Proverbs 2:3

3 For if you cry out for understanding, [if] you lift your voice for insight,

Proverbs 2:3 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 2:3

Yea, if thou criest after knowledge
Of God, Christ, and the Gospel; not only bow the ear and bend the mind to these things, but importunately and fervently pray for them; not only attend the ministry of the word by men, but cry to God to give the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of divine and spiritual things; which supposes some sense of a want of it, an hearty desire for it, having some apprehension of the worth and value of it; and that it is to be had, as there is indeed great reason to hope for and expect it, ( James 1:5 ) ; [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding;
for Christ, who is understanding as well as wisdom, ( Proverbs 8:14 ) ; or rather for an understanding of the Gospel and the mysteries of it, which men do not naturally understand; and for which there must be an understanding given, or the eyes of the understanding must be enlightened; or Christ, by his spirit and grace, must open the understanding, that it may understand these things; which is granted to those who lift up their voice in prayer for it.

Proverbs 2:3 In-Context

1 My child, if you will receive my sayings, and hide my commands with you,

2 [in order] to incline your ear toward wisdom, [then] you shall apply your heart to understanding.

3 For if you cry out for understanding, [if] you lift your voice for insight,

4 if you seek her like silver and search her out {like treasure},

5 then you will understand the fear of Yahweh, and the knowledge of God you will find.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "call to understanding"
• [b]. Or "carry, give"