Proverbs Chapter 3
Wisdom from Trusting God
A. My son, walk rightly with God.
(Proverbs 3:1–4)
“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”
Solomon begins this section by admonishing his son to value and retain God’s Word above all. When he says, “forget not my law,” he does not mean that his own personal decrees are to be remembered, but rather the divine law of God that he had internalized and now passed down. The wisdom of God’s Word must not be treated as casual instruction; it is to be held fast, guarded in memory, and lived out in practice.
To “let thine heart keep my commandments” is more than a matter of intellectual recall. It demands a heart devoted to obedience. True remembrance of God’s Word manifests itself in faithful action, not in theoretical knowledge. When one remembers God’s Word yet neglects to do it, such a person has, in effect, forgotten it. Genuine obedience begins within, for “the heart is the first thing that wanders away from God, and it is also the first thing that returns to God.”
Those who walk in obedience from the heart will find that it leads to a life of blessing. “For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” While not an absolute guarantee in every individual case, it stands as a divine principle. A life governed by God’s commands tends toward stability, longevity, and peace. Without peace, long life would be a burden, but the wisdom of God produces both, giving rest to the soul as well as strength to the body.
The wise father also instructs his son, “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee.” These two qualities are foundational to godly character. The Hebrew word for mercy, hesed, signifies steadfast love and loyal faithfulness. Truth refers to integrity, honesty, and reliability. These two together mirror the very nature of God Himself, for the Lord abounds in both mercy and truth. They are to be bound “about thy neck” and written “upon the table of thine heart,” meaning they are to become a permanent part of one’s nature, not outward adornment only but inward devotion.
Matthew Poole observed that mercy and truth apply both to God’s dealings with us and to our duty toward others. Just as God shows mercy and truth, His people must reflect the same. These qualities, when internalized, shape the believer into a reflection of divine character. The command to “bind” and “write” speaks of meditating continually upon these truths and allowing them to transform conduct and thought alike.
As a result of living by mercy and truth, the believer “shalt find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” The life shaped by godly wisdom attracts blessing. It pleases God and gains the respect of others. The favor spoken of here is not something earned but graciously granted, a divine disposition of kindness toward those who walk uprightly. This favor brings both divine approval and human respect, as seen in the lives of men like Joseph, Moses, and David, whose godly wisdom made them both effective and admired. God Himself fashions the opinions of others and inclines hearts toward those who walk rightly before Him, as Ezra testified with thanksgiving (Ezra 7:27–28).
B. Walk rightly with God by truly trusting Him.
(Proverbs 3:5–6)
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Solomon continues his instruction to his son by teaching the foundation of true wisdom: absolute trust in the LORD. He exhorts him, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart,” emphasizing that this trust must be placed in Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, and not in self or worldly reasoning. Every person places their confidence somewhere—whether in their own strength, intellect, or the systems of men—but Solomon commands his son to consciously place that confidence in the LORD alone, who has proven Himself faithful and true throughout all generations.
The word translated “trust” carries the idea of lying helpless and fully surrendered, as a servant awaiting his master’s command or a soldier yielding to a conquering general. This is the kind of dependence Solomon describes—a posture of humility and submission before God. To trust in God is to “be unbottomed of thyself,” as Trapp wrote, leaning wholly upon Him in such a way that, if He were to fail, we would utterly sink. This picture communicates total reliance, not a divided or partial faith.
The command to trust “with all thine heart” further deepens the meaning. True faith in God is not half-hearted or conditional. Divided trust is no trust at all. To rely partly on God and partly on one’s own reasoning is like standing with one foot on solid rock and the other on quicksand; both positions will end in ruin. The believer must give the entirety of his confidence to the LORD, resting in His wisdom, faithfulness, and love.
Some may be troubled, fearing that their imperfect faith falls short of “all the heart.” Yet Solomon is not calling for perfection but for direction—a heart and life that do not consciously resist or reject God’s leading. It is the posture of submission and the willful turning from self-reliance to God-reliance. This trust, as Bridges noted, is not a cold assent of the intellect but a warm, childlike confidence in a Father who has proven Himself wise and good.
The instruction continues, “and lean not unto thine own understanding.” To lean upon our own understanding is to depend on the limited insight of fallen man rather than the infinite wisdom of God. The image is that of resting one’s weight on a broken staff, which cannot bear the load. Our natural reasoning is flawed, distorted by sin, and unfit to guide us rightly. “It is on GOD, not on thyself, that thou art commanded to depend,” wrote Clarke. “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool.” Ever since the fall, humanity has sought independence from God, believing it can live and reason apart from Him. But every attempt at self-sufficiency leads only to confusion and destruction.
To “acknowledge him in all thy ways” means to invite God into every decision, every plan, and every path. It is to live with a constant awareness of His presence and a desire for His glory. This acknowledgment is not confined to acts of worship or moments of crisis but extends to the ordinary routines of life. We honor Him when we seek His counsel, submit to His Word, and act in the consciousness that He is watching and guiding. Trapp captured this beautifully: “Ask counsel at his mouth, aim at his glory, be evermore in the sense of his presence, and light of his countenance.”
The result of this trust and acknowledgment is a sure promise: “and he shall direct thy paths.” God Himself assumes responsibility for guiding the believer’s life. He straightens the crooked paths, removes obstacles, and leads His servant into the way that pleases Him. The one who trusts God does not need to live in fear or confusion about the future, for the Lord is faithful to lead in the right way. Those who resist His direction, preferring their own will, reveal a lack of trust in His goodness. But the surrendered heart delights in being directed by God and finds peace in His leading.
This passage also answers one of the most common questions among believers: “How can I know the will of God?” Solomon’s answer is profound in its simplicity. When we choose to trust in the LORD, refuse to depend on our own understanding, and acknowledge Him in all our ways, we can rest assured that He will direct our paths. God’s guidance comes through His Word, the inward prompting of the Holy Spirit, the wise counsel of others, sanctified common sense, and the unfolding circumstances of life. When we walk in this posture of trust and submission, we find that we have been traveling the path God intended for us all along.
G. Campbell Morgan once testified, “The measure in which I have trusted Jehovah and acknowledged Him, has been the measure of walking in the paths of real life.” His words reflect the timeless truth of Proverbs 3:5–6: the life that wholly trusts and acknowledges God is the life that walks securely under His direction.
Wisdom from Trusting God
C. Walk rightly with God by a humble, reverent life.
(Proverbs 3:7–8)
“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.”
Having instructed his son to trust the LORD with all his heart, Solomon now warns against the opposite tendency—to be wise in one’s own eyes. This is the essence of leaning on one’s own understanding. It is the proud belief that human wisdom, apart from divine counsel, is sufficient for success. Solomon urges his son to reject this conceit and to humbly depend upon God’s direction rather than his own reasoning.
To “be not wise in thine own eyes” is to lay aside the arrogance of self-sufficiency. As Poole rightly observed, this command means, “Be not puffed up with vain conceit of thine own wisdom, as if that were sufficient for the conduct of all thine affairs without direction or assistance from God, or without the advice of others.” Pride blinds men to truth. When one becomes confident in his own intellect, he grows deaf to divine counsel and blind to the wisdom that comes from above. True wisdom begins with humility—the recognition that all understanding apart from God is frail and corrupt.
The counsel continues, “fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Reverence for God is the natural fruit of genuine trust. As a person grows in faith, he grows also in awe of God’s holiness and majesty. This reverential fear is not terror but profound respect—a recognition that God is all-wise, all-powerful, and perfectly righteous. The one who truly fears the LORD will inevitably “depart from evil,” for he knows that sin offends the One he loves and reveres. To fear God is to hate what He hates and to turn away from anything that opposes His nature.
Such a life of humble trust and reverence brings tangible blessing: “It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” In other words, godly humility and reverence promote both spiritual and physical well-being. The “navel” represents the body’s core, the very center of vitality, while “marrow” refers to the inner strength that sustains life. A person at peace with God, living in obedience and humility, enjoys inward strength and tranquility. Anxiety, pride, and rebellion weaken both body and spirit, but submission to God brings wholeness. The one who fears the LORD and departs from evil walks in harmony with divine order, and that harmony produces both peace of mind and vigor of life.
D. Walk rightly with God in regard to your possessions.
(Proverbs 3:9–10)
“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
Solomon moves from the inner life of humility to the outward expression of faith in the use of possessions. To “honour the LORD with thy substance” means to acknowledge God as the true source of all provision. When we give from what we have, we proclaim that everything belongs to Him and that we trust His continued provision. This act of giving demonstrates faith in God’s abundance and gratitude for His goodness.
The word “honour” carries the sense of weight or value. To honor God with our possessions means to give Him the weight He deserves in our finances and material goods. It implies sacrifice and reverence, not mere token offerings. As many commentators note, this phrase carries an echo of the ancient system of sacrifice: not ceremonial in this context, but moral and spiritual. The heart behind such giving is not ritual obligation, but gratitude, trust, and acknowledgment of God’s ownership. “The third piece of advice,” as Ross noted, “is to give back to God some of one’s wealth as a sacrifice in recognition that God gave it.”
The command continues, “and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.” In Israel, the offering of firstfruits was a declaration that God owned the land, the harvest, and the labor that produced it. It was the giving of the best and first portion to the LORD before any other use or need was met. This principle teaches that our giving should not come from what remains after all else is satisfied, but from the first and best, given in faith that God will supply what follows.
The principle of firstfruits also carries forward into Christian stewardship. The believer who gives to God first demonstrates confidence that the LORD will provide the remainder. Giving becomes an act of worship, not mere duty. As Wiersbe observed, “The Old Testament Jews brought the Lord the firstlings of their flocks (Exodus 13:1–2) and the firstfruits of their fields (Leviticus 23:9–14), and in this way acknowledged His goodness and sovereignty.”
The promise attached to this command is both simple and profound: “So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” God responds to faithful stewardship with divine provision. He is the owner of all and the dispenser of abundance. Those who give with generous hearts find that God supplies their needs abundantly, not always in material wealth, but in sufficiency and contentment. “New wine,” according to Waltke, refers to the potent first drippings from the winepress before treading—a symbol of the richest and best blessings.
God’s resources are limitless. When we honor Him with our possessions, He proves faithful to sustain us. He fills the barns of the righteous not merely for personal enjoyment but that they might continue to give and glorify His name. This passage is not a prosperity promise for selfish gain, but a divine principle affirming that generosity toward God and His work is always met with His faithful provision.
Wisdom from Trusting God
B. My son, receive the hard lessons of wisdom.
(Proverbs 3:11–12)
“My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”
Solomon, speaking as a father to his son, teaches the proper response to divine correction. God’s chastening is not to be despised nor resented but to be received with humility and understanding. The word chastening carries the idea of training, discipline, and instruction. It is not simply punishment for wrongdoing, but the process by which a loving Father shapes the character and faith of His child. Clarke explained that teaching shows a man the way he should go, discipline strengthens that teaching, and correction brings the heart into submission so that it may receive true knowledge.
When a believer disregards God’s instruction or strays from His path, the Lord, in His fatherly love, applies correction to turn that person back. As Waltke observed, when the father’s admonition is ignored, the son may expect the Lord to “back it up with a spanking” to prevent sin from becoming habitual. God’s correction is not needless suffering, but a purposeful intervention meant to prevent deeper harm. Yet man may despise God’s chastening by viewing it as unnecessary or troublesome, as Poole noted, failing to see its redemptive purpose.
The writer of Hebrews quotes this passage to remind believers that God’s discipline is a mark of sonship: “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:6). The Christian who endures chastening can be comforted in knowing that the correction of the Lord proves that he is indeed a child of God, not a spiritual orphan.
“Nor be weary of his correction.” God’s correction may come in many forms—inward conviction by the Holy Spirit, rebuke from others, adversities, or disappointments—but all are designed for the believer’s good. Through these means, God exposes hidden sin, reveals weaknesses, discourages rebellion, and directs His people toward holiness. Garrett noted that divine discipline is similar to military training: severe, demanding, and purposeful, yet not cruel. It is not vengeance but preparation for greater service.
Bridges captured the heart of this truth: “The Lord’s discipline is like that in a family, not in a school, let alone in a prison.” God’s correction flows from relationship, not wrath. It is the rod of a Father who loves His child too much to leave him uncorrected. The believer may echo Fletcher’s sentiment, “I love the rod of my heavenly Father. How gentle are the stripes I feel, how heavy those I deserve.”
“For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth.” Seen rightly, divine discipline is one of the greatest evidences of God’s love. A father who refuses to discipline his children does not love them truly; he merely indulges them to their ruin. God’s correction, though painful, is never cruel. It is always aimed at producing holiness, wisdom, and spiritual maturity. C. S. Lewis illustrated this beautifully, saying that an artist may not labor long over a child’s doodle, but he will invest great care and effort into his masterpiece. So it is with God, who lovingly perfects the work He has begun in us.
Wiersbe observed that God’s chastening comes for several reasons: sometimes to lead us to repentance, other times to prevent sin or prepare us for future blessing. However painful it may be, divine correction never harms the believer—it heals, refines, and strengthens. For the child of God, chastening is not a mark of rejection but of relationship, a sure sign that the Lord delights in His own.
(Proverbs 3:13–18)
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.”
The fruit of God’s correction and the pursuit of wisdom is joy. “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom.” Solomon desires that his son learn to treasure wisdom, for true happiness and blessing are found not in material gain but in understanding the ways of God. As Ross explained, the word happy (or blessed) refers to a state of spiritual well-being that comes from being right with God. Wisdom is not a burden but a source of joy, a companion that enriches every aspect of life.
Bridges challenged the misconception that wisdom brings sorrow: “Is wisdom a sullen matron who entertains her followers only with sighs and tears? Does this mean that to gain the joys of the next life we must bid eternal farewell to the benefits of this life? This is the world’s creed, and it is a slander from the great liar.” True godly wisdom enriches life now and in eternity.
Wisdom’s “merchandise” and “gain” are more valuable than silver, gold, or rubies. Material wealth can purchase comforts but cannot grant peace, character, or contentment. Solomon knew this truth personally. When given the opportunity to ask anything from God, he requested wisdom, and the Lord gave him both understanding and riches (1 Kings 3:9–13). He later recognized that the spiritual wealth of wisdom far surpassed the material wealth of kings.
“All the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.” No earthly treasure, status, or pleasure compares with the worth of godly understanding. Solomon, one of the richest men who ever lived (2 Chronicles 9:22), declared that wisdom’s rewards exceed every possession. The blessings of divine wisdom—peace of mind, stability, favor with God, and moral clarity—cannot be measured in gold.
“Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.” The imagery portrays wisdom as a noble princess holding blessings in both hands. Her right hand grants long life, and her left, riches and honor. Poole aptly described her as “a great and generous princess distributing gifts to her subjects.” Wisdom enriches every aspect of life—prolonging it, prospering it, and ennobling it with dignity and virtue.
Her “ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” The life directed by divine wisdom is not burdened with strife and guilt but marked by serenity and righteousness. It brings harmony with God, others, and oneself. The culmination of this imagery is profound: “She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her.” Just as the Tree of Life in Eden sustained man eternally, so wisdom nourishes the soul and sustains spiritual vitality. Clarke noted that this alludes “most manifestly to the tree which God in the beginning planted in the garden of Paradise, by eating the fruit of which the wastes of nature might have been repaired to prevent death forever.”
In this way, wisdom becomes the believer’s source of continual renewal, joy, and strength. Those who lay hold upon her, retaining her truths in heart and practice, are described as “happy”—blessed, fulfilled, and content under God’s gracious hand.
Wisdom from Trusting God
C. My son, value wise living before God and man.
(Proverbs 3:19–20)
“The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.”
Solomon directs his son’s attention to the ultimate example of wisdom—God Himself. The Creator is the perfect model of wise design, careful order, and intelligent purpose. “The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth” shows that the entire creation rests upon divine understanding. Every part of the natural world, from the vast galaxies to the smallest atom, testifies to a deliberate plan authored by a wise and powerful Creator.
God’s wisdom is evident in both the grandeur and precision of creation. The beauty of the mountains, the order of the stars, and the intricacy of living organisms all proclaim His glory. This aligns with the truth declared in Romans 1:19–20: “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead.” Mankind is without excuse for ignoring such revelation. The very structure of the universe reveals divine wisdom, and to reject it is to rebel against God’s self-evident truth.
“By understanding hath he established the heavens.” The order of the heavens displays a design of extraordinary precision. Every law of physics and every constant of nature exists within finely tuned parameters, showing that the universe is not an accident but a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship. Poole noted that God “framed them in that exquisite order which now they have.” Scientists confirm this balance, observing that the gravitational force, the distance between stars, and even the speed of light are “just right” for life to exist. Were any of these constants slightly altered, life as we know it would be impossible. The heavens thus bear witness to the wisdom of the Lord, declaring His glory and perfection.
“By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.” This phrase recalls the flood of Noah’s day, when “all the fountains of the great deep were broken up” (Genesis 7:11). The same divine wisdom that established creation also governs its judgment and renewal. Through His knowledge, God ordered the deep waters of the earth and set in motion the hydrological systems that sustain life. Waltke noted that the dew, so vital to the land of Canaan, represented divine provision. In the arid climate of Israel, dew was often the only source of moisture during the dry season. Thus, even the falling of dew symbolized God’s ongoing care and sustaining wisdom.
To value wisdom, then, is to align one’s life with the same divine order that upholds creation. The one who walks in God’s wisdom lives in harmony with the Creator’s design, finding stability and blessing in the same wisdom that formed the heavens and the earth.
(Proverbs 3:21–22)
“My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.”
Solomon continues his exhortation, urging his son to maintain constant focus upon wisdom and discretion. “Let not them depart from thine eyes” signifies continual awareness and meditation upon the principles of God’s truth. Just as the eyes must remain fixed upon a guide when traveling dangerous terrain, so the believer must fix his spiritual sight upon divine wisdom to avoid stumbling. Wisdom is not acquired once for all; it must be continually guarded and pursued.
To “keep sound wisdom and discretion” is to treasure practical judgment and moral discernment. Wisdom that is sound is stable, dependable, and rooted in truth, not in fleeting opinions or emotions. Discretion adds prudence to wisdom—the ability to apply knowledge rightly in the complexities of daily life. The wise man is not swayed by impulse or arrogance but considers his ways carefully before God.
“So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.” Those who hold fast to wisdom experience inward vitality and outward beauty. Wisdom nourishes the soul, giving it life, peace, and purpose. Like a precious ornament worn about the neck, it adorns the life of the believer, making his conduct attractive before both God and man. The one who lives according to divine wisdom carries himself with dignity and grace, not from vanity but from the beauty of holiness.
Wisdom, therefore, is not a mere intellectual pursuit but the very breath of spiritual life. It sustains the soul as surely as the dew sustains the earth. Those who fix their eyes upon it and guard it within will find their lives enriched by peace, honor, and godly strength.
Wisdom from Trusting God
D. The safety of walking in God’s wisdom.
(Proverbs 3:23–26)
“Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.”
Those who walk according to the wisdom of God enjoy divine protection and peace. “Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely” expresses the principle that obedience and trust in God place a believer within the shelter of His will. There is no path more secure than the one ordered by divine wisdom. It does not promise freedom from hardship, but it guarantees that God Himself will guide and preserve His servant through every trial.
The believer who walks wisely need not live in fear of danger or uncertainty. “Thy foot shall not stumble,” meaning that the course of life directed by God is one of steadiness and sure footing. Those who walk by their own understanding are easily tripped by temptation, pride, and sin; but those who walk in the counsel of the Lord are upheld by His hand.
“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid… and thy sleep shall be sweet.” This peace of heart is one of wisdom’s greatest rewards. The wise man rests without fear because his conscience is clear before God and his heart is secure in divine providence. As Poole observed, such sleep is “free from distracting cares and terrors, which oft haunt sinners even in their sleep, because thy mind shall be composed and serene through the sense of God’s favour and providence, and the conscience of thine own integrity.”
The wicked cannot enjoy such rest. Their consciences accuse them, and their fears disturb their sleep. Trapp compared this to the restless nights of Richard III, tormented by guilt after his crimes. In contrast, the righteous man enjoys “sweet sleep,” resting not in ignorance of danger but in faith that God reigns over all.
Bridges reminded us of the Apostle Peter’s peace when he lay imprisoned, chained between soldiers, on the eve of execution (Acts 12:6). Though death seemed certain, Peter slept soundly, resting in the Lord’s sovereignty. Such calm assurance comes only from a heart anchored in divine wisdom.
“Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.” The world’s terrors often arise suddenly—disaster, violence, persecution—but the believer need not fear. He who trusts in the Lord knows that nothing occurs apart from God’s will. The judgment that falls upon the wicked will not consume the righteous. “For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” The believer’s security does not rest in circumstances or self-defense but in God Himself. The Lord becomes both shield and stability, ensuring that His servant’s steps remain firm even in a world of danger.
The one who lives by divine wisdom walks safely, rests peacefully, and stands unshaken amid fear. His confidence is not in human strength but in the steadfast faithfulness of God.
E. Some lessons from God’s wisdom.
(Proverbs 3:27–30)
“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.”
Wisdom not only brings personal peace but also directs conduct toward others. Solomon here gives practical illustrations of what it means to live wisely and righteously among men. The first lesson is generosity and justice: “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due.” When one has the power and means to do good, wisdom demands that he act immediately. Kindness delayed is kindness denied. Clarke exhorted, “Do not refuse a kindness when it is in thy power to perform it. If thou have the means by thee, and thy neighbour’s necessities be pressing, do not put him off till the morrow. Death may take either him or thee before that time.”
The phrase “them to whom it is due” implies obligation, not mere charity. Kidner noted that the Hebrew expression literally means “from its owners,” stressing that withholding rightful wages or necessary aid is an act of injustice. Garrett explained that this may refer to laborers who have earned their pay, the poor who plead for help, or those who seek justice at the city gates. Wisdom, therefore, is not passive benevolence but active righteousness—doing good promptly and faithfully.
The second instruction, “Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give,” condemns procrastination in doing good. To delay a kindness that can be done today is both inconsiderate and sinful. Opportunity is fleeting, and tomorrow is not guaranteed. Godly wisdom acts while it can, reflecting the compassion and urgency of the Lord Himself.
The third principle is integrity in relationships: “Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.” To devise evil means to plot harm—literally “to plow” evil into one’s thoughts or plans, as Waltke explained. Such scheming destroys the very fabric of trust that holds a community together. God’s people are called to promote peace, not suspicion or conflict, especially among those who live near them and depend on mutual goodwill for safety.
Finally, “Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.” Wisdom restrains quarrelsomeness and pride. Clarke warned against a litigious spirit—one quick to take offense or seek revenge. The believer must not be driven by ego or vengeance but by peace. The Apostle Paul echoed this principle in Romans 12:18: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Bridges added that strife is a great hindrance to holiness, inconsistent with the spirit of Christ, and unbecoming to any servant of God (Hebrews 12:14; Colossians 3:12–15; 2 Timothy 2:24).
True wisdom produces humility, generosity, and peace. It teaches believers to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God. Those who live by this wisdom bless others and, in doing so, strengthen their own spiritual safety and joy.
Wisdom from Trusting God
F. The benefit of a life that loves God’s wisdom.
(Proverbs 3:31–35)
“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous. The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.”
Solomon closes this chapter by contrasting the fate of those who reject God’s wisdom with the blessings of those who love and live by it. He begins with a warning: “Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.” The way of the wicked may appear successful and appealing for a time. Those who exploit others for gain often prosper in worldly terms, but their success is fleeting. Wisdom teaches that there is nothing enviable about oppression, deceit, or cruelty. Godly wisdom calls us to reject such paths entirely, for the reward of wickedness is destruction.
Jesus echoed this truth in Matthew 10:28, saying, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Oppressors may wield earthly power, but they have no peace, no favor with God, and no future glory. To envy their ways is to despise God’s righteousness and invite His displeasure.
“For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.” The “froward,” or perverse person, is one who twists truth and uses deceit for selfish ends. Such a man is detestable to the Lord. God abhors those who manipulate, corrupt, and oppress, for their conduct opposes His holy character. Waltke notes that “The Lord abhors intrigue, but people who are candid and upright, who know the virtue of openness and simplicity, have His ear.” The upright enjoy intimate fellowship with God—His “secret,” meaning His confidential counsel, is shared with them. The Lord reveals His will to those who walk in integrity and humility, but He hides it from the proud and corrupt.
“The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.” This reveals a solemn but certain principle of divine justice. The house of the wicked may appear prosperous and full, yet God’s unseen curse rests upon it. It lacks His peace and protection and will ultimately fall under His judgment. In contrast, the home of the righteous, even if modest in appearance, enjoys God’s abiding blessing. His favor sanctifies that dwelling, turning it into a place of rest, provision, and grace. It is not wealth that makes a home blessed, but the presence of the Lord within it.
“Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.” This truth, so central to the character of God, is repeated throughout Scripture (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). God sets Himself in opposition to the proud but draws near to the humble. Pride provokes divine resistance, while humility invites divine favor. The Lord “mocks the mockers,” turning their arrogance into shame, yet He pours out grace upon those who walk humbly before Him. The proud, trusting in their own strength, find themselves fighting against God Himself. The humble, aware of their dependence upon Him, receive His power, guidance, and mercy.
There is a close connection between wisdom and humility. To be truly wise is to see God as He is—holy, sovereign, and glorious—and to see oneself as weak and dependent upon His grace. Pride cannot coexist with wisdom, for pride blinds the soul to truth. The fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), produces reverent humility and a right estimation of ourselves in light of His majesty.
“The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.” The final verse summarizes the eternal outcomes of the wise and the foolish. The wise, those who walk in humility and righteousness, will inherit glory—not earn it, but receive it as a lasting possession from their heavenly Father. As Trapp noted, “Not have it only, but inherit it…they shall have it as their proper, perfect, and perpetual right.” Glory is both the present reflection of God’s favor and the eternal reward awaiting His faithful ones.
By contrast, the fool’s end is shame. Waltke comments that “fools are those who acquire or earn, not inherit, by their intractability, public shame.” The fool’s “promotion,” or elevation, is short-lived; his apparent success only magnifies his fall. In rejecting wisdom, he inherits disgrace and eternal loss.
The message of this passage is clear: the wise who love God’s ways will be honored with blessing, peace, and eternal glory, while the proud and perverse will face divine opposition, shame, and ruin.
