Proverbs 3:13-26
Lexham English Bible
13 Happy is the one[a] who finds wisdom,
and one who obtains understanding.
14 For her[b] income is better than the income of silver,
and her revenue than that of gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
and all your desires shall not compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life for those who seize her;
those who take hold of her are considered happy.
Role of Wisdom in Creation and Society
19 Yahweh in wisdom founded the earth;
he established the heavens in understanding.
20 With his knowledge, depths broke open,
and clouds dropped dew.
21 My child, may they[c] not escape from your sight;[d]
may you keep sound wisdom and prudence.
22 They shall be life for your soul[e]
and adornment[f] for your neck.
23 Then you will walk in the confidence of your ways,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 If you sit down, you will not panic,[g]
and if you lie down, then your sleep shall be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden panic,[h]
or the storm of wickedness that will come.
26 Yahweh will be your confidence[i]
and guard your foot from capture.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 3:13 Literally “a man”
- Proverbs 3:14 Or “its”; both “wisdom” and “understanding” are feminine nouns and can be read as either “she” or “it”
- Proverbs 3:21 Grammatically, “they” most likely refers to clouds (3:20). In context, “they” may refer to wisdom and understanding (3:13).
- Proverbs 3:21 Literally “eyes”
- Proverbs 3:22 Or “inner self”
- Proverbs 3:22 Or “favor”
- Proverbs 3:24 Or “fear, dread”
- Proverbs 3:25 Or “fear, dread”
- Proverbs 3:26 Literally “in your confidence”
Proverbs 3:13-26
Common English Bible
Value of wisdom
13 Happy are those who find wisdom
and those who gain understanding.
14 Her profit is better than silver,
and her gain better than gold.
15 Her value exceeds pearls;
all you desire can’t compare with her.
16 In her right hand is a long life;
in her left are wealth and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant;
all her paths are peaceful.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who hold her tight are happy.
19 The Lord laid the foundations of the earth with wisdom,
establishing the heavens with understanding.
20 With his knowledge, the watery depths burst open,
and the skies drop dew.
Integrity of wisdom
21 My son, don’t let them slip from your eyes;
hold on to sound judgment and discretion.
22 They will be life for your whole being,
and an ornament for your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely on your path,
and your foot won’t stumble.
24 If you lie down, you won’t be terrified.
When you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.
25 Don’t fear sudden terror
or the ruin that comes to the wicked.
26 The Lord will be your confidence;
he will guard your feet from being snared.
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