Proverbs 1:1-7 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;… 1. The book does not consist of proverbs entirely. Much of it is the language of pious exhortation and spiritual precept. 2. The book contains many worldly precepts. Some have a selfish, secular sound. But — (1) It is well to inquire whether the supposed purely prudential maxim is really so entirely a citizen of this world as it seems to be. (2) It is well to remember that many even of our Saviour's discourses might seem open to the charge of being moral and social, rather than spiritual and heavenly. (3) Such precepts by implication convey the assurance that a religious life is intimately connected with worldly conduct; depends upon it; grows out of it; is bound up with it; fails or flourishes because of it. Illustrate by suretyship. 3. The pre-eminent place in the book is assigned to Wisdom, which is one of the names of Jesus Christ. 4. The proverbs contained in the book are peculiar in form. They are highly antithetical. They often contain a double or threefold antithesis. 5. The point of a proverb may often be missed by inattention; sometimes it needs acuteness to see the point. 6. The matter of the Proverbs calls for attention. Note how they concern the gift of speech, riches, and poverty, such sins as sloth. They proclaim great practical truths, and are often of great strength and sweetness. (Dean Burgon.) Parallel Verses KJV: The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;WEB: The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: |
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