Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 1:9
For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
9. ornament ] Rather, chaplet, R.V. , LXX. See Pro 4:9, where the same phrase chaplet of grace occurs, with crown of glory, as its equivalent in the parallel clause of the verse.
chains ] not of bondage, but of honour and ornament. Gen 41:42; Dan 5:29; Son 4:9; Jdg 8:26.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
To the Israelites mind no signs or badges of joy or glory were higher in worth than the garland around the head, the gold chain around the neck, worn by kings and the favorites of kings Gen 41:42; Dan 5:29.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Pro 1:9
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head.
Filial love an ornament of beauty
It seems an instinct of humanity to put ornaments upon the person. It does not rank high among the exercises of the human faculties, yet it is quite above the reach of all inferior creatures. Ornaments on the fallen, like many other innocent things, become the occasions of sin, but they are not in their own nature evil. To deck with external beauty that which is morally corrupt within is a cheat which men practise on themselves and others, but adornment of the person, modest in measure and adopted instinctively by an innate sense of propriety, is conducive to virtue and consistent with Scripture. Moral qualities are the true adornments of a human being. All the graces of the Spirit are lovely: but here the foremost of relative duties, a childs reverential regard for a parent, is recommended as an ornament of surpassing beauty. Love, obey, cherish, reverence your parents. This is in Gods sight of great price. These ornaments will not be out of date when time has run its course. The moral laws of God have avenging sanctions even in the powers of nature. Godliness is profitable unto all things. The first commandment is fruitful even in this life, and the second is like it–like it in its holy character, like it in its glad results. Honour thy father and thy mother, this is an ornament of solid gold. Unlike the watering of superficial accomplishments, the more rudely it is rubbed the more brightly it glows. (William Arnot, D.D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 9. An ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains] That is, filial respect and obedience will be as ornamental to thee as crowns, diadems, and golden chains and pearls are to others.
Political dignity has been distinguished in many nations by a chain of gold about the neck. Solomon seems here to intimate, if we follow the metaphor, that the surest way of coming to distinguished eminence, in civil matters, is to act according to the principles of true wisdom, proceeding from the fear of God.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
This will make thee amiable and honourable in the sight of God and of men; whereas the forsaking of those good counsels will make thee contemptible.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
9. On the figures of Pr1:9, compare Gen 41:42;Son 1:10; Son 4:9.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head,…. The instructions and laws of parents being attended unto and obeyed by children, render them more lovely and amiable than any beautiful ornament whatever that can be put upon their heads;
and chains about thy neck; be that unto them as chains of gold are to the neck, beautify and adorn them; so good works, done in obedience to God and parents, are ornaments of great price, and preferable to any outward adorning whatever; see 1Ti 2:9. The allusions are unto, and the metaphors taken from, those things which are most pleasing and acceptable to children, as fine top knots and golden chains.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(9) Ornament of grace.Given by Wisdom. (Comp. Pro. 4:9.)
Chains about thy neck.The reward of Joseph (Gen. 41:42) and of Daniel (Dan. 5:29).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
9. They shall be an ornament of grace As a graceful garland around thy head, and as chains, or necklaces, around thy neck. That is, this reverence for and obedience to thy parents shall be thy highest and most honourable ornament, better than any gay attire, of which the young are usually so fond. Compare Pro 3:3; Pro 6:21; Pro 4:9; Gen 41:42; Dan 5:29; Son 4:9. Chains worn about the neck were an ornament common to both men and women. Thus Pharaoh is said to have put a chain of gold about Joseph’s neck, (Gen 41:42,) and Belshazzar did the same to Daniel. Dan 5:29. They are mentioned as part of the Midianitish spoil, Num 31:50. In some cases they were badges of honour or of office.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Pro 1:9 For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
Ver. 9. For they shall be an ornament. ] “A man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine.” Ecc 8:1 Tum pietate gravem, &c. a O . b Neither gold nor precious stone so glittereth, saith Plato, as the prudent mind of a pious person. Nothing so beautifies as grace doth. Moses and Joseph were “fair to God,” Act 7:20 and favoured of all men. A crown of gold, a chain of pearl, are no such ornaments as are here commended.
a Virgil.
b Plato.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
they: i.e. instruction and law.
ornament = garland.
neck. Showing cheerful and willing obedience, in contrast with stiffneckedness (Exo 32:9) and pride (Isa 3:16). See also Gen 41:42.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
they: Pro 3:22, Pro 4:9, Pro 6:20, Pro 6:21, 1Ti 2:9, 1Ti 2:10, 1Pe 3:3, 1Pe 3:4
an ornament: Heb. an adding, Gen 41:42, Son 1:10, Son 4:9, Isa 3:19, Eze 16:11, Dan 5:7, Dan 5:16, Dan 5:29
Reciprocal: Gen 49:2 – hearken Exo 13:9 – a sign Exo 20:12 – Honour Psa 73:6 – as a chain Pro 25:12 – a wise Jer 35:8 – General