Proverbs 2:3

Footnotes

1. 9 Both particles retain their individual meanings, otherwise the verse would begin with a strong adversative and be a contrast to what has been said.
2. 10 Heb “summon.”
3. 11 The noun recalls the second purpose of the book (1:2). It is also cognate to the last word of 2:2, forming a transition. The two objects of the prepositions in this verse are actually personifications, as if they could be summoned.
4. 12 Heb “give your voice”; the expression is idiomatic for raising or lifting the voice to make a sound that carries further (e.g., Jer 2:15). This deliberate expression indicates that something significant is being uttered. J. H. Greenstone says, “If it [understanding] does not come at your first call, raise your voice to a higher pitch, put forth greater efforts” (Proverbs, 17).