Proverbs 3:21-35

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.

27 Do not withhold good from the deserving ^[a] when it is within your power to act.

28 Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means.

29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you.

30 Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm.

31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;

32 for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright.

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

34 He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble. ^[b]

35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or from its owners
• [b]. LXX The Lord opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble; cited in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5