Proverbs 1:3-6

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 1:1-6

We have here an introduction to this book, which some think was prefixed by the collector and publisher, as Ezra; but it is rather supposed to have been penned by Solomon himself, who, in the beginning of his book, proposes his end in writing it, that he might keep to his business, and closely pursue that end. We are here told, I. Who wrote these wise sayings, Prov. 1:1. They are the proverbs of Solomon. 1. His name signifies peaceable, and the character both of his spirit and of his reign... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 1:3

To receive the instruction of wisdom ,.... Or "prudence" F8 השכל "prudentiae", Munster, Vatablus. ; of wise and prudent men; and especially of Christ himself, who bears those names, whose instructions this book is full of; and the design of which is to engage the attention of men to them, and prevail upon them to receive them, and act conformably to them. Which instructions respect the following things; and which are added by way of illustration and amplification, viz. justice,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 1:4

To give subtlety to the simple ,.... Men of mean abilities, weak capacities, shallow understandings, incautious, credulous, and easily imposed upon: these, by attending to what is herein contained, may arrive to a serpentine subtlety; though they are simple and harmless as doves, may become as wise as serpents; may attain to an exquisite knowledge of divine things and know even more than the wise and sage philosophers among the Gentiles, or any of the Rabbins and masters of Israel; or any of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 1:5

A wise man will hear ,.... With great attention, and hearken to the proverbs and wise sayings herein delivered; for here are many things entertaining to men of years and wisdom, as well as instructive to young men and simple ones; and will increase learning ; or "add" F11 יוסף "addet", Pagninus, Montanus, Mercerus, Cocceius, Michaelis, Schultens. to his stock of learning; or, as the Targum, "will add knowledge;' see 2 Peter 1:5 ; or, "will be wiser", as the Vulgate Latin... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 1:6

To understand a proverb, and the interpretation ,.... This may be connected either with the first verse, "the proverbs of Solomon", &c.; are written, as for the above ends and purposes, so for these; or with Proverbs 1:5 , a wise and understanding man, by hearkening and attending to what is here delivered, will not only attain to wise counsels, but to the understanding of proverbial sayings, and to see into the "elegancy" F13 מליצה "facundiam", Montanus; "eloquentiam", Tigurine... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 1:3

To receive the instruction - השכל haskel , the deliberately weighing of the points contained in the teaching, so as to find out their importance. Equity - משרים mesharim , rectitude. The pupil is to receive wisdom and instruction, the words of wisdom and understanding, justice and judgment, so perfectly as to excel in all. Wisdom itself, personified, is his teacher; and when God's wisdom teaches, there is no delay in learning. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 1:4

To give subtilty to the simple - The word simple, from simplex, compounded of sine, without, and plica, a fold, properly signifies plain and honest, one that has no by-ends in view, who is what he appears to be; and is opposed to complex, from complico, to fold together, to make one rope or cord out of many strands; but because honesty and plaindealing are so rare in the world, and none but the truly religious man will practice them, farther than the fear of the law obliges him, hence simple... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 1:5

A wise man wilt hear - I shall not only give such instructions as may be suitable to the youthful and inexperienced, but also to those who have much knowledge and understanding. So said St. Paul: We speak wisdom among them that are perfect. This and the following verse are connected in the old MS. and in Coverdale: "By hearyinge the wyse man shall come by more wysdome; and by experience he shall be more apte to understonde a parable and the interpretation thereof; the wordes of the wyse and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 1:6

Dark sayings - חידת chidoth , enigmas or riddles, in which the Asiatics abounded. I believe parables, such as those delivered by our Lord, nearly express the meaning of the original. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 1:1-6

Part I. THE TITLE AND SUPERSCRIPTION . The superscription of the Proverbs, which extends from verse 1 to verse 6, furnishes us with an epitome in short and concise language of the general scope and bearing of the book, and points out its specific utility, both to the inexperienced and to those already wise. Thus The title of the book embodied in the text is, 'The Proverbs of Solomon the son of David, King of Israel,' but the shorter designation by which it was and is known... read more

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