Proverbs 1:3-4

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 1:3

To receive the instruction of wisdom ,.... Or "prudence" F8 השכל "prudentiae", Munster, Vatablus. ; of wise and prudent men; and especially of Christ himself, who bears those names, whose instructions this book is full of; and the design of which is to engage the attention of men to them, and prevail upon them to receive them, and act conformably to them. Which instructions respect the following things; and which are added by way of illustration and amplification, viz. justice,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 1:4

To give subtlety to the simple ,.... Men of mean abilities, weak capacities, shallow understandings, incautious, credulous, and easily imposed upon: these, by attending to what is herein contained, may arrive to a serpentine subtlety; though they are simple and harmless as doves, may become as wise as serpents; may attain to an exquisite knowledge of divine things and know even more than the wise and sage philosophers among the Gentiles, or any of the Rabbins and masters of Israel; or any of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 1:3

To receive the instruction - השכל haskel , the deliberately weighing of the points contained in the teaching, so as to find out their importance. Equity - משרים mesharim , rectitude. The pupil is to receive wisdom and instruction, the words of wisdom and understanding, justice and judgment, so perfectly as to excel in all. Wisdom itself, personified, is his teacher; and when God's wisdom teaches, there is no delay in learning. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 1:4

To give subtilty to the simple - The word simple, from simplex, compounded of sine, without, and plica, a fold, properly signifies plain and honest, one that has no by-ends in view, who is what he appears to be; and is opposed to complex, from complico, to fold together, to make one rope or cord out of many strands; but because honesty and plaindealing are so rare in the world, and none but the truly religious man will practice them, farther than the fear of the law obliges him, hence simple... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:3

To receive the instruction of wisdom. This verse carries on the statement of the design of the Proverbs. To receive ; Hebrew, לְקַחַת ( lakakhath ) , not the same word as "to know" ( לָדַּעַת ), in verse 2, though regarded as synonymous with it by Delitzsch. Its meaning is well represented by the LXX . δέξασθαι , and the Authorized Version "to receive." The Hebrew, לָקַחַת , is infinitive, and means properly "to take, or lay hold of," hence "to receive," Greek, ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:4

To give subtilty to the simple. In this verse and the following we are introduced to the classes of persons to whom the proverbs will be beneficial The ל with the infinitive, לָתֵת ( latheth ) shows that in construction this proposition is so ordinate with those in Proverbs 1:2 and Proverbs 1:3 , and not dependent as represented by ἵνα δῷ ( LXX .)and ut detur (Vulgate). Subtilty ; Hebrew, עַרְמָה ( aremah ) , from the root עָרַם , ( aram ) , "to be... read more

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