Proverbs 3:1-12

Wisdom Bestows Well-Being

1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,

2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;

10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,

12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.^[b]

Proverbs 3:1-12 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 Proverbs 1:8
• 2. S Psalms 44:17; Proverbs 4:5
• 3. S Deuteronomy 11:21; Proverbs 4:10
• 4. S Deuteronomy 5:16; S Deuteronomy 30:15,16; S 1 Kings 3:13,14; Pr 9:6,10-11
• 5. S Psalms 85:10
• 6. S Exodus 13:9; S Deuteronomy 6:6; Proverbs 6:21; Proverbs 7:3; S 2 Corinthians 3:3
• 7. S 1 Samuel 2:26; Luke 2:52
• 8. S Psalms 4:5; Psalms 37:3,5
• 9. S Job 33:11; S Isaiah 30:11; 1 Chronicles 28:9
• 10. Psalms 5:8; Proverbs 16:3; Isaiah 40:3; Jeremiah 42:3; Isaiah 45:13
• 11. Proverbs 26:5,12; Isaiah 5:21; Romans 12:16
• 12. Psalms 111:10
• 13. S Exodus 20:20; S Deuteronomy 4:6; S Job 1:1; Proverbs 16:6
• 14. S Psalms 38:3; Proverbs 4:22
• 15. Job 21:24
• 16. S Exodus 22:29; Exodus 23:19; Deuteronomy 26:1-15
• 17. Deuteronomy 28:8; Psalms 144:13
• 18. S Job 22:21; Joel 2:24; Malachi 3:10-12
• 19. Proverbs 1:8-9
• 20. S Job 5:17
• 21. Proverbs 13:24; Revelation 3:19
• 22. S Deuteronomy 8:5; S Job 5:17; Hebrews 12:5-6*

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "will direct your paths"
• [b]. Hebrew; Septuagint "loves, / and he chastens everyone he accepts as his child"