proverbs-2-60

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:13

Who leave the paths of uprightness. Between Proverbs 2:13 and Proverbs 2:15 the teacher proceeds to give a more detailed description of those who speak perversely. Who leave ( הַעֹזְבִים , haoz'vim ); literally, forsaking, but the present participle has the force of the preterite, as appears from the context. The men alluded to have already forsaken or deserted the paths of uprightness (see previous note on the word "man." The paths of uprightness ( אֱרְחוֹת ישֶׁת ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:14

Who rejoice to do evil. Another element is here brought forward, and the description increases in intensity. The wicked not only rejoice to do evil themselves, but they exult when they hear of evil in others (cf. Romans 1:32 ). Such may be the interpretation, though the latter part, of the verse is capable of a different and more general rendering as signifying exultation in evil generally, whether it appears in themselves or others. The expression rendered in the Authorized Version, in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:14

Rejoicing to do evil We often insist upon the fact that goodness is the secret of true happiness, and invite men to rejoice in the service of God; but we are here reminded of an opposite kind of joy which some find in the course of wickedness. I. THIS IS A POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE . It is so unnatural that one who knew nothing of the world might well declare it to be impossible. But experience proves its existence, and the explanation of it is not far to seek. 1 . Naturally... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:15

Whose ways are crooked; better, perhaps, who as to their ways are crooked. This is the construction adopted by Fleischer, Berthean, Zockler, and others, though it may be remarked that the substantive אֹרַח ( orakh ) , "way," is common gender, and may thin; agree with the adjective עֵקֵשׁ ( ikesh ) , "perverse," which is masculine. The Targum, LXX ; Vulgate, Syriac, and Arabic, all make "crooked" agree with "ways," do that, grammatically, the Authorized Version may be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:15

Crooked ways I. CROOKED WAYS ARE DEVIATIONS FROM THE STRAIGHT PATHS OF MORAL SIMPLICITY . The man of high character is simple in conduct. Great complexity of motive is generally a sign of moral laxity. The way of right is straight because it makes for its goal without any considerations of expediency, danger, or]pleasure. To be turned aside from the steep Hill of Difficulty, or into By-path Meadows is to forsake the right for selfish ease. When men allow... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:16

To deliver thee from the strange woman. This is the second form of temptation against which wisdom (discretion) is a preservative, and the great and especial dangers arising from it to youth, owing to its seductive allurements, afford the reason why the teacher is so strong in his warnings on this subject. Two terms are employed to designate the source of this evil—"the strange woman" ( אִשָה זָרָה , ishshah zara ) , and "the stranger" ( נָכְרִיָה , nok'riyah ) — and both... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:16-19

The way of sin: a sermon to young men Reference is made here to one particular sin. While the words of the teacher are specially appropriate to it, they will also apply to all sin; they show the way it takes. Let us see— I. THAT SIN IS THE CONTRADICTION OF THE DIVINE THOUGHT . It is a "strange" thing ( Proverbs 2:16 ). The painted harlot is "the strange woman." And while the prostitution of a human being, meant to be a helpmeet for man in all his highest and holiest... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:17

The guide of her youth ( נְעוּרֶיהָ אַלּוּף , alluph n'ureyah ); properly, the associate or companion of her youth. The Hebrew, אָלּוּף ( alluph ) , being derived from the root אָלַף , ( alaph ) , "to accustom one's self to," or "to be accustomed to" or "familiar with" anyone. The word is rendered as "friend" in Proverbs 17:9 ; Proverbs 16:28 ; Micah 7:5 . The idea of guidance, which is adopted in the Authorized Version, and appears also in the Vulgate ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:18

For her house inclineth unto death; rather, she sinks down to death together with her house (Bottcher, Delitzsch). The objection to the Authorized Version is that it does not tbllow the construction of the original, the verb "sinks down" ( שָׁחָה , shakhah ) being feminine, while "house" ( בָיִת , bayith ) is invariably masculine. Aben Ezra translates, "She sinks down to death, (which is to be) her house;" but it seems better to regard "her house" as an adjunct of the strange... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:19

None that go unto her return again. The fate of the companions of the strange woman is described as irrevocable. All who visit her shall not return again. The Targum reads, "They shall not return in peace." The difficulty which they who give themselves up to the indulgence of lust and passion encounter in extricating themselves makes the statement of the teacher an almost universal truth. Hence St. Chrysostom says, "It is as difficult to bring back a libidinous person to chastity as a dead... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:13

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:14

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:14

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:15

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:15

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:16-19

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:18

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:19

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