Her ways, &c. Illustration: Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:36 ; 2 Chronicles 30:26 . Contrast 2 Chronicles 28:0 ). Compare Acts 2:46 ; Acts 8:6 ; Acts 13:52 . 2 Corinthians 8:2 . peace = well-being, or prosperity. read more
Proverbs 3:16-18. Length of days is in her right hand— The wise man represents wisdom (i.e. holiness or religion) as other authors have done, particularly the excellent Cebes, in the shape of a beautiful woman, or rather queen; with her arms extended, in the posture not only of directing, but also of rewarding, her lovers and followers; for she holds forth in her right hand the great blessing of health and length of days, unto all those who will walk in the way to which she points; and it was... read more
17. Her ways—such as she directs us to take. read more
5. The value of Wisdom 3:13-35"Sages reserve the laudatory exclamation blessed (’asre [Proverbs 3:13]) for people who experience life optimally, as the Creator intended." [Note: Waltke, The Book . . ., p. 256.] Long life, riches, and honor (Proverbs 3:16) were the rewards God promised the godly under the Old Covenant. The tree of life figure (Proverbs 3:18) implies that wisdom is the source and sustainer of a long and beneficial life (cf. Proverbs 3:16). [Note: See Ralph Marcus, "The Tree of... read more
The Blessings of Obedience and of ChastisementThe first and third divisions, 1-10, 21-35, are exhortations to good conduct and promises of consequent blessing. The second, 11-20, declares the profitableness of divine chastening and the value of wisdom.1. Law] or ’direction.’ The teacher speaks as one having authority. 3. Mercy] RM ’kindness.’ He is to retain kindness and faithfulness, as he would the signet-ring which hangs from his neck by a cord (Genesis 38:18; Song of Solomon 8:6), or as the... read more
(17) Peace.—The highest reward of the New Testament for the life of thankful dependence upon God (Philippians 4:6-7). read more
Self-reliant Or God-reliant? Proverbs 3:5-6 No one who reads the book of Proverbs can fail to see that its maxims are of the utmost value. We should truly be the poorer without its pithy, practical sayings, which bear upon almost every phase of life. How much we need to remember the verses that I read as our text. I. It is Often Considered a Fine Thing to be Self-Reliant. Many men boast that they rely only on themselves. A man will point with pride to his prosperous business and say, 'I... 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 3 1. The call and promise of wisdom (Proverbs 3:1-10 ) 2. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom (Proverbs 3:11-20 ) 3. Promise and instruction (Proverbs 3:21-25 ) Proverbs 3:1-10 . The call to obedience is followed by promise. The promise is like all the promises to an earthly people “for length of days and long life”. Here are some blessed exhortations loved and cherished by all His people (Proverbs 3:5-7 ). How happier, and more fruitful the children of God would be if they... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 3:1-35
The whole life for God (3:1-35)Obedience and loyalty to God, in addition to guaranteeing his favour, produce the kind of life that most people acknowledge as honourable (3:1-4). If, instead of trusting in their own wisdom and ability, people live in an attitude of reverential trust in God, they can be assured that God will direct them in all their affairs. God will remove obstacles and lead them to their desired goals (5-8).Personal income is one part of everyday life where people must honour... read more