Proverbs 3:24-34

24 For if thou rest, thou shalt be undismayed; and if thou sleep, thou shalt slumber sweetly.

25 And thou shalt not be afraid of alarm coming upon thee, neither of approaching attacks of ungodly men.

26 For the Lord shall be over all thy ways, and shall establish thy foot that thou be not moved.

27 Forbear not to do good to the poor, whensoever thy hand may have to help .

28 Say not, Come back another time, to-morrow I will give; while thou art able to do good: for thou knowest not what the next day will bring forth.

29 Devise not evil against thy friend, living near thee and trusting in thee.

30 Be not ready to quarrel with a man without a cause, lest he do thee some harm.

31 Procure not the reproaches of bad men, neither do thou covet their ways.

32 For every transgressor is unclean before the Lord; neither does he sit among the righteous.

33 The curse of God is in the houses of the ungodly; but the habitations of the just are blessed.

34 The Lord resists the proud; but he gives grace to the humble.

Proverbs 3:24-34 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]. Gr. sit down.
• [b]. See 1 Pet 5. 5.