Proverbs 3:14-24

14 melior est adquisitio eius negotiatione argenti et auro primo fructus eius

15 pretiosior est cunctis opibus et omnia quae desiderantur huic non valent conparari

16 longitudo dierum in dextera eius in sinistra illius divitiae et gloria

17 viae eius viae pulchrae et omnes semitae illius pacificae

18 lignum vitae est his qui adprehenderint eam et qui tenuerit eam beatus

19 Dominus sapientia fundavit terram stabilivit caelos prudentia

20 sapientia illius eruperunt abyssi et nubes rore concrescunt

21 fili mi ne effluant haec ab oculis tuis custodi legem atque consilium

22 et erit vita animae tuae et gratia faucibus tuis

23 tunc ambulabis fiducialiter in via tua et pes tuus non inpinget

24 si dormieris non timebis quiesces et suavis erit somnus tuus

Proverbs 3:14-24 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.