Proverbs 3:13-23

13 Happy the person who finds wisdom, the person who acquires understanding;
14 for her profit exceeds that of silver, gaining her is better than gold,
15 she is more precious than pearls -nothing you want can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand, riches and honor in her left.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who grasp her; whoever holds fast to her will be made happy.
19 ADONAI by wisdom founded the earth, by understanding he established the heavens,
20 by his knowledge the deep [springs] burst open and the dew condenses from the sky.
21 My son, don't let these slip from your sight; preserve common sense and discretion;
22 they will be life for your being and grace for your neck.
23 Then you will walk your way securely, without hurting your foot.

Proverbs 3:13-23 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.

Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.