There is much in Chapter 2 that echoes Chapter 1 and reaffirms certain principles laid out therein. I highlight some of these below.
1. Listen to Instruction. As noted in Proverbs 1:8 (ESV) you must hear by "making your ear attentive to wisdom" (Proverbs 2:2 ESV). Oftentimes we hear but we don't listen. If we don't listen, that is if we don't receive the words into our heart and mind and consider them, they will be like the seeds scattered by the way that the birds came and plucked away. To listen to a word is to allow it inside of us to do its work, to allow it to be planted in our hearts that it may grow and bear fruit.
2. Watch the Company You Keep. We are warned from "men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways" (Proverbs 2:15 ESV) and previously told in Chapter 1 in regards to them "do not consent" (Proverbs 1:10 ESV). Now, this warning is extended to someone else, "the forbidden woman...with her smooth words" (Proverbs 2:16 ESV). The sin of adultery is a grievous sin and we should be careful as to our associations with the opposite sex lest we fall into it. Some have also considered this a metaphorical warning against idolatry (see Matthew Henry's commentary) and I think this interpretation is apt and, further, that all warnings about associating with the wicked are warnings against idolatry because we are choosing to leave our fellowship with God to fellowship with another and, as we know, the Lord is jealous and will not tolerate such things (Exodus 34:14).
3. There is a Reward for the Wise. There is safety and security in wisdom as we see mentioned in Chapter 1 (Proverbs 1:33 ESV), "[f]or the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it" (Proverbs 2:21 ESV). The concept of safety for the righteous and destruction for the wicked is present throughout the Bible, particularly in many psalms and of course the Book of Revelation. This is to say that one is not wise just for one's own sake but that the getting of wisdom has practical implications and rewards that will bear fruit in our lives today.
-------------------------------------End of Part 1
*ESV=English Standard Version
1. Listen to Instruction. As noted in Proverbs 1:8 (ESV) you must hear by "making your ear attentive to wisdom" (Proverbs 2:2 ESV). Oftentimes we hear but we don't listen. If we don't listen, that is if we don't receive the words into our heart and mind and consider them, they will be like the seeds scattered by the way that the birds came and plucked away. To listen to a word is to allow it inside of us to do its work, to allow it to be planted in our hearts that it may grow and bear fruit.
2. Watch the Company You Keep. We are warned from "men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways" (Proverbs 2:15 ESV) and previously told in Chapter 1 in regards to them "do not consent" (Proverbs 1:10 ESV). Now, this warning is extended to someone else, "the forbidden woman...with her smooth words" (Proverbs 2:16 ESV). The sin of adultery is a grievous sin and we should be careful as to our associations with the opposite sex lest we fall into it. Some have also considered this a metaphorical warning against idolatry (see Matthew Henry's commentary) and I think this interpretation is apt and, further, that all warnings about associating with the wicked are warnings against idolatry because we are choosing to leave our fellowship with God to fellowship with another and, as we know, the Lord is jealous and will not tolerate such things (Exodus 34:14).
3. There is a Reward for the Wise. There is safety and security in wisdom as we see mentioned in Chapter 1 (Proverbs 1:33 ESV), "[f]or the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it" (Proverbs 2:21 ESV). The concept of safety for the righteous and destruction for the wicked is present throughout the Bible, particularly in many psalms and of course the Book of Revelation. This is to say that one is not wise just for one's own sake but that the getting of wisdom has practical implications and rewards that will bear fruit in our lives today.
-------------------------------------End of Part 1
*ESV=English Standard Version
