Proverbs 3 Study Notes

3:19 God established and sustains creation through wisdom. Solomon offered this same wisdom to his son to firmly establish and sustain his life (4:26; 12:3; 16:3; 24:3).

3:20 In Palestine dew was an important source of moisture.

3:21 Maintain is literally “guard.” On discretion, see note at 1:4.

3:22 Wisdom is the key to life—a full life now and eternal life in the future—because it is anchored in the fear of the Lord and it includes practical advice (vv. 2,18; 1:33; 4:13,22-23; 6:23; 8:35; 10:16-17; 11:19; 12:28; 14:27; 16:22; 19:23; 21:21; 22:4; cp. Mk 10:30; 1Tm 4:8).

3:23-26 On safely, see “securely” in note at 1:33. Though the wicked will suddenly come to ruin at their ending (Ps 35:8; Is 10:3; 47:11; 1Th 5:3), those who maintain wisdom (Pr 3:21) will never be in such danger—whether awake or asleep—because the Lord will protect them.

3:27-28 If someone has a legitimate claim on something you have or something you can do, take care of it without delay.

3:29-30 Harm is literally “evil” (see note at 1:16). The mention of one who lives near you emphasizes the trust inherent in community. It does not mean that treachery is permissible against distant strangers; it is always wrong (Jdg 18:7,27; 2Sm 3:27; 20:9-10; Ps 55:12-14; Mt 26:14). Without cause (see note at 1:11; cp. 24:28; 1Kg 2:31; Ps 35:7; 119:161) is literally “for nothing” (Gn 29:15; 2Sm 24:24) or “for no reason” (1Sm 19:5; Lm 3:52). Bringing accusations without just cause is malicious betrayal of community trust.

3:31 A violent man is one who, out of greed and hate, commits crimes against society such as oppression and exploitation (10:6,11; 13:2; 16:29).

3:32 The devious, those who turn aside from what is right, are detestable to God, offensive, abhorrent, an abomination; they virtually turn his stomach. He will not pay them any attention except to punish them (15:8; 16:5; 21:27; 28:9). But with the upright God is a friend, an intimate counselor (15:22; Jb 29:4; Ps 25:14; 55:14).

3:33 God’s curse is the removal of his sustaining presence. A household includes all of a person’s family, possessions, and property. Individual members of the family can be redeemed from the curse (Ezk 18:17,20).

3:34 God mocks those who ridicule him (see note at 1:22). The humble (16:19) are those who are poor (14:21; 31:20) not from laziness but because they are exploited or oppressed (15:15; 22:22; 30:14; 31:5,9).

3:35 An inheritance is a permanent possession. On honor, see note at 3:16. Fools (Hb kesiyl, see note at 1:22) are “exalted” to a state of dishonor—a sarcastic statement.