Proverbs 3BSB

In This Chapter 81 terms

Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart

The Lord blesses people who trust him and...

The Lord blesses people who trust him and seek his guidance. His correction helps those who follow him.

1My son, do not forget my teaching,but let your heart keep my commandments;2for they will add length to your days,years and peace to your life.3Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you;bind them around your neck,write them on the tablet of your heart.4Then you will find favor and high regardin the sight of God and man.
On the journey to wisdom, God guides us...

On the journey to wisdom, God guides us through the wisdom in his word.

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart,and lean not on your own understanding;6in all your ways acknowledge Him,and He will make your paths straight.7Be not wise in your own eyes;fear the LORD and turn away from evil.8This will bring healing to your bodyand refreshment to your bones.
God receives honor and blesses his people when...

God receives honor and blesses his people when they acknowledge him as the source of all they have. He blesses them when they give him the best part of everything they produce (Genesis 4:3–5; 18:6; Numbers 18:12, 29).

9Honor the LORD with your wealthand with the firstfruits of all your crops;10then your barns will be filled with plenty,and your vats will overflow with new wine.
The Lord’s discipline can include hardships, disappointments, and...

The Lord’s discipline can include hardships, disappointments, and frustrations (see Hebrews 12:4–6). Like a good father, God aims to make us wise, good, and happy.

11My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD,and do not loathe His rebuke;12for the LORD disciplines the one He loves,as does a father the son in whom he delights.

The Blessings of Wisdom

13Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,the man who acquires understanding,
Wisdom is more valuable than precious metals and...

Wisdom is more valuable than precious metals and jewels. It leads to a relationship with God, who gives ultimate joy (see Proverbs 2:1–8).

14for she is more profitable than silver,and her gain is better than fine gold.15She is more precious than rubies;nothing you desire compares with her.16Long life is in her right hand;in her left hand are riches and honor.17All her ways are pleasant,and all her paths are peaceful.18She is a tree of life to those who embrace her,and those who lay hold of her are blessed.
God's wisdom brought harmony to the universe. Being...

God's wisdom brought harmony to the universe. Being wise means living according to the principles found in creation.

19The LORD founded the earth by wisdomand established the heavens by understanding.20By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open,and the clouds dripped with dew.
This passage lists the benefits of common sense...

This passage lists the benefits of common sense and discernment, which come from wisdom.

21My son, do not lose sight of this:Preserve sound judgment and discernment.22They will be life to your souland adornment to your neck.23Then you will go on your way in safety,and your foot will not stumble.24When you lie down, you will not be afraid;when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.25Do not fear sudden dangeror the ruin that overtakes the wicked,26for the LORD will be your confidenceand will keep your foot from the snare.
A wise person is a kind and helpful...

A wise person is a kind and helpful neighbor. Proverbs strongly emphasizes helping those in financial need (Proverbs 11:24; 28:27; 29:7, 14).

27Do not withhold good from the deservingwhen it is within your power to act.28Do not tell your neighbor,“Come back tomorrow and I will provide”—when you already have the means.29Do not devise evil against your neighbor,for he trustfully dwells beside you.30Do not accuse a man without cause,when he has done you no harm.
Those who use violence will eventually face punishment...

Those who use violence will eventually face punishment for their actions (Proverbs 1:18–32), even if they appear successful in the world (11:16). The wise will not envy them, as they are disliked by the Lord. God's friendship offers much more than anything the violent can gain.

31Do not envy a violent manor choose any of his ways;32for the LORD detests the perverse,but He is a friend to the upright.33The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,but He blesses the home of the righteous.34He mocks the mockers,but gives grace to the humble.35The wise will inherit honor,but fools are held up to shame.