Pr 2:1-22. Men are invited to seek wisdom because it teaches those principles by which they may obtain God's guidance and avoid the society and influence of the wicked, whose pernicious courses are described.

1-5. Diligence in hearing and praying for instruction must be used to secure the great principle of godliness, the fear of God.

hide … with thee—lay up in store (compare Pr 7:1).

2. Listen attentively and reflect seriously (Pr 1:24; Ps 130:2).

understanding—right perception of truth.

3. Yea, if—literally, "When if," that is, in such a case.

knowledge—or, "discrimination."

understanding—as in Pr 2:2.

4. There must be earnest prayer and effort.

5. understand—or, "perceive intelligently."

find—obtain.

6. For—God is ready (Jas 1:5; 4:8).

out of his mouth—by revelation from Him.

7. sound wisdom—literally, "substance," opposed to what is fictitious. According to the context, this may be assistance, as here corresponding with

buckler—or safety, or wisdom, which procures it (compare Pr 3:21; 8:14; 18:1; Job 6:13; 12:13).

layeth up—provides, ever ready.

8. keepeth … way—God defends the right way, and those in it.

saints—objects of favor (compare Ps 4:3, &c.). He guides and guards them.

9. Then—emphatic, in such a case.

righteousness … path—all parts of duty to God and man.

10, 11. Idea of Pr 2:9, amplified; on terms, compare Pr 2:2 and Pr 2:4.

12-15. To deliver—as from great danger (Pr 6:5).

way … man—(Ps 1:1).

froward things—perversity (Pr 6:14; 23:23), what is opposed to truth.

13. paths of uprightness—or, "plainness."

walk—habitually act;

14. and that with pleasure, in ignorance of good and pursuit of evil.

frowardness—Not only their own perversity, but that of others is their delight. They love most the worst things.

15. crooked—tortuous, unprincipled.

froward—literally, (they) are going back, not only aside from right, but opposite to it.

16-19. Deliverance from another danger.

the strange woman—This term is often used for harlot, or loose woman (Jud 11:1, 2), married (Pr 7:5, 19) or not (1Ki 11:1), so called, because such were, perhaps at first, foreigners, though "strange" may also denote whatever is opposed to right or proper, as "strange fire" (Nu 3:4); "strange incense" (Ex 30:9).

flattereth—literally, "smooths."

her words—(Ps 5:9).

17. guide … youth—lawful husband (Jer 3:4).

covenant … God—of marriage made in God's name.

18. inclineth—sinks down (compare Nu 13:31).

the dead—or shades of the departed (Ps 88:10).

19. that is, such as remain impenitent (compare Ec 7:26).

paths of life—(Ps 16:11), opposed to paths unto the dead.

20. That … way of good—that is, Such is the object of these warnings.

21, 22. (Compare Ps 37:3, 9, 22, 27).

22. transgressors—or impious rebels (compare Jer 9:2).

rooted out—utterly destroyed, as trees plucked up by the roots.