The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:20-22
Conclusion of the discourse in which are antithetically stated the respective destinies of the good and the bad, the upright and the wicked. read more
Proverbs-2-60
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:20-22
The principle of moral stability This may be regarded as the epilogue or summary of the whole chapter. The object of all Wisdom's exhortations and warnings is the direction of youth to the good way, and that they may hold on the path of the just. For— I. THE RIGHTEOUS HAVE A FUTURE BEFORE THEM . A "dwelling in the land"—the homeland; sound dear to an Israelitish ear. The form in which the happy future shall be realized may be first material, but only to pass into the... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:20-22
Recompense and retribution It ought to be enough for us that wisdom is the supremely excellent thing; that the service of God is the one right thing. We should hasten to do that which commends itself to our conscience as that which is obligatory. But God knows that, in our weakness and frailty, we have need of other inducements than a sense of duty; he has, therefore, given us others. He has made wisdom and righteousness to be immeasurably remunerative; he has made folly and sin to be... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:21
For the upright shall dwell in the land. Much the same language is met with in Psalms 37:29 , "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein foreverse" It is the secure and peaceful dwelling in the land which is intended (cf. Proverbs 10:30 ). To dwell in the land was always put forward as the reward of obedience to God's commandments (see Exodus 20:12 ; Le Exodus 25:18 ; Exodus 26:5 ), and the phrase conveyed to the Hebrew mind the idea of one of the greatest, if not the... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:22
But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth. The punishment of the wicked is contrasted with the blessings that are promised to the upright. Shall be cut off ; יִפָרֵתוּ ( yikkarethu ) , niph. future of כָרַת ( karath ) , "to cut off, or destroy." LXX ; ὀλοῦνται ; Vulgate, perdentur. ;The expression is used to convey the idea of extermination, as in Psalms 37:9 (cf. Job 18:17 ; Psalms 37:28 ; Psalms 104:35 ). The verb is found also in Genesis 17:14... read more
Joseph Benson
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 2
A.M. 3004. B.C. 1000. Solomon having in the former chapter bespoken the attention of his readers, and foretold the destruction of those that are obstinate in their impiety, in this chapter applies himself to those that are willing to be taught. He shows that they who diligently seek wisdom shall assuredly find it, Proverbs 2:1-9 . He points out the advantages of it, that it would preserve those that attained it from evil men, Proverbs 2:10-15 ; and evil women, Proverbs 2:16-19 ; and would... read more
Joseph Benson
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 2:1-5
Proverbs 2:1-5. My son, &c. These words are spoken by Solomon, either, 1st, In the name of wisdom, as before: or rather, 2d, In his own name. If thou wilt hide my commandments with thee Wilt lay them up in thy mind and heart with care, as men do their choicest treasures; So that thou incline, &c. Give thyself to the study of wisdom with affection and diligence. Yea, if thou, criest after knowledge Namely, unto God, the only giver of it. Hebrew, אם לבינה תקרא , if thou callest... read more
Joseph Benson
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 2:6-7
Proverbs 2:6-7. For the Lord giveth Hebrew, יתן , will give wisdom Hath promised to give it, namely, to those that so seek it. Thus he teaches them not to ascribe any wisdom they might attain to their own abilities or industry, but only to God’s favour and blessing. Out of his mouth cometh knowledge, &c. That is, from his word or appointment, and good will, as, the word of God, signifies, Deuteronomy 8:3. He layeth up sound wisdom Hebrew, תושׁיה , literally, essence, or ... read more
Joseph Benson
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 2:8-9
Proverbs 2:8-9. He keepeth the paths of judgment Hebrew, לנצר ארחות , To keep the paths, &c. It seems to be spoken of those who walk uprightly, mentioned in the preceding verse, and it would be better translated, That they, namely, the upright, may keep the paths of judgment: that is, God is a buckler, or defence, to the upright, to protect and keep them from those temptations and snares which would seduce them from, or prevent their continuance in, the paths of judgment; as it is... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:20
That (Hebrew, לְמַעַן l'maan ); in order that (Vulgate, ut ) , carries us back properly to Proverbs 2:11 . The protecting power of wisdom is developed in a positive direction. Negatively, it delivers from the evil man and from the strange woman, but it does more—"it shall keep thee in order that thou mayest walk in a good way," etc. The Hebrew לְמַעַן ( l'maan ) is coordinate with "to deliver thee," but it serves to bring the discourse to a conclusion. Umbreit renders... read more