Proverbs 3:13-18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 3:13-20

Solomon had pressed us earnestly to seek diligently for wisdom (Prov. 2:1), and had assured us that we should succeed in our sincere and constant pursuits. But the question is, What shall we get by it when we have found it? Prospect of advantage is the spring and spur of industry; he therefore shows us how much it will be to our profit, laying this down for an unquestionable truth, Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, that true wisdom which consists in the knowledge and love of God, and an... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 3:13

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom ,.... Some connect these words with the preceding; as if the sense was, a good man, though he is chastened by the Lord, yet is a happy man; not only because his chastenings are in love and for good, but because he improves in spiritual knowledge and understanding by them; see Psalm 94:12 . Aben Ezra connects them with the former, but in a different manner, thus; "happy is the man that findeth wisdom", for by it he keeps from sinning, that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 3:14

For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver ,.... The believer is a spiritual merchant; faith is a trading with and for Christ, and for spiritual and heavenly things by him; and because there is a parting with something for Christ, as a man's sinful lusts and pleasures, his own righteousness, his friends and relations, when set in opposition to or competition with him, and even life itself, when called for; and because he runs a risk of suffering reproach,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 3:15

She is more precious than rubies ,.... Or "pearls" F21 מפנינים "prae margaritis", Montanus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis. , as some; which were formerly esteemed above all precious stones; the eastern were the more valuable F23 De Boot. Hist. Gemm. l. 2. c. 39. , which Solomon had most knowledge of; Christ is the pearl of great price, of more value than any pearl, or all put together, Matthew 13:46 ; See Gill on Job 28:18 ; or "carbuncles" F24 "Carbunculis", Junius... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 3:16

Length of days is in her right hand ,.... Wisdom is here represented as a queen, as indeed she is above all kings and queens; see Proverbs 8:15 ; holding in one hand, instead of a sceptre, "length of days"; and in the other, instead of a globe, riches and honour: the allusion is thought by some on this clause to be to an ancient custom of numbering things, and the ages of men, by the hand and fingers, beginning with the left hand, and when they came to a hundred went to the right F26 ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 3:17

Her ways are ways of pleasantness ,.... The "ways" and methods which Christ took to bring about the salvation of his people; some in eternity, as engaging as a surety for them, entering into a covenant with his father on their account, taking the care and charge of their persons, grace, and glory; others in time, as the assumption of their nature, obedience to the law, suffering and dying in their room and stead, rising again, ascending to heaven, and interceding for them; calling them by... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 3:18

She is a tree of life ,.... Or "lives" F2 עץ חיים "lignum vitarum", Montanus. ; so Christ is called, Revelation 2:7 ; in allusion to the tree of life in the garden of Eden, Genesis 2:9 ; he being the author of life, natural, spiritual, and eternal; which souls may come at, and pluck and eat of the fruit which is upon him in great plenty and variety, even all the blessings of grace and glory; to them that lay hold upon her ; which is expressive of an act of faith on... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 3:13

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom - This refers to the advice given in Proverbs 2:4 ; (note); where see the note. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 3:14

For the merchandise - סחר sachar , the traffic, the trade that is carried on by going through countries and provinces with such articles as they could carry on the backs of camels, etc.; from סחר sachar , to go about, traverse. Chaffarynge ; Old MS. Bible. And the gain thereof - תבואתה tebuathah , its produce; what is gained by the articles after all expenses are paid. The slaves, as we have already seen, got their liberty if they were so lucky as to find a diamond of so... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 3:15

She is more precious than rubies - מפנינים mippeninim . The word principally means pearls, but may be taken for precious stones in general. The root is פנה panah , he looked, beheld; and as it gives the idea of the eye always being turned towards the observer, Mr. Parkhurst thinks that it means the loadstone; see the note on Job 28:18 ; (note), where this subject is considered at large. If the oriental ruby, or any other precious stone, be intended here, the word may refer to their... read more

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