who abandons the partner of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God. who abandonsThe Hebrew root for "abandons" is "עזב" (azab), which conveys a sense of forsaking or leaving behind. In the context of Proverbs, this word often implies a deliberate choice to turn away from something valuable or sacred. The act of abandonment here is not merely physical but also spiritual and emotional, indicating a profound breach of trust and commitment. This highlights the gravity of forsaking one's responsibilities and the relational bonds that are meant to be enduring. the partner of her youth
The phrase "partner of her youth" refers to a spouse, specifically the husband to whom a woman was married in her younger years. In ancient Israelite culture, marriage was a covenantal relationship, deeply rooted in mutual love, respect, and fidelity. The term "youth" emphasizes the long-standing nature of this relationship, suggesting that it was established during a time of innocence and hope. This phrase underscores the tragedy and betrayal involved in abandoning such a foundational relationship, which was intended to last a lifetime. and forgets
The Hebrew word for "forgets" is "שכח" (shakach), which implies more than a mere lapse in memory. It suggests a willful neglect or disregard. In the biblical context, forgetting often involves a failure to remember one's obligations or the divine laws. This forgetfulness is not passive but an active choice to ignore or dismiss what should be held sacred and central to one's life. the covenant of her God
The term "covenant" (ברית, berit) is a significant biblical concept, denoting a solemn agreement or promise, often initiated by God with His people. In this context, it refers to the divine laws and commitments that govern moral and spiritual conduct. The "covenant of her God" implies a personal and communal relationship with God, characterized by faithfulness and obedience. Forgetting this covenant indicates a spiritual decline and a turning away from the divine principles that should guide one's life. This phrase serves as a warning against the dangers of spiritual infidelity and the consequences of neglecting one's relationship with God. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Partner of Her YouthThis phrase refers to the spouse or husband that a woman marries in her younger years. In the context of ancient Israel, marriage was a covenantal relationship, deeply rooted in commitment and faithfulness. 2. The Covenant of Her GodThis refers to the sacred agreement or promise made before God, often symbolizing the marriage vows. In the Hebrew context, covenants were solemn and binding, involving God as a witness and enforcer of the agreement. 3. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding, warning against the dangers of unfaithfulness and folly. 4. Ancient IsraelThe cultural and religious backdrop of Proverbs, where marriage was not only a personal commitment but also a community and religious covenant. 5. Wisdom LiteratureProverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes teachings on how to live a life pleasing to God, emphasizing moral and ethical conduct. Teaching Points The Sanctity of MarriageMarriage is a sacred covenant before God, not just a social contract. It requires commitment, faithfulness, and mutual respect. The Consequences of UnfaithfulnessAbandoning one's spouse and breaking the marriage covenant leads to spiritual and relational consequences. It is a departure from God's design and wisdom. The Role of Wisdom in RelationshipsWisdom guides us to honor our commitments and live in a way that reflects God's faithfulness. Seeking wisdom helps us maintain healthy and godly relationships. The Importance of Remembering CovenantsForgetting the covenant with God leads to moral and spiritual decline. Regularly renewing our commitment to God and our spouse is crucial. God as the Witness of CovenantsGod is an active witness in our covenants, holding us accountable. Recognizing His presence in our commitments encourages us to uphold them with integrity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the cultural context of marriage in ancient Israel enhance our appreciation of Proverbs 2:17? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of faithfulness in marriage to other areas of our lives, such as friendships or work commitments? 3. How do the teachings in Malachi 2:14-16 and Matthew 19:4-6 reinforce the message of Proverbs 2:17? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we remember and honor our covenants with God and others? 5. How can seeking wisdom from God help us maintain and strengthen our relationships, particularly in marriage? Connections to Other Scriptures Malachi 2:14-16This passage discusses the faithlessness of a man who deals treacherously with the wife of his youth, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in marriage and the covenant with God. Matthew 19:4-6Jesus speaks about the sanctity of marriage, emphasizing that what God has joined together, no one should separate, reinforcing the idea of marriage as a divine covenant. Ephesians 5:22-33Paul describes the marriage relationship as a reflection of Christ's relationship with the Church, underscoring the importance of love, respect, and faithfulness. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics FALSE, Companion, Covenant, Early, Forgets, Forgetteth, Forgotten, Forsakes, Forsaketh, Forsaking, Friend, Guide, Husband, Ignored, Leaves, Mind, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 2:17 1346 covenants, nature of
5709 marriage, purpose
5717 monogamy
5742 wedding
5746 youth
8711 covenant breakers Proverbs 2:16-17 5716 middle age
6242 adultery Proverbs 2:16-19 6188 immorality, sexual Library The Beginning and End of Wisdom
PROVERBS ii. 2, 3, 5. If thou incline thine ear to wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after wisdom, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. We shall see something curious in the last of these verses, when we compare it with one in the chapter before. The chapter before says, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. That if we wish to be wise at all, we must BEGIN by …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of GodThe Red Lamp.
Travelling by express train the other day, we found that we were stopped a long distance from the station where we were timed to stop, and looking out of the window, saw a red light ahead. That accounted for it, we knew there was something in the way. The driver knew what he was about, and though anxious to go on, did not move until the red light was changed to white. Some of those who read this paper are living in sin. To such, the Bible speaks out in plain terms, and, like the Red Light, would …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Notes on the Fourth Century
Page 238. Med. 1. In the wording of this meditation, and of several other passages in the Fourth Century, it seems as though Traherne is speaking not of himself, but of, a friend and teacher of his. He did this, no doubt, in order that he might not lay himself open to the charge of over-egotism. Yet that he is throughout relating his own experiences is proved by the fact that this Meditation, as first written, contains passages which the author afterwards marked for omission. In its original form …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Truth Hidden when not Sought After.
"They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."--2 Tim. iv. 4. From these words of the blessed Apostle, written shortly before he suffered martyrdom, we learn, that there is such a thing as religious truth, and therefore there is such a thing as religious error. We learn that religious truth is one--and therefore that all views of religion but one are wrong. And we learn, moreover, that so it was to be (for his words are a prophecy) that professed Christians, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Sundry Sharp Reproofs
This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Sunday Before Lent
Text: First Corinthians 13. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 2:17 NIVProverbs 2:17 NLTProverbs 2:17 ESVProverbs 2:17 NASBProverbs 2:17 KJV
Proverbs 2:17 Commentaries
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