For, &c. What follows in not in Hebrew or the Complutensian (Calmet) Septuagint. But it is in the Roman [Septuagint], &c., (Haydock) and in the new edition of St. Jerome, as it was explained by Ven. Bede. Lyranus and Cajetan reject it. (Calmet) read more
14-27 The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perfect till they reach heaven, but there they shall shine as the sun in his strength. The way of sin is as darkness.... read more
Warning against Wickedness v. 14. Enter not into the path of the wicked, to join them in their godless conduct, and go not in the way of evil men, such behavior being incompatible with true wisdom. v. 15. Avoid it, pass not by it, not only by ignoring, but by utterly rejecting the way of evil, turn from it and pass away, if one should inadvertently have strayed into such paths. v. 16. For they, the wicked, sleep not except they have done mischief, the fact that they have not committed... read more
Second Group of Admonitory or Gnomic DiscoursesProverbs 4:1 to Proverbs 7:277. Report of the teacher of wisdom concerning the good counsels in favor of piety, and the warnings against vice, which were given him in his youth by his fatherProverbs 4:1-271 Hearken, ye children, to a father’s instruction,and attend to know understanding:2 for I give you good doctrine;forsake not my law.3 For I was also a son to my father;a tender and only (son) for my mother;4 and he taught me... read more
Guide-Posts on the Way of Life Proverbs 4:10-27 One or two sentences stand out in this section, demanding special attention. The path of the just, etc ., Proverbs 4:18 . We may compare this beautiful similitude with 2 Samuel 23:4 . In the East, where the heavens are for the most part free of cloud, the steadily increasing light of any day to perfect noontide glory is the ordinary experience. Let us so live that the path of our life may become ever more radiant and beneficent in its heat and... read more
In this chapter there are three addresses. The first is of the nature of personal testimony (verses Pro 4:1-9 ). The next two are exhortations to fidelity (verses Pro 4:10-27 ). The father urges his own experience. In verses Pro 4:3-9 he repeats what his father had said to him, and he declares (verses Pro 4:1-2 ) that it was good. This personal experience lends urgency to his exhortations to his son. Then, conscious of the temptations which ever beset the path of the young, the father urges... read more
Sacred Exhortations Proverbs 4:1-27 INTRODUCTORY WORDS It is well, now and then, to step aside and consider what God has to say to young men and women; as well as to consider what He says to their fathers and mothers. The home must ever remain the greatest bulwark of the State. The church has realized the need of saving the youth of the land, in its great effort through its Sunday Schools. 1. Let us first, however, briefly observe the obligations of the father. The Scripture at the head of... read more
Prologue To The Book (Proverbs 1:8 to Proverbs 9:18 ). It was common throughout the 3rd to the 1st millenniums BC for collections of wisdom saying to have a prologue preparing for the ‘sayings’ that would follow. Those sayings would then be introduced by a subheading. Proverbs thus follows the usual precedent in having such a prologue in Proverbs 1:8 to Proverbs 9:18, followed by general sayings in Proverbs 10:1 ff headed by a subheading (Proverbs 10:1). It was also common for such a... read more
A General Appeal To Hear His Words And Sayings, And Instructions With Regard To His Heart, Mouth, Eyes And Feet (Proverbs 4:20-27 ). Solomon urges those who hear him and read his words to take them to heart and keep them there because they offer life and health. They are therefore to watch over their hearts (and minds and wills), to put away careless or false words, to look straight ahead without deviation, and to watch where they put their feet on the path of life. They are not to turn to... read more
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Proverbs 4:27
REELECTIONS. How delightful is it to see the beautiful similitude the wise man adopts in this book of Proverbs, by way of recommending attention to this great subject of getting Wisdom and understanding. Beholding Christ as the pearl of great price, everyone engaged in the pursuit of getting him, may be justly compared to the wise merchant-man. The treasure is hidden in the field of the scripture and must be sought for, if obtained, with suited diligence, and earnestness of inquiry. And though... read more