Updated on

PRO

Proverbs 3 - Simple English

OriginalSimple EnglishSimpleNew Summary

Read Proverbs Chapter 3

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

1My son, do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my commandments.

2They will add to you length of days, and long life, and peace.

3Do not let mercy and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4Then you will find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and of man.

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

6In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

7Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

8It will be health to your body, and marrow to your bones.

9Honour the LORD with your wealth, and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.

10Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your winepresses will overflow with new wine.

11My son, do not despise the discipline of the LORD. Do not grow weary of his correction.

12For the LORD corrects the one he loves, just as a father corrects the son he delights in.

13Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding.

14For trading in her is better than trading in silver, and the gain from her is better than fine gold.

15She is more precious than rubies. Nothing you could desire compares with her.

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

17Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.

18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. Happy is everyone who holds her fast.

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

20By his knowledge the depths were broken open, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21My son, do not let them out of your sight. Keep sound wisdom and discretion.

22Then they will be life to your soul, and grace around your neck.

23Then you will walk on your way safely, and your foot will not stumble.

24When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.

25Do not be afraid of sudden terror, or of the ruin of the wicked when it comes.

26For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.

27Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owed, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.

28Do not say to your neighbour, "Go away, and come again, and tomorrow I will give," when you have it with you.

29Do not plan evil against your neighbour, since he lives beside you trusting you.

30Do not quarrel with a man for no reason, if he has done you no harm.

31Do not envy the violent man, and choose none of his ways.

32For the crooked man is detestable to the LORD, but his secret counsel is with the righteous.

33The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the just.

34Surely he mocks those who mock, but he gives grace to the humble.

35The wise will inherit glory, but shame will be what fools are raised to.

You are readingSimple English

Explanation

Proverbs 3

In short

A father addresses his son with practical advice for living well: follow wisdom and trust in God rather than yourself, accept God's correction as a sign of love, value wisdom more than wealth, and treat others fairly. The passage promises that these practices bring safety, peace, and God's favor.

Context

This is the opening of Proverbs, a book of instruction. The speaker is a father or mentor figure speaking directly to "my son" throughout. These are not rules given from distance, but trusted guidance from someone who cares about the young man's future. The tone is earnest and protective.

What the text says

The opening call is straightforward: do not forget the father's law and keep his commandments (1), because these bring long life and peace (2). Mercy and truth should be worn like a necklace and written on the heart (3), securing favor with God and people (4).

The core instruction follows in verses 5 and 6: trust God completely, do not rely only on your own judgment, and acknowledge Him in all you do, and He will guide your paths. This is paired with fear of the Lord and departing from evil (7), which brings health (8).

Honor God with your wealth and its first share (9), and your barns will overflow (10). Do not reject God's correction; when He corrects, it shows He loves you, like a father with a beloved son (11 and 12).

Wisdom itself is personified as supremely valuable, better than silver and gold (13 to 15), offering long life, riches, and honor in one hand and peaceful paths in the other (16 and 17). She is a tree of life (18). God used wisdom to create the earth and sky (19 and 20).

Finally, the son is urged to hold onto wisdom and discretion (21), which bring safety and peaceful sleep (22 to 24), protection from sudden fear (25 and 26), and practical guidance: give what is due when you can (27), do not put off promises (28), do not plot harm against your neighbor (29), do not quarrel without cause (30), and do not envy the wicked (31). God despises those who are crooked, but His secret counsel is with the righteous (32 and 33). He mocks mockers but gives grace to the humble (34), and the wise inherit glory while fools inherit shame (35).

Takeaways

  • Trusting God's guidance and accepting His correction are marks of being loved by Him, not punishment.
  • Wisdom is more valuable than any material wealth because it brings both safety and peace.
  • Living well means treating others fairly and resisting envy and quarreling, not just managing private faith.

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.

Prayers built on this chapter

Need words for what you are living?

Describe it and receive a prayer written for you, with verses to hold on to.

Write a prayer