A man of unbounded wealth (2 Chronicles 1:12; 9:13-28) tells his judgment about riches in verse 1; we do well to take heed to it as the word of God, for the love of money is a root of every evil and godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:10 and 6).
In verse 3 we observe an apt picture of the Christian and of those who neglect salvation' (Hebrews 2:3). The Christian has been prudent; foreseeing the evil to come, he has fled for refuge (Hebrews 6.18-20) to Christ whom God has provided for the guilty (see Numbers 35:9 and following, and Romans 5:8, 9), there finding that there is no condemnation for them who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). The “simple” refuse to be alarmed about the wrath to come (Matthew 3:7, John 3:36, Romans 1:18, Colossians 3:6), and pass on, and are punished.
If verse 3 gives the choice between the narrow path which leads to life eternal and the broad road so many are choosing, which leads to judgment, verses 4 and 5 make plain for the young Christian,—and the old one too,—how to live in a world which is full of snares for the unwary. He that keeps his soul holds himself far from them.
Verse 6 (see also verse 15) is the scriptural guide for parents, with Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21. The present is a day of independence of authority and of neglect of home responsibilities, but the Christian who is wise will hold to God’s Word in regard to his children as well as to all else.
Though the practice of endorsing a friend’s note for payment of a debt is very common, it will be noticed that the Book of Proverbs several times speaks against it. as in verse 26.