Thematic Bible

Proverbs 3:1

My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;

Proverbs 3:2


For length of days and years of life [worth living]
And tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you.

Proverbs 3:3


Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you];
Bind them [securely] around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 3:4


So find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:5


Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

Proverbs 3:6


In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

Proverbs 3:7


Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.

Proverbs 3:8


It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts]
And refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones.

Proverbs 3:9


Honor the Lord with your wealth
And with the first fruits of all your crops (income);

Proverbs 3:10


Then your barns will be abundantly filled
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

Proverbs 3:11


My son, do not reject or take lightly the discipline of the Lord [learn from your mistakes and the testing that comes from His correction through discipline];
Nor despise His rebuke,

Proverbs 3:12


For those whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

Proverbs 3:13


Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences],

Proverbs 3:14


For wisdom’s profit is better than the profit of silver,
And her gain is better than fine gold.

Proverbs 3:15


She is more precious than rubies;
And nothing you can wish for compares with her [in value].

Proverbs 3:16


Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are riches and honor.

Proverbs 3:17


Her ways are highways of pleasantness and favor,
And all her paths are peace.

Proverbs 3:18


She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is everyone who holds her tightly.

Proverbs 3:19


The Lord by His wisdom has founded the earth;
By His understanding He has established the heavens.

Proverbs 3:20


By His knowledge the deeps were broken up
And the clouds drip with dew.

Proverbs 3:21


My son, let them not escape from your sight,
But keep sound wisdom and discretion,

Proverbs 3:22


And they will be life to your soul (your inner self)
And a gracious adornment to your neck (your outer self).

Proverbs 3:23


Then you will walk on your way [of life] securely
And your foot will not stumble.

Proverbs 3:24


When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Proverbs 3:25


Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the storm of the wicked when it comes [since you will be blameless];

Proverbs 3:26


For the Lord will be your confidence, firm and strong,
And will keep your foot from being caught [in a trap].

Proverbs 3:27


Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due [its rightful recipients],
When it is in your power to do it.

Proverbs 3:28


Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.

Proverbs 3:29


Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
Who lives securely beside you.

Proverbs 3:30


Do not quarrel with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.

Proverbs 3:31


Do not envy a man of violence
And do not choose any of his ways.

Proverbs 3:32


For the devious are repulsive to the Lord;
But His private counsel is with the upright [those with spiritual integrity and moral courage].

Proverbs 3:33


The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just and righteous.

Proverbs 3:34


Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners,
Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance].

Proverbs 3:35


The wise will inherit honor and glory,
But dishonor and shame is conferred on fools.