Proverbs 2:17

the guide of her youth or, friend, R.V. or, associate, i.e. her husband to whom she was married in her youth. See Jeremiah 3:4, where the same phrase occurs in the same sense. Comp. "wife of thy youth," Proverbs 5:18; Malachi 2:14.

covenant of her God The marriage contract, which is of Divine origin and sanction (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). Comp. "the wife of thy covenant," Malachi 2:14, and note there in this Series. To the tender memories of "the kindness of youth and the love of espousals" (Jeremiah 2:2) is added the binding force of "the vow and covenant betwixt them made."