Proverbs 4:1-27 ESV

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:14-15

Bad company I. THE DUTY OF AVOIDING BAD COMPANY . We are all more or less unconsciously affected by the tone of the society we frequent. Even the strongest, most independent spirit cannot wholly fortify himself against this influence. As water wears the hardest rock, the constant friction of social intercourse makes itself felt in course of time upon the most resolute character. We are naturally gregarious. Without knowing it, nay, even while protesting against it, we are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:14-19

The two paths I. LIFE UNDER THE IMAGE OF A PATH . It is a leading biblical image. There is much suggestion in it. 1 . Life, like a path, has a starting point, a direction, and an end. 2 . We have a choice of paths before us. The high road may image holy tradition and custom, the bypaths the choice of caprice or personal aberration. 3 . It is only safe to follow beaten tracks. What we call "striking out an original course" may be conceited folly. "Gangin'... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:14-19

The prudence of piety We may say concerning piety or virtue—the wisdom which is from God includes both—that the essence of it is in right feeling, in loving him who is the Holy One and that which is the right and admirable thing, and in hating that which is evil and base; that the proof of it is in right acting—in going those things and those only which are good and honourable, which God's Word and our own conscience approve; and that the prudence of it is in these two things which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:15

Avoid it; p'raehu, the kal imperative of para, properly, "to let go," hence "to reject, or abhor." (On the verb, see Proverbs 1:25 , where it is rendered, "set at naught.") The same verb also occurs in Proverbs 8:33 ; Proverbs 13:18 ; Proverbs 15:32 . It ; i.e. the way. The suffix of the verb in the original is feminine, "avoid her ;" derek, "the way," being common. Turn from it ( s'teh mealayv ) . The original is a pregnant expression equivalent to "turn aside from... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:16

This verse exhibits the extreme depravity and debasement into which "the wicked" ( r'shaim ) and "the evil" ( raim ) of Proverbs 4:14 have fallen. Their sins are not sins of frailty, but arise from premeditation and from their insatiable desire to commit wickedness. Sin has become to them a kind of second nature, and, unless they indulge in it, sleep is banished from their eyes. They sleep not; lo-yish'nu, future of yashan, "to fall asleep;" the future here being used for the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:17

For ( ki, equivalent to the Greek γὰρ ) is here explanatory. It serves not so much to introduce another independent statement, as one which accounts for the statement made in the preceding verse, that the wicked sleep not unless they have done mischief, i.e. it states the reason why they are so conditioned. There is no comparison expressed in the original, as the rendering adopted by Schultens and others implies, "For wickedness do they eat as bread, and violence do they drink as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:18

A contrast is drawn in this and the following verse between the path of the just and the way of the wicked. The former is, by an extremely beautiful image, likened to the light at dawn, which goes on increasing in brightness and intensity as the day advances, until at length it reaches its meridian splendour and glory. An exactly similar figure is found in David's last words ( 2 Samuel 23:4 ). The path of the just; i.e. their moral course. As the shining light ( k'or nogah ); i.e. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:18

The path of the just. I. A SHINING LIGHT . 1 . It has all the great leading characteristics suggested by light, viz. truth, purity, joy, life. Perhaps the leading idea is that of holy gladness. This is to be enjoyed here on earth in those pleasant ways and paths of peace through which Wisdom leads her votaries. The Christian may be a martyr, but he need not be a victim of melancholy. 2 . It is open to the day. They who do evil love the darkness that hides their deeds.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:18-19

Darkness and light We have two perfect contrasts in these two verses—the path of the just and the way of the wicked; the one is very closely connected with light and the other with darkness. I. SIN AND DARKNESS . ( Proverbs 4:19 .) We may say that: 1 . Sin is darkness. It is 2 . Sin spreads darkness 3 . Sin leads to the ruin which attends darkness; it ends in making the sinner blind to the true character of his own transgressions: "They know not at what they... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:19

The way of the wicked is as darkness. In contrast with the path of the just is the way of the wicked, which is described as darkness itself: i.e. so deeply enveloped in gloom that the wicked are not able even to see the obstacles and impediments against which they stumble, and which are the cause of their ruin. It is a way dark throughout—a via tenebrosa (Vulgate)—terminating at length in "the blackness of darkness." As light is emblematical of knowledge, holiness, and joy, so darkness... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:14-15

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:14-19

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:14-19

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:15

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:18

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:18

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:18-19

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:19

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