Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 3:34
34. The retribution of sinners, as in Psalms 18:26. read more
34. The retribution of sinners, as in Psalms 18:26. 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
(34) Surely he scorneth the scorners.—Rather, If, or, Although he scorns the scorners, yet to the lowly he giveth grace. Another form of the teaching of Proverbs 1:24-33. If man rejects God’s offers of mercy, they will in time be withdrawn from him. And so, as man deals with God, will God at last deal with him. (Comp. Leviticus 26:23-24; Psalms 18:25-26; Psalms 81:11-12; Romans 1:24-26.) The verse is quoted in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5. 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
3:34 Surely {q} he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.(q) He will show by his plagues that their scorn will turn to their own destruction, Proverbs 1:26. read more
The nature of this book makes divisions of its chapters rather arbitrary, and ours may not always be the best, but it is hoped it may prove useful in some degree. The opening of chapter four suggests a new beginning, for which reason we conclude this lesson at the close of chapter three. It begins with an advertisement (Proverbs 1:1-6 ), in which mention is made of the author (Proverbs 1:1 ), the object of the book (Proverbs 1:2-3 ), and its great value (Proverbs 1:4-6 ). Then follows its... read more
The Programme of Life Proverbs 3:0 There is a tenderness peculiar to the paternal voice; if its tones are apparently harsher than those of the maternal appeal, yet they tremble with as true a pathos. There are few more subduing sights than that of the father instructing the child in the ways of wisdom. He adopts no cold and formal method of communication. His ministry is full of the heart's fondest love. He speaks not as a mere hireling, but with an affection unconstrained, profound,... read more
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 3:34
Proverbs 3:34. Surely he scorneth the scorners— God will treat the scorners as they deserve. See ch. Proverbs 1:26. The Psalmist says, to the same meaning, Psalms 18:26. With the holy thou wilt shew thyself holy; with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. "Thou wilt present thyself to those who seek thee; thou wilt turn thy back to those who despise thee." The LXX render the verse, The Lord resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the lowly; and St. Peter and St. James have quoted it... read more