Study notes

Proverbs 3

Introducing ProverbsWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

1:8–9:18 Section

In this section of the book of Proverbs, a father speaks to his son. The father and the mother have taught the son how to live well. They have taught him with their words and with the example of how they live. The father urges the son to live according to what they have taught him.

The advice from the parents is about many things. It’s about being humble and trusting God completely. It’s about the son guarding his heart. The son’s heart is where he makes decisions. The advice is about the son saying no when he is tempted to do evil. This includes stealing and getting rich in ways that aren’t honest. It includes refusing to share with others. It includes lying, being jealous and having sex with another man’s wife.

The advice is also about becoming wise. People begin to be wise when they respect God. Wisdom is something that God gives. He wants all human beings to have it. God gives wisdom freely to those who ask for it. This is made clear in the poems about wisdom and in James 1:5.

Wisdom is described as a woman who calls out to everyone in public. She invites everyone to come to her house and share in a feast. This means that people listen to wisdom and obey wise teachings. That is how people get wisdom. Obeying wise instructions leads to health, riches, success and honour. That is the pattern of life that the parents have noticed. That is the pattern they want their son’s life to follow.

Wisdom is also described as the first thing that God created. Wisdom was with God when he created the world. Wisdom was full of joy and delight as God created the world and all people. This shows that wisdom can also be learnt by studying creation.

The poems about wisdom talk about foolishness being the opposite of wisdom. Foolishness is described as a woman who knows nothing and is full of pride. She treats others badly. Like wisdom, foolishness also calls out to everyone and invites them to a feast. But obeying her instructions leads to danger, suffering, trouble, shame and death.

3:1

Storing God's commands in your heart means more than memorizing them. It involves making them a key part of your life and acting on them.

3:1–12

The Lord blesses people who trust him and seek his guidance. His correction helps those who follow him.

3:2

People who follow God's laws often live longer. Wickedness usually harms both body and mind. However, sometimes evil people live longer than good people (Ecclesiastes 7:15–18).

3:3

  • Loyalty and kindness show God's deep and complete commitment to his covenant with his people (see Deuteronomy 6:8–9).

  • write them: For a similar command, see Proverbs 7:3.

3:5–6

On the journey to wisdom, God guides us through the wisdom in his word.

3:8

Healing and strength mean enjoying physical energy as God's reward for following the path of wisdom.

3:9–10

God receives honor and blesses his people when they acknowledge him as the source of all they have. He blesses them when they give him the best part of everything they produce (Genesis 4:3–5; 18:6; Numbers 18:12, 29).

3:11–12

The Lord’s discipline can include hardships, disappointments, and frustrations (see Hebrews 12:4–6). Like a good father, God aims to make us wise, good, and happy.

3:13

Wisdom and understanding help you live well and solve life's problems.

3:14–15

Wisdom is more valuable than precious metals and jewels. It leads to a relationship with God, who gives ultimate joy (see Proverbs 2:1–8).

3:18

The tree of life refers to the first tree in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9).

3:19–20

God's wisdom brought harmony to the universe. Being wise means living according to the principles found in creation.

3:21–26

This passage lists the benefits of common sense and discernment, which come from wisdom.

3:29

Since we often interact with our neighbors, we should not exploit them.

3:30

While we cannot avoid all conflict, we should not start fights.

3:31–32

Those who use violence will eventually face punishment for their actions (Proverbs 1:18–32), even if they appear successful in the world (11:16). The wise will not envy them, as they are disliked by the Lord. God's friendship offers much more than anything the violent can gain.

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources