Proverbs 2:2-12

2 if you pay close attention to wisdom, and let your mind reach for understanding,
3 if indeed you call out for insight, if you ask aloud for understanding,
4 if you search for wisdom as if it were money and hunt for it as if it were hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and you will find the knowledge of God.
6 The LORD gives wisdom. From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He has reserved priceless wisdom for decent people. He is a shield for those who walk in integrity
8 in order to guard those on paths of justice and to watch over the way of his godly ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair-- every good course [in life].
10 Wisdom will come into your heart. Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Foresight will protect you. Understanding will guard you.
12 [Wisdom will] save you from the way of evil, from the person who speaks devious things,

Proverbs 2:2-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 2

This chapter directs to the means of attaining to the knowledge of divine things, and shows the profit and advantage arising from thence. The means are, embracing the doctrines of the Gospel, and retaining in memory and affection the ordinances of it, Pr 2:1; and an inclination of the ear and an application of the heart to the knowledge of these things, Pr 2:2. An earnest and importunate desire, expressed by prayer, after the same, Pr 2:3; and a diligent and unwearied search for them, as for silver and hid treasure, Pr 2:4. The advantages are, that such shall attain to the fear and knowledge of God; which may be concluded from these being the gift of God to his people, and from their being laid up for them, whom he carefully keeps and preserves, Pr 2:5-8; and not only so, but such learn to do that which is just and right among men, Pr 2:9. And, besides, such is the nature of divine wisdom, that, when it has once got a place in the heart and in the affections, it will be a means of preserving both from the ways of evil men, Pr 2:10-12; who are described, Pr 2:13-15. And from the evil woman, whose character is given, Pr 2:16,17; whose vicious course of life, and the ways she leads persons into, are represented as very dangerous, Pr 2:18,19. And, on the contrary, such is the usefulness of true wisdom, that it leads into the way of good men, who will be happy and safe, when the wicked shall be destroyed, Pr 2:20-22.

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