The proverbs of Solomon
This title is repeated from ( Proverbs 1:1
) ; and very properly stands here; since here begin those pithy
sentences of Solomon, which bear the name of proverbs; the
preceding chapters being a sort of preface or introduction to
them; in which Solomon recommends the study of wisdom, shows the
profit and advantage of it, gives directions about it, and
prepares for the reception of those wise sayings that follow;
which are for the most part independent of each other, and
consist generally of clauses set in a contrast to one another,
and often expressed by similes and metaphors;
a wise son maketh a glad father;
as Solomon made glad his father David: for no doubt there were
appearances of his wisdom before he came to the throne, though
greater afterwards; which made David rejoice that he was placed
on the throne before his death, to whom he had committed the
charge of building the house of the Lord;
but a foolish son [is] the heaviness of his
mother;
brings grief and trouble to her, as perhaps Rehoboam did to his
mother: though all this is to be understood conjunctly of both
parents, and not separately of each; not as if a wise son only
was matter of joy to his father, who may be thought to be a
better judge of his wisdom, and more abroad to hear the fame of
it, and to observe the effects of it; or as if a foolish son only
caused grief to his mother, because more at home, and more privy
to his foolish behaviour; but as being equally joyous or
afflicting to both parents. Nor is this to be understood of such
who are wise and foolish as to their natural capacities only; but
who are so in a moral sense, either virtuous or vicious, good or
wicked. Wherefore parents should be concerned for the education
of their children, whose behaviour much depends upon it; and
children for their conduct towards their parents and in the
world, since their joy and grief are influenced by it. Some
interpret the words mystically, the "father", of God; the
"mother", of the church; and, the "sons", of the children of them
both: and so may fitly describe the different followers of Christ
and antichrist; the one being wise, the other foolish; the one
acceptable to God, the other not.
