Author: Denis Gibson

In our next couplet (v.3-4) we meet Mercy and Truth, the inseparable “Twins of Grace.” They are such a pair as will either lodge together or leave together (Bp. Hacket).

Happiness as well as Healthiness is obeying the Lord. And peace shall they add to thee (3:2). God had to teach Abraham this blessed truth (Gen. 12:1). Following obediently the call of God was not easy for him then, nor is it easier for us today. Vs. 2 reminds us that happiness is never to be an end in itself. It is always a by-product of Peace (shalom), a right relationship with God and man. It is not found is books on How to Be Happy in Ten Easy Lessons. It is not having an “emotional high” at a charismatic rally. It is not something nebulous, but is found by those who are willing to be obedient to God’s Law. “Peace added forms the sunshine of the toilsome way” (Bridges).

D. Thomas calls these verses (1-10) “the Philosophy of Health and Happiness.” Maclaren titles this passage as “The Secret of Wellbeing.” These verses reaffirm the message of all Scripture that there is “a goodness that secures long life and happiness.”

We now have a series of six couplets in these verses (synonymous proverbs). They move from general advice (vs.1-4) to specific commands (vs.5-12), and represent the prayers of godly parents for their children. How touching is the opening petition, My son! Here is a series of pleas and promises by which alone true purpose and prosperity are to be found.

What is being set forth is these verses is something more than a reformation of character, more than a mere turning from obvious sins to a self-righteous ritualistic formalism that leave the heart unchanged. When divine Wisdom takes full possession of a heart, however, there can be no place for sinful pride to which we are all too prone.

Ignorance is not bliss, nor is it folly to be wise! These two things, wickedness and wisdom, are at work everywhere, especially in the souls of men. Yet, like fire and water, the Word of God (Wisdom) and the way of evil (wickedness) cannot co-exist in the same place and the same time. We have seen the dark side, but praise God there is a bright side too. Note this carefully, “We may understand by Wisdom either Salvation or the Saviour” (Arnot). (We will consider the feminine aspect of Wisdom when we come to Chapter 8.)

This is a new paragraph but continues the theme of avoiding evil. In v.12-15 wicked men were portrayed. Now it is wicked women who lure eager clients into sin. In 1:11-19 criminals appeal to greed. This women panders to men’s lusts. Other passages in Proverbs also deal with this wicked woman (5:3-21; 6:24; 7:5-23; 22:14; 23:27). So in this respect the seamy-side of life is not much different with the passing of the centuries.

Consider this description of the Wicked. Proverbs keeps this before us. We are not dealing with allegory here. These images are too specific for that. Such evils are not imaginary. They are clearly the temptations that befall so many, young and old. They are evils to be avoided at all costs. Ponder well these evil men as presented in these verses.

The Goal keeps expanding. “There is no end of commendation of the ways of wisdom” (Lawson). Those who find God’s Wisdom, are led in paths of judgment and holiness, and have promise to safely walk along every path that is good. We must:

In 2:5-9, the word then indicates results, fruits, the substance. The finding is worth the search. Understanding is wisdom come to fruition. It is also the basis of the fear of the Lord (2:5). If God is my wisdom I shall not err. Consider now: