Bible Commentaries

Wisdom. Plural as in Proverbs 1:20; Proverbs 9:1, and Proverbs 14:1.

mingled. Compare Isaiah 5:22. Not with water but with spices.

wine. Hebrew. yayin. App-27.

sent forth her maidens. An Eastern custom. In N.T. the invitation was carried by menservants (Matthew 22:3. Luke 14:17).

maidens = or young persons (masculine or feminine) Hebrew. na"ar.

she crieth: or, each to cry.

highest places. Compare 1 Samuel 10:5, 1 Samuel 10:10, &c.

simple. See note on Proverbs 1:4.

understanding. Hebrew "heart". Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6, for understanding.

bread. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part), App-6, for all kinds of food.

Forsake, &c. Illustrations: Moses (Hebrews 11:24-27); Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 13:30-33; Numbers 14:6-9, Numbers 14:38); Rahab (Joshua 2:9-13; Joshua 6:25. Hebrews 11:31); Ruth (Proverbs 1:16; Proverbs 2:11, Proverbs 2:12); Dionysius and Damaris (Acts 17:34); Ephesians (Acts 19:19. Ephesians 2:13); members of Nero's household (Philippians 1:1, Philippians 1:13; Philippians 4:22).

foolish = heartless. Hebrew. pethi (masculine plural) Not either of the three words in Proverbs 9:13 or Proverbs 1:7, but the same word as in Proverbs 9:4.

live: i.e. live for ever. See note on Leviticus 18:5.

He that reproveth, &c.: verses: Proverbs 9:7-12 not "out of their proper context". See the Structure on p. 874.

wicked = lawless. Hebrew. rasha". App-44.

Reprove not a scorner, &c. Illustrations: Joseph (Genesis 37:2); the Prophet (2 Chronicles 25:16); Jews (Isaiah 36:21); the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-10).

hate thee. We condemn one who has wronged us, and he condemns us. God's plan is to convict and make the sinner condemn himself.

he will love thee. Illustrations: Nathan (2Sa 12. Compare 1 Chronicles 3:5 and 1 Kings 1:32-34); the two disciples (Luke 24:25, Luke 24:29); Peter (John 21:17); Peter (Galatians 1:2, Galatians 1:11-14. Compare 2 Peter 3:15).

instruction, or supply "a hint".

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

the beginning: not the end. See note on Proverbs 1:7.

wisdom. See note on Proverbs 1:2.

the knowledge, &c. Not departing from evil from policy, but hating it (Proverbs 8:13).

the holy = the Holy One. (Plural of majesty.)

understanding = discernment. See note on Proverbs 1:2.

be multiplied = become great [in importance or usefulness]. Not necessarily "many" in number.

shall be increased: i.e. in importance. Not necessarily in number. See note on Proverbs 3:16.

A foolish woman. The contrast is with Proverbs 9:1. Hebrew. kesil. See note on Proverbs 1:7.

nothing = nothing whatever.

door = entrance.

Who go right, &c = passing on their way, or [To call them ] that go straight forward, &c.

the dead = Rephaim. (No Art.) See App-25.

hell = Sheol. App-35. Proverbs marked off by different authorship. All are in two lines, except Proverbs 19:7, which has three lines. They are miscellaneous, having self-developing connections, finding their reasons in what follows.

A wise son. Illustration: Joseph (Genesis 47:12. Compare Proverbs 48:2).

a foolish son. Hebrew. kesil. See note on Proverbs 1:7. Illustration: Esau (Genesis 26:34, Genesis 26:35; Genesis 27:45, Genesis 27:46).