Proverbs 2:3-13

3 si enim sapientiam invocaveris et inclinaveris cor tuum prudentiae
4 si quaesieris eam quasi pecuniam et sicut thesauros effoderis illam
5 tunc intelleges timorem Domini et scientiam Dei invenies
6 quia Dominus dat sapientiam et ex ore eius scientia et prudentia
7 custodiet rectorum salutem et proteget gradientes simpliciter
8 servans semitas iustitiae et vias sanctorum custodiens
9 tunc intelleges iustitiam et iudicium et aequitatem et omnem semitam bonam
10 si intraverit sapientia cor tuum et scientia animae tuae placuerit
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

Proverbs 2:3-13 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.