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Proverbs 1:1 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

Cross Reference

Proverbs 10:1 DARBY

The Proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

1 Kings 4:31-32 DARBY

For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the nations round about. And he spoke three thousand proverbs; and his songs were a thousand and five.

Proverbs 25:1 DARBY

These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah transcribed.

Ecclesiastes 12:9 DARBY

And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, and sought out, [and] set in order many proverbs.

2 Samuel 12:24-25 DARBY

And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her and lay with her; and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon; and Jehovah loved him. And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, for Jehovah's sake.

1 Kings 2:12 DARBY

And Solomon sat on the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

1 Chronicles 22:9 DARBY

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about; for his name shall be Solomon, and in his days I will give peace and quietness unto Israel.

1 Chronicles 28:5 DARBY

and of all my sons, (for Jehovah has given me many sons,) he has chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of Jehovah over Israel.

1 Chronicles 29:28 DARBY

And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour; and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.

Ecclesiastes 1:1 DARBY

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

John 16:25 DARBY

These things I have spoken to you in allegories; the hour is coming that I will no longer speak to you in allegories, but will declare to you openly concerning the Father.

Commentary on Proverbs 1 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


CHAPTER 1

Pr 1:1-33. After the title the writer defines the design and nature of the instructions of the book. He paternally invites attention to those instructions and warns his readers against the enticements of the wicked. In a beautiful personification, wisdom is then introduced in a most solemn and impressive manner, publicly inviting men to receive its teachings, warning those who reject, and encouraging those who accept, the proffered instructions.

1-4. (See Introduction, Part I).

2. To know … instruction—literally, "for knowing," that is, such is the design of these writings.

wisdom—or the use of the best means for the best ends, is generally employed in this book for true piety.

instruction—discipline, by which men are trained.

to perceive—literally, "for perceiving," the design (as above)

understanding—that is, words which enable one to discern good and evil.

3. To receive … of wisdom—For receiving that discipline which discretion imparts. The Hebrew for "wisdom" differs from that of Pr 1:2, and denotes rather discreet counsel. Compare the opposite traits of the fool (Pr 16:22).

justice … equity—all the attributes of one upright in all his relations to God and man.

4. simple—one easily led to good or evil; so the parallel.

young man—one inexperienced.

subtilty—or prudence (Pr 3:21; 5:21).

discretion—literally, "device," both qualities, either good or bad, according to their use. Here good, as they imply wariness by which to escape evil and find good.

5, 6. Such writings the wise, who pursue right ends by right means, will value.

learning—not the act, but matter of it.

wise counsels—or the art and principles of governing.

6. To understand—so as to … such will be the result.

interpretation—(Compare Margin).

words of the wise—(Compare Pr 1:2).

dark sayings—(Compare Ps 49:4; Joh 16:25; and see Introduction, Part I).

7. The fear of the Lord—the principle of true piety (compare Pr 2:5; 14:26, 27; Job 28:28; Ps 34:11; 111:10; Ac 9:31).

beginning—first part, foundation.

fools—the stupid and indifferent to God's character and government; hence the wicked.

8. My son—This paternal form denotes a tender regard for the reader. Filial sentiments rank next to piety towards God, and ensure most distinguished rewards (compare Pr 6:20; Eph 6:2, 3).

9. On the figures of Pr 1:9, compare Ge 41:42; So 1:10; 4:9.

10-19. A solemn warning against temptation.

entice—literally, "open the way."

consent … not—Sin is in consenting or yielding to temptation, not in being tempted.

11-14. Murder and robbery are given as specific illustrations.

lay wait … lurk privily—express an effort and hope for successful concealment.

swallow … grave—utterly destroy the victim and traces of the crime (Nu 16:33; Ps 55:15). Abundant rewards of villainy are promised as the fruits of this easy and safe course.

15, 16. The society of the wicked (way or path) is dangerous. Avoid the beginnings of sin (Pr 4:14; Ps 1:1; 119:101).

17-19. Men warned ought to escape danger as birds instinctively avoid visibly spread nets. But stupid sinners rush to their own ruin (Ps 9:16), and, greedy of gain, succeed in the very schemes which destroy them (1Ti 6:10), not only failing to catch others, but procuring their own destruction.

20-33. Some interpreters regard this address as the language of the Son of God under the name of Wisdom (compare Lu 11:49). Others think that wisdom, as the divine attribute specially employed in acts of counsel and admonition, is here personified, and represents God. In either case the address is a most solemn and divine admonition, whose matter and spirit are eminently evangelical and impressive (see on Pr 8:1).

Wisdom—literally, "Wisdoms," the plural used either because of the unusual sense, or as indicative of the great excellency of wisdom (compare Pr 9:1).

streets—or most public places, not secretly.

21. The publicity further indicated by terms designating places of most common resort.

22. simple ones—(Compare Pr 1:4).

simplicity—implying ignorance.

scorners—(Ps 1:1)—who despise, as well as reject, truth.

fools—Though a different word is used from that of Pr 1:7, yet it is of the same meaning.

23. reproof—implying conviction deserving it (compare Joh 16:8, Margin).

pour out—abundantly impart.

my spirit—whether of wisdom personified, or of Christ, a divine agent.

24. stretched … hand—Earnestness, especially in beseeching, is denoted by the figure (compare Job 11:13; Ps 68:31; 88:9).

25. set at naught—rejected as of no value.

would none of—literally, "were not willing or inclined to it."

26, 27. In their extreme distress He will not only refuse help, but aggravate it by derision.

27. fear—the object of it.

desolation—literally, "a tumultuous noise," denoting their utter confusion.

destruction—or calamity (Pr 1:26) compared to a whirlwind, as to fatal rapidity.

distress—(Ps 4:1; 44:11).

anguish—a state of inextricable oppression, the deepest despair.

28. Now no prayers or most diligent seeking will avail (Pr 8:17).

29, 30. The sinner's infatuated rejection brings his ruin.

31. fruit … way—result of conduct (Isa 3:10; Eze 11:21; Ro 6:21; Ga 6:7, 8).

be filled—even to repletion (Ps 123:4).

32. turning away—that is, from the call of Pr 1:23.

simple—as in Pr 1:22.

prosperity—quiet, implying indifference.

33. dwell safely—literally, "in confidence" (De 12:10).

be quiet—or at ease, in real prosperity.

from fear—without fear.