Proverbs 2 Commentary

These are the proverbs of Solomon, one of the most renowned kings in the history of Israel. The word translated “proverb” is the Hebrew word “mashal.” The root of the word contains the idea of “compare”—it is translated throughout Scripture as “parable” just as often as “proverb.”

This gives us some insight into the nature of these sayings. Proverbs are not prescriptions. It is not about a formula for how to manipulate circumstances and bend them to our will. That might be wishful thinking, but doesn’t work in reality. The proverbs are, in a sense, “comparing” our human perceptions to the reality of God’s world; trying to connect the two by providing principles that shape our perspective and inform our choices such that we live constructively—that is to say, wisely.

Like parables, the proverbs are meant to guide us “to wisdom”, that is, into a way of living. A way of thinking and perceiving. It is about molding and shaping our perceptions, values, and character into something that is consistently in tune with God, not just as a rule-follower but as someone who understands and practices the essence of the divine. One who sees the world through God’s eyes, and acts accordingly.

Ecclesiastes might be thought of as a philosophical foundation for wisdom. It shows the way to properly view the many aspects of life we cannot control, the “hebel” or vaporous nature of all that surrounds us. The main thing Ecclesiastes shows us is the importance of choosing to trust God, and make good choices based on that trust.

Proverbs will reiterate the philosophical foundations of Ecclesiastes, then zoom in and expand upon the practical application of trusting God and choosing a true perspective within certain areas of life. Proverbs leads us to choose a true perspective in all areas of life, and creates a foundation from which we can choose actions that are constructive, beneficial, and fulfilling.

There are only three things we control in life: who we trust, our perspective, and what we do—our actions. Ecclesiastes makes this reality abundantly clear. Trying to control what we cannot leads to complete futility. Trusting God, however, provides a foundation for constructive living. Proverbs teaches us how best to steward the choices we have—how to trust God, how to choose His perspective, and the key actions to take that lead us to the path of wisdom.

Chapter 2 is an extension of Solomon’s introduction to The Book of Proverbs. In it, he continues to establish the intrinsic value of wisdom. Wisdom is the key to living life well. The opposing force to wisdom is evil. The destructive power of wickedness undermines reality and truth (the pillars of wisdom). Foolishness is the first step toward wickedness, the gateway into evil.

Chapter 2 is a poem in two parts. The first part focuses on the benefits of wisdom and the second on the dangers of wickedness, with a summary conclusion in the final two verses.

Solomon continues to explore the paradox of pursuing wisdom. The knowledge of how to live wisely begins with admitting we are incapable of knowing reality apart from faith. Without faith, the “hebel” (the vaporous reality Solomon speaks of in Ecclesiastes) cannot be made sense of. All efforts to do so will lead to futility.

The resolution of this paradox requires letting go of the illusion that we can gain comprehensive understanding on our own. We must receive wisdom solely as a gift from God. It is a gift received by faith. Yet, once we receive wisdom, we must be good stewards of it, which requires making good choices. In the latter vein, Solomon calls us to take ownership over implementing the principles of wisdom in our lives. To act on the perspectives we are urged to believe, and make good choices. Wisdom comes from a pattern of consistently good choices, just like walking a path requires a series of effective steps.

The way (or path) of wisdom is the alignment of our single, significant life with the cosmic, eternal design of all things. Wickedness is not a natural adversary, an equal but negative force; it is simply a perversion. Evil cannot create; it can only derail the created order. And it tries to do that very thing insistently by preying upon our thoughts and perceptions, leading to self-destructive choices.

Clinging to wisdom is a process of receiving truth from God and deciding to steward it intentionally, rather than giving in to the seductions of wickedness and the falsity of a perverted course.

The Bible Project - Proverbs Summary