Proverbs 1:1-3:8

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 1:1-6

We have here an introduction to this book, which some think was prefixed by the collector and publisher, as Ezra; but it is rather supposed to have been penned by Solomon himself, who, in the beginning of his book, proposes his end in writing it, that he might keep to his business, and closely pursue that end. We are here told, I. Who wrote these wise sayings, Prov. 1:1. They are the proverbs of Solomon. 1. His name signifies peaceable, and the character both of his spirit and of his reign... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 1:1

The proverbs of Solomon ,.... Who is said to make three thousand proverbs, 1 Kings 4:32 ; but whether any of them are contained in this book cannot be said: however, it is certain that they are not all in it, since, if you except the first "nine" chapters, which are the introduction to the Proverbs, there are but six hundred and fifty-nine verses in it; and if they are taken in, they make but nine hundred and fifteen, which are not a third part of the proverbs said to be made by him:... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 1:1

The proverbs of Solomon - For the meaning of the word proverb, see the introduction; and the dissertation upon parabolical writing at the end of the notes on Matthew 13: Solomon is the first of the sacred writers whose name stands at the head of his works. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:1

The proverbs of Solomon. The word which is here translated "proverbs" is the original mishle ( מִשְׁלֵי ), the construct case of mashal ( מָשָׁל ), which, again, is derived from the verb mashal ( מָשַׁל ), signifying The radical signification of mashal is "comparison" or "similitude," and in this sense it is applied generally to the utterances of the wise. In Numbers 23:7 , Numbers 23:8 it is used of the prophetic predictions of Balaam; certain didactic psalms, ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:1-6

Part I. THE TITLE AND SUPERSCRIPTION . The superscription of the Proverbs, which extends from verse 1 to verse 6, furnishes us with an epitome in short and concise language of the general scope and bearing of the book, and points out its specific utility, both to the inexperienced and to those already wise. Thus The title of the book embodied in the text is, 'The Proverbs of Solomon the son of David, King of Israel,' but the shorter designation by which it was and is known... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:1-6

Design and character of proverbial wisdom We may regard the opening words as a general index of the contents, as a designation of the object, and a statement of the value and profit of the teaching, of the book. I. ITS DESIGN IS TO IMPART PRACTICAL SENSE . 1 . And first, this in general includes the information of the understanding and of the memory by wisdom. This Hebrew word ( chokmah ) denotes, strictly, all that is fixed for human knowledge. We may render it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:1-6

The ideal teacher Solomon had all possible advantages to qualify him for the work of a teacher of men. He had I. IS AFFECTED BY THE PRESENCE OF IGNORANCE AND ERROR . He notices the "simple" man and the "young man" ( Proverbs 1:4 ); he has regard to the fact that there are those about him who need to be led into the paths of "justice and judgment and equity"( Proverbs 1:3 ). His eye rests on these; his mind perceives how urgently they need the "instruction" and... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 1:1

The long exhortation Proverbs 1–9, characterized by the frequent recurrence of the words “my son,” is of the nature of a preface to the collection of the “Proverbs of Solomon” Proverbs 10:1. On Proverbs 1:1-7, see the introduction to Proverbs. read more

Joseph Benson

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

Proverbs 1:1. The proverbs of Solomon “Solomon is the first of the sacred writers whose name appears at the head of his works. The name alone of so wise and so great a prince is a sufficient recommendation to engage men to hear and to read. For we naturally love to see and to listen to persons of illustrious name and extraordinary capacity, particularly when those qualities are joined with sovereign power. The style of this work, the brevity of his sentences, and the parabolical turn,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 1:1-7

1:1-9:18 THE VALUE OF WISDOMPurpose of the book (1:1-7)The instruction given in the book of Proverbs aims at producing wisdom. This wisdom involves not only growth in knowledge, but also the ability to use that knowledge in discerning what is right and true, then acting accordingly. It calls for training and discipline. The result will be purity in personal behaviour and justice in dealings with others (1:1-3).Although this wisdom is available to the young and immature, even the wise and... read more

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