Proverbs 1:4

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 1:4

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 1:4

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 1:4

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 1:4

This verse points out the two classes for which the book will be useful:(1) the “simple,” literally the “open,” the open-hearted, the minds ready to receive impressions for good or evil Proverbs 1:22; and(2) the “young,” who need both knowledge and discipline.To these the teacher offers the “subtilty,” which may turn to evil Exodus 21:14 and become as the wisdom of the serpent Genesis 3:1, but which also takes its place, as that wisdom does, among the highest moral gifts Matthew 10:16; the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 1:2-4

Proverbs 1:2-4. To know wisdom Written to help men to know, thoroughly and practically, both human wisdom, to conduct their affairs properly in this life, and especially divine wisdom, showing them their duty to God and man, and making them wise unto salvation; and instruction The instructions delivered, either by God or men, in order to the attainment of wisdom. To perceive the words of understanding Those words which are the effects of a good understanding, or which give a man that... 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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