Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 4

(g) Seventh Discourse:—Recollections of his Father’s Instructions (Proverbs 4:1–5:6).

A father. —That is, of me, your teacher.

For I was ... son ...— It is not only his own advice that he has to offer; he can tell his disciples of the excellent discipline and teaching he received from his parents in his old home. It may be remarked that the notices of Solomon’s early years which occur in this and the following verses harmonize well with what we know of him from the historical books of the Bible.

Tender.— The epithet applied to Solomon by his father (1 Chronicles 29:1).

Only beloved. —The word yâchîd originally signified an “only” (son), as in Zechariah 12:10. Then it came to mean “beloved as an only son,” and that appears to be the sense of it in Genesis 22:2, as applied to Isaac (for Ishmael was then living), and to Solomon here (for Bath-sheba had other children by David, 1 Chronicles 3:5). In Greek translations it is rendered “only-begotten” and “well-beloved,” epithets applied in their highest sense to Christ (John 1:14; Matthew 3:17).

In the sight of my mother.— Implying her affection, as Genesis 17:18.

He taught me also.— Compare David’s advice to Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:9–10).

Get wisdom, get understanding.—Like the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:46).

Wisdom is the principal thing ...—This may also be translated, The beginning of wisdom is Get (or, to get, compare Proverbs 16:16) wisdom: and with (i.e., at the price of) all you have gotten (your possessions) get understanding.