Proverbs 3:8

8 This will be healing for your body^[a] and strengthening for your bones.

Proverbs 3:8 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 3:8

It shall be health to thy navel
That part of the body which is the knot of the intestines; and may be put for the bowels and inward parts, which being sound, the body is in health; and these may be put for the whole body: and so the Septuagint version renders it, "to thy body"; and this may be put for the whole person. And the sense is, either wisdom, as Jarchi; the doctrine of wisdom, the Gospel; which teaches men to trust in the Lord, and not in themselves, to apply to him for wisdom, and not lean to their own understanding; this contributes much to a man's spiritual health and welfare: or else the fear of the Lord is of this use to men, both in soul and body; since by it they depart from those sins which bring diseases upon the body; and are influenced by it to the exercise of such graces, and the discharge of such duties, as are the means of keeping the soul in good plight; and marrow to thy bones;
or, "watering" ^F13 to them: that which irrigates and moistens them, and makes and keeps them strong and solid: see ( Job 21:24 ) . What marrow is to the bones, that is wisdom, or the fear of God, to the souls of men; the means of establishing and strengthening them against sin, and snares and temptations, and to do the will and work of God.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F13 (ywqv) "irrigatio", V. L. Montanus, Tigurine version, Vatablus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius, Amama, Schultens.

Proverbs 3:8 In-Context

6 think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.

7 Don't consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

8 This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones.

9 Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest;

10 then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

Footnotes

• [a] Lit navel