Proverbs 2 - Introduction
_WISDOM PROMISETH GODLINESS TO HER CHILDREN, SAFETY FROM EVIL COMPANY, AND DIRECTION IN GOOD WAYS._... [ Continue Reading ]
_WISDOM PROMISETH GODLINESS TO HER CHILDREN, SAFETY FROM EVIL COMPANY, AND DIRECTION IN GOOD WAYS._... [ Continue Reading ]
MY SON, IF THOU WILT RECEIVE, &C.— The attention of those who read this book being bespoken in the foregoing chapter, the wise man persuades not only to read, but to receive and obey his good counsels, by representing the benefits of being wise, that is, holy and virtuous, and the mischiefs that a m... [ Continue Reading ]
IF THOU SEEKEST HER AS SILVER— This is thought to be a proverbial saying, borrowed from those who work in mines: The former part of the verse expressing eager desire and great diligence, and the latter invincible resolution and constant perseverance; though I see nothing proverbial in it, more than... [ Continue Reading ]
SOUND WISDOM— Or, _solid blessings._ The next clause is rendered by Houbigant, _He is a defence for those who act with simplicity and candour;_ and by Schultens, _A shield to those who walk in integrity._... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN SHALL THOU UNDERSTAND, &C.— "When you shall seriously have inclined yourself to the study of wisdom, and God shall have given it you; then shall you know in what true judgment, or righteousness, consists. You shall know your duty towards God, towards your neighbour, and towards yourselves. Wisd... [ Continue Reading ]
THE MAN THAT SPEAKETH FROWARD THINGS— "With a design to corrupt your mind, and entice you to evil principles and practices:" A species of corruption of which young persons in particular should be extremely cautious.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOSE WAYS, &C.— Or, _who are perverse in their ways, and froward in their paths._... [ Continue Reading ]
TO DELIVER THEE FROM THE STRANGE WOMAN— _The strange woman_ means one who is not yours, whether she be married or not. Solomon expresses by this name a common woman, or a married woman who abandons herself to debauchery. See chap. Proverbs 5:3, &c. Some have thought that, under the figure of an adul... [ Continue Reading ]
WHICH FORSAKETH THE GUIDE, &C.— This circumstance aggravates her infidelity and shame. The first inclinations are always the most sincere and constant. See Proverbs 5:18. Isaiah 54:6. Joel 1:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
HER HOUSE INCLINETH UNTO DEATH— Adultery was forbidden under pain of death, both of the man and woman. See Leviticus 20:10. Deuteronomy 22:22. Or otherwise the meaning may be, "Her house is a place of death to him that enters it; he will there find the death of his soul, and the loss of his innocenc... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT THOU MAYEST WALK— Or, _Walk thou therefore._ REFLECTIONS.—Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore by all means to be sought after. 1. The way prescribed is threefold. (1.) Serious attention to, and meditation upon, the word of God. (2.) Fervent and importunate prayer, the best guide to the kn... [ Continue Reading ]