The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:1-22
3. Third admonitory discourse, pointing out the benefits which arise from a sincere, earnest, and persevering search after Wisdom. This discourse divides itself into three parts. read more
3. Third admonitory discourse, pointing out the benefits which arise from a sincere, earnest, and persevering search after Wisdom. This discourse divides itself into three parts. read more
Then ( אָז , az ), repeated from Proverbs 2:5 , introduces the second apodosis. As the former referred to God, so this appears to refer more especially to man, and thus we have stated the whole benefit, in its twofold aspect, which Wisdom confers on those who diligently seek her. It is not to be affirmed, however, that righteousness and judgment and equity refer exclusively to man; they must represent some aspects of our relationship to God, both from the meaning of the words... read more
When wisdom entereth into thine heart. There is practically little difference as to the sense, whether we render the Hebrew כִּי by the conditional "if" or by the temporal "when" as in the Authorized Version. The conditional force is adopted by the LXX . ἐάν and the Vulgate si. In the previous section of this address, the teacher has shown that the search after Wisdom will result in possession.; now he points out, when Wisdom is secured, certain advantageous consequences follow.... read more
The antidote to temptation I. WE NEED AN ANTIDOTE TO TEMPTATION . It is not enough to trust to our own spiritual health to throw off the poison. We are already diseased with sin, and have a predisposition to yield to temptation in the corruption of our own hearts. But if we were immaculate, we should still be liable to fall; the power of temptation is so fearful that the purest, strongest soul would be in danger of succumbing. The tempter can choose the moment of his attack.... read more
The course of sin and the strength of righteousness We have here portrayed for us— I. THE SHOCKING COURSE OF SIN . 1 . It begins in departure from rectitude. Evil men first manifest their error by "leaving the paths of uprightness." They were once under the wholesome restraints of righteousness. Parental control, the influences of the sanctuary and of virtuous society, held them in check, but these are thrown off; they have become irksome, and they are rebelled against... read more
Statement of the advantages which result from the possession of Wisdom, and specially as a safeguard against evil men ( Proverbs 2:12-15 ) and evil women ( Proverbs 2:16-19 ). read more
The profit of religious knowledge It is preservative amidst the influences of evil example and of sensuous solicitation. I. THE WAY IN WHICH IT ACTS AS A PRESERVATIVE . 1 . By taking up a central place in the consciousness. "When wisdom enters thy heart, and knowledge is dear to thy soul." Not as a stranger or mere guest, but a beloved and confidential intimate. The heart denotes here, as elsewhere, "the centre and organic basis of the collective life of the soul,... read more
Discretion shall preserve thee. Discretion ( מְזַמָּת , m'zimoth ) , as in Proverbs 1:4 , is the outward manifestation of wisdom; it tests what is uncertain, and avoids danger (Hitzig). The word carries with it the idea of reflection or consideration (see Proverbs 3:21 ; Proverbs 5:2 ; Proverbs 8:12 ) The LXX . reads, βουλὴ καλή , "good counsel;" and the Vulgate, concilium. Shall preserve thee. The idea of protection and guarding, which is predicated of Jehovah... read more
To deliver thee from the way of the evil man. The first special advantage resulting from the protecting guardianship of discretion and understanding. From the way of the evil man ; properly, from an evil way ; Hebrew, מִדֶּרֶךְ רָע ( midarek ra ) , not necessarily, though by implication, connected with man, as in the Authorized Version. רָע ( ra ) , "evil," "wicked," in an ethical sense, is an adjective, as in Jeremiah 3:16 ( לֵב רָע , lev ra ) , "an... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:1-9
The course, the goal, and the prize of wisdom These are comprehensive verses; they include the three main features of the heavenly race. I. THE COURSE OF THE WISDOM SEEKER . He who searches for wisdom is a wise runner in a heavenly race; he is pursuing an end which the Divine Author of his being distinctly and emphatically commends. 1 . His search for life-giving truth must be characterized by readiness to receive. He must be wholly different in spirit from those who... read more