Proverbs 4

Chap. IV. Ver. 1—27. Solomon, in the character of a father, details the instructions that he had received from his own parents.—We learn, hence, two circumstances important in his history. 1. That he was the darling of both his parents, and probably gave early indications of uncommon talent. 2. That his mother, though disgraced by her first connexion with David, was not devoid of personal religion, nor deficient in parental attention to her offspring, particularly to Solomon. We must not omit here to notice the beautiful delineation of the path, or conduct of the just, which, like the path of the sun, increases in splendour as it advances to its meridian, here called “the perfect day,” (ver. 18.) This sun, however, must set; but a brighter one shall rise to set no more.

((Isaiah 60:19).) “‘ How fine has the day been, how bright was the sun, How lovely and joyful the course that he run; * Tho’ he rose in a mist when his race he begun, And there followed some droppings of rain t But now the fair traveller’s come to the west, His rays are all gold, and his beauties are best; He paints the sky gay, as he sinks to his rest, And foretells a bright rising again.” “* Just such is the Christian—his course he begins, Like the sun in a mist, while he mourns for his sins, And melts into tears; then he breaks out and shines And travels his heavenly way:; But when he ‘comes nearer to finish his race, Like a fine setting sun, he looks richer in grace, And gives a sure hope, at the end of his days, Of rising in brighter array.’’— Watts,

Notes on the verses

(says M. Chardin) is drawn from the plaisters, &c. made use of in the East, upon the belly and stomach, in most maladies.”—Harmer.—And marrow. See margin; i.e. “ It shall lubricate thy joints.” Ver. 12, Even as a father, &c.—The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, (Proverbs 12:6), quotes this verse very differently; ‘‘ And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”’ ‘This is the version of the LXX., and Holden thinks the Hebrew text will bear it, with a slight alteration in the Masoretic points, which few Christians consider of divine authority. For Keab, “as a father,” he reads Kiegb, ‘‘ to correct, chasten;” or, as the apostle renders it, “* scourge:”” for it implies to give pain, or soreness.

(See Parkhurst.) For ‘the son (in whom) he delighteth,” the LXX. and the apostle read, “every son whom he receiveth;” namely, into favour, which comes to the same meaning. Ver. 13, The man that getteth.—See margin. ‘‘ Understanding;” implying, that there is labour required in the extraction. Ver. 15. Rubies.—The Hebrew Peninim is variously interpreted. It is not — the precious stones in Aaron’s breastplate, (Exodus 39:10-13). nor does there seem any good authority for ‘‘ rubies.” Gesenius inclines to “‘ coral:” Bochart contends for “ pearls; Parkhurst for the native “ magnet;”” Holden, satisfied with neither, reads ‘‘ gems.” See note on chap. VIII. ver. 11. Ver, 20. Clouds drop down the dew.—|{ Dew is defined by Dr.

Hutton “a thin, light, insensible mist, or rain, descending with a slow motion, and falling while the sun is below the horizon. It appears to differ from rain, as less from more. Its origin and matter are doubtless from the vapours and exhalations that rise from the earth and water.” Like rain, it is wonderfully prepared and adapted, by an infinitely wise and gracious Providence, to invigorate and give life to the whole vegetable world. See on (Psalms 21:6).|—Bagster. Ver. 22. A grace.—That is, an ornament; as a necklace. Ver. 27. Withhold not, &c.—See margin. Meaning, a just debt. Bishop Ver. 29. Devise not evil, &c. seeing —We should rather here render the Vau “for,” (as frequently,) as an additional reason for not injuring him; “ for”

he dwelleth securely, or, ‘in confidence,” Ly thee. Ver. 30. If he have done.—Rather, ‘‘Since he have done.” See (Ezekiel 35:6). Ver. 34. Surely he scorneth the scorners.—Both the apostles Peter and Paul quote this verse from the LXX., “ He resisteth the proud.” (James 4:6). (1 Peter 5:5). which is to the same effect; but the Hebrew is more spirited and poetical. Chap. IV, Ver. 3. For I was, &c.—The pointing, both of the Hebrew and English, seems here to require correction, as observed by Dr. Hodgson. The following is the version of Holden:. “ For I was a son very dear to my father, And well beloved in the sight of my mother.” The latter line we should rather render, ‘‘An only one,” (or darling) &c.

Ver. 7, Get understanding.—(Do not be contented merely with the lessons of wisdom, or satisfied with having a sound religious creed; but see that thou comprehend, and rightly apply, all that thou hast learned. Wisdom prescribes the best end, and the means best calculated for its attainment; understanding directs to the ways, times, places, and opportunities of practising the lessons of wisdom. Wisdom sees; but understanding feels.— Bagster. (Proverbs 1:13). Eat the bread of wickedness—that is, live by violence and spoil. Ver. 18. Shineth more and more.—Heb. “ Goeth on and shineth.” [This comparison is extremely beautiful, and the sense highly instructive. As the light first tinges the east and increases till the sun has attained its meridian splendour, so is the course of a good man: his knowledge, purity, and holiness, gradually increase, and the light of his pious example shines more and more, till he is exalted in the heavens to shine as sun In the full blaze of endless felicity.

But the path of the wicked, though they may amuse themselves with many glimmering meteors, is thick, gloomy darkness, compound of ignorance, error, sin, and misery, until at length it terminates, perhaps unexpectedly to themselves, in “ the blackness of darkness for ever.”’|—Bagster. Ver. 25. Let thine eyes look, &c.—That is, “pursue a straight forward course.’ Compare ver. 27.