Proverbs 3:13-26

The Blessings of Wisdom

13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding,

14 for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.

16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

17 All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful.

18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed.

19 The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding.

20 By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew.

21 My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment.

22 They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck.

23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.

24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.

25 Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.

Proverbs 3:13-26 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.