Proverbs 3:13-35

13 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,

14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.

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

16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;

20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion;

22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.

23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.

24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

26 for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.

28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.

29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.

30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm.

31 Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.

32 For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.

33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

34 He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

35 The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.

Proverbs 3:13-35 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.

Cross References

• 1. S Job 28:15; Proverbs 8:19; Proverbs 16:16
• 2. S Job 28:18
• 3. S Job 28:17-19; Proverbs 8:11
• 4. S Genesis 15:15
• 5. S 1 Kings 3:13,14; Proverbs 8:18
• 6. Proverbs 16:7; Matthew 11:28-30
• 7. S Genesis 2:9; S Proverbs 10:11; Proverbs 11:30; S Revelation 2:7
• 8. S Proverbs 2:12; Proverbs 4:3-9,8; Proverbs 8:17-21
• 9. S Genesis 1:31; Psalms 136:5-9
• 10. S Job 28:25-27; Psalms 104:24
• 11. Proverbs 8:27-29
• 12. Proverbs 1:8-9; Proverbs 6:20
• 13. Proverbs 4:20-22
• 14. S Deuteronomy 30:20; Proverbs 4:13
• 15. S Proverbs 1:8-9
• 16. S Proverbs 1:33
• 17. S Psalms 37:24; S Psalms 119:11; Proverbs 4:12
• 18. S Leviticus 26:6; Psalms 3:5
• 19. Psalms 91:5; Psalms 112:8
• 20. S Job 11:18; Jeremiah 31:26
• 21. S 2 Kings 18:5; S Job 4:6
• 22. S 1 Samuel 2:9
• 23. S Job 5:19
• 24. Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:15; Luke 10:25-37
• 25. Zechariah 8:17
• 26. S Psalms 37:1; Proverbs 24:1-2
• 27. S Psalms 101:4; Proverbs 11:20
• 28. S Job 29:4; Psalms 25:14
• 29. Deuteronomy 11:28; S Job 5:3; Malachi 2:2
• 30. Zechariah 5:4
• 31. Psalms 1:3; Psalms 37:22; Proverbs 14:11
• 32. S 2 Kings 19:21
• 33. S Psalms 40:4
• 34. S Psalms 18:25-27; S Matthew 23:12; James 4:6*; 1 Peter 5:5*