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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 2:1-9

Job had asked, long before this, Where shall wisdom be found? Whence cometh wisdom? (Job 28:12, 20) and he had given this general answer (Job 28:23), God knoweth the place of it; but Solomon here goes further, and tells us both where we may find it and how we may get it. We are here told, I. What means we must use that we may obtain wisdom. 1. We must closely attend to the word of God, for that is the word of wisdom, which is able to make us wise unto salvation, Prov. 2:1, 2. (1.) We must be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 2:2

So that thou incline thine ear unto Wisdom ,.... Hearken to Wisdom, that is, Christ; or rather to the instruction of Wisdom, which is the Gospel; so called, because it is the produce of divine wisdom, what the wisdom of man could never have devised, and which it opposes; and in which there is a most glorious display of the wisdom of God, in the justification and salvation of his people by Christ, 1 Corinthians 2:6 ; and is worth listening unto with the greatest attention, which is what is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:1-5

The search for wisdom I. DIVINE WISDOM MUST BE SOUGHT BEFORE IT CAN BE FOUND . It is true that Wisdom cries aloud in the street and invites the ignorant and simple to partake of her stores. But the burden of her cry is to bid us seek her, It is the voice of invitation, not that of revelation. The latter is only audible to those who incline their ears purposely and thoughtfully. The thoughtless are satisfied with hasty impressions of the moment; but the only religious... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:1-9

The conditions of religious knowledge The previous chapter having shown us in a variety of representations the necessity and the worth of wisdom, the question is now dealt with—How shall it be sought and attained? I. CONDITIONS ON MAN 'S SIDE . The enumeration is climactic, proceeding from the less strong to the stronger expressions. 1 . Receptivity. The open mind and heart, ever ready to "adopt" true sentiments and appropriate them as one's own. The point is not to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:1-9

The course, the goal, and the prize of wisdom These are comprehensive verses; they include the three main features of the heavenly race. I. THE COURSE OF THE WISDOM SEEKER . He who searches for wisdom is a wise runner in a heavenly race; he is pursuing an end which the Divine Author of his being distinctly and emphatically commends. 1 . His search for life-giving truth must be characterized by readiness to receive. He must be wholly different in spirit from those who... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:1-22

3. Third admonitory discourse, pointing out the benefits which arise from a sincere, earnest, and persevering search after Wisdom. This discourse divides itself into three parts. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:2

This verse is dependent on the preceding. So that thou incline. The literal translation is "to incline;" but the inclination of the ear and the application of the heart follow as a consequence upon the precepting ideas (cf. the Vulgate, ut audiat sapientiam auris tua ). The root idea of the original ( קָשַׁב , kashav ) is "to sharpen," viz. the ear as expressed, and so to give diligent attention to the precepts of Wisdom. In Proverbs 1:24 it is rendered "to regard." To apply... 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

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 2:1-22

The rewards of seeking wisdom (2:1-22)People must spare no effort in diligently searching for wisdom. At the same time they must remember that the true goal of their search is not academic achievement but spiritual growth through knowing God better (2:1-5). However, when they obtain this wisdom, they cannot claim to have achieved it by their own abilities; it is the gift of God. He rewards those who seek genuinely (6).Not only does God give wisdom to those who earnestly seek it, but he also... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 2:2

incline thine ear = hearken. Hebrew prick up or point thine ear. Not the same word as in Proverbs 2:18 . wisdom. Hebrew. chokma. See note on Proverbs 1:2 . And apply = [then] thou shalt incline or bend thy heart, &c. This is the first step, as Proverbs 2:5 is the result. understanding = discernment. Hebrew. binah. Note on "wisdom" (Proverbs 1:2 ), No. 2. read more

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