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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 2:1 My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/2-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/20_Pro_02_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 2:1 - The Benefits of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you," /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />My son, if you will receive my sayings, And treasure my commandments within you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, if thou wilt receive my words, And lay up my commandments with thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My child, you must follow and treasure my teachings and my instructions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and lay up my commandments with thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />My son, if you take my words [to heart] and treasure my commands within you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />My child, learn what I teach you and never forget what I tell you to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, if you accept my words, and treasure my instructions —<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />My child, if you receive my words, and store up my commands within you, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />My son, if you will receive my words, and store up my commandments within you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />My son, if you will receive my words, and store up my commandments within you, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, if you accept my sayings, "" And lay up my commands with you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> My son, if thou dost accept my sayings, And my commands dost lay up with thee,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and wilt hide my commands with thee;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and wilt hide my commandments with thee, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />My son, if you would accept my words, and conceal my commandments within you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />My son, if you receive my words and treasure my commands, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />MY son, if you will receive my words and hide my commandments in your heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />My son, if you receive my words, and hide my commandments in your heart<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />My son, if thou wilt receive my words, And lay up my commandments with thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>My</i> son, if thou wilt receive the utterance of my commandment, and hide it with thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/2-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=220" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm">The Benefits of Wisdom</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">My son,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: tiq·qaḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">you accept</a> <a href="/hebrew/561.htm" title="561: ’ă·mā·rāy (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Speech, word. From 'amar; something said.">my words</a> <a href="/hebrew/6845.htm" title="6845: tiṣ·pōn (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to hide; by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically to protect, to lurk.">and hide</a> <a href="/hebrew/4687.htm" title="4687: ū·miṣ·wō·ṯay (Conj-w:: N-fpc:: 1cs) -- Commandment. From tsavah; a command, whether human or divine.">my commandments</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tāḵ (Prep:: 2ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">within you,</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a></span><br />Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a></span><br />Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15-17</a></span><br />From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. / All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Psalm 119:9-11</a></span><br />How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word. / With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. / I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-97.htm">Psalm 119:97-100</a></span><br />Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation. / Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. / I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a></span><br />These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-8.htm">Joshua 1:8</a></span><br />This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-23.htm">John 14:23</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm">1 Peter 2:2</a></span><br />Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a></span><br />For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></span><br />For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1-3</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7-11</a></span><br />The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-2.htm">Isaiah 55:2-3</a></span><br />Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. / Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">My son, if you will receive my words, and hide my commandments with you;</p><p class="hdg">hide</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Proverbs 3:1</a></b></br> My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20-22</a></b></br> My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-21.htm">Proverbs 6:21</a></b></br> Bind them continually upon thine heart, <i>and</i> tie them about thy neck.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/1-30.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/psalms/119-176.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/psalms/119-176.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-23.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/143-9.htm">Hide</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-18.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/psalms/144-3.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-3.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/psalms/144-13.htm">Store</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-11.htm">Storing</a> <a href="/psalms/135-4.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/psalms/142-7.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/psalms/147-13.htm">Within</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-30.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/4-10.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-2.htm">Hide</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-1.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-17.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-10.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-16.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-7.htm">Store</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-8.htm">Storing</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-4.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-20.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-21.htm">Within</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">wisdom promises godliness to her children</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm">and safety from evil company</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-20.htm">and direction in good ways</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>My son</b><br>This phrase indicates a paternal or mentoring relationship, suggesting wisdom is being passed from a father to a son or a teacher to a student. It reflects the familial structure of ancient Israelite society, where wisdom and instruction were often conveyed within the family unit. This approach is consistent with the broader biblical theme of God as a Father to His people (e.g., <a href="/deuteronomy/32-6.htm">Deuteronomy 32:6</a>, <a href="/isaiah/64-8.htm">Isaiah 64:8</a>).<p><b>if you accept my words</b><br>The conditional "if" introduces the idea of choice and personal responsibility. Acceptance implies not just hearing but receiving and valuing the teachings. This echoes the biblical principle of free will and the importance of choosing to follow God's ways (<a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19</a>). The "words" refer to divine wisdom, which is consistent with the emphasis on the power and importance of God's Word throughout Scripture (<a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a>, <a href="/john/1.htm">John 1:1</a>).<p><b>and hide my commandments within you</b><br>"Hiding" commandments suggests internalizing and treasuring them, much like the psalmist who says, "I have hidden your word in my heart" (<a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a>). This internalization is crucial for spiritual growth and moral integrity. The commandments are not merely rules but are seen as life-giving instructions from God, reflecting His character and will. This phrase also foreshadows the New Covenant promise where God's laws are written on the hearts of believers (<a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a>, <a href="/hebrews/8-10.htm">Hebrews 8:10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He is addressing his son, which can be understood as a literal son or a figurative representation of a disciple or follower.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_son.htm">The Son</a></b><br>Represents the reader or the one receiving wisdom. In a broader sense, it can be any believer seeking to grow in understanding and righteousness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes books like Job and Ecclesiastes. These writings focus on practical and moral teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_acceptance.htm">The Importance of Acceptance</a></b><br>Accepting God's words is the first step in gaining wisdom. It requires an open heart and a willingness to be taught and transformed by divine truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/internalization_of_commandments.htm">Internalization of Commandments</a></b><br>Hiding God's commandments within us means more than memorization; it involves making them a part of our daily lives and decisions. This internalization leads to spiritual growth and moral integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_intentionality.htm">The Role of Intentionality</a></b><br>The use of "if" suggests a conditional promise. It highlights the need for intentional effort in seeking wisdom. We must actively choose to pursue and cherish God's teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_parent-child_relationship.htm">The Parent-Child Relationship</a></b><br>The father-son dynamic in this verse underscores the importance of mentorship and discipleship in the faith journey. Spiritual growth often occurs within the context of community and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_love_always_involve_trust.htm">Does love always involve trust?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_2's_similarity_affect_its_divinity.htm">If Proverbs 2 shares thematic similarities with other ancient wisdom texts, does that undermine its uniqueness or divine origin?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/have_you_tested_everything_thoroughly.htm">Have you tested everything thoroughly?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'maskil'_mean_in_the_bible.htm">What does "maskil" mean in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><span class= "bld">II.</span><p>(c) <span class= "ital">Third Discourse:</span>--<span class= "ital">An Exhortation to follow after Wisdom </span>(Proverbs 2).<p>(1) <span class= "bld">Hide</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>store up. (Comp. <a href="/proverbs/2-4.htm" title="If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures;">Proverbs 2:4</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 1-22.</span> - 3. <span class="accented">Third admonitory discourse, pointing out the benefits which arise from a sincere, earnest, and persevering search after Wisdom.</span> This discourse divides itself into three parts. <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> Vers. 1-9: a statement of the conditions which, if fulfilled, result in the highest knowledge of Jehovah - the fear of Jehovah and the knowledge of God, who is the Source of wisdom and the Protection and Ensurer of safety to the righteous. <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> Vers. 10-19: the negatively beneficial results of Wisdom, in delivery from the paths of evil, from destructive lusts and passions, from the temptations of wicked men and wicked women. <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> Vers. 20-22: the epilogue, or conclusion, combining encouragement on the one hand, and warning on the other. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - The teacher here reverts to the original form of his address, as appears from the employment of the term, <span class="cmt_word">my son</span>. It seems clear that it is no longer Wisdom personified who is the speaker, from the fact that the words, "wisdom and understanding" in ver. 2 are used without the possessive pronoun "my," which would have been undoubtedly inserted if this address had been a continuation of the discourse in the preceding chapter. Some of the ideas of that address, however, are restated, as the crying and lifting up the voice after Wisdom, and the conclusion, wherein the respective destinies of the pious and wicked are portrayed. The particle "if" (<span class="hebrew">אֵם</span>) is conditional, and serves to introduce the series of clauses (vers. 1-4) which lay down the conditions upon which the promises depend, and which form the protasis to the double apodosis in vers. 5 and 9. De Wette, Meyer, and Delitzsch regard it as voluntative, as expressing a wish on the part of the teacher, and translate, "Oh that thou wouldst!" and <span class="hebrew">אִם</span>, "if," is used in this way in <a href="/psalms/139-19.htm">Psalm 139:19</a>; but the LXX. (<span class="greek">ἐάν</span>) and Vulgate (<span class="accented">si</span>) make it conditional. It is repeated in an emphatic form in ver. 3. <span class="cmt_word">Receive</span>. The verbs "receive" and "hide" show that the endeavour after Wisdom is to be candid and sincere. "To receive" (<span class="hebrew">לָקַה</span>) seems to be here used, like the LXX. <span class="greek">δεχέσθαι</span> in the sense of "to receive graciously," "to admit the words of Wisdom." It is noticeable that there is a gradation in emphasis in the various terms here used by the teacher. Just as "commandments" is stronger than "words," so "hide" is stronger than "receive." The emphasizing is carried on in the following verses in the same way, and at length culminates in ver. 4, which sums up the ardent spirit in which the search after Wisdom is to be prosecuted in presenting it to us in its strongest form. <span class="cmt_word">Hide</span>. The original (<span class="hebrew">צַפַן</span>, <span class="accented">tsaphan</span>) is here used in a different sense to that in which it occurs in <a href="/proverbs/1-11.htm">Proverbs 1:11</a> and 18. It here refers, as in <a href="/proverbs/7-1.htm">Proverbs 7:1</a>; <a href="/proverbs/10-14.htm">Proverbs 10:14</a>; and Proverbs 13:22, to the storing or laying up, as of treasure, in some secret repository, and means "to lay up." The Divine commands of the teacher are to be hidden in safe custody in the memory, in the understanding, in the conscience, and in the heart (cf. <a href="/proverbs/4-21.htm">Proverbs 4:21</a>; <a href="/proverbs/7-1.htm">Proverbs 7:1</a>). The psalmist expresses the same idea in <a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a>, "Thy words have I <span class="accented">hid</span> in my heart, that I might not sin against thee." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/2-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">My son,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֭נִי</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you accept</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּקַּ֣ח</span> <span class="translit">(tiq·qaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my words</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲמָרָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·mā·rāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_561.htm">Strong's 561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something said</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and hide</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּצְפֹּ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(tiṣ·pōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6845.htm">Strong's 6845: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hide, to hoard, reserve, to deny, to protect, to lurk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my commandments</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝מִצְוֺתַ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·miṣ·wō·ṯay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4687.htm">Strong's 4687: </a> </span><span class="str2">Commandment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">within you,</span><br /><span class="heb">אִתָּֽךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’it·tāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 2:1 My son if you will receive my (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/1-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 1:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 1:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 2:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 2:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>