Jamieson–Fausset–Brown CommentaryProverbs 2

CHAPTER 2

Pr 2:1-22. Men are invited to seek wisdom because it teaches those principles by which they may obtain God's guidance and avoid the society and influence of the wicked, whose pernicious courses are described.

1-5. Diligence in hearing and praying for instruction must be used to secure the great principle of godliness, the fear of God. hide ... with thee--lay up in store (compare Pr 7:1).

6. For--God is ready (Jas 1:5; 4:8). out of his mouth--by revelation from Him.

7. sound wisdom--literally, "substance," opposed to what is fictitious. According to the context, this may be assistance, as here corresponding with buckler--or safety, or wisdom, which procures it (compare Pr 3:21; 8:14; 18:1; Job 6:13; 12:13). layeth up--provides, ever ready.

8. keepeth ... way--God defends the right way, and those in it. saints--objects of favor (compare Psa 4:3, &c.). He guides and guards them.

9. Then--emphatic, in such a case. righteousness ... path--all parts of duty to God and man.

10-11. Idea of Pr 2:9, amplified; on terms, compare Pr 2:2 and Pr 2:4.

12-15. To deliver--as from great danger (Pr 6:5). way ... man--(Psa 1:1). froward things--perversity (Pr 6:14; 23:23), what is opposed to truth.

16-19. Deliverance from another danger. the strange woman--This term is often used for harlot, or loose woman (Jud 11:1, 2), married (Pr 7:5, 19) or not (1Ki 11:1), so called, because such were, perhaps at first, foreigners, though "strange" may also denote whatever is opposed to right or proper, as "strange fire" (Nu 3:4); "strange incense" (Ex 30:9). flattereth--literally, "smooths." her words--(Psa 5:9).

20. That ... way of good--that is, Such is the object of these warnings.

21-22. (Compare Psa 37:3, 9, 22, 27).