Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 3

Verses 1-12

How replete with helpful instruction on the policy of life is this paragraph! The young of both sexes are invited to be merciful in their judgments or dealings, and faithful in the discharge of their responsibilities or duties. These are two prime qualifications for a right attitude toward God and man.

The perplexed are bidden to distrust their own understanding and to trust in God for guidance. If you do not see your way, wait till God reveals it. Notice the repeated word all - all thine heart, all thy ways. A thread reaching from our person to the ground may impair our perfect insularity. The business man is urged to honor God, as Abraham did, when returning laden with booty from his conflict with the freebooting kings, Genesis 14:23 . The suffering are urged to look beyond their pain and sorrow to the hand that chastens, Proverbs 3:11-12 . These precious words are endorsed by later Scriptures. See Hebrews 12:5-6 and Revelation 3:19 . We can never forget the tender assurance of Job 5:18-19 . There is no chance in life; accept all as by God’s appointment or permission.

Verses 13-26

Wisdom is susceptible of cultivation. It is a mine that needs to be worked with patient toil. Compare Proverbs 3:13-15 with Job 28:18 . It is comparable to a noble woman, who approaches us with full-handed beneficence, Proverbs 3:16-17 . It may be described as a tree, requiring careful tendance and bearing fruit for the patient cultivator, Proverbs 3:18 . And we may turn from our own little lives to see the mighty results of divine wisdom in Creation and Providence. We are made in the image of God, our minds are able to appreciate His mind, and we think over again, as Kepler said, the thoughts of God, Proverbs 3:19-20 .

Learn the security of the life which is built on the eternal principles of this book. It has no fear. Its repose is unbroken by alarm. It is at peace with itself, with man, and with God. This is not the result of our calculating prudence, but because we exercise ourselves to have consciences void of offense toward God and man; and because the God of patience, of hope, and of peace is with us. See Romans 15:5 ; Romans 15:13 ; Romans 15:33 .

Verses 27-35

Proverbs 3:27-35 ; Proverbs 4:1-9

Here are many duties! Be generous! Of course we must discriminate- to whom it is due; and we must be prudent- when it is in the power of thine hand , Proverbs 3:27 . Moreover, be prompt , Proverbs 3:28 . Don’t stir up strife or take a mean advantage , Proverbs 3:29-30 . In the presence of the prosperity of the violent and evil man, repress envy and recall Psalms 37:1-40 .

The word translated secret in Proverbs 3:32 should be rendered “friendship.” See Psalms 25:14 . Remember that Jesus calls us into this sacred inner circle, John 15:15 . Count on God blessing your home-life, Proverbs 3:33 . Be lowly and claim your great inheritance, Proverbs 3:34-35 . See Matthew 5:3 .

We are next admitted into an ancient Hebrew home, Proverbs 4:1-9 . We can hear the old patriarch advising his son, with deep and fond anxiety, that he should make the best of his life. What a difference would come over the land if fathers spoke more often like this! But to speak thus needs a background of noble living.