Proverbs 3:1-20

1 My child, don't forget what I teach you. Always remember what I tell you to do.

2 My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life.

3 Never let go of loyalty and faithfulness. Tie them around your neck; write them on your heart.

4 If you do this, both God and people will be pleased with you. ¹

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.

6 Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.

7 Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong. ²

8 If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains.

9 Honor the Lord by making him an offering from the best of all that your land produces.

10 If you do, your barns will be filled with grain, and you will have too much wine to store it all.

11 My child, when the Lord corrects you, pay close attention and take it as a warning. ³

12 The Lord corrects those he loves, as parents correct a child of whom they are proud. ⁴

13 Happy is anyone who becomes wise - who comes to have understanding.

14 There is more profit in it than there is in silver; it is worth more to you than gold.

15 Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it.

16 Wisdom offers you long life, as well as wealth and honor.

17 Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it.

18 Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life.

19 The Lord created the earth by his wisdom; by his knowledge he set the sky in place.

20 His wisdom caused the rivers to flow and the clouds to give rain to the earth.

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.

Cross References

• 1. 3.4Luke 2.52.
• 2. 3.7Romans 12.16.
• 3. 3.11Job 5.17.+O+N3.11, 12Hebrews 12.5, 6.
• 4. 3.12Revelation 3.19.