Proverbs 2:2-5

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:3

Yea, if thou criest after knowledge. The endeavour after Wisdom is not only to be sincere, it is also to be earnest, as appears from the "yea, if," and the verbs "crying" and "lifting up the voice," both of which frequently occur in Scripture as indicating earnestness. This earnestness is the counterpart of that which Wisdom herself displays (see Proverbs 1:20 , Proverbs 1:21 ). Knowledge ; i.e. insight. In the original there is practically little difference between "knowledge" and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:4

If thou seekest, etc. The climax in the series of conditions is reached in this verse; and the imagery employed in both clauses indicates that the search after Wisdom is to be persevering, unrelaxing, and diligent, like the unremitting toil and labour with which men carry on mining operations. "To seek" ( בָּקַשׁ , bakash ) in the original is properly "to seek diligently" (piel), and is kindred to "to search" ( קָפַשׂ , khaphas ) , which again is equivalent to "to dig" ( חָפַר... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:5

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord. Then ( אָן ), introducing the first apodosis, and answering to the conditional "if" of Proverbs 2:1 , Proverbs 2:3 , Proverbs 2:4 . The earnest endeavour after Wisdom meets with its reward, and those that seek shall find (cf. Matthew 7:7 ): and thus an inducement is held forth to listen to the admonition of the teacher. Understand implies the power of discernment, but Zockler gives it the further moaning of taking to one's self... 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

E.W. Bullinger

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 2:5

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 2:1-5

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 2:1-22

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

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 2:3

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 2:4

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 2:5

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