Provérbios 2

Provérbios 2

Maclaren - Every man has far more knowledge of good than he uses. Let me always remember that it is not the amount of religious knowledge which I have, but the amount which I use, that determines my religious position and character. Thomas Watson - Knowledge is the eye that must direct the foot of obedience. Richard Baxter - Ignorance is your disease; knowledge must be your cure. Stephen Charnock - Knowledge is the foundation of wisdom. Understanding (08394)(tebunah - see discussion in Pr 2:2) The Lxx translates tebunah in this passage with sunesis = "putting together the pieces." Ray Pritchard says that understanding "is an inexhaustible fountain of practical truth that God gives to those who are good students of their own decisions. By contrast, fools never learn, and so God’s discipline is wasted on them." Understanding (Webster, et al) = Understanding does not mean just a possession of the facts. A person of understanding is one who can use what he or she knows, wisely, in real-life situations. Understanding has a moral aspect. It is a component of character and is not merely a function of intelligence. The basic idea presented by the Hebrew is one of judgment. The person with understanding can make distinctions between options. Given information, the person who has bin/biyn is able to discern the best and right choice. Understanding is insight and applied knowledge, usually involving moral or spiritual as well as intellectual faculties. The English word denotes comprehension of knowledge resulting from intelligence and reason. It implies a mental grasp of the nature and significance of something, along with discernment and good judgment. In short, it is common sense, closely akin to wisdom, not the mere accumulation and possession of knowledge. God-given perception of the nature and meaning of things, resulting in sound judgment and decision-making; in particular the ability to discern spiritual truth and to apply it to human disposition and conduct. “Understanding is the cognitive faculty of the soul” (Shedd). It is comprised of intellect and conscience. The intellect is the perceptive faculty and the conscience the perceptive faculty in the understanding. The Biblical usage of the word indicates that understanding denotes more than a mere mental apprehension of facts. It is a wise perception and reception of the significance of those facts as laid down by God. Thus, the understanding of the ungodly is said to be “darkened” (Eph. 4:18), for “the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Rom. 8:7). It needs to be “enlightened” (Eph. 1:18) and until it is, it will remain in the condition described in 1 Cor. 2:14. H A Ironside on Proverbs 2:6-9 - Searching for truth must always be followed by walking in the truth that is found. God will defend those who earnestly desire to live in the power of His truth. He will guard them and preserve their way. By diligently seeking His truth they will daily increase in the knowledge of every good path. This is very different from merely holding to a certain theological system or school of Biblical thought. It is not so much “holding the truth,” as being held by that truth. There is a vast difference between the two states. There are many “vain talkers and deceivers” who boast of their knowledge of prophetic and dispensational teaching. Yet their unguarded ways and careless life bring shame on these solemn and precious truths. As they continue in this life their conscience is seared and their heart is hardened until the most searching ministry fails to make any impression on them. (Proverbs 2 Commentary - Ironside's Notes) ><>><>><> What Should I Do? - My friend Krista is struggling with a decision: Should she keep her old car with its continual maintenance problems or buy a newer model? She wants to be a good steward of her finances, and she desires to make a wise decision. And most of all, she wants to honor God. Financial decisions can be tough to make. Billy Graham even says, “If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area in his life.” Here are a few ideas to consider about wisdom in money matters: Do a checkup to be sure you’re following God’s priorities. Are you giving to Him and to others? (1 Cor. 16:2). Taking care of family needs? (1 Tim. 5:8). Not letting money control you? (Luke 16:13). Research the topic. Consider all the options and the pros and cons of each one. Ask God for wisdom. Pray, pray, and pray some more. He will direct you (Prov. 2:6). Trust God and make the decision. Use the knowledge and wisdom you’ve gained, and commit your decision to Him. Obedience to God nurtures a growing love-and-trust relationship with Him. What’s most important is that we see each decision as an opportunity to draw closer to Him. - Anne Cetas When you're facing a decision And it seems a daunting task, Trust the Lord for true discernment— He'll give wisdom if you ask. —Hess The closer we walk with God, the clearer we see His guidance. ><>><>><> Information Isn't Wisdom - Are there any limits to the knowledge we can acquire? With today’s amazing technology we are able to tap into incredible sources of information. Yet Bill Gates, visionary founder of Microsoft, claims that we are only on the threshold of far greater wonders. In his book The Road Ahead, Gates makes this prediction: “When tomorrow’s powerful information machines are connected on the highway … you’ll be able to stay in touch with anyone, anywhere, who wants to stay in touch with you; to browse through any of thousands of libraries day or night.” Surely we are grateful for the technology that makes available such remarkable means of obtaining information. A mere accumulation of facts, though, doesn’t add up to insight and understanding. All the learning of philosophers, the speculations of ethicists, and the achievements of scientists can’t give us the truth about God and His will, His grace, or the good news concerning Jesus Christ and salvation from sin. For that knowledge, we need the Bible—and we always will. So don’t squander your time merely acquiring facts. It’s far better to study the truth God has given us in His Word. Remember: “The Lord gives wisdom” (Prov. 2:6). Holy Bible, Book divine, Precious treasure, thou art mine; Mine to tell me whence I came; Mine to teach me what I am. —Burton We can get information online, but wisdom comes from on high. ><>><>><> Proverbs 2:1-11 - Today in the Word - In 2007, rare coin dealer John Feigenbaum flew coast–to–coast with a special dime in his pocket. He didn’t eat and he didn’t sleep; he was nervous. He bought an economy–class ticket and dressed to be inconspicuous. After his flight landed in New York, he had to kill time in a Starbucks, waiting for a bank to open. Finally it did, and Feigenbaum breathed a sigh of relief. The dime Feigenbaum was delivering to a buyer was worth $1.9 million. It’s called an 1894–S dime—only 24 were known to have been minted, and only nine are still known to exist. That’s one expensive 10–cent coin! The Bible, though, keeps matters in perspective: The financial value of such treasures pales in comparison to wisdom. It is “more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her” (Pr. 8:11). Today’s reading is basically a long conditional statement, that is, an if/then statement. If we search after wisdom, then God will give it to us. The search for wisdom is described as a whole–person, holding–nothing–back, all–out endeavor (Proverbs 2:1–4). It involves listening, obeying, diligence, and passion. One must understand the value of wisdom in order to “search for it as for hidden treasure” (Proverbs 2:4). The key truth undergirding this quest is that God is the source and giver of wisdom (Proverbs 2:5–8). That’s why wisdom is described here and elsewhere as “the fear of the LORD.” Even while suffering, Job grasped this truth. Men dig gold and silver mines and find precious gems deep in the earth, but they cannot find wisdom. “God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells” (Job 28:23). When God gives wisdom to those who pursue and call out for it, there are many positive and pleasurable results, including moral understanding and discretion (Proverbs 2:9–11). Wisdom, though, is not simply a means to an end—it is a relationship with the Giver, with Wisdom Himself. And that is something that money just can’t buy! Apply the Word - Today’s passage gives us many reasons to put our trust in God rather than money. Not only is the Lord the giver of wisdom and the source of all knowledge and understanding, He also gives victory to the upright, is a shield to the blameless, guards the path of the just, and protects the way of the faithful (Proverbs 2:–8). Trusting in Him is the very definition of wisdom, and putting our trust in anything else the very definition of foolishness! Proverbs 2:7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Stores - Pr 8:14; 14:8; Job 28:8; 1 Corinthians 1:19,24,30; 2:6,7; 3:18,19; Colossians 2:3; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; James 3:15-17 Shield - Pr 28:18; 30:5; Ps 84:11; 144:2 Stores up (06845)(tsapan/sapan - see word study) earlier was translated treasure in Pr 2:1 where it was the responsibility of man to "treasure my commandments" whereas here we see God storing up sound wisdom. Upright (03477)(yashar from yashar = to be smooth, straight or right) is an adjective which means straight, right, just. MacArthur on the upright - This identifies those who are true believers, who seek to know, love, and obey God and to live righteously. These covenant keepers alone can know wisdom and experience God’s protection. (BORROW The MacArthur Study Bible) NET Note - The Hebrew word translated “upright” (יָשָׁר, yashar) is one of the terms used for the righteous. It points to the right conduct of the believer—that which is right or pleasing in the eyes of God. It stresses that the life of the individual is upright, straightforward, and just. It is paralleled with “those who walk in integrity.” The Upright One (His Name in Isa 26:7) stores up sound wisdom for the upright. Sound wisdom (08454)(tushiyyah) means sound, efficient wisdom, abiding or continuing success. Who would not desire this blessing? Tushiyyah stresses the successful results of wisdom’s activities and is variously translated as “ability” (NEB), “help,” (JB), “victory,” (NIV). Goldberg adds that tushiyyah means "sound judgment, wisdom that leads to practical success. Thus the son will find life and honor if he follows his father’s sound judgment (Pr 3:21f.). Because personified wisdom gives this quality to kings, they rule effectively. On the other hand, God frustrates the shrewd so that their hands cannot attain success (Job 5:12). Sound judgment is based on the righteous character of God’s rule. The upright have sound wisdom hidden in them (Pr 2:7). But Job questioned whether his wisdom, his ability to succeed, was driven from him in his adversity (Job 6:13)." Tushiyyah - 11v - Job 5:12; 6:13; 11:6; 12:16; 26:3; Pr. 2:7; 3:21; 8:14; 18:1; Isa. 28:29; Mic. 6:9 Pr 2:7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Pr 3:21 My son, let them not vanish from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion, Pr 8:14 “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine. Pr 18:1 He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom. Walk (halak) is an idiom for one's lifestyle or habitual manner of life. Integrity (08537)(tom from tamam = to be complete or finished) means completeness, blameless. 1. completeness, fullness: acc. to their full measure; in his very completeness. 2. innocence, simplicity. 3. integrity: integrity of mind. Tom - 23v - Ge 20:5, 6; 2Sa 15:11; 1Ki. 9:4; 22:34; 2Chr. 18:33; Job 4:6; 21:23; Ps. 7:8; 25:21; 26:1, 11; 41:12; 78:72; 101:2; Pr. 2:7; 10:9, 29; 13:6; 19:1; 20:7; 28:6; Isa. 47:9 Pr 2:7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Pr 10:9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out. Pr 10:29 The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, But ruin to the workers of iniquity. Pr 13:6 Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, But wickedness subverts the sinner. Pr 19:1 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. Pr 20:7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity– How blessed are his sons after him. Pr 28:6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked though he be rich. SOUND WISDOM: Some people throughout history have erred by overemphasizing certain elements of the truth while ignoring others. This has resulted in behavior that is absurd. For instance, some individuals have stressed to an extreme the apostle Paul's instruction to separate themselves from the world and crucify the flesh (Ro. 12:2; Gal. 5:24). Simeon Stylites, a 5th-century monk, after being buried up to his neck in the ground for several months, decided to pursue godliness by living on top of a pole. He spent 30 years there. Another self-styled "holy man" developed a reputation for sanctity because he never changed clothes or bathed after he became a hermit. Although such instances were not widespread, they serve to illustrate the sad consequences of an unbalanced view of scriptural truth. The wisdom mentioned in Proverbs 2 is the kind that takes into consideration the whole counsel of God. A life that is built on such a foundation is characterized by balance and freedom from extremes. Only by carefully studying the entire Word of God and daily applying our hearts to understanding it and living it can we avoid the one-sided behavior of the pole-sitting hermit. --M R De Haan II We cannot find a safer guide to follow Than precepts from the pages of God's Word; But if we twist and misapply the Scripture, We make its sacred teachings seem absurd. --Hess Apply yourself to the Scriptures and the Scriptures to yourself. Today in the Word - In 2007, rare coin dealer John Feigenbaum flew coast–to–coast with a special dime in his pocket. He didn’t eat and he didn’t sleep; he was nervous. He bought an economy–class ticket and dressed to be inconspicuous. After his flight landed in New York, he had to kill time in a Starbucks, waiting for a bank to open. Finally it did, and Feigenbaum breathed a sigh of relief. The dime Feigenbaum was delivering to a buyer was worth $1.9 million. It’s called an 1894–S dime—only 24 were known to have been minted, and only nine are still known to exist. That’s one expensive 10–cent coin! The Bible, though, keeps matters in perspective: The financial value of such treasures pales in comparison to wisdom. It is “more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her” (Pr. 8:11). Today’s reading is basically a long conditional statement, that is, an if/then statement. If we search after wisdom, then God will give it to us. The search for wisdom is described as a whole–person, holding–nothing–back, all–out endeavor (Proverbs 2:1–4). It involves listening, obeying, diligence, and passion. One must understand the value of wisdom in order to “search for it as for hidden treasure” (Proverbs 2:4). The key truth undergirding this quest is that God is the source and giver of wisdom (Proverbs 2:5–8). That’s why wisdom is described here and elsewhere as “the fear of the LORD.” Even while suffering, Job grasped this truth. Men dig gold and silver mines and find precious gems deep in the earth, but they cannot find wisdom. “God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells” (Job 28:23). When God gives wisdom to those who pursue and call out for it, there are many positive and pleasurable results, including moral understanding and discretion (Proverbs 2:9–11). Wisdom, though, is not simply a means to an end—it is a relationship with the Giver, with Wisdom Himself. And that is something that money just can’t buy! Apply the Word - Today’s passage gives us many reasons to put our trust in God rather than money. Not only is the Lord the giver of wisdom and the source of all knowledge and understanding, He also gives victory to the upright, is a shield to the blameless, guards the path of the just, and protects the way of the faithful (Proverbs 2:–8). Trusting in Him is the very definition of wisdom, and putting our trust in anything else the very definition of foolishness. George Lawson comments on Proverbs 2:7-8 - Whoso hearkeneth unto wisdom shall dwell safely, for God is a sure defence to those that walk in wisdom’s ways. There are many adversaries that would destroy them if they could, and these are too strong for them; but there is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, that rideth on the heavens in their help, and in his excellency in the skies. While therefore they are walking to their eternal home, they may sing in the ways of the Lord. Mighty is their protector; in the shadow of his wings they may trust, and to his faithfulness they may look as their shield and buckler. The most dreadful enemies of them that walk uprightly, are those that endeavour to turn aside the way of their paths; but against these enemies God is a mighty defence, for he keepeth the paths of wisdom and righteousness. He is a fence about their ways, and a wall of fire around those that walk in them. The devil casteth his fiery darts, but they are safe from the arrow that flieth by day, and from the noisome pestilence. No weapon formed against them shall prosper. They are commanded still to trust in the name of the Lord, and their faith is like a shield that will quench every fiery dart. The world displays its terrors and its charms to terrify or allure them into the paths of sin. Against this, as well as the adversary formerly mentioned, they must exercise vigilance. Still, however, in the hottest part of the combat they may be of good cheer, for the Captain of their salvation hath overcome the world, and shall make them through their faith to share in his victory*. Their own remaining corruptions give them many alarms. Nor is it wonderful that they feel alarmed when ready to halt by its influence, or powerfully solicited to turn aside unto the flowery but destructive paths where poisons grow and serpents haunt. But their fears shall not overpower them, for the spirit lusts against the flesh, and shall prevail. What says their Almighty guide? “Sin shall not have dominion over you.” Those that walk in the paths of judgment are God’s saints. He has beautified them with holiness, and he acknowledges them as his own property. They are his portion and the lot of his inheritance, his treasure and his glory, and he will suffer none of them to be lost. Every one of them shall be hid in the day when he maketh up his jewels. Let us ask for these good old ways, and walk in them, and we shall find rest and safety for our souls. They are safe paths when God guards them, and preserves the way of those that walk in them. No lion, no ravenous beast is found there; and the wayfaring man, though a fool, shall not err therein. But it is our duty, while we trust in God to guide and preserve us, to make use of our eyes. None of Zion’s travellers shall be found wanting in the end, but many too that thought themselves in the good way shall fail of the end of their hopes, because they entered not in at the gate, neither trod the narrow path. He that is born of God keepeth himself, that the wicked one toucheth him not. We cannot by our utmost care keep ourselves in safety; but a true dependence upon God will dispose us to be as sober and vigilant as if we had none else to keep us, while we yet trust entirely in God, and not in ourselves, knowing that if left to ourselves one hour, we must perish. You see that the lovers of wisdom are furnished with the best wisdom, and led into those paths of holiness where safety is to be found. In order to persuade us to hearken to the instructions of wisdom, the wise man adds (see Proverbs 2:9) (George Lawson - Exposition of the Book of Proverbs) Proverbs 2:8 Guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones. Guarding - Pr 8:20; Ps 1:6; 23:3; 121:5-8; Isaiah 35:9; 49:9,10; John 10:28,29 and - Pr 3:21-24; Deuteronomy 33:3,26-29; 1 Samuel 2:9; Ps 37:23,24,28,31; 66:9; 145:20; Jeremiah 32:40,41; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 1:24) OUR GUARDIAN GOD The LORD (Jehovah) is the subject, the One guarding and the One Who preserves. Guarding (05341)(natsar) means to guard, keep, observe, hide, preserve, hide. Many of the uses of natsar are nuanced by the object that is being watched or guarded. The first use in Ex 34:7 God says He "keeps faithfulness!" Natsar is used with a similar sense of keeping faithfulness in “keeping” the covenant (Dt. 33:9); “keeping” the law (Ps. 105:45); “keeping” the rules of parents (Pr. 6:20). The Septuagint (LXX) translates natsar in this passage (and Pr 2:11) with the verb phulasso which means to watch over as does a sentinel standing alertly at his guard post keeping careful watch to make sure the military base remains safe. The application to the present passage is obvious. Natsar is used 18 times in Proverbs (out of 57 OT uses)… Proverbs 2:8 Guarding (Lxx = phulasso) the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones. Proverbs 2:11 Discretion will guard you, Understanding will watch (Lxx = phulasso) over you, Proverbs 3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep (Lxx = present imperative = make this your habitual practice; Lxx = tereo = basic meaning keep in view, take note, watch over) my commandments; Proverbs 3:21 My son, let them not vanish from your sight; Keep (Lxx = aorist imperative = Do this now! It is urgent! ; Lxx = tereo = basic meaning keep in view, take note, watch over) sound wisdom and discretion, Proverbs 4:6 "Do not forsake her (wisdom… understanding - Pr 4:5), and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch (Lxx = tereo = basic meaning keep in view, take note, watch over) over you. Proverbs 4:13 Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard (Lxx = aorist imperative = Do this now! It is urgent! ; Lxx = phulasso = guard like a military guard on duty) her, for she is your life. Proverbs 4:23 (see notes) Watch (Lxx = present imperative = make this your habitual practice; Lxx = tereo = basic meaning keep in view, take note, watch) over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 5:2 That you may observe discretion And your lips may reserve knowledge. Proverbs 6:20 My son, observe (Lxx = present imperative = make this your habitual practice; Lxx = tereo = basic meaning keep in view, take note, watch) the commandment of your father And do not forsake the teaching of your mother; Proverbs 7:10 And behold, a woman comes to meet him, Dressed as a harlot and cunning (Lxx uses an unusual verb exiptamai = to fly out or fly away!) of heart. Proverbs 13:3 The one who guards (Lxx = phulasso) his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards (Lxx = phulasso) the one whose way is blameless, But wickedness subverts the sinner. Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches (Lxx = phulasso) his way preserves (shamar) his life. Proverbs 20:28 Loyalty and truth preserve (Lxx = phulake = act of guarding - personifies loyalty and truth as the guards!) the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness. Proverbs 22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the treacherous man. Proverbs 24:12 If you say, "See, we did not know this," Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work? Proverbs 27:18 He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, And he who cares for his master will be honored. Proverbs 28:7 He who keeps (Lxx = phulasso in the present tense which means habitually - the only way possible is by continual dependence on the enabling power of the Holy Spirit!) the law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father. He preserves the way of His godly ones - This implies we need preserving! The way of His godly ones - contrast The way of evil (Pr 2:12) Preserves (08104)(shamar) means God watches over us, guards us, keeps us. If you need to be encouraged by this truth or to have it re-enforced slowly read Psalm 121 which uses the verb shamar six times in eight verses! Psalm 121 (See commentary on this great Psalm) 121:1 (A Song of Ascents.) I Will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From whence shall my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. 8 The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever. The Septuagint (Lxx) translates shamar with the verb diaphulasso which means to watch very closely, to carefully guard and is used in the Lxx of Psalm 91:11 "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard (shamar; Lxx = diaphulasso) you in all your ways" His godly ones - The Lxx translates it with a phrase that is certainly descriptive of God's godly ones = "them that fear Him," where the word "fear" in Greek is eulabeomai which means to show reverence or respect in this case for God. Eulabeomai is in the present tense indicating that this is the habitual practice of the godly (not perfection, but direction)! Proverbs 2:9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course. Pr 1:2-6; Ps 25:8,9; 32:8; 119:99,105; 143:8-10; Isaiah 35:8; 48:17; Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 7:13,14; John 14:6 THE ETHICAL TRIAD: RIGHTEOUSNESS JUSTICE EQUITY (cf Pr 1:3) Then (az) means at that time. What time? This seems to be after God has given wisdom (Pr 2:6, 7) which is mentioned again in the explanation in Pr 2:10. (See discussion of the value of observing and interrogating expressions of time) ESV Study Bible - Following the description of the wisdom that the Lord grants (Pr 2:9–11), this section gives three statements of its purpose: it delivers from the deception of those on the evil path (Pr 2:12–15), it delivers from being flattered into unfaithfulness (Pr 2:16–19), and it directs one instead to walk in the way that is both true and good (Pr 2:20). Discern (0995)(bin/biyn) is not a mere accumulation of data but an understanding resulting from comparative study. To discern is to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect and so to distinguish or recognize as different. In this case wisdom helps us recognize those things that are right and just in God's eyes. Righteousness (06664 - צֶדֶק) (tsedeq) speaks of that which conforms to an ethical or moral standard, God's standard as revealed in His Word. The Septuagint (Lxx) translates tsedeq with the noun dikaiosune which means the quality of being upright. Dikaiosune is rightness of character before God and rightness of actions before men. Righteousness of God could be succinctly stated as all that God is, all that He commands, all that He demands, all that He approves, all that He provides through Christ (Click here to read Pastor Ray Pritchard's interesting analysis of righteousness in the Gospel of Matthew). Jesus Thy Blood and righteousness My beauty are, my glorious dress; ’Midst flaming worlds in these arrayed, With joy shall I lift up my head. (Play) Justice (04941)(mishpat) has the primary sense of exercising the processes of government. The word includes a judgment, a legal decision rendered, justice as a state or condition of fairness in disputes. Justice "refers to the entire process of the administration of justice, including hearing the case, rendering a decision, pronouncing a verdict, and implementing the sentence." (Patterson) In context justice seems to speak of just behavior and just treatment. One English dictionary says justice is "the moral principle determining just conduct… the moral principle determining just conduct." Vine on mishpat - This word has two main senses; the first deals with the act of sitting as a judge, hearing a case, and rendering a proper verdict. Eccl. 12:14 is one such occurrence: “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Mishpat can also refer to the “rights” belonging to someone (Ex. 23:6). This second sense carries several nuances: the sphere in which things are in proper relationship to one’s claims (Gen. 18:19—the first occurrence); a judicial verdict (Deut. 17:9); the statement of the case for the accused (Num. 27:5); and an established ordinance (Ex. 21:1). Equity (04339)(meshar) is a masculine noun designating rightness, equity, smoothness. It is found only in the plural. The Septuagint (Lxx) translates meshar with the verb katorthoo which means to cause something to be correct or to come out right (set straight, brought to a successful conclusion). Course (04570 - מַעְגָּלָה) (magal, magalah) is a masculine noun which refers to a track, course or path. In several passages it describes an encampment or circle of a camp (1Sa 17:20, 26:5, 7). Magal refers to either good (God's) paths (Ps 17:5, 23:3, 65:11, Pr 2:9, Pr 4:11) or bad (evil men and women's) path (Pr 2:15, 18, Isa 59:8). Since there are both good and bad paths we must "watch the path of" our feet (Pr 4:26) ever mindful that the Omniscient Eye of the Holy One "watches all (our) paths!" (Pr 5:26). Indeed, let us pray "O Upright One, make the path of the righteous level." (Isa 26:7) The Lxx translates magal in this verse with an interesting, rare Greek noun axon which means an axle and figuratively a course or path. Magal, magalah - 16 verses - especially in Proverbs - NAS Usage: circle of the camp(3), course(1), path(2), paths(5), tracks(2), ways(2), wayside(1). 1 Samuel 17:20 So David arose early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper and took the supplies and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the circle of the camp while the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry. 1 Samuel 26:5 David then arose and came to the place where Saul had camped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army; and Saul was lying in the circle of the camp, and the people were camped around him. 7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping inside the circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. Psalm 17:5 My steps have held fast to Your paths. My feet have not slipped. Psalm 23:3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Psalm 65:11 You have crowned the year with Your bounty, And Your paths drip with fatness. Psalm 140:5 The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside; They have set snares for me. Selah. Proverbs 2:9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course. 15 Whose paths are crooked, And who are devious in their ways; 18 For her house sinks down to death And her tracks lead to the dead; Proverbs 4:11 I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. 26 Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established. Proverbs 5:6 She does not ponder the path of life; Her ways are unstable, she does not know it. 21 For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD, And He watches all his paths. Isaiah 26:7 The way of the righteous is smooth; O Upright One, make the path of the righteous level. Isaiah 59:8 They do not know the way of peace, And there is no justice in their tracks; They have made their paths crooked, Whoever treads on them does not know peace. George Lawson comments on Proverbs 2:10-11 - That we may enjoy the advantages of wisdom, it must enter into our heart, which is naturally disposed to entertain sin and folly; for man, however fond he may be of the reputation of wisdom, is born like the wild ass’s colt. Some receive the words of wisdom into their ears, but understand not what they hear; others hear, and form clear apprehensions of what they hear, so as to be able to talk of them, like Balaam or Judas, and instruct others. But the children of wisdom not only hear and understand, but love the truth. The Spirit of God writes it in the inward part; then it comes to them in power and in the Holy Ghost, and the testimonies of God are received by their spirits with pleasure and joy. Knowledge becomes sweeter than honey dropping from the comb, and is esteemed more than necessary food. Paul counted every thing but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. When Jeremiah found the word of God, he did eat it, and it was to him the joy and rejoicing of his heart. The pleasure that saints take in knowledge, is very different from the transient affection experienced in the word by those hearers whom our Lord compares to stony ground. These false believers were moved and transported by the novelty of the truth, by the prospect of deliverance from hell and possession of heaven which it presented to them, but they had no spiritual apprehensions of its divine glory, nor any deep-rooted affection to it. They still loved the world more than the testimonies of God, and this reigning earthliness of spirit in time choked the beautiful springing of this seed in their souls. But those into whose hearts wisdom enters, have their eyes opened to see its glory, and their affections sanctified to relish its genuine sweetness. They rejoice in the truths that oppose their most darling corruptions. They take pleasure in the way of God’s testimonies, as well as in the glorious prospects which they present. They heartily esteem all God’s precepts concerning all things to be right, and delight in the law of God after the inward man, because it is pure and spiritual. They delight in it, though it forces them to confess that they are carnal, sold under sin. This wisdom entering into their souls, furnishes them with understanding to see their way, and discretion to manage their affairs with prudence and judgment to the end*. This understanding and prudence is an antidote against the poisonous infection of evil men and strange women.—It is, first, a means of preserving us from the snares of bad men. (George Lawson - Exposition of the Book of Proverbs) Proverbs 2:10 For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; Pr 18:1,2; 24:13,14; Job 23:12; Ps 19:10; 104:34; 119:97,103,111,162; Jeremiah 15:16; Colossians 3:16 Wisdom (02451)(chokmah from the verb chakam - to be wise) is the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding. Wisdom is the ability to see something from God’s viewpoint. Wisdom is “God’s character in the many practical affairs of life. Enter your heart - Not so much your head (cp 1Cor 8:1KJV) but heart understanding. Heart (03820)(leb) sometimes refers to a literal heart (Ex 28:29, 1Sa 25:37, 2Ki 9:24), but most often is used figurative to refer to what I term the "control center" of our being. Think of an Air Traffic Controller and how dysfunctional, even destructive it is when the controllers fail to function as they should. Just as a healthy human heart is at the center of the body and absolutely essential for physical life and health, so too a healthy spiritual heart (intellect, emotion, will) is at the center of one's inner being (soul) and is vital for a healthy soul, serving as the "fountain" of all moral attitudes and actions. Our spiritual heart thus controls out actions and our actions determine our habits, which in turn determine our character. When God measures the ''worth'' of a man's life He puts the measuring tape around his heart, not around his head. Be a man after God's Own heart (Acts 13:22) We must continually "post a guard" at the doorway of our heart (Pr 4:23), so that every avenue for sin's entry is blocked. John