Proverbs 3:1-8
Lexham English Bible
Wisdom and Piety
3 My child, do not forget my instruction,
and may your heart guard my commands.
2 For length of days, years of life,
and peace they[a] shall add to you.
3 May loyal love[b] and truth not forsake you;
bind them around your neck,
write them upon your heart.
4 And you shall find favor and good sense[c]
in the eyes of God and humankind.
5 Trust Yahweh[d] with all your heart;
do not lean toward your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will straighten your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear Yahweh and retreat from evil.
8 There shall be healing for your flesh,[e]
and refreshment for your body.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 3:2 That is, “my commands” (3:1)
- Proverbs 3:3 Or “kindness, mercy”
- Proverbs 3:4 Or “understanding, prudence”
- Proverbs 3:5 Literally “trust toward Yahweh”
- Proverbs 3:8 Literally “navel”
Proverbs 3:1-8
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Trust the Lord
3 My son, don’t forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commands;(A)
2 for they will bring you
many days, a full life,[a](B) and well-being.(C)
3 Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.
Tie them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.(D)
4 Then you will find favor and high regard
in the sight of God and man.(E)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,(F)
and do not rely on your own understanding;(G)
6 think about Him in all your ways,
and He will guide you on the right paths.[b](H)
7 Don’t consider yourself to be wise;(I)
fear the Lord and turn away from evil.(J)
8 This will be healing for your body[c](K)
and strengthening for your bones.(L)
Footnotes
- Proverbs 3:2 Lit days, years of life
- Proverbs 3:6 Lit will make your paths straight
- Proverbs 3:8 Lit navel
Proverbs 3:11-12
Lexham English Bible
Happy Is the One Who Finds Wisdom
11 Do not despise the discipline of Yahweh, my child.
Do not be weary of his reproof
12 because whomever Yahweh will love, he will rebuke,
as a father delights in his son.
Proverbs 3:11-12
Holman Christian Standard Bible
11 Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son,
and do not loathe His discipline;(A)
12 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves,
just as a father, the son he delights in.(B)
Proverbs 3:21-26
Lexham English Bible
21 My child, may they[a] not escape from your sight;[b]
may you keep sound wisdom and prudence.
22 They shall be life for your soul[c]
and adornment[d] 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,[e]
and if you lie down, then your sleep shall be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden panic,[f]
or the storm of wickedness that will come.
26 Yahweh will be your confidence[g]
and guard your foot from capture.
Footnotes
- 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 3:21-26
Holman Christian Standard Bible
21 Maintain your competence and discretion.
My son, don’t lose sight of them.(A)
22 They will be life for you[a][b](B)
and adornment[c] for your neck.
23 Then you will go safely on your way;
your foot will not stumble.(C)
24 When you lie[d] down, you will not be afraid;(D)
you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.
25 Don’t fear sudden danger
or the ruin of the wicked when it comes,(E)
26 for the Lord will be your confidence[e]
and will keep your foot from a snare.(F)
Footnotes
- Proverbs 3:22 Or be your throat
- Proverbs 3:22 In Hb, nephesh can mean throat, soul, or life.
- Proverbs 3:22 Or grace
- Proverbs 3:24 LXX reads sit
- Proverbs 3:26 Or be at your side
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