Proverbs
The subject of this book may be thus stated by an enlargement on the opening verses. 1. The
Proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel. 2. Which treat of the knowledge of wisdom,
of piety towards God, of instruction and moral discipline, of the understanding wise and prudent
counsels. 3. Which treat of the attainment of instruction in wisdom, which wisdom is to be shown
in the conduct of life, and consists in righteousness with regard to our fellow-creatures. 4. Which
treat of the giving to the simple sagacity to discover what is right, by supplying them with just
principles, and correct views of virtue and vice; and to the young man knowledge, so that he need
not err through ignorance; and discretion, so that by pondering well these precepts, he may not err
through obstinacy. Take the proverbs of other nations, and we shall find great numbers founded
upon selfishness, cunning, pride, injustice, national contempt, and animosities. The principles of
the Proverbs of Solomon are piety, charity, justice, benevolence, and true prudence. Their universal
purity proves that they are the word of God.
Chapter 1
Chapter Outline
The use of the Proverbs. (1–6)
Exhortations to fear God and obey parents. (7–9)
To avoid the enticings of sinners. (10–19)
The address of Wisdom to sinners. (20–33)Verses 1–6
The lessons here given are plain, and likely to benefit those who feel their own ignorance, and
their need to be taught. If young people take heed to their ways, according to Solomon's Proverbs,
they will gain knowledge and discretion. Solomon speaks of the most important points of truth,
and a greater than Solomon is here. Christ speaks by his word and by his Spirit. Christ is the Word
and the Wisdom of God, and he is made to us wisdom.
Verses 7–9
Fools are persons who have no true wisdom, who follow their own devices, without regard to
reason, or reverence for God. Children are reasonable creatures, and when we tell them what they
must do, we must tell them why. But they are corrupt and wilful, therefore with the instruction
there is need of a law. Let Divine truths and commands be to us most honourable; let us value them,
and then they shall be so to us.
Verses 10–19