Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 2

Introduction

CHAPTER 2

:-. Men are invited to seek wisdom because it teaches those principles by which they may obtain God's guidance and avoid the society and influence of the wicked, whose pernicious courses are described.

Verse 1

1-5. Diligence in hearing and praying for instruction must be used to secure the great principle of godliness, the fear of God.

hide . . . with thee—lay up in store (compare Proverbs 7:1).

Verse 2

2. Listen attentively and reflect seriously (Proverbs 1:24; Psalms 130:2).

understanding—right perception of truth.

Verse 3

3. Yea, if—literally, "When if," that is, in such a case.

knowledge—or, "discrimination."

understanding—as in :-.

Verse 4

4. There must be earnest prayer and effort.

Verse 5

5. understand—or, "perceive intelligently."

find—obtain.

Verse 6

6. For—God is ready (James 1:5; James 4:8).

out of his mouth—by revelation from Him.

Verse 7

7. sound wisdom—literally, "substance," opposed to what is fictitious. According to the context, this may be assistance, as here corresponding with

buckler—or safety, or wisdom, which procures it (compare Proverbs 3:21; Proverbs 8:14; Proverbs 18:1; Job 6:13; Job 12:13).

layeth up—provides, ever ready.

Verse 8

8. keepeth . . . way—God defends the right way, and those in it.

saints—objects of favor (compare Psalms 4:3, &c.). He guides and guards them.

Verse 9

9. Then—emphatic, in such a case.

righteousness . . . path—all parts of duty to God and man.

Verse 10

10, 11. Idea of :-, amplified; on terms, compare Proverbs 2:2; Proverbs 2:4.

Verse 12

12-15. To deliver—as from great danger (Proverbs 6:5).

way . . . man— (Proverbs 6:5- :).

froward things—perversity (Proverbs 6:14; Proverbs 23:23), what is opposed to truth.

Verse 13

13. paths of uprightness—or, "plainness."

walk—habitually act;

Verse 14

14. and that with pleasure, in ignorance of good and pursuit of evil.

frowardness—Not only their own perversity, but that of others is their delight. They love most the worst things.

Verse 15

15. crooked—tortuous, unprincipled.

froward—literally, (they) are going back, not only aside from right, but opposite to it.

Verse 16

16-19. Deliverance from another danger.

the strange woman—This term is often used for harlot, or loose woman (Judges 11:1; Judges 11:2), married (Proverbs 7:5; Proverbs 7:19) or not (Proverbs 7:19- :), so called, because such were, perhaps at first, foreigners, though "strange" may also denote whatever is opposed to right or proper, as "strange fire" (Proverbs 7:19- :); "strange incense" (Proverbs 7:19- :).

flattereth—literally, "smooths."

her words— (Proverbs 7:19- :).

Verse 17

17. guide . . . youth—lawful husband (Jeremiah 3:4).

covenant . . . God—of marriage made in God's name.

Verse 18

18. inclineth—sinks down (compare Numbers 13:31).

the dead—or shades of the departed (Psalms 88:10).

Verse 19

19. that is, such as remain impenitent (compare Ecclesiastes 7:26).

paths of life— (Ecclesiastes 7:26- :), opposed to paths unto the dead.

Verse 20

20. That . . . way of good—that is, Such is the object of these warnings.

Verse 21

21, 22. (Compare Psalms 37:3; Psalms 37:9; Psalms 37:22; Psalms 37:27).

Verse 22

22. transgressors—or impious rebels (compare Jeremiah 9:2).

rooted out—utterly destroyed, as trees plucked up by the roots.