Proverbs 3:13-15
Verse 13. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom] This refers to the advice given in Pr 2:4; where see the note. See Clarke on Pr 2:4. Verse 14. For the merchandise] sachar, the traffic, the trade that is carried on by going through countries and provinces with such articles as they could carry on the backs of camels, &c.; from sachar, to go about, traverse. Chaffarynge; Old MS. Bible. And the gain thereof] tebuathah, its produce; what is gained by the articles after all expenses are paid. The slaves, as we have already seen, got their liberty if they were so lucky as to find a diamond of so many carats' weight; he who finds wisdom-the knowledge and salvation of God-gets a greater prize; for he obtains the liberty of the Gospel, is adopted into the family of God, and made an heir according to the hope of an eternal life. Verse 15. She is more precious than rubies] mippeninim. The word principally means pearls, but may be taken for precious stones in general. The root is panah, he looked, beheld; and as it gives the idea of the eye always being turned towards the observer, Mr. Parkhurst thinks that it means the loadstone; See Clarke on Job 28:18, where this subject is considered at large. If the oriental ruby, or any other precious stone, be intended here, the word may refer to their being cut and polished, so that they present different faces, and reflect the light to you in whatever direction you may look at them. All the things thou canst desire] Superior to every thing that can be an object of desire here below. But who believes this?
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