Proverbs 3:25-35

25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, And of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh.

26 For Jehovah is at thy side, And He hath kept thy foot from capture.

27 Withhold not good from its owners, When thy hand [is] toward God to do [it].

28 Say not thou to thy friend, `Go, and return, and to-morrow I give,' And substance with thee.

29 Devise not against thy neighbour evil, And he sitting confidently with thee.

30 Strive not with a man without cause, If he have not done thee evil.

31 Be not envious of a man of violence, Nor fix thou on any of his ways.

32 For an abomination to Jehovah [is] the perverted, And with the upright [is] His secret counsel.

33 The curse of Jehovah [is] in the house of the wicked. And the habitation of the righteous He blesseth.

34 If the scorners He doth scorn, Yet to the humble He doth give grace.

35 Honour do the wise inherit, And fools are bearing away shame!

Proverbs 3:25-35 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.