Proverbs 2 Study Notes

2:1-22 The first four verses of this chapter are a condition (if), followed by two results (then) in vv. 5-8 and 9-11. Verses 12-15 and 16-19 describe the benefits of the results—being rescued from the way of evil and from the forbidden woman. Verses 20-22 are the conclusion.

2:1-5 Rather than just learning about wisdom, the student is first told to accept (rather than despise or reject, 1:7,30) and internalize wisdom, then to call out to and passionately seek it. The result is a reverent (that is, with appropriate fear) relationship (knowledge) with God, which is a prerequisite of true wisdom (1:7).

2:6 Wisdom is not something a man takes but that the Lord gives through his words, which in this case Solomon is inspired to speak (2:1).

2:7 As we store up God’s commands (v. 1), he stores up success as our reward. Success is competence (3:21; 8:14) or sound judgment (18:10). Upright means “corresponding to God’s ethical instruction” (Hb yashar, see word study at 21:2,8,18,29). The Hebrew word for integrity implies genuineness and reliability; it is also translated “honorable” (10:29) and “honest” (29:10).

2:8 On protect, see “keep” in note at 4:4,6.

2:9-10 Understanding is a further result (then, cp. v. 5) of seeking wisdom. A person can live ethically when he has wisdom in his heart (see note at 4:23). God’s wisdom entering a person and making him delight in godly knowledge is regeneration (Jr 31:31-33; Ezk 36:27; 1Co 1:18). On path, see note at 1:15.

2:11 Having discretion (see note at 1:4) and understanding (see note at 1:2) will prevent self-destructive behavior (1:19).

2:12 On evil, see note at 1:16. Perverse is literally “turned over” (Jdg 7:13; 2Kg 21:13), making something into something else (Dt 23:5; Is 29:16; Jr 2:21; Am 5:7)—in this case, turning truth into a lie (Jr 23:36).

2:13 See note at Lk 1:78-79.

2:14 To do evil is to undermine society and applaud its overthrow.

2:15 Crooked is the opposite of “upright” (v. 7); it means “twisted” (11:20) or “distorted” (28:6). On paths and ways, see note at 1:15.

2:16-17 The forbidden woman has turned away from her husband (v. 17) and wants to destroy society (5:3,20; 7:5; 22:14). The wayward woman has allegiance to a different community and no interest in preserving the community of the faithful (5:20; 6:24; 7:5; 23:27). Flattering (lit “smooth”) speech always has an agenda that includes the destruction of others (5:3; 7:5,21; 26:28; 28:23; 29:5; Ps 55:21). This warning applies to any person who appeals to base instincts with ulterior motives. The covenant of her God (or her covenant with God) is the marriage covenant to which God was witness.

2:18-19 Joining the forbidden woman/stranger is self-destructive (1:19). The Hebrew word for departed spirits is the same as that of the Rephaim, a Canaanite people (Dt 2:20-21), but in Hebrew poetry it refers to the residents of the grave (Pr 9:18; 21:16; cp. Is 14:9).

2:20-22 These good people have moral excellence. Figuratively, to inhabit the land means to enjoy God’s blessing through a relationship with him (Ps 37:3; Jr 7:5-7). While the warning of Pr 2:16-19 is specifically against illicit sexual relations, this suggests a broader application. Those who choose the good, will enjoy God’s blessings eternally (Ps 37:29; Is 60:21; Mt 5:5), but the wicked (impious, evil, selfish, violently antisocial) will be eternally cut off from God’s blessing. Treacherous people are unfaithful in relationships; here they have abandoned commitment to God.