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 w... [ Continue Reading ]
Read, 'to give prudence to the simple.' The simple, open to each new impression, believes anything. The prudent, or subtle, has learnt caution from experience.... [ Continue Reading ]
INTERPRETATION] RV 'figure' (Habakkuk 2:6). DARK SAYINGS] RV 'riddles' (Judges 14:18; Numbers 12:8; Ezekiel 17:2; Habakkuk 2:6).... [ Continue Reading ]
A motto for the whole book. True morality is based on a right relation to God. Fear is the keynote of OT. piety; not slavish terror, but reverence and humility.... [ Continue Reading ]
The teacher addresses the learner as 'My son': parents will also give moral instruction.... [ Continue Reading ]
Read, 'a chaplet of grace.' At banquets the heads of the guests were crowned with garlands. CHAINS] cp. Genesis 41:42; Daniel 5:29.... [ Continue Reading ]
GRAVE] 'Sheol' (RV) and the pit are the cheerless under-world, away from God and all real life, which the dead were supposed to inhabit (Proverbs 2:18; Proverbs 23:14).... [ Continue Reading ]
Warning is useless: they do not see that they are rushing to destruction.... [ Continue Reading ]
Turn and listen whilst I declare my purpose. 31. Mediæval theologians taught that molten gold would be poured down the throats of the avaricious in hell and that other vices also would be punished in kind. 'That they might learn that by what things a man sinneth, by these he is punished '(Wis 11:16... [ Continue Reading ]
When simpletons turn away from instruction they shall suffer for it. 'He who will not be ruled by the rudder must be ruled by the rocks.' PROSPERITY] RM 'carelessness,' false security. 'Serious things tomorrow,' the Greek tyrant said, thrusting under the pillow of his couch the letter which would na... [ Continue Reading ]