1An exhortation to obedience; 5faith in God; 7humility and godly fear; 9religious oblations; 11patience under affliction. 13The excellency of wisdom; 21the benefits of it. 27An exhortation to active goodness; 29peaceableness; against oppression. 33The curse of the wicked, and blessing of the upright.
1MY son, forget not my 1law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
1 Or, doctrine; namely, which I teach thee and instruct thee in how to order thy life and conduct aright. See Prov. 1 on verse 8.
2Fora2length of days, and long life, and 3peace, shall they 4add to thee.
a Deut. 8:1; 30:20.
2 That is, a great age and a long life, or a life of many years. So verse 16; Deut. 30:20; Job 12:12; Psalm 21:4; 91:16; Prov. 4:10; 9:11.
3 That is, prosperity both in soul and body. See Gen. 37 on verse 14.
4 Also Prov. 9:11. Hebrew properly: augment, which is here as much as multiply.
35Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: 6bindb them 7about thy neck; 8write them upon the table of thine heart:
5 This may be understood of the mercy and faithfulness of God, so that it is a command exhorting a man to cleave close thereunto, with a promise that He shall keep and preserve them. See on verse 25. Others understand it of the goodness and faithfulness, which everyone ought to show unto his neighbor.
6 Namely, the commandments of God, whereof is spoken in the first verse. Or, mercy and faithfulness, that is, the promises of God concerning them.
b Exod. 13:9; Deut. 6:8.
7 Namely, as an ornament or chain, as Prov. 1:9, and to have them always before your eyes and in your sight. See verse 21; Prov. 6:21. Compare Exod. 13:9; Deut. 6:8.
8 That is, imprint them deep in the innermost part of your understanding that they may never slip out of your memory. So Prov. 7:3; Jer. 17:1; 2 Cor. 3:3.
4So shalt thou 9find 10favour and good 11understanding in the sight of God and man.
9 This is again a command containing in it also a strong and earnest promise as in the beginning of the previous verse. The command is, endeavor to find grace, etc. The promise is: thou shalt be acceptable both to God and pious men, and have found sound knowledge to live well.
10 Or, grace, that is, acceptation or acceptableness, whereby a man is acceptable and pleasing unto others. Also Gen. 39:21; Psalm 45:2; Prov. 1:9; 11:16; 22:11; Eccl. 10:12; Luke 2:52.
11 See Prov. 1 on verse 3.
5¶Trust in the LORD 12with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
12 Compare Deut. 6:5; 1 Kings 2:4 and the annotation.
613In all thy ways acknowledgec him, and he shall 14direct thy paths.
13 That is, in all that thou intendest, undertakest, speakest, doest, and omittest. See Gen. 6 on verse 12. In the same sense is the word paths taken later in this verse.
c 1 Chron. 28:9.
14 That is, direct them according to His law, and lead thee right according unto it, that thou mayest at length attain unto the desired end of thy life. Compare Prov. 11:5; 15:21.
7¶Bed not wise 15in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
d Rom. 12:16.
15 That is, in thine own opinion and judgment. See Lev. 13 on verse 5; Job 18 on verse 3.
8It shall be health 16to thy navel, and 17marrow to thy bones.
16 It is a phrase of similitude, borrowed from young children whose navels must be handled and cared for with singular care and prudence; and also from grown persons who are weak and feeble in that part of the body, and oftentimes have need of medicine. The sense is: that those who have the fear of God shall, in respect of the spiritual life of the soul, be in very good health and enjoy perfect strength.
17 It is another similitude borrowed from the bones in a man’s body which must be filled with good marrow to preserve the strength and vigor in man. So has likewise the soul its strength and vigor from the knowledge and fear of the Lord. Compare Job 21:14.
9Honoure18the LORD with thy substance, and with the 19firstfruits of all thine increase:
e Exod. 23:19; 34:26; Deut. 26:2, etc.; Mal. 3:10; Luke 14:13.
18 Namely, in His ministers, the priests and Levites; likewise in the widows, the fatherless and the poor by communicating unto them of thy means, Exod. 23:19; Deut. 26:2, 3, etc.
19 See of these Exod. 22:29, 30; Lev. 2:12; 23:17.
10Sof shall thy barns be filled with 20plenty, and thy presses shall 21burst out with new wine.
f Deut. 28:8.
20 Hebr. satiety, that is, with plenty of fruits whereby men may be satisfied and filled. See Gen. 41:29 and the annotation. Likewise Eccl. 5:11.
21 Hebr. break asunder.
11¶Myg son, despise not 22the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his 23correction:
g Job 5:17; Heb. 12:5.
22 This word signifies indeed the teaching or instruction which is done in, or by words, but it is here also taken for actual chastening or punishing. See Prov. 7 on verse 22. Likewise the Hebrew verb rebuketh in Prov. 9:7, see the annotation.
23 This word is also not only taken for verbal punishment or reproof, such as is done by words, as Prov. 15:31, 32; 28:23, but also for actual punishment, as here and Psalm 73:14; 149:7; Hosea 5:9. So the verb reprove, Psalm 6:1.
12Forh whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he 24delighteth.
h Rev. 3:19.
24 See of the signification of the Hebrew word 2 Sam. 24 on verse 23.
13¶Happy is the man that 25findeth wisdom, and the man that 26getteth understanding.
25 Hebr. hath found, that is, finds continually; therefore is likewise the following verb in the original put in the future tense. The verb to find seems to relate to the seeking and searching after wisdom, whereof mention is made in Prov. 2:4. See the annotation.
26 Or, fetcheth out, namely, as out of an hidden place, and consequently obtains it with great labor and pains.
14Fori the 27merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than 28fine gold.
i Job 28:15; Psalm 19:10; Prov. 8:11, 19; 16:16.
27 That is, the ware or the commodity that is to be found with wisdom; so is the Hebrew word taken by some, Prov. 31:18; Isa. 23:18. Other, managing or handling, that is, searching after it, whereby it is sought, found and obtained; also managing of silver, that is, the handling and employing of it, whereby silver is gotten and obtained.
28 Meaning: very fine gold, perhaps so called because it is dug out of the ground. The same name is used in Psalm 68:13; Prov. 8:10, 19; 16:16; Zech. 9:3.
15Shejis more precious than 29rubies: and 30all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
j Eccl. 8:11
29 See Job 28 on verse 18.
30 Hebr. all thy delights will not be compared unto her, that is, whatsoever you would wish or desire, is not of such worth and value as that it would be able to be compared with wisdom. Also Prov. 8:11.
1631Length of days 32is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
31 See on verse 2.
32 Wisdom is here compared to a woman who in great plenty divides all manner of goods to those who follow and obey her. Under temporal goods are comprehended also those that are eternal.
17Her 33ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are 34peace.
33 That is, whatsoever she prescribes to believe and to do. Understand also in like manner the following word paths.
34 That is, prosperity and happiness, both in soul and body, as verse 2. The meaning is: that this is obtained by wisdom.
1835She 36is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
35 Namely, wisdom. See verse 13.
36 That is, as a tree of life, giving life and full contentment or satisfaction to them who eat of her fruits, that is, who receive her instruction. Compare Gen. 2:9; 3:22. Likewise Prov. 11:30; 13:12; 15:4.
19The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he 37established the heavens.
37 That is, beautifully adorned, gloriously fitted and orderly composed and joined together. So is the Hebrew word taken, Job 31:15.
20By his knowledge the 38depths are brokenk up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
38 Understand seas, and consequently the fountains, springs, rivers and all sorts of streams that issue and spread out of the depth and bottom of the earth, as it were, by the renting thereof in twain.
k Gen. 1:9, 10.
21¶My son, 39let not them depart from thine eyes: keep 40sound wisdom and 41discretion:
39 Namely, wisdom, understanding and knowledge, whereof is spoken in the two previous verses. Other, the law and the commandments, of which see verse 1 of this chapter.
40 See of the Hebrew word Job 5 on verse 12; Prov. 2 on verse 7.
41 See Prov. 1 on verse 4.
22So 42shall they be life unto thy soul, and 43grace to thy neck.
42 That is, bring life to thy soul.
43 That is, an ornament, which will make thee gracious and acceptable both in the sight of God and of all pious men. Compare Prov. 1:9 and the annotation.
23Then shalt thou walk in 44thy way safely,l and 45thy foot shall not stumble.
44 That is, go sure in thy intention, doing and omitting. Also Prov. 10:9, and compare Prov. 28:18; Isa. 40:31.
l Psalm 37:24; 91:11, 12.
45 That is, thou shalt not come into danger, so as to hurt thyself. Other, and thy foot shall not dash itself. Compare Psalm 91:12. Foot is taken for the man himself. So Psalm 31:8; Prov. 7:11; Isa. 52:7.
24Whenm thou 46liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
m Lev. 26:6; Job 11:19; Psalm 3:5; 4:8; 91:5, 6.
46 Namely, to sleep.
2547Be not afraid 48of sudden fear, neither of the 49desolation 50of the wicked, when it cometh.
47 It is a command, containing in it a promise, as verse 3 and 4. Likewise Prov. 4:4; 7:2; 9:6. See Psalm 37 on verse 3. Therefore some render these words thus: Thou shalt not be afraid of sudden terror, etc. But with the translation that is in the text, the Hebrew particle al does agree better. The meaning is: that the lovers of wisdom shall not need to fear or be afraid of, etc.
48 Hebr. of terror suddenly, that is, which is sudden, or comes unawares and unexpected. So Prov. 15:24 from hell or the grave below or beneath, that is, which is below or downward.
49 See Psalm 35 on verse 8; Prov. 1 on verse 27.
50 That is, which the wicked seek to raise or effect among the godly; or rather: which shall come upon the wicked by the righteous judgment of God.
26For the LORD 51shall be thy 52confidence, and shall keep thy foot 53from being taken.
51 That is, He will be found of thee when thou hopest in Him, that thy hope, whereby thou waitest on His help, may not be in vain. Other, shall be thy hope.
52 Or, thy hope. See the Hebrew word so taken Job 4:6 and the annotation.
53 O, from being imprisoned. Hebr. from taking, namely, whereby thou mightest come into the hand and power of the wicked, and be oppressed by them.
27 ¶ 54Withhold not 55good from 56them to whom it is due, 57when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
54 This is a general proverb, forbidding the neglect, or hindering of doing good unto others.
55 Understand either bodily or spiritual good.
56 Understand by them to whom we owe anything that is good, either according to the civil law, or according to the Divine and natural law. The civil law is that we should give to others what belong to them, by virtue of commerce or trading one with another. The Divine and natural or moral is that we should give unto others, by virtue of our duty of love and compassion, which we owe unto them in general. Consequently by the words them to whom it is due, the poor are here also to be understood, because the rich are given unto them by God as stewards and dispensers to communicate unto them, and to make them sharers of their means. In which respect alms are called righteousness, Dan. 4:27.
57 That is, when God has given the means and ability, either in the civil to content and satisfy thy neighbor, or in the Divine and natural to do good unto the poor and to relieve them in their wants and necessities. The meaning is: that both those duties in such a case may not be delayed. Other, although it were in the power of thine hand to do it, namely, to withhold from any man that which is his due, or belongs unto him.
28Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow 58I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
58 Namely, that which you in a manner owe him, and which he desires of you and has greatly need of, Lev. 19:13; Deut. 24:14. Likewise Gal. 6:10; James 2:15, 16.
2959Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth 60securelyn by thee.
59 The Hebrew word signifies here to consider, intend and devise a thing closely and secretly; which may be said to be done either in a bad or a in a good sense. Here it is taken in a bad sense, as also in Prov. 6:14, 18; elsewhere it is also taken in a good sense, as in Prov. 14:22.
60 That is, with confidence, without having any mistrust or evil suspicion of thee. Other, in truth, or fidelity.
n free from anxiety*
30¶61Striveo not with a man without cause, 62if he have done thee no harm.
61 Namely, neither in judgment nor elsewhere beside.
o Psalm 37:1; 73:3; Prov. 23:17.
62 For if he has done so, it is then lawful for a man to vindicate his own right by means of the authorities or to bring him to an acknowledgement of his fault by the ecclesiastical power or other private admonition, and that without desire of revenge and scandal, Exod. 22:8; Mat. 18:15, 16, 17; 1 Cor. 6:4; Eph. 4:26.
31 ¶ 63Envy thou not the 64oppressor, and choose 65none of his ways.
63 See Psalm 37 on verse 1.
64 That is, who uses violence and practices oppression, and thereby becomes great, rich and mighty. See of this phrase 2 Sam 22:49; Job 11 on verse 11; Psalm 5 on verse 6.
65 Hebr. not all his ways, that is, none of them. See 1 Kings 11 on verse 34.
32For the 66froward 67is abomination to the LORD: but hisp68secret is with the righteous.
66 That is, he who revolts or departs from the right way.
67 Hebr. is the Lord’s abomination, that is, whom God esteems as an abomination. So Prov. 11:1, 20; 12:22; 15:9; 16:5, etc. See Deut. 17 on verse 1. Elsewhere a thing is said to be an abomination before the LORD, Deut. 24:4; or, an abomination unto me, (the Lord) Isa. 1:13. The sense or meaning is one and the same. Also: an abomination to men, Prov. 24:9.
p Psalm 25:14.
68 That is, His deepest mercy and goodwill in the Messiah. See Psalm 25 on verse 14.
33¶Theq curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
q Lev. 26:14, etc.; Deut. 28:15, etc.; Mal. 2:2.
3469Surely he scorneth ther scorners: but he giveth grace unto the 70lowly.
69 Other, If he scorneth the scorners, he will also give grace unto the meek.
r James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5.
70 See Psalm 22 on verse 26.
35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame 71shall be the promotion of fools.
71 That is, takes the shame along with him for his portion. Or, shame taketh fools away, that is, frustrates them and all their expectation. Or, shame exalteth fools.