Proverbs 4:4-9 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

He taught me also, and said unto me The following verses, at least as far as the tenth, are represented as containing the words of David, Solomon's father, that the name of so great a king, and so holy a prophet, might add the more authority and efficacy to his counsels. Keep my commandments and live That is, thou shalt live. It is a promise in the form of a command, as Proverbs 3:25. Get wisdom, &c., neither decline, &c. From the belief and practice of my words. Love her, and she shall keep thee He intimates that it is not enough to do what is good, which may sometimes proceed from worldly or sinful motives, but that we must have a sincere and fervent love to it. Wisdom is the principal thing The most excellent of all possessions. With all thy getting get understanding Even with the price of all, though it cost thee the loss of all that thou hast; or, in, or among all. While thou labourest for other things, see, especially, that thou do not neglect this. Exalt her Let her have thy highest esteem and affection. She shall bring thee to honour Both with God and men, which Solomon knew by experience. She shall give to thy head, &c. An acceptable or beautiful ornament, such as they used to put upon their heads; shall put upon thy head a crown of glory that shall never wither. So far he seems to be repeating the words which David spake to him.

Proverbs 4:4-9

4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crowna of glory shall she deliver to thee.