Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates reproof is stupid.
2 A good person wins favor from the Lord, but the schemer he condemns.
3 No one is made secure by wickedness, but the root of the just will never be disturbed.
4 A woman of worth is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful one is like rot in his bones.
5 The plans of the just are right; the designs of the wicked are deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush, but the speech of the upright saves them.
7 Overthrow the wicked and they are no more, but the house of the just stands firm.
8 For their good sense people are praised, but the perverse of heart are despised.
9 Better to be slighted and have a servant than put on airs and lack bread.
These verses collectively emphasize the importance of righteousness, wisdom, and integrity, contrasting them with wickedness and deceit's instability and ultimate failure.
Verse 1 contrasts the attitudes towards discipline and correction. Loving discipline is equated with a love for knowledge, implying that true wisdom involves accepting and valuing correction. In this case, the Hebrew term for "stupid" suggests moral insensitivity or brutishness, emphasizing the folly of rejecting correction.
Verse 2 highlights the divine preference for goodness and integrity. The "favor from the LORD" can be seen as both temporal blessings and spiritual grace. The wicked face divine condemnation for their schemes.
Verse 3 warns that wickedness offers no firm foundation, implying that any success it brings is temporary and unstable. In contrast, the "root of the righteous" symbolizes stability and endurance, rooted in a life aligned with God's will. The reward for the righteous is prosperity, while the reward for the wicked is failure. The good person is made secure in God’s grace even to succeeding generations, but the wicked person is condemned. The one who is disciplined accepts the traditions of the community.
Verse 4 In a patriarchal society, women were in service to the male of the household; first to their father and then to their husband. If they were not married, they served their brother. A good wife follows the rules of the household and the dictates of the community and brings divine blessing (a crown) and praise to her husband. A woman who does not follow the rules brings her husband inner pain (rot) and disgrace to the household (Prov. 31:10-31).
Verse 5 - Righteous individuals make plans grounded in justice, reflecting their moral character. In contrast, the advice of the wicked is characterized by deceit; their guidance cannot be trusted and leads to harmful outcomes. The plans of the just will succeed but the plans of the wicked will fail
Verse 6 - Wicked individuals use their words to entrap and harm others, indicating malicious intent. Conversely, the upright use their speech to save and protect, highlighting the life-giving power of righteous communication.
Verse 7 – The success of the wicked is temporary and leads to their ultimate downfall. In contrast, the "house of the righteous" remains secure and enduring, underscoring the lasting stability of a righteous life.
Verse 8 - Insight and understanding are qualities that bring praise and admiration from others. In contrast, a "warped mind," which may suggest moral or intellectual corruption, leads to contempt and scorn.
Verse 9 - It is better to live a modest, hardworking life than to pretend to be something one is not and suffer for it (Ecclus. 10:27).
Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to love Your discipline and seek Your knowledge. Help us to walk in righteousness securing Your favor and standing firm in Your truth. May we be humble and diligent in all we do. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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Sources:
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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