2:1 My child See 1:8; note on 1:8–9:18.

2:4 you seek her like silver Job 28 describes wisdom as something that cannot be found, unlike silver and other precious metals or stones. See Job 28:1–28 and note.

2:5 the fear of Yahweh Searching for wisdom results in a better understanding of the fear of Yahweh (see note on Prov 1:7). Wisdom and the fear of Yahweh are closely connected; elsewhere, the fear of Yahweh gives wisdom (15:33).

Fearing God in the Old Testament

2:6 Yahweh will give wisdom Wisdom comes from Yahweh, the only one who fully understands it and knows its origins (Job 28:23–28).

2:7 For the upright Yahweh gives wisdom to the upright, who live with integrity. These terms are also used to describe Job. See Job 1:1 and note.

2:8 saints The Hebrew word used here, chasid, comes from the word chesed, which describes a faithful, covenantal love (compare 1 Sam 2:9; Psa 86:2; Exod 20:6 and note).

Chesed Word Study

2:9 righteousness and justice and uprightness Wisdom enables people to understand and walk in these qualities. See note on Prov 1:3.

2:11 Discretion will watch over you Discretion and understanding serve as defenses against evil. See v. 2; note on 1:2; note on 1:4.

Wisdom and Related Terms

2:12 who speaks devious things The Hebrew word used here describes dishonest and wicked speech (10:32; 16:28). Perverted speech—the enemy of wisdom and Yahweh (8:13)—will ultimately be cut off (10:31).

2:14 those who are happy to do evil The foolish and wicked enjoy evil (10:23).

2:16 a strange woman Wisdom preserves its keepers from the temptations of the forbidden woman and the adulteress.

2:17 has forgotten the covenant of her God In violating her commitment to her husband, the adulteress violates the covenant of God (Exod 20:14; Mal 2:14).

Covenants in the Old Testament Table

2:18 the dead The Hebrew word used here, repha'im, refers to the spirits of the dead in the underworld, where they have a shadowy existence (compare Prov 21:16; Job 26:5; Psa 88:11; Isa 14:9). See note on Job 14:13.