Proverbs 3:21-35

Integrity of wisdom

21 My son, don't let them slip from your eyes; hold on to sound judgment and discretion.

22 They will be life for your whole being, and an ornament for your neck.

23 Then you will walk safely on your path, and your foot won't stumble.

24 If you lie down, you won't be terrified. When you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.

25 Don't fear sudden terror or the ruin that comes to the wicked.

26 The LORD will be your confidence; he will guard your feet from being snared.

27 Don't withhold good from someone who deserves it, when it is in your power to do so.

28 Don't say to your neighbor, "Go and come back; I'll give it to you tomorrow," when you have it.

29 Don't plan to harm your neighbor who trusts and lives near you.

30 Don't accuse anyone without reason, when they haven't harmed you.

31 Don't envy violent people or choose any of their ways.

32 Devious people are detestable to the LORD, but the virtuous are his close friends.

33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

34 He mocks mockers, but he shows favor to the humble.

35 The wise gain respect, but fools receive shame.

Proverbs 3:21-35 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.