Proverbs 3:4

4 and thou shalt find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:4 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 3:4

So shall thou find favour
Or "grace" F9; the grace of God, and larger measures of it; as Noah did, ( Genesis 6:8 ) ; which are communicated to men when in the way of their duty: or good will, esteem, and respect, among men; as Joseph had with Potiphar, and the keeper of the prison, ( Genesis 39:4 Genesis 39:21 ) ; and good understanding in the sight of God and man;
as Christ, as man, had in the sight of both, ( Luke 2:52 ) ; that is, to be taken notice of, regarded, and approved by both. Some render it "good success" F11; prosperity in things temporal and spiritual; see ( Psalms 111:10 ) . There is something lovely, and of good report, in a close attention to the doctrines and duties of religion; which make a man amiable in the sight of others, and which is followed with a blessing from the Lord.


FOOTNOTES:

F9 (Nx) "gratiam", Pagninus, Montanus, Tigurine version
F11 (bwj lkv) "successum optimum", Junius & Tremellius.

Proverbs 3:4 In-Context

2 for length of days, and years of life, and peace shall they add to thee.
3 Let not loving-kindness and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck, write them upon the tablet of thy heart:
4 and thou shalt find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Confide in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own intelligence;
6 in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will make plain thy paths.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or 'sense,' 'wisdom,' or 'esteem:' see Note, ch. 1.3.
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.