Proverbs 3:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

NIV: Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.

NASB: Her ways are pleasant ways, And all her paths are peace.

CSB: Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths, peaceful.

NLT: She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.

KJV: Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

NKJV: Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.

Solomon comments that wisdom's ways are pleasant and peaceful. His father David concurred with this observation. David wrote in Psalm 16:11 that in God's presence there is fullness of joy, and at His right hand there are pleasures forevermore. As believers obey the source of wisdom, which is God, they experience joy and peace. The unregenerate world cannot bestow either attribute.

Unbelievers may search for joy, but they are unable to find it. Whatever peace the non-believer finds is shallow and fleeting. Individuals may spend a small fortune on chemicals and self-help without attaining peace, and nations may enter into peace accords that last only a brief amount of time. By contrast, Jesus gives His followers joy (John 15:11), and peace (John 16:33). He said in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

Proverbs 3:13–26 extols the virtue of wisdom. Solomon began this discussion in chapter 1, and explained in chapter 2 that the Lord gives wisdom to the upright. Now he describes as blessed the person who finds wisdom, and explains its benefits and applications. Wisdom, as used in this book, refers to the ability to apply godly knowledge. While not a guarantee someone will act accordingly, having a grasp of God's intent for our lives is immensely valuable.

This chapter of Proverbs is addressed to Solomon's son. The term, ''my son'' occurs 15 times in chapters 1—7. The words may apply to one of Solomon's students in his court or to one of his biological sons. The application of wisdom in Proverbs 3 shows the benefits of trusting in the Lord with one's whole heart. Solomon credits obedience to and trust in God for longevity, success, guidance, health, reward that exceeds monetary wealth, enjoyment, peace, security, confidence, excellent human relationships, the Lord's blessing and favor, and honor. As with all ''proverbs,'' biblical or otherwise, their purpose is to impart general wisdom, not absolute prophecy. Like the original audience, modern readers are not expected to see these guidelines as absolute guarantees for any one person.

This passage lies in the second section of the book, found in chapters 1—9. The author, King Solomon, reigned over Israel from 971 to 931 BC. The first section of Proverbs, the preface, is found in Proverbs 1:1–7. The third section, chapters 10—22, were also written by Solomon. These proverbs were likely written by Solomon in his middle years, whereas he probably wrote Song of Songs in his early adulthood, and Ecclesiastes near the end of his life. As in the first two chapters, wisdom is stressed in Proverbs 3.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

Accessed 11/21/2024 11:34:02 AM