Proverbs 3:8-18

8 This will give strength to your flesh, and new life to your bones.

9 Give honour to the Lord with your wealth, and with the first-fruits of all your increase:

10 So your store-houses will be full of grain, and your vessels overflowing with new wine.

11 My son, do not make your heart hard against the Lord's teaching; do not be made angry by his training:

12 For to those who are dear to him the Lord says sharp words, and makes the son in whom he has delight undergo pain.

13 Happy is the man who makes discovery of wisdom, and he who gets knowledge.

14 For trading in it is better than trading in silver, and its profit greater than bright gold.

15 She is of more value than jewels, and nothing for which you may have a desire is fair in comparison with her.

16 Long life is in her right hand, and in her left are wealth and honour.

17 Her ways are ways of delight, and all her goings are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to all who take her in their hands, and happy is everyone who keeps her.

Proverbs 3:8-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 3

In this chapter, Wisdom, or Christ, delivers out some fresh lessons and instructions to his children; as not to forget his doctrine, but heartily attend to his precepts and ordinances, seeing these are the means of lengthening out their days, and of enjoying peace, Pr 3:1,2; as well as had the promise of the mercy and truth of God, and the continuance of them, annexed to them; and therefore are exhorted to keep close to them, and show the greatest value and affection for them, which was the way to find favour with, and to be taken notice of by, God and man, Pr 3:3,4; and then he proceeds to exhort them to a hearty trust in the Lord, without dependence on themselves; and to seek direction from him in every step they took, which they might expect to have, Pr 3:5,6; to humility and the fear of God, and fleeing from evil, which they would find would much contribute to their health, Pr 3:7,8; to liberality in supporting the worship of God, and the interest of religion, which would turn to account and profit to them, Pr 3:9,10; to patience in bearing the chastisement of the Lord, as coming from a loving father, Pr 3:11,12; then follows a commendation of wisdom, and the happiness of the man possessed of it is declared, Pr 3:13; from the profit, preciousness, pleasure, and usefulness of it, Pr 3:14-18; and from its concern in the works of creation and providence, Pr 3:19,20; and from that comfort, honour, safety, and security, which come by the doctrines and instructions of Wisdom, and a steady regard to them, Pr 3:21-26; and the chapter is concluded with exhortations to beneficence, charity, concord, and peace with neighbours, Pr 3:27-30; and to shun the ways of wicked men, urged from the different state and condition of wicked men and fools, and of the just, the lowly, and wise, Pr 3:31-35.