_A.M. 3004. B.C. 1000._ Solomon having in the former chapter bespoken the attention of his readers, and foretold the destruction of those that are obstinate in their impiety, in this chapter applies himself to those that are willing to be taught. He shows that they who diligently seek wisdom shall... [ Continue Reading ]
_My son_, &c. These words are spoken by Solomon, either, 1st, In the name of wisdom, as before: or rather, 2d, In his own name. _If thou wilt hide my commandments with thee_ Wilt lay them up in thy mind and heart with care, as men do their choicest treasures; _So that thou incline_, &c. Give thyself... [ Continue Reading ]
_For the Lord giveth_ Hebrew, יתן, _will give wisdom_ Hath promised to give it, namely, to those that so seek it. Thus he teaches them not to ascribe any wisdom they might attain to their own abilities or industry, but only to God's favour and blessing. _Out of his mouth cometh knowledge_, &c. That... [ Continue Reading ]
_He keepeth the paths of judgment_ Hebrew, לנצר ארחות, _To keep the paths_, &c. It seems to be spoken of those who walk uprightly, mentioned in the preceding verse, and it would be better translated, _That they_, namely, the upright, _may keep the paths of judgment:_ that is, God is a buckler, or de... [ Continue Reading ]
_When wisdom entereth into thy heart_ When thou dost truly love it, and hide its precepts in thy heart; _Discretion shall preserve thee_ From wicked courses, and the mischiefs which attend upon them; _from the way of the evil man_ From following his counsel or example; _the man that speaketh froward... [ Continue Reading ]
_To deliver thee from the strange woman_ From the adulteress, or whore; called _strange_, partly because such persons were commonly heathen, or are supposed to be such by reason of that severe law against these practices in Israelitish women, Deuteronomy 23:17; or are justly reputed heathen, as bein... [ Continue Reading ]
_For her house inclineth unto death_ Conversation with her (which was most usual in her own house) is the certain way to death, which it brings many ways, and undoubtedly, without repentance, to God's wrath and the second death. _None that go unto her_ That is, few or none; a hyperbolical expression... [ Continue Reading ]
_That thou mayest walk_, &c. This depends upon Proverbs 2:11, and is mentioned as another happy fruit of wisdom, the former being declared, from Proverbs 2:12. _In the way of good men_ Mayest follow the counsels and examples of the godly. By this he intimates that it is not sufficient to abstain fro... [ Continue Reading ]