Study notes

Proverbs 2

Introducing ProverbsWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

1:8–9:18 Section

In this section of the book of Proverbs, a father speaks to his son. The father and the mother have taught the son how to live well. They have taught him with their words and with the example of how they live. The father urges the son to live according to what they have taught him.

The advice from the parents is about many things. It’s about being humble and trusting God completely. It’s about the son guarding his heart. The son’s heart is where he makes decisions. The advice is about the son saying no when he is tempted to do evil. This includes stealing and getting rich in ways that aren’t honest. It includes refusing to share with others. It includes lying, being jealous and having sex with another man’s wife.

The advice is also about becoming wise. People begin to be wise when they respect God. Wisdom is something that God gives. He wants all human beings to have it. God gives wisdom freely to those who ask for it. This is made clear in the poems about wisdom and in James 1:5.

Wisdom is described as a woman who calls out to everyone in public. She invites everyone to come to her house and share in a feast. This means that people listen to wisdom and obey wise teachings. That is how people get wisdom. Obeying wise instructions leads to health, riches, success and honour. That is the pattern of life that the parents have noticed. That is the pattern they want their son’s life to follow.

Wisdom is also described as the first thing that God created. Wisdom was with God when he created the world. Wisdom was full of joy and delight as God created the world and all people. This shows that wisdom can also be learnt by studying creation.

The poems about wisdom talk about foolishness being the opposite of wisdom. Foolishness is described as a woman who knows nothing and is full of pride. She treats others badly. Like wisdom, foolishness also calls out to everyone and invites them to a feast. But obeying her instructions leads to danger, suffering, trouble, shame and death.

2:1

hide my commandments: This means to pay attention to them and follow them. They allow us to fully enjoy and experience life.

2:1–22

The father advises his son to seek wisdom. It will protect him from bad people and the risks of unfaithful women. The son should pursue wisdom, knowing it is a gift from God.

2:2–3

wisdom...understanding...insight: These three words are skills needed to handle life's challenges.

2:4

People search for silver or hidden treasures with urgency, excitement, and hope for a reward (see Matthew 13:44; Luke 15:8–10).

2:5

The search for true wisdom leads to God. You cannot have wisdom without the fear of the Lord (having a great reverence, honor, and respect for God) (Proverbs 1:7).

2:6

The Lord gives wisdom to those who learn it from the Scriptures, which are his words (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21). You cannot become wise through observation alone.

2:7–8

Here, common sense is the natural understanding gained by listening to God's words and observing his world. God acts as a shield, guarding and protecting those who have a relationship with him.

2:10

Wisdom will enter your heart and become a key part of your life. Instead of sometimes doing wise things, a wise person always makes wise choices.
Knowledge brings joy because it helps people live well.

2:12–15

Wisdom knows when people alter words to make wrong things seem right. The right path leads to life, while the wrong path leads to death (Proverbs 1:10–19; 2:18–19; 5:5–6; 9:1–6, 13–18).
ways of darkness: In the New Testament, darkness represents evil, while light represents God's goodness (Matthew 4:16; 5:14–16; John 1:14; Romans 2:19).

2:16

Wisdom helps a young man avoid an immoral woman, enabling him to resist her flattering and seductive words. Wisdom involves emotional maturity, self-control, and understanding the intent behind someone's words.

2:17

An immoral woman has left her husband to pursue another man. Her marriage vows before God included promises of faithfulness (see Malachi 2:14–16).

2:18–19

sinks...to the departed spirits: Adultery breaks a key promise to one's spouse and to God (see also Genesis 39:2–9; Malachi 2:14).

2:20–22

Those who make wise choices will live in the land; those who do not will be evicted. God gave the land of Israel to his people, but they could only stay if they followed God's commands (Deuteronomy 28:9–11, 64–68). Because they broke his law, they were expelled in 586 BC (see 2 Kings 25:1–30; 2 Chronicles 36:15–21).

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources