Bible Commentaries

Solomon exhorteth his son to get Wisdom, Proverbs 2:1-4; telleth him the benefit he shall receive thereby, Proverbs 2:5-10, and the evils which he should avoid, Proverbs 2:11,12. The wicked man’s ways are described, Proverbs 2:13-20. A habitation promised the righteous, Proverbs 2:21. The end of the wicked miserable, Proverbs 2:22.

These words are spoken by Solomon, either,

1. In the name of wisdom, as before; or rather,

2. In his own name. Hide my commandments with thee; lay them up in thy mind and heart with care, as men do their choicest treasures.

Give thyself to the study of it with affection and diligence.

If thou criest, to wit, unto God, the only giver of it, Proverbs 2:5, Heb. if thou callest; invitest it to come unto thee; earnestly desirest its conduct.

With the same unwearied diligence, and earnest desire, and patient expectation under all delays, disappointments, and difficulties, which worldlings use in the purchase of riches, or in digging in mines of silver.

Understand more perfectly and profitably; for that very seeking and searching after it, Proverbs 2:4, supposed some understanding.

The fear of the Lord; which is the beginning of this wisdom, Proverbs 1:7.

Giveth wisdom, Heb. will give; hath promised to give it, to wit, to those that so seek it; whereby he also teacheth them not to ascribe any wisdom which they may obtain unto their own wit and industry, but only unto God’s favour and blessing. Out of his mouth from his word, or appointment, and good will; as the word of God is taken, Deu 8:3.

Sound wisdom, Heb. essence or substance; either,

1. Solid and true felicity, opposed to the vain enjoyments of this world, which are said to have no substance or being, Proverbs 23:5. Or,

2. True and substantial wisdom, which is satisfactory and everlasting, opposed to worldly wisdom, which is but an empty shadow of wisdom, and perisheth with us.

A buckler to them, to protect and save them from that mischief and ruin which shall befall all wicked men.

He keepeth the paths of judgment; he guardeth and guideth the paths or ways, i.e. the counsels and actions, of good men, as the next clause explains this, which are called

paths of judgment, or righteous paths; judgment being here put for righteousness, as it is in Psalm 99:4, and oft elsewhere. And keeping of paths may be put for keeping them in their paths, so as they shall neither swerve from them, nor stumble and fall in them. And preserve the way of his saints; the same thing repeated in other words.