Updated on

Read Proverbs Chapter 3

Up and down arrows move from one verse to the next.

1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

3Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

4So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

9Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

19The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

20By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

22So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

23Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

25Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

26For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

28Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

29Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

30Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

31Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

32For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

34Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

You are readingKing James Version

Explanation

Proverbs 3

In short

A father teaches his son that following God's wisdom, not human judgment alone, brings a good life. The message moves from personal obedience and trust to wisdom as a treasure more valuable than riches, then to practical living: honoring God with money, accepting correction, treating others fairly, and avoiding envy and conflict.

What the text says

Verses 1-4: The son must keep the father's teachings in his heart, with mercy and truth as guides. This brings favor from both God and people. Verses 5-8: Trust God completely rather than relying only on your own thinking. God will guide your paths and bring health. Verses 9-10: Honor God by giving Him the first part of your income and harvest, and your storerooms will overflow. Verses 11-12: Accept God's discipline like a father corrects a son he loves. Verses 13-18: Wisdom is more precious than silver, gold, or jewels. She brings long life, riches, honor, pleasantness, peace, and is like a tree of life to those who hold her. Verses 19-20: God used wisdom to create the earth and heavens and to control water on earth. Verses 21-26: Keep wisdom and good judgment always; they protect your life, your sleep, and your safety from fear and sudden danger. Verses 27-30: Give help when you can, do it now not later, never scheme against neighbors, and don't quarrel without reason. Verses 31-35: Don't envy the wicked or follow their ways. God curses the wicked's houses but blesses the righteous. He mocks mockers but gives grace to the humble. The wise receive glory; fools receive shame.

Takeaways

  • Living by wisdom means trusting God's direction over your own ideas.
  • Wisdom is shown not just in thinking but in how you treat money, accept correction, and deal with neighbors.
  • Those who pursue wisdom receive safety, peace, and honor in return.

Explanation written with the help of AI. The Bible text above is not changed. Context and interpretation are flagged as such; always come back to the text itself.