Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 4:10
10. (Compare Proverbs 2:1; Proverbs 3:2). read more
10. (Compare Proverbs 2:1; Proverbs 3:2). read more
7. The two paths 4:10-19In Proverbs 4:10-19, two paths again lie before the youth: the way of wisdom (Proverbs 4:10-13) and the way of folly (the way of the wicked; Proverbs 4:14-17). [Note: See Norman C. Habel, "The Symbolism of Wisdom in Proverbs 1-9," Interpretation 26:2 (April 1972):131-57, for a study of "the way" as a nuclear symbol in this section of Proverbs; and Daniel P. Bricker, "The Doctrine of the ’Two Ways’ in Proverbs," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 38:4... 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
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
Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have... read more
Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 4:10
THE SEVENTH DISCOURSE"Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings;And the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom;I have led thee in the paths of uprightness.When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened;And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go:Keep her; for she is thy life.Enter not into the path of the wicked,And walk not in the way of evil men.Avoid it, pass not by it;Turn from it, and pass on.For they sleep... read more