Proverbs 2 Study Notes

2:13 See note at Lk 1:78-79.

2:14 To do evil is to undermine society and applaud its overthrow.

2:15 Crooked is the opposite of “upright” (v. 7); it means “twisted” (11:20) or “distorted” (28:6). On paths and ways, see note at 1:15.

Tevunah (understanding, competence, sound judgment) refers to competency at a particular skill or task relevant to living successfully within society. It does not connote a deep intellectual understanding of this world or thought, an idea prominently associated with the synonymous binah (understanding). Rather, tevunah refers to the skillful know-how of a craftsman (Ex 31:3; 35:31; 36:1; 1Kg 7:14), the business savvy of a king (Ezk 28:4), the skill of the idol-maker (Hs 13:2), and skill at speech (Jb 32:11). It may refer to skill at discerning the plans and purposes of God (Dt 32:28), sociopolitical realities (Ob 7-8), or spiritual realities (Is 44:19). Both David (Ps 78:72) and Solomon (1Kg 4:29) were endowed with understanding to rule skillfully (cp. Pr 28:16). Understanding leading to skillful living is the gift of God (Ex 31:3; 1Kg 4:29) and may be gained through long life (Jb 12:12). The person who acquires understanding is happy (3:13), quiet (11:12), patient (14:29; 17:27), humble (18:2), and successful (19:8).

2:16-17 The forbidden woman has turned away from her husband (v. 17) and wants to destroy society (5:3,20; 7:5; 22:14). The wayward woman has allegiance to a different community and no interest in preserving the community of the faithful (5:20; 6:24; 7:5; 23:27). Flattering (lit “smooth”) speech always has an agenda that includes the destruction of others (5:3; 7:5,21; 26:28; 28:23; 29:5; Ps 55:21). This warning applies to any person who appeals to base instincts with ulterior motives. The covenant of her God (or her covenant with God) is the marriage covenant to which God was witness.

2:18-19 Joining the forbidden woman/stranger is self-destructive (1:19). The Hebrew word for departed spirits is the same as that of the Rephaim, a Canaanite people (Dt 2:20-21), but in Hebrew poetry it refers to the residents of the grave (Pr 9:18; 21:16; cp. Is 14:9).

2:20-22 These good people have moral excellence. Figuratively, to inhabit the land means to enjoy God’s blessing through a relationship with him (Ps 37:3; Jr 7:5-7). While the warning of Pr 2:16-19 is specifically against illicit sexual relations, this suggests a broader application. Those who choose the good, will enjoy God’s blessings eternally (Ps 37:29; Is 60:21; Mt 5:5), but the wicked (impious, evil, selfish, violently antisocial) will be eternally cut off from God’s blessing. Treacherous people are unfaithful in relationships; here they have abandoned commitment to God.