Proverbs 3:1-20

1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart.

2 If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.

3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.

4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.

10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

11 My child, don’t reject the LORD ’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you.

12 For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.

14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.

15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

16 She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.

17 She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.

18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.

19 By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens.

20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

Proverbs 3:1-20 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]. Hebrew My son; also in 3:11, 21 .
• [b]. Greek version reads loves, / and he punishes those he accepts as his children. Compare Heb 12:6 .