Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

“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 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.”

“A solemn warning against temptation. entice--literally, "open the way." consent . . . not--Sin is in consenting or yielding to temptation, not in being tempted.”

“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 p…”

“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 evangelica…”

“Now no prayers or most diligent seeking will avail (Pr 8:17). The sinner's infatuated rejection brings his ruin.”

“Then--emphatic, in such a case. righteousness . . . path--all parts of duty to God and man. Idea of Pr 2:9, amplified; on terms, compare Pr 2:2 and Pr 2:4.”

“Wisdom allegorized as a tree of life-- (Ge 2:9; 3:22) whose fruit preserves life, gives all that makes living a blessing. The place of wisdom in the economy of creation and providence commends it to men, who, in proportion to their finite powers, may posses…”

“The reason; such as are objects of God's favor. be thy confidence--literally, "in thy confidence," in the source of thy strength (compare Na 3:9, for the same construction, Hebrew). Promptly fulfil all obligations both of justice and charity (compare Jas 2…”

“This connection of wisdom and understanding is frequent (Pr 2:2; 3:7); the first denotes the use of wise means for wise ends; the other, the exercise of a proper discrimination in their discovery.”

“By figures, in which well, cistern, and fountain [Pr 5:15, 18] represent the wife, and rivers of waters [Pr 5:16] the children, men are exhorted to constancy and satisfaction in lawful conjugal enjoyments. In Pr 5:16, fountains (in the plural) rather den…”

“Frowardness--as in Pr 2:14. deviseth--literally, "constructs, as an artisan." mischief--evil to others. discord--especially litigation. Cunning is the talent of the weak and lazy.”

“The supplied words give a better sense than the old version: "The price of a whore is a piece of bread." adulteress--(Compare Margin), which the parallel and context (Pr 6:29-35) sustain. Of similar results of this sin, compare Pr 5:9-12. will hunt--allud…”

“For--or, "Since," introducing an example to illustrate the warning, which, whether a narrative or a parable, is equally pertinent. window--or, "opening" looked--literally, "watched earnestly" (Jud 5:28). casement--or, "lattice."”

“The offerer retained part of the victim for a feast (Le 3:9, &c.). This feast she professes was prepared for him whom she boldly addresses as one sought specially to partake of it. 16, 17. my bed--or, "couch," adorned in the costliest manner.”

“The inferential admonition is followed (Pr 7:26, 27), by a more general allegation of the evils of this vice. Even the mightiest fail to resist her deathly allurements.”

“For . . . truth--literally, "My palate shall meditate," or (as Orientals did) "mutter," my thoughts expressed only to myself are truth. wickedness--specially falsehood, as opposed to truth.”

“The connection of "wisdom" and "prudence" is that of the dictates of sound wisdom and its application. find . . . inventions--or, "devices," "discreet ways" (Pr 1:4).”

“It also gives the elements of good character in counsel. sound wisdom-- (Pr 2:7). I . . . strength--or, "As for me, understanding is strength to me," the source of power (Ec 9:16); good judgment gives more efficiency to actions; 15, 16. of which a wisely c…”

“Strictly, God's attributes are part of Himself. Yet, to the poetical structure of the whole passage, this commendation of wisdom is entirely consonant. In order of time all His attributes are coincident and eternal as Himself.”

“I was set up--ordained, or inaugurated (Ps 2:6). The other terms carry out the idea of the earliest antiquity, and illustrate it by the details of creation [Pr 8:24-29].”

“Wisdom not only supplies right but forbids wrong principles. 7, 8. shame--(Compare Pr 3:35). a blot--or, "stain on character." Both terms denote the evil done by others to one whose faithfulness secures a wise man's love.”

“Two vices contrasted; hypocrisy, or insinuating evil against one (Pr 6:13; Ps 35:19), and rashness of speech. In each case, the results are on the evildoers.”

“The industry of the righteous is alone truly successful, while the earnings of the wicked tempt and lead to sin.”

“The just is saved by superior discernment. The last may be a reason for the first. Together, they set forth the relative moral worth of good and bad men.”