Proverbs 3:11-17

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 3:12

Whom the Lord loveth - To encourage thee to bear correction, know that it is a proof of God's love to thee; and thereby he shows that he treats thee as a father does his son, even that one to whom he bears the fondest affection. The last clause the Septuagint translate μαστιγοι δε παντα υἱον ὁν παραδεχεται , "and chasteneth every son whom he receiveth;" and the apostle, Hebrews 12:6 , quotes this literatim. Both clauses certainly amount to the same sense. Every son whom he receiveth,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 3:13

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom - This refers to the advice given in Proverbs 2:4 ; (note); where see the note. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 3:14

For the merchandise - סחר sachar , the traffic, the trade that is carried on by going through countries and provinces with such articles as they could carry on the backs of camels, etc.; from סחר sachar , to go about, traverse. Chaffarynge ; Old MS. Bible. And the gain thereof - תבואתה tebuathah , its produce; what is gained by the articles after all expenses are paid. The slaves, as we have already seen, got their liberty if they were so lucky as to find a diamond of so... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 3:15

She is more precious than rubies - מפנינים mippeninim . The word principally means pearls, but may be taken for precious stones in general. The root is פנה panah , he looked, beheld; and as it gives the idea of the eye always being turned towards the observer, Mr. Parkhurst thinks that it means the loadstone; see the note on Job 28:18 ; (note), where this subject is considered at large. If the oriental ruby, or any other precious stone, be intended here, the word may refer to their... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 3:16

Length of days is in her right hand - A wicked man shortens his days by excesses; a righteous man prolongs his by temperance. In her left hand riches and honor - That is, her hands are full of the choicest benefits. There is nothing to be understood here by the right hand in preference to the left. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 3:17

Her ways are ways of pleasantness - These blessings of true religion require little comment. They are well expressed by the poet in the following elegant verses: - "Wisdom Divine! Who tells the price Of Wisdom's costly merchandise? Wisdom to silver we prefer, And gold is dross compared to her. Her hands are fill'd with length of days, True riches, and immortal praise; Riches of Christ, on all bestow'd, And honor that descends from God. To purest joys she all invites, ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 3:1-18

4. Fourth admonitory discourse. The third chapter introduces us to a group of admonitions, and the first of these ( Proverbs 3:1-18 ) forms the fourth admonitory discourse of the teacher. To all intents and purposes this is a continuation of the discourse in the preceding chapter, for inasmuch as that described the benefits, spiritual and moral, which follow from the pursuit of Wisdom, in promoting godliness and providing safety from evil companions, so this in like manner depicts the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 3:11

My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord. The teacher, in Proverbs 3:11 and Proverbs 3:12 , passes to another phase of life. The thought of prosperity suggests the opposite one of adversity. Abundant prosperity shall flow from honouring Jehovah, but he sometimes and not unfrequently sends affliction, and, indeed, without this life would be incomplete. The object of the exhortation is, as Delitzsch states, to show that, as in prosperity God should not be forgotten, so one should not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 3:11-12

Chastening I. GOD CHASTENS HIS CHILDREN WITH SUFFERING . All suffering is not chastening. Some trouble is the pruning of branches that already bear fruit, in order that they may bring forth more fruit ( John 15:2 ). But when it meets us in our sins and failings, it is to be regarded as a Divine method of correction. It is not then the vengeance of a God simply concerned with his own outraged anger; before this we should tremble with alarm. It is not the chance product of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 3:11-12

Patience in affliction Well does this lesson contrast with the preceding picture of prosperity and opulence. I. THE RELIGIOUS VIEW OF SUFFERING . 1 . It is not a dark doom, a cruel fate, a Blind necessity of things. Such were the ideas of the heathen. 2 . Its cause may be known. This is ever a great solace—to be persuaded that our troubles lie in the reason of things, that nothing is chance or caprice. 3 . That cause is in the Divine mind and will. The power... read more

Group of Brands