3. father's son—emphatic, a son specially regarded, and so called tender, as an object of special care (compare 1 Chronicles 22:7; 1 Chronicles 29:1); an idea further expressed by only beloved—or, "as an only son" (Genesis 22:2), though he had brothers (see on Genesis 22:2- :). read more
6. Teaching the love of Wisdom 4:1-9"This chapter is comprised of three discourses on the value of wisdom, each including the motifs of instruction, exhortation, command, and motivation." [Note: Ross, p. 922.] The first section of verses in this chapter shows how parents can pass along the love of wisdom: mainly by personal influence. Solomon’s instruction here was very positive. Rather than saying, "Don’t do this and that!" which he did elsewhere (cf. Proverbs 3:27-31), he wanted his sons to... read more
Ancestral Wisdom. The Two PathsIn Proverbs 4:1-9 the teacher lays stress on the fact that his instruction is a repetition of his father’s. No teaching was thought valuable save that which was handed down from one generation to another. The best pupil was the one who was ’a cemented cistern which loses not a drop.’ Proverbs 4:10-19 might be called the doctrine of the two paths, the two ways of life. 20-27 enjoin strict attention to instruction and to conduct.7. Lit. ’The beginning of wisdom is,... read more
(3) For I was . . . son . . .—It is not only his own advice that he has to offer; he can tell his disciples of the excellent discipline and teaching he received from his parents in his old home. It may be remarked that the notices of Solomon’s early years which occur in this and the following verses harmonise well with what we know of him from the historical books of the Bible.Tender.—The epithet applied to Solomon by his father (1 Chronicles 29:1).Only beloved.—The word yâchîd originally... read more
Proverbs 4:5-7 I mean to follow Solomon's directions, 'get learning, get understanding'. I find earlier days are gone by I find that I can have no enjoyment in the world but continual drinking of knowledge. Keats to John Taylor (1818). References. IV. 7. J. T. Bramston, Sermons to Boys, p. 152. A. E. Dunning, Christian World Pulpit, vol. xlviii. 1895, p. 12. U. Thomas, Ibid. vol. liii. 1898, p. 163. IV. 10, 11. W. Arnot, Laws from Heaven for Life on Earth, p. 117. 10-19. A. Maclaren, ... read more
CHAPTER 10TWO VOICES IN THE HIGH PLACES OF THE CITYProverbs 9:1-18, Proverbs 20:14 with Proberbs 3, and Proverbs 20:16 with Proverbs 4:1-27AFTER the lengthened contrast between the vicious woman and Wisdom in chapters 7 and 8, the introduction of the book closes with a little picture which is intended to repeat and sum up all that has gone before. It is a peroration, simple, graphic, and beautiful.There is a kind of competition between Wisdom and Folly, between Righteousness and Sin, between... read more
CHAPTER 4 1. Solomon’s training (Proverbs 4:1-9 ) 2. Hear, O my son: Receive my sayings (Proverbs 4:10-19 ) 3. My son, attend to my words. (Proverbs 4:20-27 ) Proverbs 4:1-9 . This passage shows the early training which Solomon received and he passeth on the instructions. It is said that these verses formed a model for many Puritan homes in England and the Scotland of the covenant. He was the beloved one, his father’s true son. Note the different exhortation, about wisdom: Forget it not;... read more
These chapters begin with reminiscence. A father is reciting to a son the precepts taught him by his father in his youth, and which cover chapter four. Chapter five is a warning against the evil woman. Chapter six deals with suretyship, indolence, malice and violence, while chapter seven returns to the theme of chapter five. In the first-named chapter occurs the beautiful illustration of Hebrew rhythm to which attention was called in Lesson 1; and following it we find in Proverbs 4:18 and... read more
A Parental Exhortation Proverbs 4:0 Still the paternal exhortation proceeds with more and more rhetorical dignity. Doctrine and law form the staple of this appeal. By "law" understand "direction," for life is an ever-bisecting course, and full of points that must bewilder inexperienced travellers. Do not venture upon great sea voyages without proper instruments and without being taught how to use them. So in life. Be enriched with doctrine or wisdom, and cultivate that tender filial spirit... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 4:3
Proverbs 4:3. For I was my father's son, &c.— Literally, I was a tender and delicate child, and the only son of my mother. The word, only son, in this place may be taken in the sense in which the LXX have translated it, and which we have followed. Greek and Latin authors often express by this epithet an only son or a first-born. Houbigant renders the verse, For I was the principal son of my father, the only-beloved of my mother. read more