Proverbs 2
Lutheran reading notes
In Proverbs chapter 2, the wisdom literature continues to explore wisdom for righteous living and reverence for God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.
1
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
Proverbs 2:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, {and} apply thine heart to understanding;
Proverbs 2:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, {and} liftest up thy voice for understanding; {liftest...: Heb. givest thy voice}
Proverbs 2:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as {for} hid treasures;
Proverbs 2:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth {cometh} knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: {he is} a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
Proverbs 2:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
Proverbs 2:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; {yea}, every good path.
Proverbs 2:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
Proverbs 2:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
Proverbs 2:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
To deliver thee from the way of the evil {man}, from the man that speaketh froward things;
Proverbs 2:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
Proverbs 2:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
Who rejoice to do evil, {and} delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
Proverbs 2:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
Whose ways {are} crooked, and {they} froward in their paths:
Proverbs 2:15 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
To deliver thee from the strange woman, {even} from the stranger {which} flattereth with her words;
Proverbs 2:16 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
Proverbs 2:17 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
Proverbs 2:18 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
19
None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.
Proverbs 2:19 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
20
That thou mayest walk in the way of good {men}, and keep the paths of the righteous.
Proverbs 2:20 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
21
For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
Proverbs 2:21 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
22
But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. {rooted: or, plucked up}
Proverbs 2:22 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.