Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 1:32
32. turning away—that is, from the call of Proverbs 1:23. simple—as in Proverbs 1:23- :. prosperity—quiet, implying indifference. read more
32. turning away—that is, from the call of Proverbs 1:23. simple—as in Proverbs 1:23- :. prosperity—quiet, implying indifference. read more
33. dwell safely—literally, "in confidence" ( :-). be quiet—or at ease, in real prosperity. from fear—without fear. read more
B. Instruction for Young People 1:8-8:36The two ways (paths, worldviews) introduced in Proverbs 1:7 stretch out before the reader (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). In this section Solomon spoke to his son, guiding him into God’s way. "My son" was and is a customary way of addressing a disciple."It derives from the idea that parents are primarily responsible for moral instruction (Proverbs 4:3-4; Deuteronomy 6:7)." [Note: Ross, p. 907.] The frequent recurrence of the phrase "my son" in this part of... read more
2. Wisdom’s appeal 1:20-33This is one of several passages in Proverbs where the writer personified wisdom. Her call comes to people in the market, in the hustle and bustle of life, not in the seclusion of the home or sanctuary (cf. Proverbs 1:8). [Note: See Phyllis Trible, "Wisdom Builds a Poem: The Architecture of Proverbs 1:20-33," Journal of Biblical Literature 94 (1975):509-18.] "To whom does Wisdom speak? To three classes of sinners: the simple ones, the scorners (scoffers, mockers, NIV),... read more
The chapter falls into three principal divisions.1-6. Title and Introduction explaining the object of the whole book, which is to instruct the inexperienced and add to the educated man’s knowledge. It is assumed that good conduct is an art which can be taught. But the learner must be in sympathy with the subject; a right judgment concerning moral truth is attainable only by those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. The method of instruction is by proverbs, figures, parables and vivid... read more
(32) The turning away of the simple . . .—i.e., from God. (Comp. Jeremiah 2:19.)Prosperity of fools—i.e., the security, apathy of dull, stupid people (khesîlîm), who cannot believe that God will fulfil His threatenings. (Comp. Psalms 73:0 throughout.) read more
(33) Shall dwell safely . . .—Comp. Psalms 37:0 throughout for similar promises.Shall be quiet from fear of evil—Comp. Ps. cxii 7: “He shall not be afraid of any evil tidings,” &c read more
Proverbs 1:0 Ruskin writes: 'Read this first of Proverbs with me, please. The Proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel. '"To know wisdom and instruction." '(Not to opine them.) '"To perceive the words of understanding." '(He that hath eyes, let him read he that hath ears, hear, and for the Blind and the Deaf, if patient and silent by the roadside, there may also be some one to say, "He is coming".) '"To receive the instruction of Wisdom, Justice, and Judgment, and Equity." 'Four... read more
CHAPTER 2THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."- Proverbs 1:7"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."- Proverbs 9:10"To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was created with the faithful in the womb"- Sirach 1:14; also Psalms 111:10THE book of Proverbs belongs to a group of works in the Hebrew literature the subject of which is Wisdom. It is probably the earliest of them all, and may... read more
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 1:31
31. fruit . . . way—result of conduct (Isaiah 3:10; Ezekiel 11:21; Romans 6:21; Galatians 6:7; Galatians 6:8). be filled—even to repletion (Psalms 123:4). read more