Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

THE BENEFITS OF WISDOM

(Proverbs 2:1 to Proverbs 3:35)

Conditions for the Benefits of Wisdom

(Proverbs 2:1-6)

Chapter 2 continues the Father-to-son instruction, enlarging upon the teaching (1:33) that wisdom has benefits for those who seek her.

Vs. 1-5 set forth the conditions under which wisdom is attained:

1) By receiving and treasuring the words and command­ments of wisdom; not just hearing with the ear, but pondering the meaning and retaining the teaching in the heart, Vs. 1-2; 4:21; Psalms 1:2.

2) By earnestly seeking knowledge and understanding as one would search for a valuable hidden treasure, Vs. 3-4; 3:13-14; Psalms 19:9-10; Jeremiah 29:13.

3) When these conditions are met, the promise is THEN (not before) shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD (submissive reverence for the LORD) and find the knowledge of God, Vs. 5; See also commentary on 1:7.

Vs. 6 emphasizes that it is the LORD who gives wisdom. Earnest seekers find what the LORD gives to those who diligently seek, 1 Kings 3:9-12; James 1:5.

Wisdom Shields and Guides

(Proverbs 2:7-11)

Vs. 7-11 present an enlarged view of the wisdom God gives. It is sound (effective) wisdom that shields and guides the saints (covenant keepers) who walk in its light, Psalms 84:11; Proverbs 30:5; 1 Samuel 2:9. David testified (Psalms 18:17-22; Psalms 18:30) that God cared for him in all his trials because he obeyed the law of the LORD and acted wisely. When wisdom and knowledge influence the thoughts and desires there is a desire and strength to resist temptations; Proverbs 6:20-23.

Deliverance From Evil Men

Vs. 12-15 describe some temptations of evil men from which wisdom delivers:

1) from the way or path of evil men who seek to pervert the truth of God, Vs. 12; Romans 1:25; Romans 1:28.

2) from the way of those who reject uprightness to walk in darkness, the darkness where the light of God is absent, Vs. 13; Psalms 82:5; Ecclesiastes 2:13-14; Matthew 6:23; Matthew 8:12; Matthew 22:13; John 3:18-19.

3) from the way of those who rejoice to do evil and delight in the perverseness of the wicked, Vs. 14; Proverbs 1:11; Proverbs 10:23; Romans 1:32.

4) from those whose ways are crooked and cause others to go astray, Vs. 5; Psalms 125:5; Isaiah 59:8; Matthew 18:6.

Deliverance From the Evil Woman

Vs. 16-19 describe the evils of the immoral woman from whom wisdom delivers (a topic dealt with repeatedly in Proverbs, reflecting God’s firm disapproval of violations of moral standards). In this passage the strange woman is an adulteress who:

1) uses seductive words to entice, Vs. 16.

2) has forsaken the husband of her youth in disregard of her marriage vow sworn before God, Vs. 17; Mark 10:9; Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:10.

3) shortens her own life and leads others to death, Vs. 18; 7:27; 5:5 and to judgment and Hell, Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

Blessedness of Overcoming

Vs. 20-22 contrast the blessedness of those who through wisdom escape the wiles of evil, Vs. 20, 21; Psalms 1:1-3; Psalms 37:29; with the unhappy state and end of the wicked, Vs. 22; Psalms 1:4-6; Psalms 37:28.