Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryProverbs 3

Communion Conferred by Wisdom.This passage teaches us how to live in close relationship with God. Living by God’s wisdom is not only a great mystery, but also brings many blessings to our lives. When we follow God’s ways, we find true happiness and success.v. 1–2: We must always remember and obey God’s commands. My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commandments (Proverbs 3:1 ). God’s teachings should guide our actions and fill our hearts. If we do this, God promises us a long and peaceful life. For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you (Proverbs 3:2 ). Obeying God brings both earthly and eternal rewards (Psalm 21:4 ).

v. 3–4: We should also hold on to God’s promises of mercy and truth. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart (Proverbs 3:3 ). When we live by God’s mercy and truth, we will find favor with both God and people. So you will find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man (Proverbs 3:4 ). This brings honor and success, just as Jesus grew in favor with God and people (Luke 2:52 ).

v. 5–6: We must trust God completely and not rely only on our own understanding. Trust in the Lord

Consecration to God.In these verses, Solomon gives three instructions for living a life devoted to God. Each instruction is supported by a clear reason. These directions show us how to honor God in every part of life, and they promise real blessings and comfort for those who follow them.v. 7–8: We must be humble and submit ourselves to God. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord

v. 9–10: We should honor God with everything we own. Honor the Lord

v. 11–12: We need to accept God’s correction with a humble heart. My son, do not despise the Lord

The Excellency of Wisdom; Happiness of Those Who Find Wisdom.Solomon encourages us to seek wisdom, promising that those who find it are truly happy. He explains that wisdom means knowing and loving God, and living according to His truth and commands. Wisdom brings blessings that are greater than anything the world can offer.v. 13: Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding . This means we should work hard to gain wisdom, treasure it, and use it to help ourselves and others.

v. 14–15: Wisdom is better than riches. For the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her (Proverbs 3:14–15 ). Even if someone owned all the wealth in the world, it could not buy true wisdom, nor bring the happiness that wisdom brings (Job 28:15; Matthew 13:45–46 ; Proverbs 23:23 ).

v. 16–17: Wisdom brings long life, riches, honor, and peace. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace (Proverbs 3:16–17 ). Following God’s wisdom leads to true joy and safety, both now and forever.

v. 18: Wisdom is like a tree of life. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed . Just as the tree of life gave life in Eden, wisdom gives life, hope, and a taste of heaven (Revelation 22:2; Revelation 2:7 ).

v. 19–20: Wisdom is powerful because it comes from God Himself. The Lord

The Excellency of Wisdom.Solomon urges us to keep wisdom close, not just to find it but to hold on to it. He promises that if we keep wisdom in our hearts and minds, we will experience many blessings and comforts in life.v. 21: We should always keep God’s wisdom in view and in our hearts. My son, let them not depart from your eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion . This means we should constantly think about God’s teachings and never let them fade from our memory. Wisdom is like a treasure that we must guard and value every day.

v. 22: Wisdom brings life and beauty to us. So they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck . Wisdom gives us energy and encouragement when we feel tired or sad. It also brings honor and makes our words and actions attractive to others.

v. 23: Wisdom keeps us safe as we go through life. Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble . When we follow God’s wisdom, He protects us from falling into sin or trouble. The way of wisdom is the way of safety.

v. 24: Wisdom gives us peace and rest at night. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet . If we keep a good conscience and trust in God, we can sleep without fear or worry (Psalm 4:8 ).

v. 25: Wisdom helps us not to be afraid of sudden trouble. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes . Even when bad things happen quickly or unexpectedly, we can stay calm because we trust God to protect us.

v. 26: The Lord

Justice and Kindness Recommended; Caution against Envy.True wisdom is not only about serving God, but also about treating other people well. Solomon now gives practical advice for how to be honest, kind, and fair to everyone around us. He also warns us not to envy those who do wrong, even if they seem to succeed.v. 27–28: We must give people what we owe them, whether it is payment, help, or kindness. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it (Proverbs 3:27 ). If you can help someone, do it right away. Do not put it off until tomorrow, because you may not have another chance (Proverbs 3:28 ). This means paying debts, giving fair wages, caring for family, helping the poor, and doing good as soon as you can.

v. 29: Never plan to harm your neighbor. Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety’s sake . It is especially wrong to hurt someone who trusts you or lives near you. We should be trustworthy and kind to those around us.

v. 30: Do not start fights or arguments without a good reason. Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm . Avoid unnecessary quarrels and lawsuits. It is better to live peacefully with others whenever possible.

v. 31: Do not envy violent or wicked people, or try to copy their ways. Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways . Even if they seem powerful or successful, their path does not lead to real happiness (Psalm 37:1, 7-9 ).

v. 32: God hates those who are dishonest or stubborn, but He loves the righteous. For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord

v. 33: The Lord

v. 34: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34; Psalm 2:4 ; 2 Corinthians 3:18 ). Those who mock God and others will be brought low, but those who are humble will receive honor from God.

v. 35: In the end, the wise will inherit glory, but fools will only gain shame. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools (Proverbs 3:35; Psalm 84:11 ). Those who follow God may not seem important now, but they will receive lasting honor. Those who choose evil may seem successful for a time, but their end is disgrace.