Proverbs 3:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.

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

NASB: For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you.

CSB: for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being.

NLT: If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.

KJV: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

NKJV: For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.

This promises that remembering Solomon's teaching and obeying his commandments from the heart will bring his student longevity and peace. Although living to old age is not guaranteed for all Christians, the believer who avoids the harmful effects of sinful habits is far more likely to enjoy a long life along with peace of heart and mind (John 14:27; Ephesians 4:17–24). This is in keeping with the concept of a "proverb," which are general statements of wisdom, not absolute prophecies.

Within the Ten Commandments God gave to Israel was a promise of longevity to those who honor their father and mother (Exodus 20:12). This promise is repeated in Ephesians 6:1–3. Furthermore, obeying God's Word is the best way to avoid a troubled conscience. When King David, Solomon's father, violated the commandment, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), his guilty conscience made him feel like his bones were broken as he groaned under the weight of sin (Psalm 32:3). With forgiveness and a clear conscience he wrote "Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble" (Psalm 119:165).

Proverbs 3:1–12 is an exhortation from Solomon to his son, urging him to heed his teaching and trust wholeheartedly in the Lord. He cites some of the valuable results of obedience and trust. This section builds on the counsel Solomon gave in Proverbs 2. The following section describes the blessings that come to those who find wisdom and understanding.

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.