4 To make the simple-minded sharp, and to give the young man knowledge, and serious purpose:
Become expert in reason, O you simple ones; you foolish ones, take training to heart.
I, wisdom, have made wise behaviour my near relation; I am seen to be the special friend of wise purposes.
To the young men give orders to be wise and serious-minded:
But keep yourself from those desires of the flesh which are strong when the body is young, and go after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those whose prayers go up to the Lord from a clean heart.
Whoever is simple, let him come in here; and to him who has no sense, she says: Come, take of my bread, and of my wine which is mixed. Give up the simple ones and have life, and go in the way of knowledge.
Give ear to me then, my sons: for happy are those who keep my ways.
I saw among the young men one without sense, Walking in the street near the turn of her road, going on the way to her house, At nightfall, in the evening of the day, in the black dark of the night. And the woman came out to him, in the dress of a loose woman, with a designing heart; She is full of noise and uncontrolled; her feet keep not in her house. Now she is in the street, now in the open spaces, waiting at every turning of the road. So she took him by his hand, kissing him, and without a sign of shame she said to him: I have a feast of peace-offerings, for today my oaths have been effected. So I came out in the hope of meeting you, looking for you with care, and now I have you. My bed is covered with cushions of needlework, with coloured cloths of the cotton thread of Egypt; I have made my bed sweet with perfumes and spices. Come, let us take our pleasure in love till the morning, having joy in love's delights. For the master of the house is away on a long journey: He has taken a bag of money with him; he is coming back at the full moon. With her fair words she overcame him, forcing him with her smooth lips. The simple man goes after her, like an ox going to its death, like a roe pulled by a cord; Like a bird falling into a net; with no thought that his life is in danger, till an arrow goes into his side. So now, my sons, give ear to me; give attention to the sayings of my mouth;
My son, keep good sense, and do not let wise purpose go from your eyes.
How long, you simple ones, will foolish things be dear to you? and pride a delight to the haters of authority? how long will the foolish go on hating knowledge? Be turned again by my sharp words: see, I will send the flow of my spirit on you, and make my words clear to you.
The opening of your words gives light; it gives good sense to the simple.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 1
Commentary on Proverbs 1 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 1
Pr 1:1-33. After the title the writer defines the design and nature of the instructions of the book. He paternally invites attention to those instructions and warns his readers against the enticements of the wicked. In a beautiful personification, wisdom is then introduced in a most solemn and impressive manner, publicly inviting men to receive its teachings, warning those who reject, and encouraging those who accept, the proffered instructions.
1-4. (See Introduction, Part I).
2. To know … instruction—literally, "for knowing," that is, such is the design of these writings.
wisdom—or the use of the best means for the best ends, is generally employed in this book for true piety.
instruction—discipline, by which men are trained.
to perceive—literally, "for perceiving," the design (as above)
understanding—that is, words which enable one to discern good and evil.
3. To receive … of wisdom—For receiving that discipline which discretion imparts. The Hebrew for "wisdom" differs from that of Pr 1:2, and denotes rather discreet counsel. Compare the opposite traits of the fool (Pr 16:22).
justice … equity—all the attributes of one upright in all his relations to God and man.
4. simple—one easily led to good or evil; so the parallel.
young man—one inexperienced.
subtilty—or prudence (Pr 3:21; 5:21).
discretion—literally, "device," both qualities, either good or bad, according to their use. Here good, as they imply wariness by which to escape evil and find good.
5, 6. Such writings the wise, who pursue right ends by right means, will value.
learning—not the act, but matter of it.
wise counsels—or the art and principles of governing.
6. To understand—so as to … such will be the result.
interpretation—(Compare Margin).
words of the wise—(Compare Pr 1:2).
dark sayings—(Compare Ps 49:4; Joh 16:25; and see Introduction, Part I).
7. The fear of the Lord—the principle of true piety (compare Pr 2:5; 14:26, 27; Job 28:28; Ps 34:11; 111:10; Ac 9:31).
beginning—first part, foundation.
fools—the stupid and indifferent to God's character and government; hence the wicked.
8. My son—This paternal form denotes a tender regard for the reader. Filial sentiments rank next to piety towards God, and ensure most distinguished rewards (compare Pr 6:20; Eph 6:2, 3).
9. On the figures of Pr 1:9, compare Ge 41:42; So 1:10; 4:9.
10-19. A solemn warning against temptation.
entice—literally, "open the way."
consent … not—Sin is in consenting or yielding to temptation, not in being tempted.
11-14. Murder and robbery are given as specific illustrations.
lay wait … lurk privily—express an effort and hope for successful concealment.
swallow … grave—utterly destroy the victim and traces of the crime (Nu 16:33; Ps 55:15). Abundant rewards of villainy are promised as the fruits of this easy and safe course.
15, 16. The society of the wicked (way or path) is dangerous. Avoid the beginnings of sin (Pr 4:14; Ps 1:1; 119:101).
17-19. Men warned ought to escape danger as birds instinctively avoid visibly spread nets. But stupid sinners rush to their own ruin (Ps 9:16), and, greedy of gain, succeed in the very schemes which destroy them (1Ti 6:10), not only failing to catch others, but procuring their own destruction.
20-33. Some interpreters regard this address as the language of the Son of God under the name of Wisdom (compare Lu 11:49). Others think that wisdom, as the divine attribute specially employed in acts of counsel and admonition, is here personified, and represents God. In either case the address is a most solemn and divine admonition, whose matter and spirit are eminently evangelical and impressive (see on Pr 8:1).
Wisdom—literally, "Wisdoms," the plural used either because of the unusual sense, or as indicative of the great excellency of wisdom (compare Pr 9:1).
streets—or most public places, not secretly.
21. The publicity further indicated by terms designating places of most common resort.
22. simple ones—(Compare Pr 1:4).
simplicity—implying ignorance.
scorners—(Ps 1:1)—who despise, as well as reject, truth.
fools—Though a different word is used from that of Pr 1:7, yet it is of the same meaning.
23. reproof—implying conviction deserving it (compare Joh 16:8, Margin).
pour out—abundantly impart.
my spirit—whether of wisdom personified, or of Christ, a divine agent.
24. stretched … hand—Earnestness, especially in beseeching, is denoted by the figure (compare Job 11:13; Ps 68:31; 88:9).
25. set at naught—rejected as of no value.
would none of—literally, "were not willing or inclined to it."
26, 27. In their extreme distress He will not only refuse help, but aggravate it by derision.
27. fear—the object of it.
desolation—literally, "a tumultuous noise," denoting their utter confusion.
destruction—or calamity (Pr 1:26) compared to a whirlwind, as to fatal rapidity.
distress—(Ps 4:1; 44:11).
anguish—a state of inextricable oppression, the deepest despair.
28. Now no prayers or most diligent seeking will avail (Pr 8:17).
29, 30. The sinner's infatuated rejection brings his ruin.
31. fruit … way—result of conduct (Isa 3:10; Eze 11:21; Ro 6:21; Ga 6:7, 8).
be filled—even to repletion (Ps 123:4).
32. turning away—that is, from the call of Pr 1:23.
simple—as in Pr 1:22.
prosperity—quiet, implying indifference.
33. dwell safely—literally, "in confidence" (De 12:10).
be quiet—or at ease, in real prosperity.
from fear—without fear.