Proverbs 1:23 - Exposition

Turn you at my reproof. A call is here made to repentance. The meaning seems to be "return to my reproof," i.e. place yourselves under my reproof (as Gejerus, Delitzsch), the לְ Being represented by ad, as in the Vulgate: convertimini ad correptionem meam . It is susceptible, however, of a different reading, i.e. "in consequence of, or because of ( propter ) , my reproof," the prefix לְ being found in Numbers 16:34 , "They fled at the cry," i.e. because of the cry. Reproof ( תוֹכַחַת , thochakhath ); i.e. rebuke, or correction, by words. The LXX . ἔλεγχος conveys the argumentative conviction which will be present in the reproof. The word occurs again in Numbers 16:23 , Numbers 16:25 , and Numbers 16:30 of this chapter, and also in Proverbs 3:11 ; Proverbs 5:12 ; Proverbs 6:23 ; Proverbs 27:5 ; Proverbs 29:15 . Behold, I will pour out my Spirit unto you. The promise consequent upon, and the encouragement to, repentance. The promise is conditioned—if those addressed will heed the reproof of Wisdom, then she will pour forth her Spirit upon them, and cause them to know her words The verb hibbia ( הִבִּיעַ ), "to stream forth, or gush out," is here used figuratively. The outflow of the Spirit of Wisdom will be like the abundant and continuous gushing forth of water from the spring or fountain. The verb unites in it the figures of abundant fulness and refreshing invigoration (Umbreit, Elster); comp. Proverbs 15:2 , Proverbs 15:28 ; Psalms 59:7 ; Psalms 119:171 ; Ecclesiastes 10:1 . We have here striking anticipation of the prophecy of Joel ( Joel 2:28 ). The Spirit is that of Wisdom "and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and godly strength, the Spirit of knowledge and true godliness" (see Confirmation Office). The explanation of Beda, that it signifies her anger, is clearly inadmissible. I will make known my words unto you; i.e. as the LXX ; "I will teach you my word" ( διδάξω ), or as the Vulgate "show" ( ostendam ) , "expound, or make clear." My words ( d'vari ); i.e. precepts, or doctrine, or secrets. An intimate relation subsists between the "Spirit" of Wisdom and her "words," with which it is parallel. The former is the illuminating, invigorating principle which infuses life and power into the "words" of Wisdom, which she has already given, and which are already in our possession. Wisdom stands in the same relation to her words as the Divine Logos does to his utterances, into which he infuses himself. "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" ( John 6:63 . See Delitzsch, Wardlaw, in loc. ).