Proverbs 3:1 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

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Bible Comments

As the former address had to do with the search for wisdom, this, in view of the value of if is an appeal to cultivate wisdom. The appeal consists of a declaration of its essence (verses Pro 3:1-10), a description of its excellence (verses Pro 3:11-20), and a declaration of the safety which it brings (verses Pro 3:21-35).

The essence of wisdom consists in a determined devotion to the things of wisdom. The inspiration of this is next described as life lived in relation to Jehovah. Perfect trust in Him, perpetual dependence on Him, and worshipful devotion expressed in actual giving, these are of the very essence of wisdom and are to be expressed in the devotion already referred to. No wealth is equal to such wisdom, and the very chastenings of God are precious as they are conducive to gaining it. The excellence of wisdom is proven by the pleasantness and peace it brings to man, and by the fact that Jehovah's works are wrought by it. The safety of the soul who keeps wisdom is seen in absence of stumbling and of fear, in the attitude of beneficence to the needy; in absence of envy of the evil; and in abiding blessedness in the secret, the blessing, the grace, and the glory of Jehovah.

Related Commentaries of Proverbs 3:1

Proverbs 3:1-35

1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

2 For length of days, and longa life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

4 So shalt thou find favour and goodb understanding in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be healthc to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he establishedd the heavens.

20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

29 Devisee not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

31 Envy thou not the oppressor,f and choose none of his ways.

32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.