4 if thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hidden treasures:
The kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure hid in the field, which a man having found has hid, and for the joy of it goes and sells all whatever he has, and buys that field.
Who long for death, and it [cometh] not, and dig for it more than for hidden treasures;
But wisdom, where shall it be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the value thereof; and it is not found in the land of the living. The deep saith, It is not in me; and the sea saith, It is not with me. Choice gold cannot be given for it, nor silver be weighed for its price. It is not set in the balance with gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, and the sapphire. Gold and glass cannot be compared to it, nor vessels of fine gold be its exchange. Corals and crystal are no more remembered; yea, the acquisition of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not be compared to it, neither shall it be set in the balance with pure gold. Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
They are more precious than gold, yea, than much fine gold; and sweeter than honey and the dropping of the honeycomb.
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as [much as] in all wealth.
Therefore I love thy commandments above gold, yea, above fine gold.
For the gain thereof is better than the gain of silver, and her revenue than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; and all the things thou canst desire are not equal unto her.
How much better is it to get wisdom than fine gold, and the getting of intelligence to be preferred to silver!
Buy the truth, and sell it not; wisdom, and instruction, and intelligence.
There is one [alone] and without a second; also he hath neither son nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour, neither is his eye satisfied with riches, and [he saith not], For whom then am I labouring, and depriving my soul of good? This also is vanity and a grievous occupation.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust spoils, and where thieves dig through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust spoils, and where thieves do not dig through nor steal; for where thy treasure is, there will be also thy heart.
Jesus said to him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell what thou hast and give to [the] poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. But the young man, having heard the word, went away grieved, for he had large possessions.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 2
Commentary on Proverbs 2 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 2
Pr 2:1-22. 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.
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 Pr 7:1).
2. Listen attentively and reflect seriously (Pr 1:24; Ps 130:2).
understanding—right perception of truth.
3. Yea, if—literally, "When if," that is, in such a case.
knowledge—or, "discrimination."
understanding—as in Pr 2:2.
4. There must be earnest prayer and effort.
5. understand—or, "perceive intelligently."
find—obtain.
6. For—God is ready (Jas 1:5; 4:8).
out of his mouth—by revelation from Him.
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 Pr 3:21; 8:14; 18:1; Job 6:13; 12:13).
layeth up—provides, ever ready.
8. keepeth … way—God defends the right way, and those in it.
saints—objects of favor (compare Ps 4:3, &c.). He guides and guards them.
9. Then—emphatic, in such a case.
righteousness … path—all parts of duty to God and man.
10, 11. Idea of Pr 2:9, amplified; on terms, compare Pr 2:2 and Pr 2:4.
12-15. To deliver—as from great danger (Pr 6:5).
way … man—(Ps 1:1).
froward things—perversity (Pr 6:14; 23:23), what is opposed to truth.
13. paths of uprightness—or, "plainness."
walk—habitually act;
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.
15. crooked—tortuous, unprincipled.
froward—literally, (they) are going back, not only aside from right, but opposite to it.
16-19. Deliverance from another danger.
the strange woman—This term is often used for harlot, or loose woman (Jud 11:1, 2), married (Pr 7:5, 19) or not (1Ki 11:1), so called, because such were, perhaps at first, foreigners, though "strange" may also denote whatever is opposed to right or proper, as "strange fire" (Nu 3:4); "strange incense" (Ex 30:9).
flattereth—literally, "smooths."
her words—(Ps 5:9).
17. guide … youth—lawful husband (Jer 3:4).
covenant … God—of marriage made in God's name.
18. inclineth—sinks down (compare Nu 13:31).
the dead—or shades of the departed (Ps 88:10).
19. that is, such as remain impenitent (compare Ec 7:26).
paths of life—(Ps 16:11), opposed to paths unto the dead.
20. That … way of good—that is, Such is the object of these warnings.
21, 22. (Compare Ps 37:3, 9, 22, 27).
22. transgressors—or impious rebels (compare Jer 9:2).
rooted out—utterly destroyed, as trees plucked up by the roots.