(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
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 4THE EARTHLY REWARDS OF WISDOMProverbs 3:1-10THE general teaching of these nine introductory chapters is that the "ways of Wisdom are pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." We are taught to look for the fruit of righteousness in long life and prosperity, for the penalty of sin in premature destruction. "The upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the land, and they that deal treacherously shall be rooted out of it."... 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 3 1. The call and promise of wisdom (Proverbs 3:1-10 ) 2. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom (Proverbs 3:11-20 ) 3. Promise and instruction (Proverbs 3:21-25 ) Proverbs 3:1-10 . The call to obedience is followed by promise. The promise is like all the promises to an earthly people “for length of days and long life”. Here are some blessed exhortations loved and cherished by all His people (Proverbs 3:5-7 ). How happier, and more fruitful the children of God would be if they... read more
3:8 It shall be health to thy {e} navel, and marrow to thy bones.(e) By this part he comprehends the whole body, as by health he means all the benefits promised in the law both corporal and spiritual. 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
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. If I do not mistake, here is a sweet reference to Christ in these verses. The first fruits offered to the Lord was to be all in faith. Thus Abel by faith offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.... read more
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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