ¹⁷haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, ¹⁸a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, ¹⁹a false witness who breathes out lies, and a man who sows discord among brothers. ²⁰My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. ²¹Bind them upon your heart always; tie them about your neck. ²²When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. ²³For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, ²⁴to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adventuress. ²⁵Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes; ²⁶for a harlot may be hired for a loaf of bread, but an adulteress stalks a man's very life. ²⁷Can a man carry fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? ²⁸Or can one walk upon hot coals and his feet not be scorched? ²⁹So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; none who touches her will go unpunished. ³⁰Do not men despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry? ³¹And if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house. ³²He who commits adultery has no sense; he who does it destroys himself. ³³Wounds and dishonor will he get, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. ³⁴For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. ³⁵He will accept no compensation, nor be appeased though you multiply gifts.

Intent of Chapter 6

6:1-19 Four short sections dealing with particular faults.

vv. 1-2 These verses identify three errors in judgment for which there is risk of loss: being a surety (co-signer) for your neighbor; making some kind of a pledge to a stranger; and making a careless commitment to do something without considering the cost (see also 2Kgs 4:1). The implication is that you are required by God to make good on your promises, regardless of the cost to you. Compare Pro. 22:26, and 18:7.

vv. 3-5 Such foolishness places you in the power of another. If you find yourself in this state, work hard to get out of it. The implication here is that you have a certain level of sovereignty which you can dilute voluntarily with thoughtless acts. Compare Jas. 4:10, Ecc. 9:10, and Psa. 124:7.

v. 3 Hasten – humble yourself or look disconsolate.

vv. 6-11 An admonition to the lazy to consider the industriousness of the ant. (20:4; 30:25). The love of leisure is a snare. Compare Rom. 12:11, 13:11; Pro. 30:25 and 24:33-34.

vv. 12-15 The wicked man is a worthless person. He lies, accuses, devises mischief, sows discord. Calamity will overtake him in a moment. Compare Jas. 1:21, Psa. 35:10, Rom. 16:17, Isa. 30:13. He is in contrast with the straightforward man (4:24-27).

v v. 16-19 Six things God hates, and the seventh is an abomination: Pride, lies, murder, deceit, zeal for evil, malicious false witness, and sowing discord among brethren (the abomination). The six things that God hates are tools to accomplish the seventh, which is a direct attack upon His Nature of love. Compare Rev. 21:27, Rev. 22:15, Zec. 8:17, Isa. 59:7, and Jas. 3:14-16. Progressive numerical saying (30:15-31; Am. 1:3-2:8) was a rhetorical form common in Semitic poetry.

6:20-35 Commendation in Wisdom and Warning against Adultery (see 5:1-23)

v. 20 Despise not your father’s (God’s) commandments, nor your mother’s (Wisdom’s) instruction and discipline. Perhaps Eve, being Adam’s rib, may be a metaphor for Wisdom being an emanation from God, their spiritual union being the model for the one-flesh marriage that mankind was commanded to enjoy. Compare Pro. 30:11.

v. 21 Bind these commandments and instructions in your heart. This is the promise of the New Covenant and a description of the circumcised heart. Wear them about your neck, where one is yoked, and these commandments and instructions are a proper yoke, a light burden. Compare 2Cor. 3:3, Mat. 11:30.

v. 22 The commandments and instructions will inform your walking, lying down and sleep. They will talk to you when you wake. This is exactly how one can be instant in prayer. Compare Psa. 119:9, 97.

vv. 23-24 The commandment is a lamp, the teaching is a light. The reproofs of discipline are the way of life. Why? To preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adventuress. Compare 2Pet. 1:19.

vv. 25-28 Eyelashes, in v. 4 eyelids the eyes in movement. The admonition is to avoid the loose woman because though she can be had on the cheap, she delivers only fiery destruction to the soul. Compare Jas. 1:14-15; 3:5 Pro. 29:3.

vv. 29-35 The adulterer is despised more than a thief; He will pay with his goods, and he will never assuage the desire for revenge of his neighbour done wrong. Compare Eze. 22:11, Heb. 13:4.

vv. 30-31 Perhaps also, men do not despise a thief if he steals when he is hungry, yet he still pays sevenfold. But there can be no compensation to atone for the adulterer.

Chapter 7

¹My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; ²keep my commandments and live, keep my teachings as the apple of your eye; ³bind them on your fingers, write them on the tablet of your heart. ⁴Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call insight your intimate friend; ⁵to preserve you from the loose woman, from the adventuress with her smooth words. ⁶For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice, ⁷and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man without sense, ⁸passing along the street near her corner, taking the road to her house ⁹in the twilight, in the evening, at the time of night and darkness. ¹⁰And lo, a woman meets him, dressed as a harlot, wily of heart. ¹¹She is loud and wayward, her feet do not stay at home; ¹²now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait. ¹³She seizes him and kisses him, and with impudent face she says to him: ¹⁴"I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows; ¹⁵so now I have come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly, and I have found you. ¹⁶I have decked my couch with coverings, colored spreads of Egyptian linen; ¹⁷I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. ¹⁸Come, let us take our fill of love till morning; let us delight ourselves with love. ¹⁹For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey; ²⁰he took a bag of money with him; at full moon he will come home." ²¹With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. ²²All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast ²³till an arrow pierces its entrails; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life. ²⁴And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. ²⁵Let not your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths; ²⁶for many a victim has she laid low; yea, all her slain are a mighty host. ²⁷Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.

Intent of Chapter 7

7:1-27 Wisdom as a safeguard against adultery (also repeating some of Ch. 2).

vv. 1-3 Again, the admonition is to treasure the commandments and teachings of God. Make them the central focus of your life. Write them on your heart. Compare Lk. 8:15; Rev. 22:14 and 2Cor. 3:3.

v. 4 Wisdom personified as a woman. (1:20-33; 4:8-9; 8:1-36; 9:1-6). Call Wisdom your sister, and insight your intimate friend. These are not your wife, but rather your inner circle. Compare Mat. 12:50.

v. 5 Wisdom and insight will preserve you from the loose woman, the adventuress with the smooth words. Your inner circle is your outer defence. Compare Pro. 6:24.

vv. 6-9 The student observes the behaviour of a callow simpleton on his way down the wrong path. Compare Mat. 15:16, 1Cor. 6:18, Rom. 13:12-14.

vv. 10-12 The nature of the harlot is visible in her behaviour. She is loud, both in voice and dress. She is found on the street corners at twilight. Compare Rev. 17:3-5, Tit. 2:5, and Rev. 18:3.

vv. 13-21 She kisses him to take his eyes off the trap. Her smooth words flatter him, diminish any perception of risk, and play up the sensual rewards. Compare Rev. 2:20, 22, Jdg. 16:15-17.

v. 14 Sacrifices. and...vows provided the occasion for the feast as the meat was retained by the worshippers as only the fat and the entrails were consumed on the altar (Lev. 3:1-5 n.; 7:15; 1Sam. 9:12-13). The separation here between religion and morality is an abomination to the Lord (15:8; 21:3) (so also OARSV n.)

vv. 22-23 He takes the bait, the trap snaps and he dies. Compare Pro. 9:18.

vv. 24-27 “Attend my words.” This is a common story with a common result. ²⁷Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death. Compare 1Jn. 2:1, Isa. 53:6, 1Pet. 2:11, and Ecc. 7:26.

Chapter 8

¹Does not wisdom call, does not understanding raise her voice? ²On the heights beside the way, in the paths she takes her stand; ³beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: ⁴"To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the sons of men. ⁵O simple ones, learn prudence; O foolish men, pay attention. ⁶Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right; ⁷for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. ⁸All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. ⁹They are all straight to him who understands and right to those who find knowledge. ¹⁰Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; ¹¹for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. ¹²I, wisdom, dwell in prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. ¹³The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. ¹⁴I have counsel and sound wisdom, I have insight, I have strength. ¹⁵By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; ¹⁶by me princes rule, and nobles govern the earth. ¹⁷I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. ¹⁸Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and prosperity. ¹⁹My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. ²⁰I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, ²¹endowing with wealth those who love me, and filling their treasuries. ²²The LORD created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. ²³Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. ²⁴When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. ²⁵Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth; ²⁶before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world. ²⁷When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, ²⁸when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, ²⁹when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, ³⁰then I was beside him, like a master workman; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, ³¹rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the sons of men.³²And now, my sons, listen to me: happy are those who keep my ways. ³³Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. ³⁴Happy is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. ³⁵For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD; ³⁶but he who misses me injures himself; all who hate me love death."

Intent of Chapter 8

8:1-36 Wisdom Again speaks as a prophetess.

(Comp. 1:20-33). proclaiming her worth (v. 6-11), her authority (v. 12-16), her rewards (v. 17-21), and her primacy in the creative work of God (v. 22-31). It is here that we see the function of Wisdom as the Holy Spirit (No. 117) where it functions as the all pervasive knowledge and power of God enabling God to be Omnipresent and Omnipotent enabling His Divine Prescience (No. 296) in all of the Elohim and in mankind enabling that process to be effected in them (No. 001).

vv. 1-3 Rhetorical question: Doesn’t Wisdom call out and make itself known? She makes her case everywhere, in the streets, at the gates, by the portals. In nature itself. The implication is that it is everywhere, if one bothers to look, Compare Isa. 55:1-3, Lk. 14:21-23.

vv. 4-5 The call of Wisdom is to mankind, the simple, and the foolish. Compare 2Cor. 5:19-20, and 1Cor. 6:9-11. This process is to enable the selection and training of mankind.

vv. 6-9 All of Wisdom’s words are truth and guides to the path of righteousness. Pay attention. Compare Mat. 5:2-12, Jn. 17:17, Isa. 63:1, and 1Cor 2:14-15.

vv. 10-11 Wisdom is to be desired more than silver and gold or other fine jewellery. This point, repeatedly made, is important to God, so it must be taken as important by us. Compare Ecc. 7:11, and Php. 3:8-9.

v. 12 Wisdom dwells in (or with) prudence and finds knowledge in discretion (comp. v. 35). Compare Col. 2:3.

v. 13 The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. pride, arrogance, and perverted speech. Compare Rom. 12:9, 1Pet. 5:5, and Pro. 10:31.

v. 14 Wisdom gives counsel, insight, and strength. Compare 1Cor. 1:30, Ecc. 9:16-18.

vv. 15-16 Wisdom informs the kings and princes that govern, to rule justly (1Kgs 3:9; Isa. 11:1-9). Compare Rev. 19:11.

vv. 17-21 The seeker of Wisdom will find her, and she shall love that one, bestowing all the rewards that have been listed previously. Compare Mar. 10:14, Jas. 2:5; Ecc. 7:12; Rev 7:17 and Heb. 10:34.

vv. 22-31 God created Wisdom before the foundations of the earth were laid, and she was with Him, at His side through the whole creation process, together rejoicing. God selected the Saints at this time also (3:19-20). Compare Col. 1:12; Eph. 1:10-11; Heb. 1:2; Mat. 17:5 and Psa. 40:6-8.

v. 22 Created me Wisdom here is the direct creation of God as His primary act enabling the activity of the elohim and the creation within God's will.

v. 23 Set up came into being or poured out like the Sprit it is (Acts 2:17).

v. 27 drew a circle - the horizon.

v. 28 made firm the skies - Gave them regular order and substance. Not a flat earth model (Gen. 1:6-8n.; Job 26:10-11; Ps. 104:2-3).

v. 29 Comp. Gen. 1:9; Job 38:10-11.

v. 30 Master workman and “little child” (another reading of an ancient Hebrew word) (also meaning confident or coordinator (see Col. 1:17)

vv. 32-36 Wisdom says: find me, follow me, find life. To not find me is to find only death. Compare Jn. 4:14; Act 7:35-37; 1Jn. 5:11-12 and 1Cor. 16:22.

Chapter 9

¹Wisdom has built her house, she has set up her seven pillars. ²She has slaughtered her beasts, she has mixed her wine, she has also set her table. ³She has sent out her maids to call from the highest places in the town,⁴"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" To him who is without sense she says, ⁵"Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. ⁶Leave simpleness, and live, and walk in the way of insight." ⁷He who corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. ⁸Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. ⁹Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning. ¹⁰The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. ¹¹For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. ¹²If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it. ¹³A foolish woman is noisy; she is wanton and knows no shame. ¹⁴She sits at the door of her house, she takes a seat on the high places of the town, ¹⁵calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, ¹⁶"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" And to him who is without sense she says, ¹⁷"Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant." ¹⁸But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Intent of Chapter 9

9:1-6 A Poetic allegory

Wisdom as hostess invites the unwise to her feast for instruction. The creation is to be educated to serve its purpose, to make mankind elohim (No. 001).

v. 1 Wisdom has built her house on seven pillars. These coincide with the Seven Spirits of God. A study point: What are the seven pillars of wisdom? Wisdom's House is the world (see 8:34). The pillars are the pillars of heaven (see 8:28n.; Job 26:11).

vv. 2-6 Wisdom sets a table and invites, by means of her maidservants; mankind to attend to her delicacies. Compare Mat. 22:4-14, Lk. 14:21-23, Mat. 11:25, and Jn. 6:49-58.

9:7-12 Maxims on Scoffers and Wise Men

v. 7 Correct a scoffer to receive abuse. Correct the wicked to receive injury. There is no point in words that trigger physical responses. Compare 2Chr. 36:16. Scoffers are filled with arrogant self assurance and feel no need of learning or religion (21:24).

v. 8 A scoffer will hate you for your reproof, whereas a wise man will love you and your reproof. Reproof is a tool, like a hammer. The wise man will use it to build a house. The scoffer will use it to kill the messenger. Compare Mat. 7:6 and Gal. 2:11-14.

v. 9 The wise and the righteous grow from criticism. Like fertilizer, it stinks for a while, but the yield is great in the harvest. Compare Mat. 13:11-12.

v. 10 The theme of 1:7 is repeated as the discourses of Chs. 1-9 draw to a close. The fear of the LORD is motivation to seek for insight and knowledge. Compare Jn. 17:3.

v. 11 is considered a displaced verse that fits after 8:17 (see OARSV n.). Wisdom will give you long life. Compare Pro. 1:27.

v. 12 One can choose wisdom or scoffing. Regardless, the reward of each is his own. Compare Eze. 18:20.

vv. 13-17 The foolish woman is brazen, boisterous, and prominent while delivering her message that stolen waters are sweet and carnal lust is pleasant. So also Prostitution is not a victimless crime. Compare Pro. 7:10-12, 21:10; 23:27-28, and Jas. 1:14-15.

v. 18 The listener does not know that the foolish woman’s house is full of dead men’s bones and they are sent to Sheol awaiting the resurrection for retraining. Compare Pro. 7:27. (Redundancy as emphasis).

Bullinger’s Notes on Chs. 1-9 (for KJV)

Chapter 1

Verse 1

of. Genitive of Relation ( App-17 ), being the title or heading of the whole book, some being "for" him; others "by" him. If not, why the words of Proverbs 10:1 ? Chapters Proverbs 10:19 , 10:19 are not to "my son", but are in the third person, "he" and "him". See App-74 , and note also other sub-headings, Proverbs 25:1 ; 30:1 ; 31:1 . All these are covered by the Genitive of Relation ( App-17 ).

Verse 2

To know = For discerning. So in verses: Proverbs 1:3 , 1:4 , 1:6 .

wisdom. Hebrew. chokmah. There are six words rendered "wisdom" in this book.

(1) chokmah, rendered "wisdom" except in the passages below. It occurs thirty-nine times in singular, and three times in plural (Proverbs 1:20 ; 9:1 ; 24:7 = true wisdom); forty-two times altogether (6x7. See App-10 ).

(2) binah = discernment or discrimination. Once rendered "wisdom" (Proverbs 23:4 ). Elsewhere, in twelve passages rendered "understanding"; once "knowledge" (Proverbs 2:3 ).

(3) leb = heart; rendered "wisdom" four times (Proverbs 10:21 ;

11:12 ; 15:21 ; 19:8 ).

(4) 'armah = shrewdness; rendered "wisdom" only in Proverbs 8:5 ; elsewhere only in Proverbs 1:4 rendered "subtilty"; Proverbs 1:12 rendered "prudence",

(5) sahal = prudence, or good sense, rendered "wisdom" once (Proverbs 1:3 ); and

(6) sekel = insight, rendered "wisdom" (Proverbs 12:8 ; 23:9 ); elsewhere rendered "understanding" (Proverbs 3:4 ; 13:15 ; 16:22 ), and "prudence" (Proverbs 19:11 ). For "sound wisdom", see note on Proverbs 2:7 .

instruction = admonition or discipline. Sometimes rendered "chastening".

words = sayings. Hebrew. 'imrah. See App-73 .

understanding. Hebrew. binah. See note on "wisdom", Proverbs 1:2 .

Verse 3

wisdom. Hebrew. sakal. See note on Proverbs 1:2 (No. 5), above.

Verse 4

subtilty = prudence. Same root as Genesis 3:1 . Compare Matthew 10:16 . 1 Samuel 23:22 . Not the same word as Genesis 27:35 .

simple = artless, guileless, unsuspecting. Compare verses: Proverbs 1:22 , 1:32 , 1:7 ; 8:5 ; 9:4 , s 9:16 ; 14:15 , 14:18 ; 19:25 ; 21:11 ; 22:3 ; 27:12 .

Verse 5

will hear. Illustrations: Eunuch (Acts 8:27 , 8:39 ): Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:7 ); the Bereans (Acts 17:11 , 17:12 ); Apollos (Acts 18:24-28 ).

Verse 6

the interpretation = satire, or the point of what is said. Occurs only here and Habakkuk 2:6 .

words. Hebrew. dabar. App-73 .

Verse 7

fear = reverence. This expression occurs fourteen times in Proverbs (Proverbs 1:7 , 1:29 ; 2:5 ; 8:13 ; 9:10 ; 10:27 ; 14:26 , 14:27 ; 15:16 , 15:33 ; 16:6 ; 19:23 ; 22:4 ; 23:17 ). See App-75 .

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

the beginning. And only the "beginning", not the end. It is not "wisdom" itself. True wisdom is to justify God and condemn oneself. See note on Job 28:28 , and Compare Proverbs 9:10 . Psalms 111:10 .

fools. Hebrew. 'evil. In this book three Hebrew words are rendered "fools": (1) ' evil = lax or careless habit of mind and body. Occurs nineteen times in Proverbs.. (2) kesil = fat, and then dense, or stupid, which comes of it, showing itself in impiety. Occurs forty-nine times in Proverbs, and eighteen times in Ecclesiastes. (3) nabal = a vulgar churl. Occurs only three times in Proverbs: viz. Proverbs 17:7 , Proverbs 17:21 ; Proverbs 30:22 ; not in Ecclesiastes.

despise = have always despised, &c. Illustrations: Cain (Genesis 4:6-8 ); Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 2:12 , 2:25 ); Nabal (1 Samuel 25:25 ); Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:13 ); Athenians (Acts 17:18 , Acts 17:32 ); Jews and Greeks (1 Corinthians 1:18 , 1:23 , 1:24 ).

Verse 8

My son. See the Structure (p. 864) for the portions so addressed (Proverbs 1:6 , 1:9 , 1:18 ; Pro 19:20-34 ; 27:1 , Pro 27:29 , 27:27 ; 30:1 , 30:31 , 30:31 ). Occurs fifteen times in this member. hear, &c. Illustrations: Isaac (Genesis 48:15 ); Moses (Hebrews 11:23 ); Samuel (1 Samuel 1:28 ; 2:18 ; 3:19-21 ); Timothy ( 2Ti 1:5 ; 2 Timothy 3:15 .Acts 16:1 , 16:2 ).

thy father. The address is educational, this being the duty of the father, corresponding with Proverbs 31:1-9 , as contrasted with "the words of the wise", also addressed to "my son" (Proverbs 19:20 , 19:24 , Pro 19:34 ; 27:1 , Pro 27:29 , 27:27 ).

thy mother. Compare Proverbs 31:1-9 .

Verse 9

they: i.e. instruction and law.

ornament = garland.

neck. Showing cheerful and willing obedience, in contrast with stiffneckedness (Exodus 32:9 ) and pride (Isaiah 3:16 ). See also Genesis 41:42 .

Verse 10

sinners. Hebrew. chata'. App-44 .

Consent thou not: Illustrations: Joseph (Genesis 39:9 , 39:10 ); prophet (1 Kings 13:8 , 13:9 ); Jehoshaphat (1 Kings 22:49 , contrast 2 Chronicles 18:2 ; 20:35-37 ); Joash (2 Chronicles 24:17 , 24:18 ).

Verse 11

blood. Figure of speech Metalepsis ( App-6 ), "blood" put for bloodshedding, and then bloodshedding put for the one whose blood was shed. See Isaiah 33:15 .

the innocent = an innocent one (singular)

without cause. Compare John 15:25 .

Verse 12

the grave. Hebrew. sheol. App-35 .

pit. Hebrew. bor, a hole bored or dug. Hence a dry pit or grave. Compare Genesis 37:20 .

Verse 15

path. Some codices, with Aramaean, Septuagint, Syr, and Vulgate, read "paths" (plural)

Verse 16

their feet = they. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Part), App-6 , for the persons who run. Quoted in Romans 3:15 . evil = mischief. Hebrew. rcl'a'. App-44 .

Verse 17

in vain, &c. = it avails not. Figure of speech Paroemia. App-6 . The sight of the net does not deter the birds. They (emphatic) still go on to their capture and death. The next verse requires this sense. So men go on in their evil ways, though they know it is to their own ruin (Proverbs 1:18 ).

Verse 18

lives = souls. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 19

life = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

owners. Hebrew. ba'al, as in Proverbs 1:17 . The "owners" of a soul are like the "owners" of wings, and are caught in their own trap with their eyes open.

Verse 20

(20-33) (Note the Extended Alternation in these verses). 21. The Call made. Expostulation of Wisdom with the simple. Promise to hearers. 25. The Call made. Expostulation of Wisdom with refusers. Promise to hearers.

Wisdom. Hebrew. chokmah. See note on Proverbs 1:2 .

without. The emphasis is on the publicity of her call.

streets = open or broad places, especially about the city gates (Deuteronomy 13:16 ), or open squares. Genesis 19:2 .Judges 19:15 , Jdg 19:20 ; 2 Chronicles 29:4 , &c.

Verse 21

saying. The Ellipsis of this verb has frequently to be supplied. See note on Psalms 109:5 .

Verse 22

love. The second feature. The first was ignorance in Proverbs 1:7 .

Verse 23

Turn, &c. = Turn [and listen to] my reproof.

Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos ( App-6 ), to emphasize the conditional promise.

spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 . Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject) for all spiritual blessings.

Verse 24

refused: i.e. refused [to hear], verses: Proverbs 1:24-33 .

Verse 26

I: i.e. I, Wisdom.

fear = what you fear. "Fear" put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) App-6 , for the calamity which produced the fear. Note the Introversion in Hebrew of "fear", "desolation", "destruction", "anguish", in verses: Proverbs 1:26 , Proverbs 1:27 .

Verse 27

desolation = tempest.

destruction = calamity.

Verse 28

Then, &c. Illustration: Israel (Deuteronomy 1:45 , 1:46 ). See also Isaiah 1:15 .Jeremiah 11:11 .Ezekiel 8:18 . Hosea 5:6 .

Verse 29

For that = Forasmuch as.

Verse 31

Therefore, &c. Illustrations: Israel (Numbers 11:4-6 ; Psalms 106:13 , 106:14 . Compare Numbers 11:20-23 and Psalms 106:15 . See also Numbers 14:44 , 14:45 ). Under Samuel ( 1Sa 8:7 , 1 Samuel 8:19 .

Verse 32

shall slay them. Illustrations: Israel (Deuteronomy 32:15-25 .Hosea 13:6-8; 13:6-8 ); Babylon (Isaiah 47:7-9 ); Moab (Jeremiah 48:11-15 ); Sodom (Ezekiel 16:49 ); Tyre (Ezekiel 28:2 , 28:7 ).

Verse 33

shall dwell safely. Illustrations: Noah (Genesis 6:22 ; 7:23 .Hebrews 11:7; 11:7 ); Shadrach, &c. (Daniel 3:25 .Psalms 138:7; 138:7 ); Daniel (Daniel 6:10 , :22 .Psalms 119:10; 119:10 ); Christ's sheep (John 10:28 ).

evil. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .

Chapter 2

Verse 1

My son. Note this guide to the Structure on p. 864.

words = sayings. Hebrew. 'imrah. App-73 .

hide = lay up. More than listening = hide as in a treasury. Illustrations: Deuteronomy 6:6 . Psalms 119:9 , Psalms 119:11 .Matthew 13:44 .Luke 2:19 , Luke 2:51 ; Luke 9:44 .Verse 2

incline thine ear = hearken. Hebrew prick up or point thine ear. Not the same word as in Proverbs 2:18 .

wisdom. Hebrew. chokma. See note on Proverbs 1:2 .

And apply = [then] thou shalt incline or bend thy heart, &c. This is the first step, as Proverbs 2:5 is the result.

understanding = discernment. Hebrew. binah. Note on "wisdom" (Proverbs 1:2 ), No. 2.Verse 3

Yea = For if. (Hebrew. ki'im). If thou goest further and criest and seekest, &c. Then the result is shown in Proverbs 2:5 .

Verse 4

as silver: or money. Probably the reference is to Job 28:0 .

Verse 5

Then . In that case. See notes above.

the fear, &c. That is only "the beginning of wisdom", not the end. See note on Proverbs 1:7 .

find. What He has hidden (Proverbs 2:7 ).

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

Verse 6

giveth. The cry of Proverbs 2:3 implies a Giver. Illustrations: Joseph (Genesis 41:38 , 41:39 ); Moses (Exodus 4:12 ); Solomon (1 Kings 3:12 ; 4:29 ); Daniel (Proverbs 1:17 ; Pro 2:23 ); Stephen (Acts 6:5 , 6:10 ); Lydia (Acts 16:14 ); Paul's prayer (Ephesians 1:17 . Colossians 1:9 ); John (1 John 5:20 ).

Out of His mouth. A phrase common in the prophets, but only here in Proverbs.

cometh. Supply Ellipsis from preceding clause "He giveth".

Verse 7

He layeth up. Same word as "hide" in Proverbs 2:1 . The wicked cannot find. The righteous must dig. It is in safety from the enemy.

sound wisdom = something stable. Hebrew. tushiyah = that which is, or stability. May be so rendered in all its twelve occurrences. Compare Job 5:12 (enterprise = anything stable); Proverbs 6:13 (wisdom = stability); Proverbs 11:6 ; 12:16 (wisdom = stability); 26:3 ; 30:22 (substance). Proverbs 2:7 ; 3:21 ; 8:14 (sound wisdom); Proverbs 18:1 (wisdom = all that is). Isaiah 28:29 (workings everything that is). Micah 6:9 (the man of wisdom = every one who is or exists). See App-74 .

buckler. Compare Psalms 3:3 ; 7:10 ; 18:2 , 18:30 , 18:35 ; 28:7 ; 33:20 . Applied to God, as here.

uprightly = blamelessly.

Verse 8

He keepeth = for preserving. See note on Proverbs 4:23 .

the paths of judgment = righteous paths.

preserveth, &c. Illustrations: David (1 Samuel 25:32-34 ; 27:1 . Compare 2 Samuel 22:1 ); Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 ).

saints = favoured ones. Hebrew. chasidim. The first occurrence in Proverbs of this word which marks a later Jewish sect called chasidim or holy ones.

Verse 9

Then, &c. Another conclusion, as in Proverbs 2:2 and 2:5 .

Verse 10

When, &c.: or because. Commencing the particular instructions as to the practical power of wisdom, to keep from evil men (verses: Proverbs 2:10-15 ) and the foreign woman (verses: 16-19); and in the way of good men (verses: Proverbs 2:20-22 ). See App-74 .

thy soul = thee. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 12

deliver = pluck, or rescue. evil = evil [man]. Hebrew. ra'a'.

froward = perverse. Hebrew occurs nine times in Proverbs (verses: Proverbs 2:12 , 2:14 , 2:14 ; 8:13 ; 10:31 , 10:32 ; Proverbs 16:28 , 16:30 ; 21:8 ); elsewhere only in Deuteronomy 32:20 .

Verse 13

darkness. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), App-6 , for the evil which leads thither. Compare Romans 13:12 .Ephesians 5:11 .

Verse 14

wicked. Same word as "evil", Proverbs 2:12 .

Verse 16

strange woman. Hebrew. zur = apostate to a false religion, of which prostitution formed part.

stranger = foreigner. Hebrew. nakar = foreign woman. Not of Abraham's seed (Genesis 17:12 ): ever a snare to Israel.

Verse 18

house. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for household.

the dead. Hebrew Rephaim, who have no resurrection. Compare Isaiah 26:14 ("deceased"), Isaiah 26:19 ("the dead"); and see App-25 . This shows that a Canaanite woman is referred to here.

Verse 19

return again. Compare "rooted out", Proverbs 2:22 , with Isaiah 26:19 .

take . . . hold = attain to.

Verse 21

dwell in the land. Not be "cast out", as in Proverbs 2:22 .

perfect: or blameless.

Verse 22

wicked = lawless. Not the same word as in Proverbs 2:14 . Hebrew. rasha'.

transgressors = traitors, treacherous or faithless ones. Hebrew. bagad.

Chapter 3

Verse 1

My son. See note on Proverbs 2:1 .

keep = watch, guard. See note on Proverbs 4:23 .

Verse 2

they. Not the "law" and "commandments" of Proverbs 3:1 , for they are feminine, but the "days" of Proverbs 3:2 (which are masculine, agreeing with the verb "add", which is masculine also). See App-74 .

add to thee. This, in the Hiphil = make increase for thee, or cause thee to increase or grow [in wisdom]: i.e. as the days and years lengthen and increase they will add to thy wisdom if thou forget not, &c. So in other passages where wisdom is supposed to promise long life, which it does not. See notes on Proverbs 3:16 ; 4:10 ; 9:11 ; 10:27 .

Verse 3

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

Bind. Like the phylacteries. Compare Proverbs 6:21 ; 7:3 ; and see Exodus 13:16 .

Verse 4

understanding = insight. Hebrew. sekel. See note on "wisdom" (Proverbs 1:2 ), No. 6. Not the same word as in Proverbs 3:5 .

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

man. Hebrew. 'adam. App-14 .

Verse 5

Trust = Confide. Hebrew. batah. App-69 .

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

with all thine heart. Illustrations: Abraham (Genesis 24:1-8 ; compare Proverbs 19:14 ); Eleazar (Genesis 24:12-27 ); Jephthah (Judges 11:11 ); David (1 Samuel 30:6-8 ); Asa (2 Chronicles 14:9-15 ); Hezekiah (2Kings 18:4-7 ; 19:14-37 ); Nehemiah (Proverbs 1:4-11 ; 2:4-8 ).

understanding = discernment. Hebrew. binah. See note on "wisdom" (Proverbs 1:2 ), No. 2.

Verse 6

acknowledge = recognize, or own.

direct = rightly divide: i.e. dividing and thus showing what is right or pleasing to God. Hebrew. yashar. Numbers 23:27 . Compare Judges 14:3 , 14:7 ; 1Sa 18:20 , 1 Samuel 18:26 . Rendered by Septuagint orthotomeo, the same word as in 2 Timothy 2:15 .

Verse 7

Be not wise, &c. Illustrations: Ahab ( 1Ki 22:30 , 1 Kings 22:34 , 22:35 ); Jeroboam ( 1Ki 12:26-33 ; 1 Kings 13:33 , 13:34 ; Asa (1 Kings 15:19 ); Ben-hadad (1 Kings 20:10 , 20:11 ); quoted Romans 11:25 ; 12:16 .

Fear = revere. See note on Proverbs 1:7 .

the LORD. Jehovah (with 'eth) = Jehovah Himself. App-4 .

depart from = shun, or avoid.

evil. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .

Verse 8

health = healing. Occurs only here.

navel. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part) for the whole body ( App-6 ). But Septuagint and Syriac, following a different spelling, read "body".

marrow = moistening.

Verse 9

Honour . . . substance. This proverb has led to a universal custom. Compare 1Ti 5:3 , 1 Timothy 5:17 . Acts 5:2 ("price" = honour); Proverbs 19:19 . Illustrations: Abraham (Genesis 14:20 . Hebrews 7:2 ); Jacob (Genesis 28:22 ); David (1 Chronicles 29:1-5 , 29:28 ); Widow (Mark 12:41-44 ); Woman (Mark 14:3-9 ); Cornelius (Acts 10:2 , 10:4 ); Philippians (Proverbs 4:15-19 ).

Verse 10

presses = wine-vats. Hebrew. yekeb. Not gath ; a wine-press.

burst out = overflow.

new wine. Hebrew. tirosh. App-27 .

Verse 11

despise not = shrink not from. Quoted from Job 1:20-22 , and in Hebrews 12:5 , 12:6 . James 5:17 . Compare Job 34:31 , 34:32 . One of the passages quoted in the NT. from Proverbs, viz. Proverbs 3:11 , 3:12 (in Hebrews 12:5 , 12:6 . Compare Revelation 3:19 ); Proverbs 3:34 (James 4:6 ); Proverbs 11:31 (in 1 Peter 4:18 ); Proverbs 25:21 , 25:22 (in Romans 12:20 ); Proverbs 26:11 (in 2 Peter 2:22 ). Illustrations: David (2 Samuel 15:25 , 15:26 ; 16:10-12 ; 23:5 ); Hezekiah (Isaiah 39:5-8 , contrast Ahaz, 2 Chronicles 28:22 , and Jehoram, 2 Kings 6:31-33 ); Jerusalem (Zephaniah 3:2 . Compare Isaiah 1:5 ).

Verse 12

whom, &c. Joseph (Genesis 37:23-36 ; 39:20 ; 40:23 . Compare Psalms 105:18 ); Israel (Deuteronomy 8:3-5 , 8:15 , 8:16 ); Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:35-37 ); Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7 ).

Verse 13

Happy = Oh, the blessedness, as in Psalms 1:1 . Note the eight occurrences of this Beatitude in Proverbs: Proverbs 3:13 ; 8:32 , 8:34 (blessed); Proverbs 14:21 ; 16:20 ; 20:7 (blessed); Proverbs 28:14 ; 29:18 .

wisdom. Hebrew. chokmah. See note on Proverbs 1:2 .

And = yea, or even.

Verse 14

the merchandise of it: i.e. literal, her merchandise.

Verse 15

She. Emphatic = She, in herself.

rubies = corals, or pearls.

Verse 16

in her right hand = in her power; "hand" put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for use as a grand agency for good of all kinds. Not necessarily a long life conferred. See note on Proverbs 3:2 and App-75 .

riches, &c. = to be used aright. See App-75 .

Verse 17

Her ways, &c. Illustration: Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:36 ; 30:26 . Contrast 2 Chronicles 28:0 ). Compare Acts 2:46 ; 8:6 ; 13:52 . 2 Corinthians 8:2 .

peace = well-being, or prosperity.

Verse 18

a tree of life. See Genesis 2:9 ; 3:22 , 3:24 and compare Proverbs 11:30 ; 13:12 ; 15:4 .Revelation 2:7 ; 22:2 , 22:14 .

Verse 20

clouds, &c. = skies.

dew = night mist. See note on Psalms 133:3 . "Dew" falls only when there are no clouds.

Verse 21

them. Is masculine, and so perhaps refers to the "mercy and truth" of Proverbs 3:3 .

sound wisdom = what is stable. See note on Proverbs 2:7 .

Verse 22

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

neck. Septuagint adds, "Yea, it shall be healing to thy flesh; and refreshing to thy bones".

Verse 24

liest down. Septuagint reads "sittest".

Verse 25

Be not afraid, &c. Illustrations: Moses (Exodus 14:13 , 14:14 ); Rahab (Joshua 6:24 , 6:25 .Hebrews 11:31; 11:31 ); Elisha (2 Kings 6:16 , 6:17 ); Ebedmelech (Jeremiah 39:15-18 ).

the wicked = lawless ones. Hebrew. rasha'.

Verse 26

thy confidence. Septuagint reads "in all thy ways".

keep = keep safe. Not the same word as in verses: Proverbs 3:1 , 3:21 .

Verse 27

Withhold not. Illustrations: Ammonites, &c. (Deuteronomy 23:3 , 23:4 ); Nabal (1 Samuel 25:10 , 25:11 ; Compare Proverbs 3:15 ); Widow (1 Kings 17:12 . 2 Kings 4:7 ); Parable (Luke 10:30-35 ); Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8:1-11 ; 9:1-7 ).

them to whom it is due = the owners thereof.

hand. Hebrew text reads "hands", but some codices, with two early printed editions and Septuagint, read "hand" (singular)

Verse 29

evil. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .

securely = confidently, or without suspicion.

Verse 30

If he, &c. (Hebrew. 'im lo = verily). Render: "he hath already done thee enough harm".

Verse 31

Envy thou not, &c. = Do not become excited against, &c. Illustrations: Moses (Hebrews 11:25 , 11:26 ); Jezebel (1 Kings 21:7-13 . Compare 2 Kings 9:30-37 ). Psalms 34:21 .

the oppressor = the man (Hebrew. 'ish) of violence. App-14 .

Verse 32

froward = those who turn aside. The same word as in Proverbs 2:15 ; not as elsewhere in Proverbs.

abomination to the LORD. Note all the things thus declared: Proverbs 3:32 (Proverbs 11:20 ); 6:16 ; 8:7 ; 11:1 ; 12:22 ; 15:8 (Proverbs 21:27 ), 9, 16, 26; Proverbs 16:5 ; 17:15 , 17:15 ; 20:10 (23); 28:9 .

secret = secret counsel. What is sealed up from all save those to whom He reveals it.

Verse 33

The curse, &c. Illustrations: Baasha (1 Kings 16:1-4 , 16:12 , 16:13 ); Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 22:13-19 ); Coniah (Jeremiah 22:24-28 ); Jehu (2 Kings 19:8-12 .Hosea 1:4; Hosea 1:4 ); Hazael (Amos 1:4 ); Jeroboam II (Amos 7:9 ); Esau (Obadiah 1:18 ).

the wicked = a lawless one (singular) He blesseth, &c. Illustrations: Abraham (Hebrews 11:12 . Contrast Ahab, 2 Kings 10:1-11 ); Jacob (Genesis 30:27 ); Joseph (Genesis 39:2 , 39:21 ); Obed-edom (2 Samuel 6:11 ); the widow (2 Kings 4:2-7 ).

the just = just ones (plural)

Verse 34

He scorneth, &c. Quoted in James 4:6 . 1 Peter 5:5 .

Verse 35

shall inherit, &c. Render: "the wise shall inherit glory, but a fool is piling up disgrace". Illustrations: Asaph (Psalms 73:24 ); Paul (2 Timothy 4:8 ); others (James 1:12 .3 John 1:12; 1:12 3, John 1:12:26 ).

shame, &c. Illustrations: Jeroboam (1 Kings 21:22 . 2Ki 13:2 , 13:11 ; 14:24 ; 2Ki 15:9 , 15:18 , 15:24 , 15:28 ). Compare Proverbs 24:8 .

fools. Hebrew. kesil. See note on Proverbs 1:7 .

Chapter 4

Verse 1

children = sons.

instruction = correction, or admonition.

know understanding = learn discernment.

Verse 3

son. The Hebrew accent ( Dechi ) emphasizes this word to show (1) his own early training (Proverbs 4:3 ); (2) those whom he would instruct (verses: Proverbs 4:1 , 4:2 ); (3) his instruction (verses: Proverbs 4:5-9 .)

only beloved = unique.

in the sight of my mother. A special various reading, called Sevir ( App-34 ), reads "of my mother's sons". So in some codices, with several early printed editions.

Verse 4

Keep = Take heed to.

live: i.e. live again, in resurrection life. See note on Leviticus 18:5 . Earthly life could he enjoyed without keeping commandments.

Verse 5

Get wisdom: Proverbs 4:6 tells how to do it.

it = her.

words = sayings. Hebrew. imrah. See App-73 .

Verse 6

her: i.e. wisdom.

preserve = guard.

keep = protect, as one protects the apple of one's eye. See note on Proverbs 4:23 .

Verse 7

Wisdom . . . wisdom. Hebrew in four words, "Beginning wisdom get wisdom" = as the principal thing, get wisdom.

Verse 8

when = because. Hebrew. ki.

Verse 9

A crown = A diadem.

glory = beauty: i.e. a beautiful diadem.

deliver = deliver fully and freely. Hebrew. magan (a rare word). Occurs only in Genesis 14:20 , here, and Hosea 11:8 .

Verse 10

my son. See note on Proverbs 1:8 .

sayings. Hebrew. imrah. See App-73 .

the years of thy life shall be many = [my sayings] shall grow greater [through] the years of thy life. The verb denotes increase of size, not merely numbers. See notes on Proverbs 3:2 , 3:16 ; 10:27 . The verb here is masculine, but "years of life" is feminine. The verb therefore refers to "sayings".

Verse 11

taught = directed.

Verse 12

When thou goest: or, as thou walkest; i.e. however hedged in our path seems, it opens out as we go forward.

when thou runnest = if thou runnest. To walk is obligatory; to run is optional.

Verse 13

Take fast hold. The Hiphils of this clause are emphatic.

let her not go = do not let her go.

she = she herself. Emphatic.

Verse 14

Enter not. Note the Figure of speech Synonymia ( App-6 ) in the verbs of verses: Proverbs 4:14 , 4:15 . Illustrations: Lot (Genesis 13:10-13 ); Solomon (2 Kings 23:13 . Compare with 1 Kings 11:5 ); Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 18:1 ; 21:6 . Compare with 2 Chronicles 19:2 ; 22:2 , 2Ch 22:3, 22:10 , and Proverbs 6:27 , 6:28 ).

wicked = lawless. Hebrew. rasha. App-44 .

evil. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .

Verse 15

Avoid = let that go; referring to Proverbs 4:14 . Note the Figure of speech Synonymia. App-6 .

away = on.

Verse 16

For. Hebrew. im l'o = because; i.e. the reason why they sleep not is because they mean mischief, and because they intend an occasion of stumbling.

Verse 17

bread. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part) for food in general.

of = obtained. Genitive of Origin. App-17 (2).

wickedness = lawlessness. Hebrew. rasha'. App-44 .

wine. Hebrew. yayin. App-27 .

of violence = obtained by violence. Genitive of Origin. App-17 (2).

Verse 18

But. Marking the contrast between the growth of wickedness (verses: Proverbs 4:16 , 4:17 ), and the growth of wisdom leading in right paths (verses: Proverbs 4:11 , 4:12 ).

the shining light = the dawning of day: advancing and brightening till noon.

perfect = stable part, when the sun seems stationary on the meridian. Illustrations: Jacob (Genesis 49:10 , 49:18 . Hebrews 11:21 ); Nathanael (John 1:46-51 ); Eunuch (Acts 8:27-39 ).

Verse 19

way of the wicked. Illustrations: Korah (Numbers 16:16-19 ); Ahab (1 Kings 16:31 ); Babylon (Isaiah 47:11 ); Jews (Jeremiah 5:19 , 5:25 ; 44:15-23 .Ezekiel 18:29 . Acts 28:25 , 28:26 ).

as. Some codices, with one early printed edition, read "in".

Verse 20

words. Hebrew. dabar. App-73 .

Verse 21

depart = get away from.

Verse 22

health = healing.

Verse 23

Keep . . . with all diligence. Above all that must be guarded. The preposition M (hebrew character) marks the place or person that keeps: the meaning being, guard the heart as the great citadel, for out of it are the source and outgoings of life. Same word as in verses: Proverbs 6:13 . Not the same word as in verses: Proverbs 4:21 .

froward. See notes on Proverbs 2:12 and 6:12 , the only other examples of frowardness of mouth.

(23-27) Note the Alternation in these verses. Positive. Heart. Negative. Mouth. Positive. Eyes. 27. Negative. Feet.

Verse 26

Ponder the path, &c. Illustrations: Abraham (Genesis 24:1-9 . See note on Proverbs 3:5 , 3:6 ); Eleazar (Genesis 24:5 ); Joshua (Proverbs 24:15 ); Ruth (Proverbs 1:16-18 ); David (Psalms 39:1 ); Hezekiah (Psalms 119:50 ); The good wife (Proverbs 31:27 ); Daniel (Proverbs 1:8 ; 6:3 , 6:4 ); contrast Asa (2Chronicles 16:1-9 ). 2Ch 5:1-23 (B p. 865). THE FOREIGN WOMAN.

Chapter 5

Verse 1

My son. See note on Proverbs 1:8 .

understanding =. discernment.

Verse 2

regard discretion, &c. Hebrew infinitive = to guard deep counsels and knowledge. Let them mount guard over thy lips. Compare James 3:8 , "the tongue can no man tame".

Verse 3

a strange woman. Two words are used for "strange" and "stranger": one, Hebrew. zur, an apostate Israelite woman gone over to the idolatrous impurities of heathen religion; the other nakar, a purely foreign woman of a similar character. The danger is religious rather than moral. Hence here it is zur. See note on Proverbs 2:16 .

drop as an honeycomb = distil honey. The invitations of religious idolatry suit the tastes of the natural man.

Verse 5

hell = the grave. Hebrew. sheol. App-35 .

Verse 6

Lest thou shouldest ponder. Render: So that she findeth not the level path of life; her ways are unstable and she knoweth it not.

Verse 7

children = sons.

words = sayings. Hebrew. 'imrah. App-73 .

Verse 8

door = entrance.

Verse 9

years. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for what happens in them.

Verse 10

wealth. Hebrew strength: put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for what is produced by it.

labours. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for what is produced by it.

a stranger = a foreigner. Hebrew. nakar. Not the same word as in verses: Proverbs 5:3 , Proverbs 5:17 . See note above and on Proverbs 2:16 .

Verse 13

obeyed = hearkened to.

Verse 14

I was almost in all evil. The Beth Essentiae denotes "in", in the sense of "as" = I soon became as an evil man, &c. See App-75 .

almost = in a little while. Hebrew. kim'at. Occurs eighteen times (Genesis 26:10 . 2 Samuel 19:36 . 1 Chronicles 16:19 . 2 Chronicles 12:7 . Ezra 9:8 . Job 32:22 .Psalms 2:12 ; Psalms 73:2 ; Psalms 81:14 ; Psalms 94:17 ; Psalms 105:12 ; Psalms 119:87 . Psa 5:14 ; Psa 10:20 . Song of Solomon 3:4 .Isaiah 1:9 ; Isaiah 26:20 . Ezekiel 16:47 ). It is rendered "almost" only in Psalms 73:2 , Psalms 119:87 , and here, where it may as well be rendered "soon" or "quickly" as in Job 32:22 .Psalms 81:14 ; Psalms 94:17 (margin) It denotes in a little time, as in Psalms 2:12 ; Psalms 105:12 (= soon numbered). 2 Chronicles 12:7 (= a little while). Song of Solomon 3:4 (= a little while; i.e. scarcely). Isaiah 26:20 .

evil. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .

Verse 16

Let thy fountains. Septuagint reads "Let not thy fountain", &c. This must be the sense from the context. The Revised Version obtains it by a question, "Should thy fountain . . . ?".

fountains. Plural of emphasis: i.e. thine own wife. Compare Song of Solomon 4:12 .

And = As or nor [thy].

rivers of waters = divisions of waters. Hebrew. palgey mayim: i.e. thy garden irrigation channels in the streets. See note on Proverbs 21:1 .

streets = open places.

Verse 18

thy fountain: i.e. thine own wife. Compare Proverbs 5:16 .

rejoice with = get thy joy with. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "in" instead of "with".

Verse 20

strange = apostate. Hebrew. zur . See note on Proverbs 5:3 .

stranger = alien or foreigner. Hebrew. nakar. See note on verses: Proverbs 5:3 , Proverbs 5:10 .

Verse 21

man = a man. Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 . Illustrations: Cain (Genesis 4:5 , Genesis 4:6 ); Babel's builders (Genesis 11:4-7 ); Sodom (Genesis 18:21 , &c.); Uzzah ( 2Sa 6:6 , 2 Samuel 6:7 ; 1 Chronicles 15:13 .Numbers 4:15; Numbers 4:15 ); David (2 Samuel 12:9 ); Baasha (1 Kings 15:29 . Compare Proverbs 16:7 ); Ahab(1 Kings 21:19 ); Belshazzar (Daniel 5:22-28 ); Nathanael (John 1:48 ); The Seven Assemblies (Revelation 2:2 , Revelation 2:9 , Revelation 2:13 , Revelation 2:19 ; Revelation 3:1 , Revelation 3:8 , Revelation 3:15 ). Compare 1 Samuel 16:7 .

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Verse 22

iniquities. Hebrew. 'avah. App-44 .

take = trap or entrap him.

wicked = a lawless man. Hebrew. rasha, '. App-44 .

he shall be holden. Illustrations: Saul (1 Samuel 18:8 , 1 Samuel 18:9 . Compare Proverbs 24:16 , Proverbs 24:17 ; Proverbs 26:21 ; Proverbs 28:5-20 ); Jerusalem (Jeremiah 2:16-19 . Ezekiel 22:31 ); Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23 ); Judas (John 12:6 . Matthew 26:47-49 ). Compare Proverbs 23:29 , Proverbs 23:35 .

sins. Hebrew. chata;. App-44 .

Verse 23

die without instruction. Illustration: Saul (1 Chronicles 10:13 , 1 Chronicles 10:14 ).

Chapter 6

Verse 1

My son. See note on Proverbs 1:8 .

if. This word should be supplied at the beginning of each line in Proverbs 6:2 , as well as in Proverbs 6:1 .

friend = neighbour.

stricken thy hand. Idiom for making a contract. Compare Job 17:3 .

stranger = an apostate. Hebrew. zur. See note on Proverbs 5:3 .

Verse 2

words = sayings. Hebrew. 'imrah. App-73 .

Verse 3

deliver = rescue.

Verse 5

hand. Aramaean, Septuagint, and Syriac read "snare".

Verse 8

in the summer. True of Eastern ants.

Verse 11

poverty = need. There are six words rendered poor or poverty in Proverbs: (1) rush = in want of necessaries of life (Proverbs 6:11 ; Proverbs 10:4 , Proverbs 10:15 ; Proverbs 13:7 , Proverbs 13:8 , Proverbs 13:18 , Proverbs 13:23 ; Proverbs 14:20 ; Proverbs 17:5 ; Proverbs 18:23 ; Proverbs 19:1 , Proverbs 19:7 , Proverbs 19:22 ; Proverbs 22:2 , Proverbs 22:7 ; Proverbs 24:34 ; Proverbs 28:3 , Proverbs 28:6 , Proverbs 28:19 , Proverbs 28:27 ; Proverbs 29:13 ; Proverbs 30:8 ; Proverbs 31:7 ). (2) dal = impoverished, reduced (Proverbs 10:15 ; Proverbs 14:31 ; Proverbs 19:4 , Proverbs 19:17 ; Proverbs 22:9 , Proverbs 22:16 , Proverbs 22:22 , Proverbs 22:22 ; Proverbs 28:3 , Proverbs 8:11 , Proverbs 8:15 ; Proverbs 29:7 , Proverbs 29:14 ). (3) hes er = in want (Proverbs 11:24 ; Proverbs 21:17 ; Proverbs 28:22 ). (4) 'anah = wretched (Proverbs 14:21 ). (5) 'ebyon = destitute, helpless; deficient in will and wealth (Proverbs 14:31 ). (6) yarash = dispossessed (Proverbs 20:13 ; Proverbs 23:21 ; Proverbs 30:9 ).

as one that travelleth = as a highwayman.

as an armed man = as a man with a shield. Compare Pro 21:33 , Pro 21:34 .

man. Hebrew. 'ish . App-14 .

Verse 12

naughty person. Hebrew a man of Belial = a worthless person. Like Anglo-Saxon na (= no, or not) and wiht (= a thing) = a thing of naught: i.e. worthless.

wicked. Hebrew. 'aven. App-44 .

froward = perverse. Same word as in Proverbs 4:24 ; Proverbs 11:20 ; Proverbs 17:20 ; Proverbs 22:5 . Not the same as elsewhere in Proverbs.

Verse 14

Frowardness = Deceitfulness. See note on Proverbs 2:12 . The same word as in Proverbs 2:12 , Proverbs 2:14 ; Proverbs 8:13 ; Proverbs 10:31 , Proverbs 10:32 ; Proverbs 16:28 , Proverbs 16:30 . Not the same as elsewhere in Proverbs.

soweth = casteth forth [as seed].

Verse 16

six things. Epitomising verses: Proverbs 6:12-14 ( App-10 ).

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Yea, seven. Figure of speech Epanorthosis. App-6 . To imply that the list is not exhausted.

abomination. See note on Proverbs 3:32 .

unto Him = unto His soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 17

A proud look = eyes lifted up. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part), App-6 , put for pride, which is indicated by this act. This is the first, and the others proceed downward; "eyes", "tongue", "hands", "heart", "feet", and then the whole man.

Verse 21

them. This is masculine, and cannot refer to the two, above. Does it refer to the "words" and "sayings" of Proverbs 4:20 ?

Verse 22

it = she: referring to the "commandment" or "law" of Proverbs 6:20 , which are feminine.

sleepest = liest down.

talk = commune. Three, the number of Divine completeness ( App-10 ). Not four (as some suppose) and one "dropped out"!

Verse 23

law is light. Figure of speech Paronomasia ( App-6 ), v. torah 'or. In Latin it would be similar: Lex est lux.

reproofs of instruction = what is directed. Compare Proverbs 6:20 .

way of life = way to life: i.e. life eternal. See note on Leviticus 18:5 .

Verse 24

evil. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .

strange woman = alien, or foreign woman. Hebrew. nakar. See note on Proverbs 5:3 .

Verse 26

the . . . life = the soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 27

Can a man . . . ? Figure of speech Paroemia. App-6 .

take = shovel up.

Verse 30

despise. Hebrew. buz (from bazah), is here followed by (-L) = for. Render it therefore: "Men will not think it a trifle (or a light matter) for a thief that he should steal: [even] to satisfy", &c. . . . So if he be found, &c.

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 32

But whoso = How much more he who.

understanding. Hebrew = heart: put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for understanding.

Verse 34

a man = a strong man. Hebrew. geber. App-14 . Here, it is used of the jealous husband.

Chapter 7

Verse 1

My son. See note on Proverbs 1:8 .

keep = watch.

words = sayings. Hebrew. imrah. App-73 .

Verse 2

live: i.e. live for ever, in resurrection and eternal life. See note on Leviticus 18:5 . Illustrations: Adam (Genesis 3:22 , Genesis 3:23 ); Lot's wife (Genesis 19:26 ); Saul (1 Chronicles 10:13 ); Prophet (1 Kings 13:0 ).

Verse 3

Bind them. Compare Proverbs 3:3 .Deuteronomy 6:8 ; Deuteronomy 11:18 .

table = tablet.

Verse 4

sister. Compare Matthew 12:50 .

kinswoman = close friend (masc). Only other occurance. Ruth 2:1 , of Boaz.

Verse 5

strange = apostate. Hebrew. zur. See note on Proverbs 5:3 .

stranger = alien, or foreigner. See note on Proverbs 5:3 .

flattereth = maketh smooth.

Verse 7

simple. See note on Proverbs 1:4 .

youths = sons.

understanding. Hebrew heart. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for understanding. Compare Proverbs 6:32 .

Verse 8

street = back street.

went = sauntered.

Verse 9

twilight = darkness. A Homonym. See note on 1 Samuel 30:17 .

evening = evening of the day.

Verse 10

subtil = hidden. Hebrew. nazar. Not the same word as in Genesis 3:1 . Same as in Isaiah 48:6 .

Verse 13

impudent. Hebrew hardened. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for boldness.

Verse 16

decked, &c. These words in verses: Proverbs 7:16 , Proverbs 7:17 , are rare words appropriately put into the lips of a foreigner.

Verse 18

take our fill = drink deep.

loves. Plural = much love.

Verse 19

goodman = master of the house. Compare Matthew 24:43 .Luke 12:39 .

Verse 20

the day appointed = the new moon.

Verse 22

straightway = suddenly.

fool. Hebrew. 'evil. See note on Proverbs 1:7 .

Verse 23

life = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 24

children = sons. See the Structure, p. 864.

Verse 26

she hath cast down. Illustrations: Samson (Judges 16:4-21 ); David (2 Samuel 11:0 ); Solomon (1 Kings 11:0 .Nehemiah 13:26; Nehemiah 13:26 ).

Verse 27

hell = the grave. Hebrew. sheol. App-35 .

chambers = inner chambers. An explanation of Sheol.

Chapter 8

Verse 1

wisdom. Hebrew. chokmah = wisdom personified. Compare Proverbs 8:12 .

Verse 2

high places = places of vantage.

in the places of the paths = in the places where the paths meet.

Verse 3

doors = entrances.

Verse 4

men. Hebrew. 'ishim. App-14 .

man. Hebrew. 'adam. App-14 .

Verse 5

simple. See note on Proverbs 1:4 .

wisdom. Hebrew. 'armah. Not the same word as in Proverbs 8:1 = shrewdness. See note on Proverbs 1:2 .

fools. Hebrew. k sil. See note on Proverbs 1:7 .

Verse 6

excellent. Hebrew. nagid = a prince, or representative.

things. Hebrew. dabar = words (see App-73 .) Hence = representative truths.

Verse 7

wickedness = lawlessness. Hebrew. rasha'. App-44 .

Verse 8

words = sayings. Hebrew. imrah.

froward = twisted, or crafty.

Verse 11

better. Note the seventeen occurrences of this rendering of Hebrew. tob in Proverbs: Proverbs 3:14 ; Proverbs 8:11 , Proverbs 8:19 ; Proverbs 12:9 ; Proverbs 15:16 , Proverbs 15:17 ; Proverbs 16:32 ; Proverbs 17:1 ; Proverbs 19:1 , Proverbs 19:22 ; Proverbs 21:9 , Proverbs 21:19 ; Proverbs 25:7 , Proverbs 25:24 ; Proverbs 27:5 , Proverbs 27:10 ; Proverbs 28:6 .

Verse 12

I wisdom dwell. Wisdom personified. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. App-6 .

witty = sagacious. Anglo-Saxon witan, to know; like Greek. oida = to know intuitively: not by effort, which is ginosko = to get to know.

Verse 13

The fear, &c. See note on Proverbs 1:7 .

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

hate. This is far beyond Zophar's mistaken definition of it in Job 28:28 . A man may "depart" from evil from policy, while he loves it in his heart. But to "hate" it comes only from Divine wisdom. By nature men love evil (Jeremiah 17:9 . Matthew 7:17 ; Matthew 15:19 . John 3:19 . Romans 3:10-18 ; Romans 8:7 , Romans 8:8 . 1 Corinthians 2:14 .Galatians 1:5 , Galatians 1:17 . Ephesians 2:2 , Ephesians 2:3 , Ephesians 2:12 ; Ephesians 4:17-22 . 1 Timothy 3:3; 1 Timothy 3:3 . 1 John 5:19 ).

evil. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .

froward = perverse.

mouth. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part), App-6 , for the whole man.

Verse 14

sound wisdom. See note on Proverbs 2:7 .

understandings = discernment. See note on Proverbs 1:2 .

Verse 15

By me kings reign. See Psalms 75:6 , Psalms 75:7 . Daniel 2:21 , Daniel 2:47 . Romans 13:1-7 .

Verse 16

judges of the earth. Some codices, with two early printed editions, Aramaean, Syriac, read "righteous judges"; reading zedek, "righteousness", instead of 'erez, "earth". Revised Version follows this.

Verse 17

that love me. Illustrations: Joseph (Genesis 37:2 :; Genesis 37:13 ; Genesis 37:16-17 ; Pro 39:3 , Pro 39:9 ; Pro 41:38 ); Samuel (1 Samuel 2:26 ; 1 Samuel 7:3-17 ; compare Jeremiah 15:1 ); David (1 Samuel 17:37 , 1 Samuel 17:45 , 1 Samuel 17:46 ); Abijah (1 Kings 14:13 ); Obadiah (1 Kings 18:4 ; compare verses: Proverbs 8:3 , Proverbs 8:12 ); Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:1-3 , 2 Chronicles 34:27 , 2 Chronicles 34:28 ); Daniel (Proverbs 1:6 , Proverbs 1:8 ; Compare Pro 9:23 ; Proverbs 10:11-19 ).

Verse 21

treasures = treasuries. and Syriac render it "created" ( ektise) . Compare the use of the verb in this book (Proverbs 1:5 ; Proverbs 4:5 , Proverbs 4:7 ; Proverbs 16:16 ; Proverbs 17:16 ; Proverbs 18:15 ; Proverbs 19:8 ; Proverbs 20:14 ; Proverbs 22:23 ). Hebrew. kanah. Occurs eighty-six times in O.T.; rendered "possess" only four times. Compare "wisdom" (Luke 11:49 ).

beginning . . . Before. See Co Proverbs 1:1 , Proverbs 1:15-17 ; Proverbs 2:9 . Revelation 3:14 .John 1:1 ; John 17:5 , "begotten before the world . . . born in the world". Elohim taking creature form in order to create; as He, later, took human form (flesh) to redeem. Hence "creation" and "redemption" combined in Christ (Revelation 4:11 ; Revelation 5:9 ). Man created in His likeness: that in which He appeared to the patriarchs and to Joshua (Proverbs 5:13 ) was not temporary, or assumed for the moment, but was permanent.

His way. As distinct from His "works" (Psalms 103:7 ).

Before. To this must be referred Ephesians 1:4 , and Co Proverbs 1:1 , Proverbs 1:17 . Three times we have " before the foundation (or disruption, . Genesis 1:2 . See note on Matthew 13:35 ) of the world" (John 17:24 .Ephesians 1:4 , and 1 Peter 1:20 ). Compare the expression " from (or, since) the foundation of the world", seven times (Matthew 13:35 ; Matthew 25:34 .Luke 11:50 . Hebrews 4:3 ; Hebrews 9:26 . Revelation 13:8 ; Revelation 17:8 ). See note on Matthew 13:35 . The former has to do with the "Church", the latter with the "Kingdom"; the former with God's "purpose", the latter with His "counsels".

Verse 23

set up = founded. Hebrew. nasak, as in Psalms 2:6 , "set".

from everlastings = from the outset of the ages. Compare Hebrews 11:3 .

Verse 24

brought forth. Same root as Job 15:7 ; Job 39:1 .Psalms 29:9 ; Psalms 51:5 .Isaiah 45:10 ; Isaiah 51:2 ; Isaiah 66:8 . Hebrew. hul. Not the same word as in Proverbs 8:30

Verse 25

settled. Compare Psalms 104:8 .

Verse 26

earth. Hebrew ' eretz .

the highest part: or, the first atoms or particles.

world = the habitable world. Hebrew. tebel (not 'eretz dearth). The Talmud ( Taanith vol. 10A) distinguishes 'eretz as meaning the land of Israel, from the world as meaning the outside lands. Compare Matthew 2:20 .

Verse 27

compass = a circle, or vault.

Verse 28

clouds = skies, or finer clouds.

deep = abyss.

Verse 29

appointed = fixed by statute, or marked out.

Verse 30

I was by = I became beside Him. John 1:1 . See note on "was", Genesis 1:2 .

by = close by.

as one brought up with Him = as one constantly with Him, or under His constant care. Hebrew. 'amon, from root 'aman = to be constant or steady, and denoting: (1) The making constant or steady (Exodus 17:12 ). (2) The being constant, as a river (Isaiah 33:16 . Jeremiah 15:18 ); as a house (2 Samuel 7:16 . Isaiah 7:9 ); of words (Genesis 42:20 ); of a prophet (1 Samuel 3:20 ); an allowance (Nehemiah 11:23 ). (3) The stability or faithfulness (Deuteronomy 32:20 . Isaiah 65:16 . Jeremiah 51:15 ); hence "Amen", affirming and confirming assent. (4) Of the constant and steady care of a nurse, &c. (Esther 2:7 , Esther 2:20 ; 2 Kings 10:1 , 2 Kings 10:5 .Isaiah 60:4 ; Isaiah 66:12 .Lamentations 4:5; Lamentations 4:5 ). (5) Of the constant and steady resting of the mind as trusting, relying, or depending upon (Genesis 15:6 ; Genesis 45:26 . Exodus 4:5 .Deuteronomy 28:66 . Judges 11:20 ). (6) Of the constant, steady hand required in a cunning workman (Song of Solomon 7:1 = hands of steadiness, meaning work not hastily done. The Revised Version rendering of Proverbs 8:30 , "a master workman", is made on insufficient ground).

Rejoicing . Compare Proverbs 8:31 .

Verse 31

the habitable part of His earth. Hebrew. tebel 'arez. See note on "world", Proverbs 8:26 . men. Hebrew. 'adam. App-14 . Compare Genesis 2:19 ; Genesis 3:8 , Genesis 3:21 . Made in

His image. Genesis 1:26 , Genesis 1:27 .

Verse 32

children = sons.

blessed = happy. See note on Proverbs 3:13 .

Verse 35

fin deth life: i.e. resurrection life, and life eternal. Compare John 3:36 . 1 John 5:12 . See note on Leviticus 18:5 .

favour = as shown in Romans 6:23 .

Verse 36

sinneth. Hebrew. chata'. App-44 .

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

love death = live and act so as to lose life. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause).

Chapter 9

Verse 1

Wisdom. Plural as in Proverbs 1:20 ; Proverbs 9:1 , and Proverbs 14:1 .

Verse 2

mingled. Compare Isaiah 5:22 . Not with water but with spices.

wine. Hebrew. yayin. App-27 .

Verse 3

sent forth her maidens. An Eastern custom. In N.T. the invitation was carried by menservants (Matthew 22:3 .Luke 14:17; Luke 14:17 ).

maidens = or young persons (masculine or feminine) Hebrew. na'ar.

she crieth: or, each to cry.

highest places. Compare 1 Samuel 10:5 , 1 Samuel 10:10 , &c.

Verse 4

simple. See note on Proverbs 1:4 .

understanding. Hebrew "heart". Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for understanding.

Verse 5

bread. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part), App-6 , for all kinds of food.

Verse 6

Forsake, &c. Illustrations: Moses (Hebrews 11:24-27 ); Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 13:30-33 ; Numbers 14:6-9 , Numbers 14:38 ); Rahab (Joshua 2:9-13 ; Joshua 6:25 .Hebrews 11:31; Hebrews 11:31 ); Ruth (Proverbs 1:16 ; Proverbs 2:11 , Proverbs 2:12 ); Dionysius and Damaris (Acts 17:34 ); Ephesians (Acts 19:19 . Ephesians 2:13 ); members of Nero's household (Philippians 1:1 , Philippians 1:13 ; Philippians 4:22 ).

foolish = heartless. Hebrew. pethi (masculine plural) Not either of the three words in Proverbs 9:13 or Proverbs 1:7 , but the same word as in Proverbs 9:4 .

live: i.e. live for ever. See note on Leviticus 18:5 .

Verse 7

He that reproveth, &c.: verses: Proverbs 9:7-12 not "out of their proper context". See the Structure on p. 874.

wicked = lawless. Hebrew. rasha'. App-44 .

Verse 8

Reprove not a scorner, &c. Illustrations: Joseph (Genesis 37:2 ); the Prophet (2 Chronicles 25:16 ); Jews (Isaiah 36:21 ); the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-10 ).

hate thee. We condemn one who has wronged us, and he condemns us. God's plan is to convict and make the sinner condemn himself.

he will love thee. Illustrations: Nathan (2 Samuel 12:0 . Compare 1 Chronicles 3:5 and 1 Kings 1:32-34 ); the two disciples (Luke 24:25 , Luke 24:29 ); Peter (John 21:17 ); Peter (Galatians 1:2 , Galatians 1:11-14 . Compare 2 Peter 3:15 ).

Verse 9

instruction, or supply "a hint".

Verse 10

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

the beginning: not the end. See note on Proverbs 1:7 .

wisdom. See note on Proverbs 1:2 .

the knowledge, &c. Not departing from evil from policy, but hating it (Proverbs 8:13 ).

the holy = the Holy One. (Plural of majesty.)

understanding = discernment. See note on Proverbs 1:2 .

Verse 11

be multiplied = become great [in importance or usefulness]. Not necessarily "many" in number.

shall be increased: i.e. in importance. Not necessarily in number. See note on Proverbs 3:16 .

Verse 13

A foolish woman. The contrast is with Proverbs 9:1 . Hebrew. kesil . See note on Proverbs 1:7 .

nothing = nothing whatever.

Verse 14

door = entrance.

Verse 15

Who go right, &c = passing on their way, or [To call them ] that go straight forward, &c.

Verse 18

the dead = Rephaim. (No Art.) See App-25 .

hell = Sheol. App-35 . Proverbs marked off by different authorship. All are in two lines, except Proverbs 19:7 , which has three lines. They are miscellaneous, having self-developing connections, finding their reasons in what follows.

A wise son. Illustration: Joseph (Genesis 47:12 . Compare Pro 48:2 ).