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PROVERBS 3:1-35
PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS
| NASB | NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB (MT versing) |
| The Rewards of Wisdom | Guidance for the Young | Six Admonitions Concerning Conduct | Advice to the Young | How to Acquire Wisdom |
| 3:1-12 (1-12) |
3:1-2 (1-2) |
3:1-2 (1-2) |
3:1-4 | 3:1-2 (1-2) |
| 3:3-4 (3-4) |
3:3-4 (3-4) |
3:3-6 (3-6) |
||
| 3:5-6 (5-6) |
3:5-8 (5-8) |
3:5-10 | ||
| 3:7-8 (7-8) |
3:7-8 (7-8) |
|||
| 3:9-10 (9-10) |
3:9-10 (9-10) |
3:9-10 (9-10) |
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| 3:11-12 (11-12) |
3:11-12 (11-12) |
3:11-20 | 3:11-12 (11-12) |
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| The Incomparable Value of Wisdom | The Joys of Wisdom | |||
| 3:13-26 (13-26) |
3:13-18 (13-18) |
3:13-18 (13-18) |
3:13-20 (13-20) |
|
| 3:19-20 (19-20) |
3:19-26 (19-26) |
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| An Admonition Followed by Six Prohibitions | ||||
| 3:21-26 (21-26) |
3:21-26 | 3:21-26 (21-26) |
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| 3:27-35 (27-35) |
3:27-30 (27-30) |
3:27-35 (27-35) |
3:27-35 | 3:27-35 (27-35) |
| 3:31-35 (31-35) |
READING CYCLE THREE (see
"Bible Interpretation Seminar")
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
This chapter, like Proverbs in general, has many commands.
Notice how so many of these have to do with life in community. How we treat others clearly reveals our relationship with God (cf. Matt. 25:31-46; 1 John 4)!
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3:1-12
1My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;
2For length of days and years of life
And peace they will add to you.
3Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4So you will find favor and good repute
In the sight of God and 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 healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.
9Honor the Lord from your wealth
And from the first of all your produce;
10So your barns will be filled with plenty
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
11My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord,
Or loathe His reproof,
12For whom the Lord loves He reproves,
Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.
3:1 "My son" This (BDB 119, KB 137) refers to a "pupil." The UBS Handbook on Proverbs, p. 85, thinks this is a textual marker for a new subject.
▣ "teaching" This (BDB 435, KB 1710) is from the root "Torah" or "law" (BDB 435).
SPECIAL TOPIC: TERMS FOR GOD'S REVELATION, II
▣ "heart" This is used in the sense of (1) the entire person or (2) a proper attitude.
▣ "keep" YHWH's covenant is conditional (cf. Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28).
▣ "commandments" See SPECIAL TOPIC: TERMS FOR GOD'S REVELATION, V.
3:2 "peace" This word is shalom (BDB 1022, KB 1532), which means not only the absence of evil but the presence of good.
▣ "length of days. . .of life" This is really a promise to the society of Israel (cf. Exod. 20:12; Deut. 4:1,40; 5:16,33; 6:2; 11:8-9). YHWH's covenant with Israel was conditional.
Be careful of western individualism interpreting an eastern book.
SPECIAL TOPIC: EASTERN LITERATURE
3:3 "kindness" This is the Hebrew word hesed (BDB 338, KB 336 II), which is a special term used for God's steadfast, loyal, covenant love. Notice how human choices (v. 2) and divine promises are put side by side. This is the essence of Old Testament covenant structure.
SPECIAL TOPIC: LOVINGKINDNESS (hesed)
▣ "truth" This (BDB 54) means "stability," "firmness," and refers to abiding faithfulness. These two terms in v. 3 are a hendiadys (cf. Gen. 24:49; Exod. 34:6; Deut. 7:9; Ps. 25:10).
SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH, AND FAITHFULNESS (OT)
▣ "Bind them around your neck" Later the rabbis took this very seriously (i.e., phylactery, cf. Exod. 13:9; Deut. 6:5-9). This means "wear them as a special treasure" (cf. Prov. 1:9) so as to "keep them on your mind at all times."
▣ "Write them on the tablet of your heart" This speaks of proper attitude and motive (cf. Prov. 7:3; this reflects the "new covenant" of Jer. 31:31-34), as well as daily remembrance (esp. Jer. 31:33).
| 3:4 | |
| NASB, NRSV | "good repute" |
| NKJV | "high esteem" |
| NJB, REB | "success" |
| JPSOA | "approbation" |
| Peshitta | "understanding" |
The UBS Text Project, pp. 449-450, gives the MT three possible meanings.
The BDB 968, #2, gives the meaning as "insight" or "understanding" (i.e., Prov. 13:15; Ps. 111:10; 2 Chr. 30:22).
▣ "In the sight of God and man" All of life belongs to God and there is no distinction between the sacred and the secular. Our actions toward other humans show our love for God (cf. the NT books of James and 1 John).
3:5 "Trust" This VERB (BDB 105, KB 120, Qal IMPERATIVE) basically means "to prostrate oneself before YHWH." It is used extensively in Psalms. I have included my note from Ps. 4:45 here.
Psalm 4:5 "trust in the Lord" This is a recurrent theme (BDB 105, KB 120).
- a call to sinners ‒ Ps. 4:5
- a call to the faithful ‒ Ps. 9:10; 32:10; 37:3,5; 40:3; 55:23; 56:4,11; 84:12; 91:2; 112:7; 115:11; 125:1; 143:8; Pro. 16:20; 29:25; Isa. 26:3-4
- the king ‒ Ps. 21:7; 25:2; 26:1; 28:7
- the fathers ‒ Ps. 22:4-5
- O people ‒ Ps. 62:8; 115:9
- priests ‒ Ps. 115:10
It is trust in YHWH and His word that brings hope (cf. Ps. 4:3), joy (cf. Ps. 4:7), and peace (cf. Ps. 4:8) in this fallen world.
▣ "in the Lord" This is the covenant name for Israel's God—YHWH (cf. Gen. 2:4).
SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D.
▣ "with all your heart" This refers to a priority commitment of one's entire person.
▣ "do not lean on your own understanding" The term "lean" (lit. "trust," BDB 105) means to rely on. This is a tremendously important spiritual principle (cf. Jer. 9:23-24). YHWH's revelation and our trusting in it expressed by our lifestyle is the only way to peace and happiness in a fallen world.
3:6 "In all your ways" God is concerned and active in all areas of our lives! There is no secular and sacred with Him.
▣ "acknowledge Him" This is literally “know” (BDB 393; KB 390, Qal IMPERATIVE) used in a specialized sense. It speaks of a daily personal relationship of truth and faith. It involves both verbal witness and lifestyle witness (i.e., David's charge to Solomon in 1 Chr. 28:9).
▣ "paths straight" God's revelation was illustrated as a clear, straight, smooth, and unobstructed path/road. His followers were not to deviate to the right or to the left. This path brings light, hope, and peace (cf. Prov. 6:23; Ps. 119:105).
3:7 "Do not be wise in your own eyes" See Prov. 26:5,12,16; 28:11; Isa. 5:21; Jer. 9:23-24; Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 10:12; Gal. 6:3.
▣ "Fear. . .turn" Our relationship with God must make a difference in our lifestyle (cf. Prov. 8:13; 16:17)!
3:8 "It will be healing to your body" The term "healing" (BDB 951) is found only here as a FEMININE NOUN. It is used in the sense of "medicine" or "remedy" (TEV).
The term translated "body" by NASB is literally "navel-string" (BDB 1057, cf. Ezek. 16:4). It is imagery for one's body, as is "bones" (BDB 782 I) in the next poetic line.
Knowing and acting on YHWH's revealed truth brings a long and happy life (cf. v. 2). This is often called "the two ways" (cf. Deut. 30:15,19; Psalm 1). How a person or a society lives will be related to the cursing and blessing sections of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. Aren't you glad we live under a grace-based system (i.e., the new covenant, Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-36)!
3:9 "Honor" This is a commercial term which means "give due weight to" (BDB 457, KB 455, Piel IMPERATIVE). From this NOUN form comes the term "glory."
▣ "from your wealth" Sharing is a spiritual thermometer. The definitive NT passage of stewardship is found in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9.
SPECIAL TOPIC: TITHES IN THE MOSAIC LEGISLATION
▣ "from the first" This speaks of the giving of first fruits from children, cattle, and produce (cf. Exod. 22:29; 23:19; 34:20; Lev. 23:10). It was a way to symbolize YHWH's ownership of all things, as well as human beings as stewards of His creation.
| 3:10 | |
| NASB, NKJV, NRSV, Peshitta | "plenty" |
| TEV, REB, JPSOA, LXX | "grain" |
| NJB | "corn" |
The UBS Text Project, p. 451, says that the MT has בעשׂ (BDB 960, KB 1304), which can mean
▣ "new wine" See SPECIAL TOPIC: WINE AND STRONG DRINK.
3:11 "do not reject the discipline of the Lord" Divine discipline has a purpose and is an example of His love (Job 5:17; Hebrews 12:5-12). However, it can be resisted and rejected!
3:12 "For whom the Lord loves" The question comes, "Who does the Lord love?" This is a crucial theological discussion.
SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN
SPECIAL TOPIC: OT PREDICTIONS OF THE FUTURE VS. NT PREDICTIONS
| ▣ | |
| NASB, NKJV, NRSV, NJB, JPSOA, Peshitta | "Even as a father" |
| TEV | "a parent" |
| REB, LXX | "and he punishes" |
The NASB follows the MT but the UBS Text Project, p. 451, cannot decide between the reading of the MT and LXX.
Discipline is a sign of YHWH's love and care (cf. Heb. 12:5-11).
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3:13-26
13How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding.
14For her profit is better than the profit of silver
And her gain better than fine gold.
15She is more precious than jewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her.
16Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are riches and honor.
17Her ways are pleasant ways
And all her paths are peace.
18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who hold her fast.
19The Lord by wisdom founded the earth,
By understanding He established the heavens.
20By His knowledge the deeps were broken up
And the skies drip with dew.
21My son, let them not vanish from your sight;
Keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22So they will be life to your soul
And adornment to your neck.
23Then you will walk in your way securely
And your foot will not stumble.
24When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;
26For the Lord will be your confidence
And will keep your foot from being caught.
3:13-18 This is one complete poem, as vv. 19-20 are a second poem. which is developed fully in Proverbs 8.
3:13 "How blessed is the man" This could be translated "happy" (BDB 80, KB 97, cf. Ps. 41:3; NIDOTTE, vol. 1, pp. 570-572).
3:14 There is a continuing emphasis in these passages on the value of wisdom over possessions (cf. Prov. 8:10-11,18-21; Ps. 19:7-14). The emphasis here is that character, rather than possessions, is ultimate and is superior to having things (cf. 2 Cor. 7:30-31).
3:15 Wisdom is more valuable (ADJECTIVE, BDB 429) than jewels (cf. Job 28:16,18; Prov. 8:11). Things of ths world are fleeting (cf. Rom. 12:2; 1 John 2:17) but God's word is precious and eternal (cf. Isa. 55:11).
▣ "jewels" The etymology of this word (BDB 819, KB 946) is in doubt but the preponderance of evidence seems to refer to "red coral" (cf. Lam. 4:7; LXX, Josephus), however it could refer to rubies.
3:16-17 These verses speak of the quality and quantity of life in the presence of wisdom.
3:18 "the tree of life" This is ancient imagery for happiness, peace, and health (cf. Gen. 2:9; 3:22; Prov. 11:30; 13:12; 15:4; Ezek. 47:12; Rev. 2:7; 22:2; NIDOTTE, vol. 3, pp. 1260-1261).
▣ ". . .to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who hold her fast"
As all gifts of God, wisdom must be received and kept.
There are two PARTICIPLES that show that "the tree of life," which is an idiom of health, happiness, and longevity, must be held.
The "tree of life" is theologically parallel in this context to "wisdom," therefore, it is imagery of both a mental grasp of wisdom and a daily living out of that wisdom (i.e. James 1:22-25).
3:19 "The Lord by wisdom founded the earth" The development of the theological concept of personified wisdom referring to the Messiah is discussed in John 1:1-3 and is based on Prov. 8:22-31. There are several passages which link wisdom and creation (cf. Ps. 104:24; Isa. 40:12-14; Jer. 10:12). Jesus was YHWH's agent of creation (cf. John 1:3,10; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2).
▣ "the heavens" This refers to the atmosphere above the earth.
3:20 As Prov. 3:19 speaks of creation, v. 20 speaks of God's sustaining His creation. YHWH is the true God of fertility.
▣ "the deeps" This (BDB 1062, KB 1690) refers to the subterranean waters active in creation.
3:21 "them" This refers to divine wisdom and revelation, especially the Mosaic Law, Wisdom Literature, and the Prophets.
3:22 "life to your soul" The term "life" (BDB 313, KB 307) usually refers to physical life (i.e., Deut. 30:20; 32:47; Prov. 4:22; 10:16; 22:4), but it can be combined with spiritual life (i.e., Deut. 30:15,19; Prov. 4:13; 11:19 12:28; 19:23; 21:21). In the OT these two merge together!
The term "soul" (BDB 659, KB 711) denotes the whole person. See my full note at Gen. 35:18 and Lev. 17:11. Humans do not have a soul, they are a soul (cf. Gen. 2:7).
▣ "adornment to your neck" This imagery shows (cf. Prov. 1:9; 3:3)
3:23 For "path" see note at v. 6.
▣ "your foot will not stumble" This continues the imagery of a path/road of godliness. The path of God's revelation is clear, smooth, straight, and unobstructed (cf. v. 26)!
| 3:24 | |
| NASB, NKJV, JPSOA, LXX, Peshitta | "When you lie down" |
| NRSV, REB | "If you sit down" |
| TEV, NJB | "When you go to bed" |
The UBS Text Project, p. 452, gives the MT a "B" rating (some doubt).
For the faithful follower, sleep is peaceful and regenerative (cf. Ps. 4:9).
| 3:25 | |
| NASB, NKJV, NRSV, TEV, NJB, JPSOA, Peshitta | "suddenly" |
| REB | "fools" |
| LXX | "intimidation" |
The UBS Text Project, p. 452, gives the MT, "suddenly," an "A" rating.
The only difference is the vowel points. Context determines the meaning of words. Copying errors exacerbate the problem.
| 3:26 | |
| NASB, NKJV, NRSV | "your confidence" |
| NJB | "your guarantor" |
| REB, NASB margin, Vulgate | "at your side" |
| JPSOA | "your trust" |
| LXX | "will be over all your ways" |
| Peshitta | "will be with you" |
The MT has the NOUN (BDB 492, KB 489 II) which means "confidence." The other NASB option takes the root as related to "loins" or "side" (BDB 492). This basic trilateral root has three connotations.
Context, context, context determines meaning!
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3:27-35
27Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in your power to do it.
28Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,"
When you have it with you.
29Do not devise harm against your neighbor,
While he lives securely beside you.
30Do not contend with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
31Do not envy a man of violence
And do not choose any of his ways.
32For the devious are an abomination to the Lord;
But He is intimate with the upright.
33The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34Though He scoffs at the scoffers,
Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.
35The wise will inherit honor,
But fools display dishonor.
3:27-31 Notice the series of "do not. . ." A life of wisdom is a life in community. The evidence that one knows God is the obvious reversal of the fall (i.e., Genesis 3), which was self centeredness. When one thinks and acts on behalf of others, this is an evidence of a changed heart, mind, spirit (cf. Ezek. 36:26-27).
3:27 "When it is in your power to do it" This is literally 'when it is in the power of your hand." The MT has "hands" but the Masoretic scholars suggested "hand" (Qere). This idiom can be seen in Gen. 31:29; Neh. 5:5, and Micah 2:1.
3:30 "Do not contend" This VERB (BDB 936, KB 1224, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense) has two connotations.
▣ "without cause" There are some reasons for confrontation but they are not personal but rather communal (cf. Rom. 12:18; 14:19).
3:31 God's people have always wondered how Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28; 30; Psalm 1 can be true when they see the wicked prosper. Psalm 37 and 73 deal with this question and give an answer.
3:32-35 These verses are antithetical parallelism. They clearly illustrate "the two ways" of the OT performance-based covenant (i.e., "if. . .then," cf. Deut. 30:15,19; Psalm 1).
3:32 "abomination" This term occurs often in Proverbs (cf. Pro. 3:32; 11:1,20; 12:22; 15:8,9,26; 16:5; 17;15; 20:10,23).
SPECIAL TOPIC: ABOMINATION (OT)
3:33 "curse" This NOUN (BDB 76, KB 91 or 541) is also used in Deut. 28:20, which documents what will happen to those who violate YHWH's covenant. Malachi uses the word in the same sense (cf. Mal. 2:2; 3:9). The "cursings" and "blessings" are clearly laid out in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. This is an expression of the theological concept of "the two ways," which Job struggled so much with. See my exegetical notes online in the Job commentary.
| 3:35 | |
| NASB, NKJV, NRSV, NJB, LXX, Peshitta | "inherit" |
| REB | "win" |
| JPSOA | "obtain" |
| NEB | "are adorned" |
The UBS Text Project, p. 453, gives the MT an "A" rating.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
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