Proverbs 2:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
Zac Poonen
Carter Conlon
Dean Stump
Thomas a KempisSummary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
My son,.... These are either the continuation of the words of Solomon to his son Rehoboam; or to anyone that came to him for instruction, or was within the reach of being taught by him; whom he addresses in this tender and affectionate manner, in order to gain his attention to what he was about to say: or else they are the words of Wisdom, or Christ, continued, thus bespeaking: his children and people; and giving them some very wholesome counsel and advice, backed with the most powerful and prevailing arguments; if thou wilt receive my words; or doctrines: the doctrines of the Gospel, relating to the person, office, and grace of Christ, and salvation by him; such as the words of peace, pardon, righteousness, and life; which are to be received, not as the word of man, but as the word of God; and with all readiness of mind and willingness, as they were by the Bereans; and most gladly, as by the three thousand pricked to the heart under Peter's sermon; and as they are and will be by every sensible sinner; and hide my commandments with thee; in the heart; so as to have a high esteem of them, and a hearty affection and value for them; retain them in memory, and frequently think of them and meditate upon them, and constantly observe them; see Psa 119:11.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Job had asked, long before this, Where shall wisdom be found? Whence cometh wisdom? (Job 28:12, Job 28:20) and he had given this general answer (v. 23), God knoweth the place of it; but Solomon here goes further, and tells us both where we may find it and how we may get it. We are here told, I. What means we must use that we may obtain wisdom. 1. We must closely attend to the word of God, for that is the word of wisdom, which is able to make us wise unto salvation, Pro 2:1, Pro 2:2. (1.) We must be convinced that the words of God are the fountain and standard of wisdom and understanding, and that we need not desire to be wiser than they will make us. We must incline our ear and apply our hearts to them, as to wisdom or understanding itself. Many wise things may be found in human compositions, but divine revelation, and true religion built upon it, are all wisdom. (2.) We must, accordingly, receive the word of God with all readiness of mind, and bid it welcome, even the commandments as well as the promises, without murmuring or disputing. Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears. (3.) We must hide them with us, as we do our treasures, which we are afraid of being robbed of. We must not only receive, but retain, the word of God, and lodge it in our hearts, that it may be always ready to us. (4.) We must incline our ear to them; we must lay hold on all opportunities of hearing the word of God, and listen to it with attention and seriousness, as those that are afraid of letting it slip. (5.) We must apply our hearts to them, else inclining the ear to them will stand us in no stead. 2. We must be much in prayer, Pro 2:3. We must cry after knowledge, as one that is ready to perish for hunger begs hard for bread. Faint desires will not prevail; we must be importunate, as those that know the worth of knowledge and our own want of it. We must cry, as new-born babes, after the sincere milk of the word. Pe1 2:2. We must lift our voice for understanding lift it up to heaven; thence these good and perfect gifts must be expected, Jam 1:17; Job 38:34. We must give our voice to understanding (so the word is), speak for it, vote for it, submit the tongue to the command of wisdom. We must consecrate our voice to it; having applied our heart to it, we must employ our voice in seeking for it. Solomon could write probatum est - a tried remedy, upon this method; he prayed for wisdom and so obtained it. 3. We must be willing to take pains (Pro 2:4); we must seek it as silver, preferring it far before all the wealth of this world, and labouring in search of it as those who dig in the mines, who undergo great toil and run great hazards, with indefatigable industry and invincible constancy and resolution, in pursuit of the ore; or as those who will be rich rise up early, and sit up late, and turn every stone to get money and fill their treasures. Thus diligent must we be in the use of the means of knowledge, following on to know the Lord. II. What success we may hope for in the use of these means. Our labour shall not be in vain; for, 1. We shall know how to maintain our acquaintance and communion with God: "Thou shalt understand the fear of the Lord (Pro 2:5), that is, thou shalt know how to worship him aright, shalt be led into the meaning and mystery of every ordinance, and be enabled to answer the end of its institution." Thou shalt find the knowledge of God, which is necessary to our fearing him aright. It concerns us to understand how much it is our interest to know God, and to evidence it by agreeable affections towards him and adorations of him. 2. We shall know how to conduct ourselves aright towards all men (Pro 2:9): "Thou shalt understand, by the word of God, righteousness, and judgment, and equity, shalt learn those principles of justice, and charity, and fair dealing, which shall guide and govern thee in the whole course of thy conversation, shall make thee fit for every relation, every business, and faithful to every trust. It shall give thee not only a right notion of justice, but a disposition to practise it, and to render to all their due; for those that do not do justly do not rightly understand it." This will lead them in every good path, for the scripture will make the man of God perfect. Note, Those have the best knowledge who know their duty, Psa 111:10. III. What ground we have to hope for this success in our pursuits of wisdom; we must take our encouragement herein from God only, Pro 2:6-8. 1. God has wisdom to bestow, Pro 2:6. The Lord not only is wise himself, but he gives wisdom, and that is more than the wisest men in the world can do, for it is God's prerogative to open the understanding. All the wisdom that is in any creature is his gift, his free gift, and he gives it liberally (Jam 1:5), has given it to many, and is still giving it; to him therefore let us apply for it. 2. He has blessed the world with a revelation of his will. Out of his mouth, by the law and the prophets, by the written word and by his ministers, both which are his mouth to the children of men, come knowledge and understanding, such a discovery of truth and good as, if we admit and receive the impressions of it, will make us truly knowing and intelligent. It is both an engagement and encouragement to search after wisdom that we have the scriptures to search, in which we may find it if we seek it diligently. 3. He has particularly provided that good men, who are sincerely disposed to do his will, shall have that knowledge and that understanding which are necessary for them, Joh 7:17. Let them seek wisdom, and they shall find it; let them ask, and it shall be given them, Pro 2:7, Pro 2:8. Observe here, (1.) Who those are that are thus favoured. They are the righteous, on whom the image of God is renewed, which consists in righteousness, and those who walk uprightly, who are honest in their dealings both with God and man and make conscience of doing their duty as far as they know it. They are his saints, devoted to his honour, and set apart for his service. (2.) What it is that is provided for them. [1.] Instruction. The means of wisdom are given to all, but wisdom itself, sound wisdom, is laid up for the righteous, laid up in Christ their head, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and who is made of God to us wisdom. The same that is the Spirit of revelation in the word is a Spirit of wisdom in the souls of those that are sanctified, that wisdom of the prudent which is to understand his way; and it is sound wisdom, its foundations firm, its principles solid, and its products of lasting advantage. [2.] Satisfaction. Some read it, He lays up substance for the righteous, not only substantial knowledge, but substantial happiness and comfort, Pro 8:21. Riches are things that are not, and those that have them only fancy themselves happy; but what is laid up in the promises and in heaven for the righteous will make them truly, thoroughly, and eternally happy. [3.] Protection. Even those who walk uprightly may be brought into danger for the trial of their faith, but God is, and will be, a buckler to them, so that nothing that happens to them shall do them any real hurt, or possess them with any terrific apprehensions; they are safe, and they shall think themselves so. Fear not, Abraham; I am thy shield. It is their way, the paths of judgment in which they walk, that the Lord knows, and owns, and takes care of. [4.] Grace to persevere to the end. If we depend upon God, and seek to him for wisdom, he will uphold us in our integrity, will enable us to keep the paths of judgment, however we may be tempted to turn aside out of them; for he preserves the way of his saints, that it be not perverted, and so preserves them in it safe and blameless to his heavenly kingdom. The assurances God has given us of his grace, if duly improved, will excite and quicken our endeavours in doing our duty. Work out your salvation, for God works in you.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:1-22 The father urges his son to seek wisdom. It will protect him from evil men and from the dangers of promiscuous women. The son must seek wisdom, while understanding that it is a gift from God. 2:1 To treasure my commands means to give attention to them and obey them; they allow us to live to the fullest.
Proverbs 2:1
The Benefits of Wisdom
1My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, 2if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Proverbs) ch.1 & 2
By Zac Poonen1.8K1:01:06PRO 2:1PRO 3:1PRO 3:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in guarding and guiding young people. He highlights three areas of concern: obedience to parents, discerning the influence of companions, and the pursuit of wealth. By fulfilling the conditions mentioned in Proverbs 2:1-4, one can discern the fear of the Lord and gain knowledge of God. The preacher warns against the temptation of pursuing wealth through unrighteous means and encourages young people to listen to the voice of wisdom, which offers security and freedom from fear.
It Is Time for the Lord to Work
By Carter Conlon88657:39God's WorkPSA 119:126PRO 2:1In this sermon, the speaker addresses the increasing violence and lawlessness in society and the need for God to intervene. The psalmist's declaration that it is time for God to work is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of knowing the character of God. Throughout history, God has chosen ordinary individuals to rise up and contend for what is being lost or taken captive. The speaker encourages listeners to be willing to be used by God and to live a life of purpose and obedience to His calling. The decline in morality, civility, and truth in society is acknowledged, but the speaker reminds listeners that God's word is the source of wisdom and understanding, and by embracing it, they can make a difference.
The Fear of the Lord
By Dean Stump56057:50Christian LifeEXO 20:18PSA 33:8PRO 2:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of shutting out the distractions of the world and coming to God in prayer. He encourages the listeners to renew their strength and worship the one true and living God. The speaker then references Exodus 20, highlighting the awe-inspiring scene when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, demonstrating the power and authority of God's word. The sermon also emphasizes the need to fear the Lord and work righteousness, as God's mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
Seeking God's Beauty as Hidden Treasure (Prov. 2.1-5)
By Mike Bickle2545:46Spiritual PursuitSeeking GodPRO 2:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of intentionally seeking God's beauty as a hidden treasure, urging believers to pursue a deep relationship with God rather than settling for a casual faith. He reflects on his own journey, sharing how Proverbs 2 profoundly impacted his life during his college years, leading him to prioritize time with God amidst distractions. Bickle encourages the congregation to view their pursuit of God as a treasure hunt, requiring effort and commitment, while also highlighting that true pleasure and fulfillment come from experiencing God's presence. He stresses that the knowledge of God is both valuable and costly, requiring a willingness to rearrange priorities and seek Him earnestly.
Encountering the Magnificence of Jesus (Prov. 2:1-5)
By Mike Bickle181:34:49Encountering JesusSpiritual HungerPRO 2:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of encountering the magnificence of Jesus, urging believers to pursue a deeper relationship with Him beyond mere forgiveness and healing. He highlights that true Christianity is about actively seeking a personal connection with Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, rather than just seeking benefits like salvation or provision. Bickle challenges the audience to recognize the neglected glory of Jesus and to cultivate a hunger for a more profound understanding of His nature, which will transform their spiritual lives. He encourages believers to be messengers of this revelation, emphasizing that the pursuit of knowing God is the most powerful and pleasurable experience one can have. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to seek the deep things of God, promising that those who hunger will be filled.
Reading the Holy Scripture
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 119:160PRO 2:11CO 1:25COL 3:162TI 3:16Thomas a Kempis emphasizes the importance of seeking truth rather than eloquence when reading the Holy Scriptures, focusing on understanding the spirit in which each part was written to gain profit over polished diction. He encourages reading both simple and profound books with equal willingness, not being swayed by the authority of the writer but by the love of simple truth, as the truth of the Lord endures forever. Kempis warns against letting curiosity impede the reading of Scriptures by overanalyzing instead of reading with humility, simplicity, and faith, without seeking a reputation for being learned.
A Willing Mind Indispensable to a Right Understanding of Truth
By Charles Finney0Willingness to ObeyUnderstanding God's TruthPRO 2:1JHN 7:17Charles Finney emphasizes that a willing mind is essential for understanding God's truth, as highlighted in John 7:17. He explains that God's promises reveal the principles of His governance and that a genuine willingness to do His will involves implicit trust, love, and a desire for truth. Finney argues that this state of mind is crucial for honest inquiry and embracing truth, and neglecting the means of knowledge can tempt God. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek a candid state of mind to fully know and do God's will, urging them to open their hearts to divine guidance.
The Book of Books.
By Horatius Bonar0Knowing GodThe Importance of ScripturePRO 2:1Horatius Bonar emphasizes the importance of God's Word in his sermon 'The Book of Books,' urging listeners to treasure and seek wisdom as a father instructs his child. He describes the Bible as true, infallible, precious, profound, and intelligible, highlighting that its ultimate purpose is to lead us to know and fear God. Bonar encourages a diligent approach to studying the Scriptures, advocating for earnestness and prayer in understanding its depths. He connects the teachings of the Bible to Christ, asserting that through Him, we gain knowledge of God. The sermon calls for a deeper engagement with the Word to attain wisdom, holiness, and happiness.
Matthew 13:47 to 52. the Parable of the Fishing-Net.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 139:23PRO 2:1PRO 3:21MAT 13:471CO 4:52CO 13:5Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the parable of the net cast into the sea, emphasizing the distinctions that will be made at the last day based on true faith. Despite the presence of hypocrites among believers, it serves as proof of the truth of Christianity. The story of missionaries in Tahiti reveals the danger of hypocrisy and the importance of genuine faith. As the sorting day approaches, believers are urged to examine themselves, seek God's search and purification, and store up truths from the Scriptures for future use in times of trial and for the edification of others.
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
My son,.... These are either the continuation of the words of Solomon to his son Rehoboam; or to anyone that came to him for instruction, or was within the reach of being taught by him; whom he addresses in this tender and affectionate manner, in order to gain his attention to what he was about to say: or else they are the words of Wisdom, or Christ, continued, thus bespeaking: his children and people; and giving them some very wholesome counsel and advice, backed with the most powerful and prevailing arguments; if thou wilt receive my words; or doctrines: the doctrines of the Gospel, relating to the person, office, and grace of Christ, and salvation by him; such as the words of peace, pardon, righteousness, and life; which are to be received, not as the word of man, but as the word of God; and with all readiness of mind and willingness, as they were by the Bereans; and most gladly, as by the three thousand pricked to the heart under Peter's sermon; and as they are and will be by every sensible sinner; and hide my commandments with thee; in the heart; so as to have a high esteem of them, and a hearty affection and value for them; retain them in memory, and frequently think of them and meditate upon them, and constantly observe them; see Psa 119:11.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Job had asked, long before this, Where shall wisdom be found? Whence cometh wisdom? (Job 28:12, Job 28:20) and he had given this general answer (v. 23), God knoweth the place of it; but Solomon here goes further, and tells us both where we may find it and how we may get it. We are here told, I. What means we must use that we may obtain wisdom. 1. We must closely attend to the word of God, for that is the word of wisdom, which is able to make us wise unto salvation, Pro 2:1, Pro 2:2. (1.) We must be convinced that the words of God are the fountain and standard of wisdom and understanding, and that we need not desire to be wiser than they will make us. We must incline our ear and apply our hearts to them, as to wisdom or understanding itself. Many wise things may be found in human compositions, but divine revelation, and true religion built upon it, are all wisdom. (2.) We must, accordingly, receive the word of God with all readiness of mind, and bid it welcome, even the commandments as well as the promises, without murmuring or disputing. Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears. (3.) We must hide them with us, as we do our treasures, which we are afraid of being robbed of. We must not only receive, but retain, the word of God, and lodge it in our hearts, that it may be always ready to us. (4.) We must incline our ear to them; we must lay hold on all opportunities of hearing the word of God, and listen to it with attention and seriousness, as those that are afraid of letting it slip. (5.) We must apply our hearts to them, else inclining the ear to them will stand us in no stead. 2. We must be much in prayer, Pro 2:3. We must cry after knowledge, as one that is ready to perish for hunger begs hard for bread. Faint desires will not prevail; we must be importunate, as those that know the worth of knowledge and our own want of it. We must cry, as new-born babes, after the sincere milk of the word. Pe1 2:2. We must lift our voice for understanding lift it up to heaven; thence these good and perfect gifts must be expected, Jam 1:17; Job 38:34. We must give our voice to understanding (so the word is), speak for it, vote for it, submit the tongue to the command of wisdom. We must consecrate our voice to it; having applied our heart to it, we must employ our voice in seeking for it. Solomon could write probatum est - a tried remedy, upon this method; he prayed for wisdom and so obtained it. 3. We must be willing to take pains (Pro 2:4); we must seek it as silver, preferring it far before all the wealth of this world, and labouring in search of it as those who dig in the mines, who undergo great toil and run great hazards, with indefatigable industry and invincible constancy and resolution, in pursuit of the ore; or as those who will be rich rise up early, and sit up late, and turn every stone to get money and fill their treasures. Thus diligent must we be in the use of the means of knowledge, following on to know the Lord. II. What success we may hope for in the use of these means. Our labour shall not be in vain; for, 1. We shall know how to maintain our acquaintance and communion with God: "Thou shalt understand the fear of the Lord (Pro 2:5), that is, thou shalt know how to worship him aright, shalt be led into the meaning and mystery of every ordinance, and be enabled to answer the end of its institution." Thou shalt find the knowledge of God, which is necessary to our fearing him aright. It concerns us to understand how much it is our interest to know God, and to evidence it by agreeable affections towards him and adorations of him. 2. We shall know how to conduct ourselves aright towards all men (Pro 2:9): "Thou shalt understand, by the word of God, righteousness, and judgment, and equity, shalt learn those principles of justice, and charity, and fair dealing, which shall guide and govern thee in the whole course of thy conversation, shall make thee fit for every relation, every business, and faithful to every trust. It shall give thee not only a right notion of justice, but a disposition to practise it, and to render to all their due; for those that do not do justly do not rightly understand it." This will lead them in every good path, for the scripture will make the man of God perfect. Note, Those have the best knowledge who know their duty, Psa 111:10. III. What ground we have to hope for this success in our pursuits of wisdom; we must take our encouragement herein from God only, Pro 2:6-8. 1. God has wisdom to bestow, Pro 2:6. The Lord not only is wise himself, but he gives wisdom, and that is more than the wisest men in the world can do, for it is God's prerogative to open the understanding. All the wisdom that is in any creature is his gift, his free gift, and he gives it liberally (Jam 1:5), has given it to many, and is still giving it; to him therefore let us apply for it. 2. He has blessed the world with a revelation of his will. Out of his mouth, by the law and the prophets, by the written word and by his ministers, both which are his mouth to the children of men, come knowledge and understanding, such a discovery of truth and good as, if we admit and receive the impressions of it, will make us truly knowing and intelligent. It is both an engagement and encouragement to search after wisdom that we have the scriptures to search, in which we may find it if we seek it diligently. 3. He has particularly provided that good men, who are sincerely disposed to do his will, shall have that knowledge and that understanding which are necessary for them, Joh 7:17. Let them seek wisdom, and they shall find it; let them ask, and it shall be given them, Pro 2:7, Pro 2:8. Observe here, (1.) Who those are that are thus favoured. They are the righteous, on whom the image of God is renewed, which consists in righteousness, and those who walk uprightly, who are honest in their dealings both with God and man and make conscience of doing their duty as far as they know it. They are his saints, devoted to his honour, and set apart for his service. (2.) What it is that is provided for them. [1.] Instruction. The means of wisdom are given to all, but wisdom itself, sound wisdom, is laid up for the righteous, laid up in Christ their head, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and who is made of God to us wisdom. The same that is the Spirit of revelation in the word is a Spirit of wisdom in the souls of those that are sanctified, that wisdom of the prudent which is to understand his way; and it is sound wisdom, its foundations firm, its principles solid, and its products of lasting advantage. [2.] Satisfaction. Some read it, He lays up substance for the righteous, not only substantial knowledge, but substantial happiness and comfort, Pro 8:21. Riches are things that are not, and those that have them only fancy themselves happy; but what is laid up in the promises and in heaven for the righteous will make them truly, thoroughly, and eternally happy. [3.] Protection. Even those who walk uprightly may be brought into danger for the trial of their faith, but God is, and will be, a buckler to them, so that nothing that happens to them shall do them any real hurt, or possess them with any terrific apprehensions; they are safe, and they shall think themselves so. Fear not, Abraham; I am thy shield. It is their way, the paths of judgment in which they walk, that the Lord knows, and owns, and takes care of. [4.] Grace to persevere to the end. If we depend upon God, and seek to him for wisdom, he will uphold us in our integrity, will enable us to keep the paths of judgment, however we may be tempted to turn aside out of them; for he preserves the way of his saints, that it be not perverted, and so preserves them in it safe and blameless to his heavenly kingdom. The assurances God has given us of his grace, if duly improved, will excite and quicken our endeavours in doing our duty. Work out your salvation, for God works in you.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:1-22 The father urges his son to seek wisdom. It will protect him from evil men and from the dangers of promiscuous women. The son must seek wisdom, while understanding that it is a gift from God. 2:1 To treasure my commands means to give attention to them and obey them; they allow us to live to the fullest.