Proverbs 2:7. Sound wisdom— Or, solid blessings. The next clause is rendered by Houbigant, He is a defence for those who act with simplicity and candour; and by Schultens, A shield to those who walk in integrity. read more
Proverbs 2:9. Then shall thou understand, &c.— "When you shall seriously have inclined yourself to the study of wisdom, and God shall have given it you; then shall you know in what true judgment, or righteousness, consists. You shall know your duty towards God, towards your neighbour, and towards yourselves. Wisdom shall enlighten you to penetrate into its whole extent; it shall aid you to practice all its duty." Calmet. read more
Proverbs 2:12. The man that speaketh froward things— "With a design to corrupt your mind, and entice you to evil principles and practices:" A species of corruption of which young persons in particular should be extremely cautious. read more
Proverbs 2:15. Whose ways, &c.— Or, who are perverse in their ways, and froward in their paths. read more
Proverbs 2:16. To deliver thee from the strange woman— The strange woman means one who is not yours, whether she be married or not. Solomon expresses by this name a common woman, or a married woman who abandons herself to debauchery. See chap. Proverbs 5:3, &c. Some have thought that, under the figure of an adulterous woman, the wise man persuades us to shun all those doctrines which draw away the mind from God: such as those of the Epicureans and idolaters. But this seems to be intimated... read more
Proverbs 2:17. Which forsaketh the guide, &c.— This circumstance aggravates her infidelity and shame. The first inclinations are always the most sincere and constant. See Proverbs 5:18. Isaiah 54:6. Joel 1:8. read more
Proverbs 2:18. Her house inclineth unto death— Adultery was forbidden under pain of death, both of the man and woman. See Leviticus 20:10. Deuteronomy 22:22. Or otherwise the meaning may be, "Her house is a place of death to him that enters it; he will there find the death of his soul, and the loss of his innocence. It may be considered in some sort as a kind of grave, where he goes to bury himself alive. Her ways lead to hell: Unhappy he who knows her, and attaches himself to her." It is... read more
Proverbs 2:20. That thou mayest walk— Or, Walk thou therefore. REFLECTIONS.—Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore by all means to be sought after. 1. The way prescribed is threefold. (1.) Serious attention to, and meditation upon, the word of God. (2.) Fervent and importunate prayer, the best guide to the knowledge of the oracles of God. (3.) The diligent use of every appointed means, being as eager in the search as those whose hearts are set upon riches are in discovering the golden mines... read more
CHAPTER 2 :-. Men are invited to seek wisdom because it teaches those principles by which they may obtain God's guidance and avoid the society and influence of the wicked, whose pernicious courses are described. read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 2:4
Proverbs 2:4. If thou seekest her as silver— This is thought to be a proverbial saying, borrowed from those who work in mines: The former part of the verse expressing eager desire and great diligence, and the latter invincible resolution and constant perseverance; though I see nothing proverbial in it, more than in many other similitudes, says Bishop Patrick. read more