Proverbs 2:11-21

11 consilium custodiet te prudentia servabit te
12 ut eruaris de via mala ab homine qui perversa loquitur
13 qui relinquunt iter rectum et ambulant per vias tenebrosas
14 qui laetantur cum malefecerint et exultant in rebus pessimis
15 quorum viae perversae et infames gressus eorum
16 ut eruaris a muliere aliena et ab extranea quae mollit sermones suos
17 et relinquit ducem pubertatis suae
18 et pacti Dei sui oblita est inclinata est enim ad mortem domus eius et ad impios semitae ipsius
19 omnes qui ingrediuntur ad eam non revertentur nec adprehendent semitas vitae
20 ut ambules in via bona et calles iustorum custodias
21 qui enim recti sunt habitabunt in terra et simplices permanebunt in ea

Proverbs 2:11-21 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.

The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.