Proverbs 2:1-22

Proverbs 2:1. Hide my commandments with thee, as a treasure is secured in the cabinet, or as the copy of the law was put within the ark in the holy place. The words of the law must be retained in the memory, as maxims of wisdom, and the sentiments concealed in the heart. Then they are ready on all occasions, as defences against temptation. This is to incline, to cleanse, and open the ear.

Proverbs 2:4. If thou seekest her, as the merchants in search of gold and silver cross the deserts, encountering dangers, and as the miners follow their veins of ore if we seek religion as the men of the world seek wealth and pleasure, we shall succeed in our efforts. Such is the promise: “When ye seek me with your whole heart, then shall ye find me.” Deuteronomy 4:29.

Proverbs 2:6. The Lord giveth wisdom. As the fertilizing rain, he replenishes the heart with its treasures, and covers the conscience with its shield.

Proverbs 2:8. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints, in equity to men, and piety towards God.

Proverbs 2:12. To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, who would initiate thee into all the secrets of his club; allure thee to intemperance, instruct in order to deceive and defraud the unwary; to blaspheme religion and launch the reins to passion. These are the crooked ways that lead to destruction.

Proverbs 2:16. To deliver thee from the strange woman, where thy innocence will be lost, where thy conscience will be ruined, thy soul destroyed, and thy body perish. These are dangerous connections:

“Joyless, loveless, unendeared.”

These are scenes not to be contemplated, but avoided and abhorred.

Proverbs 2:19. None that go unto her return again. See that young man with a pale cheek, treading the streets with cautious steps. His friends talk of colds and consumptions; but widely differing are the symptoms. After awhile we hear of his death! Compared with these examples, how noble is real love; how cheerful and pleasant is the married state, how honest and upright the intentions. Their presence cheers all families where they visit, and the issues are crowned with nuptial felicity.

Proverbs 2:22. The transgressors shall be rooted out. Hebrews בוגדים bogadim. The men that wear a cloak or covering, the hypocrites. Not only shall the veil with which they cover themselves be rent, but they shall be rooted out of the earth. Sudden and total destruction awaits them.