proverbs-1-9

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:2

To know wisdom and instruction. In this verse we have a statement of the first general aim or object of the Proverbs. "To know" ( לָדַעַת , ladaath ) is somewhat indefinite in the Authorized Version, and might be more accurately rendered. "from which men may know" (De Wette, Noyes); cf. unde scias (Munsterus). The ל which is here prefixed to the infinitive, as in verses 2, 8, and 6, gives the clause a final character, and thus points out the object which the teaching of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:3

To receive the instruction of wisdom. This verse carries on the statement of the design of the Proverbs. To receive ; Hebrew, לְקַחַת ( lakakhath ) , not the same word as "to know" ( לָדַּעַת ), in verse 2, though regarded as synonymous with it by Delitzsch. Its meaning is well represented by the LXX . δέξασθαι , and the Authorized Version "to receive." The Hebrew, לָקַחַת , is infinitive, and means properly "to take, or lay hold of," hence "to receive," Greek, ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:4

To give subtilty to the simple. In this verse and the following we are introduced to the classes of persons to whom the proverbs will be beneficial The ל with the infinitive, לָתֵת ( latheth ) shows that in construction this proposition is so ordinate with those in Proverbs 1:2 and Proverbs 1:3 , and not dependent as represented by ἵνα δῷ ( LXX .)and ut detur (Vulgate). Subtilty ; Hebrew, עַרְמָה ( aremah ) , from the root עָרַם , ( aram ) , "to be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:5

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning. The change of construction in the original is reproduced in the Authorized Version, but has been rendered variously. Thus Umbreit and Elster, regarding the verb יִשְׁמַע ( yishema ) as conditional, translate, "if the wise man hear;" on the other hand, Delitzsch and Zockler take it as voluntative," let the wise man hear," ete. The principle here enunciated is again stated in Proverbs 9:9 , "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:6

To understand a proverb. This verse carries on the idea which is stated in Proverbs 1:5 . The end of the wise and intelligent man's increase in learning and prudence is that he may be thus enabled to understand other proverbs. Schultens, followed by Holden, takes the verb לְהָבִין ( lehavin ) as a gerund, intelligendo sententias. This rendering does not represent the end, but points to the proverbs, etc; as means by which the wise generally attain to learning and prudence. And... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:6

Proverbs It is not surprising to see that proverbs, which are found more or less in the traditional lore of almost all nations, and flourish most abundantly in the East, also enter into the circle of the inspired literature of the Jews. The general characteristics of this portion of the sacred Scriptures are well worthy of our study. I. THE PROVERBS ARE ALL CONCISE UTTERANCES . In the present age, when time is more precious than ever, it is to be wished that public teachers... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. This proposition is by some commentators regarded as the motto, symbol, or device of the book (Delitzsch, Umbreit, Zockler, Plumptre). Others, following the Masoretic arrangement of the Hebrew text, consider it as forming part of the superscription (Ewald, Bertheau, Elster, Keil). As a general proposition expressing the essence of the philosophy of the Israelites, and from its relation to the rest of the contents of this book, it seems... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:7

The relation of religion to knowledge "The fear of the Lord" being the most common Old Testament name for religion, we must take it here in its large and general sense, and understand that religion in all its relations is set forth as the true basis of knowledge; though it may welt be that awe and reverence for the majesty and mystery of God have a special prominence in regard to the pursuit of truth. I. RELIGION IS AN IMPORTANT REQUISITE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF ALL ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:7

Religion the true beginning This is the motto of the book. It is often found ( Proverbs 9:10 ; Sirach 1:16, 25, 26; Psalms 111:10 ). The Arabs have adopted it at the head of their proverbial collections. I. THE OLD TESTAMENT DESIGNATION OF RELIGION . It is the fear of Jehovah. That is reverence for him who is One, who is eternal, incomparable with any of the gods of the heathen, the Deliverer of Israel in the past and ever, the All-holy, just and merciful One. Such... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:7

The foundation truth These words invite our attention to— I. THAT WHICH CONSTITUTES THE FEAR OF GOD . "The fear of the Lord" was the chief note of Hebrew piety. It expressed itself in that form (see Genesis 42:18 ; Exodus 18:21 ; Le Exodus 19:14 ; Nehemiah 5:15 ; Psalms 66:16 ; Ecclesiastes 12:13 , etc.). What did it signify? Evidently something more and other than mere dread. The piety of the Jews was an immeasurably higher thing than the abject terror with... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:7

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