As. This is not expressed. (Haydock) --- But Solomon was not the only son of Bethsabee, as St. Luke (iii. 23.) specifies Nathan, his brother. See 2 Kings xii. 24. Septuagint have "beloved in," &c. read more
1-13 We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank in society, agree that true wisdom consists in obedience, and is united to happiness. Get wisdom, take pains for it. Get the rule over thy corruptions; take more pains to get this than the wealth of this world. An interest in Christ's salvation is necessary. This... read more
Admonitions Concerning Wisdom v. 1. Hear, ye children, the affectionate address being intended to arouse attention in his readers, the instruction of a father, one who, for that reason, had the experience needed to teach others, and attend to know understanding, to make it their property. v. 2. For I give you good doctrine, teachings which he had received from his father, the value of which had been proved, which he could therefore hand over to the younger generation with words of warm... 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
the Counsels of Experience. Proverbs 3:27-35 ; Proverbs 4:1-9 Here are many duties! Be generous! Of course we must discriminate- to whom it is due; and we must be prudent- when it is in the power of thine hand , Proverbs 3:27 . Moreover, be prompt , Proverbs 3:28 . Don’t stir up strife or take a mean advantage , Proverbs 3:29-30 . In the presence of the prosperity of the violent and evil man, repress envy and recall Psalms 37:1-40 . The word translated secret in Proverbs 3:32 should... 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
An Autobiographical Reminiscence Of What His Father Had Taught Him As ‘A Son’ (Proverbs 4:3-9 ). Solomon now stresses that his wisdom has partly come down to him from his father. This greatly added to its value as it was thereby revealed to be traditional, and to have come from the great David. There can be little doubt that among David’s advisers were wisdom teachers, who had no doubt played their part in the education of Solomon. This would partly explain Solomon’s great interest and... read more
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Proverbs 4:3-9
For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall... read more