Proverbs 3 - Printer Friendly

What does Proverbs 3 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

This chapter begins with another encouragement for the reader to embrace the wisdom being imparted. Solomon's reference to "my son" most likely means his actual child or children. However, it was common for teachers in that era to refer to their students using father-son terminology. Typical of wisdom literature, the remarks that follow are segments of general-case advice. Wise living doesn't guarantee a person a worry-free experience (Proverbs 3:25–26). Still, it greatly increases one's chance of success. In that common-sense way, obeying these instructions will bring comparative peace and longevity (Proverbs 3:1–4).

The book of Proverbs often uses alternating patterns. These are sometimes used to contrast positive statements with negative ones. Here, Solomon presents several cycles of instructions and benefits. These emphasize the need to submit to godly wisdom, placing God and His will first and foremost in one's life. This includes being willing to see God's discipline as a sign of love, not a reason to despair (Proverbs 3:5–12).

Solomon also wrote the book of Ecclesiastes, which describes the results of trying to attain happiness through worldly means. In this passage, the reader is encouraged to see wisdom and discretion as unimaginably more valuable than wealth and material goods. Once again, true wisdom is grounded in the character and will of God. As in other parts of Proverbs, the term wisdom implies an ability to act according to godly knowledge. Discretion is the ability to carefully consider a situation, separating right from wrong and making the judicious choice. This passage also indicates that hardship can come even to those who follow godly wisdom. Still, among the advantages of godly wisdom are a clear conscience and confidence that God will stand beside a believer, no matter what (Proverbs 3:13–26).

The chapter ends with another set of instructions. These are focused on relationships, especially with other people. Among these are commands not to delay in doing good for others, especially when such honor is expected or owed. This passage touches on the fact that the ungodly often seem to have success—but this is nothing to envy. Even those who seem to prosper in their sin will eventually be held accountable to God. Those who are arrogant and foolish will one day be humiliated and disgraced; those who submit to godly wisdom will be blessed (Proverbs 3:27–35).

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.

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.

Proverbs 3:27–35 gives general principles about our relationships, both with other people and with God. Solomon instructs the reader to show honor, integrity, trustworthiness, peace, and contentment towards others. This passage also contrasts the response of God to those who defy His will, versus His actions towards those who honor Him.

Chapter Summary:

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.

Chapter Context:

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 5/7/2024 9:21:54 PM