1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son [in whom] he delighteth.
13 Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.
14 For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16 Length of days [is] in her right hand; [and] in her left hand riches and honour.
17 Her ways [are] ways of pleasantness, and all her paths [are] peace.
18 She [is] a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is every one] that retaineth her.
19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it].
28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
32 For the froward [is] abomination to the LORD: but his secret [is] with the righteous.
33 The curse of the LORD [is] in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
Analysis of Proverbs Chapter 3
Proverbs 3 is a rich chapter that emphasizes the importance of wisdom, trust in God, and the benefits of living a righteous life. It serves as a guide for moral conduct and spiritual growth, providing practical advice that is applicable to everyday life.
Key Themes
- Trust in the Lord: The chapter opens with a strong exhortation to trust in God wholeheartedly, which is a central theme throughout the book of Proverbs.
- Wisdom and Understanding: The pursuit of wisdom is highlighted as essential for a fulfilling life, with the promise of rewards for those who seek it.
- Divine Guidance: The text emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God in all aspects of life to receive His guidance.
- Discipline and Correction: The chapter reminds readers that divine discipline is a sign of love and should be embraced.
- Benefits of Righteous Living: The chapter outlines the blessings that come from living according to God’s principles.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
- Verses 1-4: The chapter begins with an appeal to not forget the teachings of wisdom and to keep them close to the heart. This section emphasizes the importance of internalizing wisdom and the resulting favor and good success that come from it.
- Verses 5-6: These verses highlight the necessity of trust in the Lord. The instruction to lean not on one’s own understanding underscores the limitations of human wisdom compared to divine insight.
- Verses 7-8: Here, the text advises against being wise in one’s own eyes and encourages fear of the Lord. The promise of health and nourishment serves as a metaphor for spiritual and physical well-being.
- Verses 9-10: The importance of honoring the Lord with one’s wealth is discussed, with the assurance that generosity leads to abundance. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship.
- Verses 11-12: The chapter addresses the theme of divine discipline. It reassures readers that correction from God is an indication of His love, encouraging acceptance of such discipline.
- Verses 13-18: These verses extol the virtues of wisdom, describing it as more precious than riches and as a source of happiness. The personification of wisdom as a woman emphasizes its value and desirability.
- Verses 19-20: The text reflects on God’s role in creation, attributing wisdom to His foundational work. This reinforces the idea that true wisdom is rooted in understanding God’s nature and His creation.
- Verses 21-26: The chapter encourages the reader to hold on to sound wisdom and discretion, promising security and peace. The assurance of God’s protection against fear and calamity is a comforting theme.
- Verses 27-30: These verses provide practical advice on interpersonal relationships, urging generosity and kindness towards others. The call to avoid strife and conflict is a reminder of the importance of maintaining harmony.
- Verses 31-35: The chapter concludes with a warning against envy of the wicked and a contrast between the fate of the righteous and the wicked. It affirms that God’s favor rests on the righteous, while the wicked face consequences.
Conclusion
Proverbs 3 serves as a foundational chapter that encapsulates the essence of wisdom literature. It encourages readers to trust in God, seek wisdom, and live righteously. The practical advice and spiritual insights provided in this chapter continue to resonate with individuals seeking guidance in their daily lives.
