9 She shall give H5414 to thine head H7218 an ornament H3880 of grace: H2580 a crown H5850 of glory H8597 shall she deliver H4042 to thee.
In like manner G5615 also, G2532 that women G1135 adorn G2885 themselves G1438 in G1722 modest G2887 apparel, G2689 with G3326 shamefacedness G127 and G2532 sobriety; G4997 not G3361 with G1722 broided hair, G4117 or G2228 gold, G5557 or G2228 pearls, G3135 or G2228 costly G4185 array; G2441 But G235 (which G3739 becometh G4241 women G1135 professing G1861 godliness) G2317 with G1223 good G18 works. G2041
Thou madest G1642 him G846 a little G1024 G5100 lower G1642 than G3844 the angels; G32 thou crownedst G4737 him G846 with glory G1391 and G2532 honour, G5092 and G2532 didst set G2525 him G846 over G1909 the works G2041 of thy G4675 hands: G5495 Thou hast put G5293 all things G3956 in subjection G5293 under G5270 his G846 feet. G4228 For G1063 in G1722 that he put G5293 all G3956 in subjection under G5293 him, G846 he left G863 nothing that is not G3762 put under G506 him. G846 But G1161 now G3568 we see G3708 not yet G3768 all things G3956 put under G5293 him. G846 But G1161 we see G991 Jesus, G2424 who G3588 was made G1642 a little G1024 G5100 lower G1642 than G3844 the angels G32 for G1223 the suffering G3804 of death, G2288 crowned G4737 with glory G1391 and G2532 honour; G5092 that G3704 he G1089 by the grace G5485 of God G2316 should taste G1089 death G2288 for G5228 every man. G3956
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 4
Commentary on Proverbs 4 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 4
Pr 4:1-27. To an earnest call for attention to his teachings, the writer adds a commendation of wisdom, preceded and enforced by the counsels of his father and teacher. To this he adds a caution (against the devices of the wicked), and a series of exhortations to docility, integrity, and uprightness.
1, 2. (Compare Pr 1:8).
to know—in order to know.
doctrine—the matter of learning (Pr 1:5), such as he had received (La 3:1).
3. father's son—emphatic, a son specially regarded, and so called tender, as an object of special care (compare 1Ch 22:7; 29:1); an idea further expressed by
only beloved—or, "as an only son" (Ge 22:2), though he had brothers (see on 1Ch 3:5).
4. He taught—or directed me.
retain—as well as receive.
keep … and live—observe, that you may live (Pr 7:2).
5. Get—as a possession not to be given up.
neither decline—that is, from obeying my word.
6. Not only accept but love wisdom, who will keep thee from evil, and evil from thee.
7. (Compare Job 28:28).
getting—or possession; a desire for wisdom is wise.
8. As you highly esteem her, she will raise you to honor.
embrace her—with fond affection.
9. ornament—such as the chaplet or wreath of conquerors.
deliver—(Compare Ge 14:20). The allusion to a shield, contained in the Hebrew, suggests protection as well as honor (compare Pr 4:6).
10. (Compare Pr 2:1; 3:2).
11, 12. way of wisdom—which it prescribes.
led thee—literally, "caused thee to tread," as a path (Ps 107:7).
not be straitened—have ample room (Ps 18:36).
13. (Compare Pr 3:18). The figure of laying hold with the hand suggests earnest effort.
14. (Compare Ps 1:1). Avoid all temptations to the beginning of evil.
16, 17. The reason is found in the character of sinners, whose zeal to do evil is forcibly depicted (Pr 6:4; Ps 36:5). They live by flagrant vices (Pr 1:13). Some prefer to render, "Their bread is wickedness, their drink violence" (compare Job 15:16; 34:7).
18, 19. As shining light increases from twilight to noonday splendor, so the course of the just increases in purity, but that of the wicked is as thickest darkness, in which one knows not on what he stumbles.
20-22. (Compare Pr 4:10, 13; Pr 3:8, &c.).
22. health … flesh—by preserving from vices destructive of health.
23. with all diligence—or, "above," or "more than all," custody (compare Margin), all that is kept (compare Eze 38:7), because the heart is the depository of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects life and character (Mt 12:35; 15:19).
24. a froward mouth—that is, a mouth, or words of ill nature. The Hebrew word differs from that used (Pr 2:15; 3:32).
perverse—or, "quarreling."
lips—or, "words."
25. Let … before thee—that is, pursue a sincere and direct purpose, avoiding temptations.
26. Ponder—Consider well; a wise course results from wise forethought.
27. (Compare Pr 4:25). Avoid all by-paths of evil (De 2:27; 17:11). A life of integrity requires attention to heart, speech, eyes, and conduct.