and for receiving instruction in wise living
The phrase "receiving instruction in wise living" emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom for practical daily life. In the biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a skillful application of God's principles. The Hebrew word for wisdom, "chokmah," often refers to the ability to make godly choices. This aligns with the teachings found in the book of James, where wisdom is described as pure, peace-loving, considerate, and full of mercy (James 3:17). The ancient Near Eastern culture highly valued wisdom literature, as seen in other biblical books like Job and Ecclesiastes, which also explore themes of wisdom and understanding. The pursuit of wisdom is a recurring theme throughout Proverbs, urging believers to live in a way that honors God and benefits others.

and in righteousness
"Righteousness" in this context refers to living in a way that is morally right and just according to God's standards. The Hebrew word "tsedaqah" conveys a sense of ethical conduct and integrity. Righteousness is a key attribute of God, as seen in passages like Psalm 11:7, which states that the Lord is righteous and loves justice. In the New Testament, righteousness is further expounded upon as being fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). The call to righteousness is a call to reflect God's character in our actions and decisions, aligning with the biblical mandate to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).

justice
The term "justice" here is about fairness and the equitable treatment of others. In the biblical sense, justice involves upholding what is right and correcting what is wrong. The Hebrew word "mishpat" is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's just nature and His desire for His people to act justly. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this by stating that God requires His people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. Justice is a central theme in the prophetic books, where the prophets often rebuke Israel for failing to uphold justice, especially towards the poor and marginalized. In the New Testament, Jesus embodies perfect justice, and His teachings often challenge societal norms to reflect God's justice (Matthew 23:23).

and equity
"Equity" refers to fairness and impartiality, ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The Hebrew word "meyshar" suggests a level path or evenness, symbolizing fairness in judgment and treatment. This concept is closely related to justice but emphasizes the impartial application of laws and principles. In biblical history, leaders like King Solomon were renowned for their equitable judgments, as seen in the famous account of the two women claiming the same child (1 Kings 3:16-28). Equity is a reflection of God's character, who shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11) and calls His followers to do the same. The pursuit of equity is a call to reflect God's fairness in our interactions and decisions, ensuring that we uphold the dignity and worth of every person.

1. Solomon
- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.

2. Israel
- The primary audience for the Proverbs, representing God's chosen people who were to live according to His laws.

3. Wisdom Literature
- Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical teachings for living a life that honors God.The Importance of Instruction
Emphasize the necessity of being open to receiving instruction. In a conservative Christian perspective, this means valuing the teachings of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Living Wisely
Wise living involves making decisions that reflect God's character. This includes being prudent, discerning, and thoughtful in our daily actions.

Pursuing Righteousness
Righteousness is about aligning our lives with God's standards. It involves moral integrity and a commitment to living according to biblical principles.

Commitment to Justice and Equity
Justice and equity are about treating others fairly and advocating for what is right. Christians are called to reflect God's justice in their interactions with others.

Practical Application of Wisdom
Encourage believers to apply wisdom in practical ways, such as in their relationships, work, and community involvement, ensuring that their actions reflect God's righteousness and justice.(3) To receive the instruction of wisdom.--To take in, or appropriate, the "discipline" which results in "prudence" (hask?l) or practical wisdom; so David "behaved himself wisely" (1Samuel 18:5).

Equity.--Literally, what is straight, so true, honest.

Verse 3. - To receive the instruction of wisdom. This verse carries on the statement of the design of the Proverbs. To receive; Hebrew, לְקַחַת (lakakhath), not the same word as "to know" (לָדַּעַת), in ver. 2, though regarded as synonymous with it by Delitzsch. Its meaning is well represented by the LXX. δέξασθαι, and the Authorized Version "to receive." The Hebrew, לָקַחַת, is infinitive, and means properly "to take, or lay hold of," hence "to receive," Greek, δέχομαι, No doubt it conveys the idea of intellectual reception (cf. Proverbs 2:1). The instruction of wisdom; Hebrew, מוּסַר הַשְׂכֵּל (musar has'kel); i.e. the discipline or moral training which leads on to reason, intelligence, or wisdom (as Hitzig, Fuerst, Zockler); or discipline full of insight, discernment, or thoughtfulness (as Umbreit, Ewald, Delitzsch). The phrase does not mean the wisdom which instruction imparts. The word musar occurs here in a slightly different sense from its use in ver. 2; there it is objective, here its meaning as a medium for the attainment of wisdom is more distinctly brought out. Wisdom (haskel) is properly "thoughtfulness" (so Umbreit. Ewald, Delitzsch, Plumptre). It is strictly the infinitive absolute of שָׂכַל (sakal), "to entwine or involve," and as a substantive it stands for the thinking through of a subject, so "thoughtfulness." The LXX. renders this sentence, δέξασθαί τε στροφὰς, which St. Jerome understands as "versutias sermonum et solutiones aenigmatum" ("the cunning or craftiness of words and the explication of enigmas"). Justice, and judgment, and equity. These words seem to be the unfolding of the meaning contained in the expression, "the instruction of wisdom." Holden regards the last four words as objective genitives dependent on "instruction," but wrongly. Cornelius a Laplde states that "justice and judgment and equity" indicate the same thing in different aspects. "Justice stands for the thing itself - that which is just; judgment in respect of right reason, which says it is just; and equity in respect of its being agreeable to the Law of God." Justice; Hebrew, צֶדֶק (tsedek), from the root צָדַק (tsadak), "to be right, or straight;" in a moral sense it means "rectitude," "right," as in Isaiah 15:2 (Gesenius). The underlying idea is that of straightness. Heidenheim, quoted by Delitzsch, maintains that in tsedek the conception of the justum prevails; but the latter enlarges its meaning, and holds that it also has the idea of a mode of thought and action regulated, not by the letter of the Law, but by love, as in Isaiah 41:2; Isaiah 42:6. Plumptre thinks "righteousness" would be a better translation of the word, on the ground that the Hebrew includes the ideas of truth and beneficence. Compare with this the LXX. δικαιοσύνη. Zockler also renders "righteousness," i.e. "that which is in accord with the will and ordinances of God as Supreme Judge." In the Authorized Version, in Proverbs 2:9, where we have the same collocation of words, tsedek is translated "righteousness;" cf. Proverbs 12:17, "He who utters truth shows forth righteousness (tsedek)." Judgment; Hebrew, מְשְׁפָּט (mish'pat), from the root שָׁפַּט (shapat), "to adjust, judge," corresponds with the Hebrew in meaning; it is the delivery of a correct judgment on human actions. Compare the LXX. κρίμα κατευθύνειν. Equity; i.e. rectitude in thought and action (Delitzsch), or integrity (Zockler). This quality expresses upright demeanour or honoumble action on one's own part individually, while "judgment" has regard both to our own and the actions of others. The Hebrew, mesharim (מֵשָׁרִים), used only in the plural, is from the root יָשַׁר (yashar), "to be straight or even," and is equal to "uprightness." The plural form is reproduced in the marginal reading "equities;" comp. Psalm 17:2, "Let thine eyes beheld the things that are equal (mesharim)." The Vulgate reads aequitas and the Syriae rectitudo. The two ideas in judgment and equity appear to be expressed in the LXX. by the phrase. κρίμα κατευθύνειν.

Parallel Commentaries ...


to receive
לָ֭קַחַת (lā·qa·ḥaṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3947: To take

instruction
מוּסַ֣ר (mū·sar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4148: Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint

in wise living,
הַשְׂכֵּ֑ל (haś·kêl)
Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7919: To be, circumspect, intelligent

in righteousness,
צֶ֥דֶק (ṣe·ḏeq)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity

justice,
וּ֝מִשְׁפָּ֗ט (ū·miš·pāṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

and equity,
וּמֵישָׁרִֽים׃ (ū·mê·šā·rîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4339: Evenness, prosperity, concord, straightness, rectitude


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:3 To receive instruction in wise dealing (Prov. Pro Pr)