1779-1853
Lectures on the Book of Proverbs
Scottish Preacher and Theologian
Description | Links | Proverbs |
Ralph Wardlaw was an eloquent preacher, one of the most eminent ministers in the Scottish Congregationalist church. He was also an able theologian and prolific writer. His commentary on Proverbs is one that all readers will find most uplifting. His commentary was published in two volumes. These excerpts are from volume one, which has 482 pages and ends with Proverbs 14:24. We have selected sections that are particularly helpful and practical, and will continue posting selected proverbs until the table is complete. The full bibliographic information is as follows: Ralph Wardlaw, Lectures on the Book of Proverbs, vol. I (A. Fullarton & Co., 1869). Click the link to read Wardlaw’s comments on the specified proverb. Note: The text has not been modified, except for some condensation and light paraphrasing for clarity. Also, punctuation and KJV era pronouns and verb forms have been modernized, long paragraphs have been divided, and the NKJV has been used for most quotations. | Chapter 1 | 1:5 — “A wise man will hear and increase learning” |
Chapter 2 | 2:1-5 — “If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of Yahweh” | |
Chapter 3 | 3:3-4 — “Let not mercy and truth forsake you” | |
Chapter 4 | 4:12 — “When you walk, your steps will not be hindered” | |
Chapter 5, 7 | 5:3-11 — “For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. . . . Remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house, lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one; lest aliens be filled with your wealth, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner; and you mourn at last, when your flesh and your body are consumed” | |
Chapter 6 | 6:6-11 — “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise” | |
Chapter 8 | 8:1 — “Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice?” | |
Chapter 9 | 9:7-12 — “He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. . . . If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone” | |
Chapter 10 | 10:1 — “A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother” | |
Chapter 11 | 11:12 — “He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace” | |
Chapter 12 | 12:15-16 — “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise” Chapter 13 | |
Chapter 13 | Not yet posted | |
Chapter 14 | Not yet posted | |
Chapter 14 | Not yet posted |