Proverbs 2:3

3 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding;

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 son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you,

2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding;

3 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding;

4 If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures;

5 Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God.

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "Give"