Why Read This Commentary?

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Proverb

Proverbs is a very practical book. According to Gleason Archer, the purpose of the book of Proverbs is to instruct in the principles of wisdom. Well, what is "wisdom"? How will it help us live our lives? Archer writes,

"[Wisdom] pertains not so much to the realm of theoretical knowledge or philosophy as to a proper grasp of the basic issues of life and of the relationship of God to man as a moral agent...[It] involves a proper discernment between good and evil, between virtue and vice, between duty and self-indulgence. It also includes prudence in secular matters and a skill in the accomplishment of business affairs as well as in the handling of people. It implies an ability to apply consistently that which we know to that which we have to do" (A Survey of Old Testament Introduction).

Charles Bridges, preacher and theologian, was a leader of the Evangelical Party in the Church of England. Today he is remembered primarily for two commentaries. His Exposition of Psalm 119 went through at least twenty-four printings during his lifetime. Charles Spurgeon reportedly said that it was "worth its weight in gold." Spurgeon had equally high accolades for Bridges' commentary on Proverbs: he called it "the best work on the Proverbs."

An Exposition of the Book of Proverbs is a large commentary. We have selected various well-known proverbs in addition to others that are particularly helpful and practical.

Click the link to read Bridges' comments on a given Proverb.

Proverbs 3:27-28

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it," when you have it with you.

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.

Proverbs 10:19

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Proverbs 11:1

Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight.

Proverbs 11:24-25

There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.

Proverbs 11:30

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

Proverbs 12:10

A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Proverbs 13:4

The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 13:10

Only by pride comes contention, but with the well-advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:24

He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

Proverbs 14:14

The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.

Proverbs 14:17

A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated.

Proverbs 14:25

A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies.

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 16:1

The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

Proverbs 16:7

When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 16:14-15

As messengers of death is the king's wrath, but a wise man will appease it. In the light of the king's face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.

Proverbs 16:18-19

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 17:6

Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.

Proverbs 18:8

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the inmost body.

Proverbs 20:18

Plans are established by counsel; by wise counsel wage war.

Proverbs 21:1

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; he turns it wherever he wishes.

Proverbs 21:2

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.

Proverbs 28:3

A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no food.

Proverbs 29:11

A fool utters all his mind, but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards.