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Matthew Henry

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 1:6

To understand a proverb, and the interpretation ,.... This may be connected either with the first verse, "the proverbs of Solomon", &c.; are written, as for the above ends and purposes, so for these; or with Proverbs 1:5 , a wise and understanding man, by hearkening and attending to what is here delivered, will not only attain to wise counsels, but to the understanding of proverbial sayings, and to see into the "elegancy" F13 מליצה "facundiam", Montanus; "eloquentiam", Tigurine... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 1:6

Dark sayings - חידת chidoth , enigmas or riddles, in which the Asiatics abounded. I believe parables, such as those delivered by our Lord, nearly express the meaning of the original. 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 1:6

To understand a proverb. This verse carries on the idea which is stated in Proverbs 1:5 . The end of the wise and intelligent man's increase in learning and prudence is that he may be thus enabled to understand other proverbs. Schultens, followed by Holden, takes the verb לְהָבִין ( lehavin ) as a gerund, intelligendo sententias. This rendering does not represent the end, but points to the proverbs, etc; as means by which the wise generally attain to learning and prudence. And... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:6

Proverbs It is not surprising to see that proverbs, which are found more or less in the traditional lore of almost all nations, and flourish most abundantly in the East, also enter into the circle of the inspired literature of the Jews. The general characteristics of this portion of the sacred Scriptures are well worthy of our study. I. THE PROVERBS ARE ALL CONCISE UTTERANCES . In the present age, when time is more precious than ever, it is to be wished that public teachers... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 1:6

The book has yet a further scope; these proverbs are to form a habit of mind. To gain through them the power of entering into the deeper meaning of other proverbs, is the end kept in view. Compare Matthew 13:0.The rendering “interpretation” spoils the parallelism of the two clauses, and fails to express the Hebrew. In Habakkuk 2:6, it is rendered “taunting proverb.” Here “riddle” or “enigma” would better express the meaning. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 1:5-6

Proverbs 1:5-6. A wise man will hear Is not self-conceited, as fools are, but willing to learn from others, and, therefore, will attend to the following instructions; and will increase learning Thereby he will gain this great benefit, he will increase in knowledge and wisdom. This he adds, to show that this book is useful and necessary, not only to the ignorant, but also to the most wise and knowing persons; and shall attain unto wise counsels Not to deep speculations, but practical... read more

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