Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 3:1-12
4. Divine promises and human obligations 3:1-12This section is mainly about peace as a benefit of wise living, but it concludes with another appeal to seek wisdom. read more
Proverbs-3
Thomas Constable
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 3:11-12
The importance of continuing to seek Wisdom 3:11-12Even though the price one has to pay for wisdom (i.e., life within the will of God) includes submitting to God’s discipline (Proverbs 3:11-12), it is worth it (Proverbs 3:13-20). "Loathe" (Proverbs 3:11 b) means to shrink back from (cf. Hebrews 12:5-6). Rejecting with the will and recoiling emotionally are opposite actions from trusting (Proverbs 3:5). God’s discipline may not produce all that God desires if we respond to it improperly. read more
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 3:13-35
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
John Dummelow
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 3:1-35
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
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 3:2
III.(d) Fourth Discourse:—Exhortation to Various Virtues (Pro iii 1-18).(2) Long life.—That is, a life worth living, fit to be called “life”; whereas” length of days” only implies extension of life, the reward promised for obedience to parents. read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 3:3
(3) Mercy.—Or rather, love, shown by God to man (Exodus 34:7), by man to God (Jeremiah 2:2), and to his fellow man (Genesis 21:23); “truth,” or rather, faithfulness, especially in keeping promises, is similarly used both of God (Psalms 30:10) and man (Isaiah 59:14). The two are often joined, as in this place. They are the two special attributes by which God is known in His dealings with men (Exodus 34:6-7), and as such must be imitated by man (Matthew 5:48).Bind them about thy neck . . .—These... read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 3:4
(4) Favour and good understanding.—Particularly noted as distinguishing the childhood of our Lord (Luke 2:52). read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 3:7
(7) Fear the Lord, and depart from evil.—The same result is reached by Job also (Proverbs 28:28) in his inquiry after wisdom. read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 3:8
(8) Navel.—As being the centre, and so the most important part of the body. (Comp. the epithet applied to Delphi, “navel of the earth.”)Marrow.—Literally, watering: i.e., refreshing. (Comp. Job 21:24.) For the opposite condition, “dryness of the bones, comp. Proverbs 17:22. read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 3:1-10
The fruit of peace 3:1-10The trust of the wise son (Proverbs 3:5-6) comes from heeding sound teaching (Proverbs 3:1-4), and it leads to confident obedience (Proverbs 3:7-9)."Teaching" (Proverbs 3:1, Heb. torah) means "law" or, more fundamentally, "instruction" or "direction." Here the context suggests that the teachings of the parents are in view rather than the Mosaic Law, though in Israel their instruction would have rested on the Torah of God."Where it [torah] occurs unqualified (Proverbs... read more