Proverbs 2:4
Verse
Context
Sermons
George Whitefield
Jack Hyles
Zac Poonen
Walter BeuttlerWalter Beuttler
R. StanleySummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
There must be earnest prayer and effort.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If thou seekest her as silver,.... That is, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding; which all signify and relate unto one and the same thing, expressed here by "her": namely, the doctrine of wisdom, or Christ; that is, the Gospel, and a spiritual and experimental knowledge and understanding of it, and the truths thereof; which are as desirable and valuable as silver, and more so; and which may be fitly compared to it, and be preferred before it, for their purity, solidity, and duration; see Psa 119:72; and are to be sought after with as much and more eagerness, affection, and diligence, as silver is by those who are most covetous of it, Pro 8:10; and searchest for her as for hid treasures; the Gospel is a treasure, Co2 4:7; an accumulation of riches. It contains rich truths, things valuable for their antiquity; for being far fetched and dearly bought, coming from heaven, and sealed by the blood of Christ, and the holy martyrs of Jesus; and for the abundance of them; there are treasures of wisdom and knowledge in the Gospel, and in Christ the sum and substance of it, who is full of truth as well as grace, Col 2:3. It contains rich blessings of grace, such as are spiritual, solid, and substantial, sure and irreversible; and a multitude of them, Rom 15:29; and also rich promises, exceeding great and precious ones; which are absolute and unconditional, suited to the various cases of God's people, and sure to all the seed: and it reveals the riches of God's goodness, his special goodness in Christ; the unsearchable riches of Christ; and the riches both of grace and glory. And under this notion of a treasure is it to be searched for, and as an hid treasure; in allusion to what is laid up in the cabinets of princes, or lies in the bowels of the earth, as precious stones: Pliny (m) says, that "topazin", in the language of the Troglodytes, has the signification of seeking, because "topazes" are diligently sought for and searched after; See Gill on Job 28:19. The Gospel, and the truths of it, were greatly hid under the former dispensation from the Gentile world, and very much from the Jews themselves; being wrapped up in dark prophecies, obscure hints, and shadowy types and sacrifices; and are now, and always were, entirely hid from the wicked and reprobate part of the world, from them that are lost, and from God's own elect before conversion. This is "the fellowship of the mystery" that was "hid in God", in his heart, from all eternity, Eph 3:9, the truths of it are the "treasures of wisdom and knowledge hid" in Christ, Col 2:3; and likewise the "treasure hid in the field" of the Scriptures, Mat 22:44; which therefore are to be searched into for them, with like labour and resolution with which men dig into the earth, to find the rich ore that is in the bowels of it: and this should be done by diligent reading them; by frequent and deep meditation on them; by constant hearing the truths of the Gospel preached; by earnest prayer for the illumination of the divine Spirit to understand them; and by all the help of the writings of good men, and conversation with them, that can be had. These are things to be sought for and searched after, in the first place, in the early time of life; and with the utmost diligence and labour, as being of the greatest moment and importance. (m) Nat. Hist. l. 37. c. 8.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:4 Searching for silver or hidden treasures would be undertaken with urgency, excitement, and anticipation of reward (cp. Matt 13:44; Luke 15:8-10).
Proverbs 2:4
The Benefits of Wisdom
3if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, 4if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, 5then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Duty of Searching the Scriptures. (John 5:39)
By George Whitefield0JOS 1:8PSA 19:7PSA 119:11PSA 119:105PRO 2:4JHN 5:392TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:222PE 1:20George Whitefield preaches on the importance of searching the Scriptures, emphasizing that many errors in the church stem from ignorance of God's Word. He highlights how Jesus, despite being God, used the Scriptures as His guide and rule, and how the Scriptures point to the necessity of our fall in Adam and the redemption in Christ. Whitefield urges believers to diligently search the Scriptures, showing that they are the grand charter of our salvation and the revelation of God's covenant with humanity in Christ.
The Treasure Is in a Field
By Jack Hyles0PRO 2:4PRO 3:13MAT 13:412CO 4:7PHP 3:8COL 2:21PE 3:4Jack Hyles preaches about the importance of recognizing the treasure within individuals despite their imperfections, using the analogy of a treasure hidden in a field. He emphasizes the need to focus on the positive aspects of relationships, whether in marriage, friendships, church, or leadership, rather than being deterred by the 'field' of imperfections. Hyles urges listeners to value the treasure within each person, just as Jesus sees the treasure in every individual, offering eternal life to those who trust in Him.
Seek God for Wisdom
By Zac Poonen0Divine WisdomBuilding the ChurchPRO 2:4PRO 2:6ECC 4:13MAT 5:8MAT 13:44ROM 14:17PHP 3:8JAS 1:5JAS 3:17Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of seeking Divine wisdom with the same fervor as one would seek hidden treasure, as highlighted in Proverbs 2:4 and Matthew 13:44. He explains that true wisdom is characterized by purity of heart, gentleness, and a willingness to yield, which are essential for building the true church of Christ. Poonen stresses that a wise Christian embodies mercy, patience, and fairness, and is free from quarrelsome behavior, reflecting the righteousness and peace of the kingdom of God. He encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, reminding them that it is available to those who ask in faith, as stated in James 1:5. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep inner life that prioritizes God's approval over human judgment.
Manifest Presence of God - Part 7
By Walter Beuttler0GEN 1:26EXO 33:13PRO 2:4JHN 4:24Walter Beuttler emphasizes the importance of valuing and diligently seeking the true knowledge of God, comparing it to searching for hidden treasures. He highlights the need for earnest desire and qualification to partake in this heavenly treasure, as seen in Moses' request to understand God's ways. Beuttler shares a personal experience of seeking God's guidance and experiencing His manifest presence, illustrating the deep satisfaction and renewal it brings to our lives.
Manifest Presence of God - Part 6
By Walter Beuttler0EXO 33:7DEU 29:29PSA 25:14PRO 2:4JER 9:23EPH 1:17Walter Beuttler preaches on the importance of understanding and knowing God, emphasizing that true glory comes from this intimate knowledge of the Lord who exercises loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness. He delves into the distinction between the secret things of God and the revealed things, cautioning against pressing beyond the limits of Divine revelation. Beuttler highlights the need for reverence and submission to the Holy Spirit to gain insight into God's ways, encouraging a diligent search for the hidden treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge.
How Much Time for the Bible?
By R. Stanley0EXO 16:14PSA 19:10PRO 2:4ISA 28:10JHN 16:12ACT 17:11EPH 6:172TI 2:152TI 3:16HEB 1:1R. Stanley delivers a sermon emphasizing the importance of spending quality time with the Bible, comparing it to the hard work of bees in producing honey. He highlights the need for patience, dedication, and daily commitment to studying God's Word, drawing parallels to the production of manna in the wilderness. Stanley urges parents to instill a love for Scripture in their children from a young age, emphasizing the value of memorization and consistent Bible study. He stresses the significance of thorough Bible study, application, and the use of study aids to deepen understanding and guard against false doctrines.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
There must be earnest prayer and effort.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If thou seekest her as silver,.... That is, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding; which all signify and relate unto one and the same thing, expressed here by "her": namely, the doctrine of wisdom, or Christ; that is, the Gospel, and a spiritual and experimental knowledge and understanding of it, and the truths thereof; which are as desirable and valuable as silver, and more so; and which may be fitly compared to it, and be preferred before it, for their purity, solidity, and duration; see Psa 119:72; and are to be sought after with as much and more eagerness, affection, and diligence, as silver is by those who are most covetous of it, Pro 8:10; and searchest for her as for hid treasures; the Gospel is a treasure, Co2 4:7; an accumulation of riches. It contains rich truths, things valuable for their antiquity; for being far fetched and dearly bought, coming from heaven, and sealed by the blood of Christ, and the holy martyrs of Jesus; and for the abundance of them; there are treasures of wisdom and knowledge in the Gospel, and in Christ the sum and substance of it, who is full of truth as well as grace, Col 2:3. It contains rich blessings of grace, such as are spiritual, solid, and substantial, sure and irreversible; and a multitude of them, Rom 15:29; and also rich promises, exceeding great and precious ones; which are absolute and unconditional, suited to the various cases of God's people, and sure to all the seed: and it reveals the riches of God's goodness, his special goodness in Christ; the unsearchable riches of Christ; and the riches both of grace and glory. And under this notion of a treasure is it to be searched for, and as an hid treasure; in allusion to what is laid up in the cabinets of princes, or lies in the bowels of the earth, as precious stones: Pliny (m) says, that "topazin", in the language of the Troglodytes, has the signification of seeking, because "topazes" are diligently sought for and searched after; See Gill on Job 28:19. The Gospel, and the truths of it, were greatly hid under the former dispensation from the Gentile world, and very much from the Jews themselves; being wrapped up in dark prophecies, obscure hints, and shadowy types and sacrifices; and are now, and always were, entirely hid from the wicked and reprobate part of the world, from them that are lost, and from God's own elect before conversion. This is "the fellowship of the mystery" that was "hid in God", in his heart, from all eternity, Eph 3:9, the truths of it are the "treasures of wisdom and knowledge hid" in Christ, Col 2:3; and likewise the "treasure hid in the field" of the Scriptures, Mat 22:44; which therefore are to be searched into for them, with like labour and resolution with which men dig into the earth, to find the rich ore that is in the bowels of it: and this should be done by diligent reading them; by frequent and deep meditation on them; by constant hearing the truths of the Gospel preached; by earnest prayer for the illumination of the divine Spirit to understand them; and by all the help of the writings of good men, and conversation with them, that can be had. These are things to be sought for and searched after, in the first place, in the early time of life; and with the utmost diligence and labour, as being of the greatest moment and importance. (m) Nat. Hist. l. 37. c. 8.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:4 Searching for silver or hidden treasures would be undertaken with urgency, excitement, and anticipation of reward (cp. Matt 13:44; Luke 15:8-10).