Proverbs 3 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.
Time Period
10th century BC, during the reign of King Solomon (~970-930 BC)
Location
Jerusalem, in the united Kingdom of Israel
Audience
Solomon's son, representing young men and the people of Israel
Situation
A father provides direct instruction to his son on the value of wisdom, urging obedience to God's commandments and trust in divine guidance over human understanding.
Key Background
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, largely attributed to Solomon, known for his God-given wisdom. Chapters 1-9 form an extended discourse where a father teaches his son foundational principles for righteous living. This chapter emphasizes benefits like health, prosperity, and protection for those who fear the Lord and follow wisdom's path, contrasting it with folly.
My son, don't forget what I've you. Hold on to my with everything you have,
because they'll add years to your life and bring you real
Never let and leave you. Tie them around neck; write them on the of
Then you'll find and a good reputation in the eyes of both God and people.
with everything you are. Don't lean on your own limited
In every area of your life, him, and he'll make your paths
Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Yahweh and walk away from what's
This will be for your body and for your bones.
Yahweh with your wealth — with the and of everything you produce.
Then your will be overflowing, and your vats will burst with
My son, don't push away Yahweh's and don't resent it when he corrects you,
because Yahweh corrects those he the way a father corrects the child he's of.
is for anyone who finds for the person who gains
because wisdom pays better than silver and yields more than gold.
She's more valuable than jewels — nothing you could ever want compares to her.
Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are wealth and honor.
Her ways are genuinely pleasant, and every one of her paths leads to
She's a of to everyone who holds on to her, and anyone who keeps their grip on her
Yahweh laid the earth's foundations with wisdom; he set the skies in place with understanding.
By his knowledge the broke open, and the clouds drip down dew.
My son, don't let these slip away from you. Hold on to and
They'll be life for your being and that you.
Then you'll walk through life with confidence, and your feet won't stumble.
When you lie down, you won't be afraid. You'll lie down and sleep soundly.
You won't need to fear sudden disaster or the that comes crashing down on the wicked,
because Yahweh will be your — he'll keep your feet from getting caught in a trap.
Don't withhold good from someone who needs it when it's in your power to help.
Don't tell your neighbor, "Come back tomorrow and I'll help you," when you could help them right now.
Don't harm against your neighbor — someone who lives beside you and trusts you.
Don't a with someone for no reason — especially someone who hasn't done you any harm.
Don't envy Don't choose any of their ways,
because Yahweh the but he shares his with the
Yahweh's is on the household of the wicked, but he brings goodness to where the live.
He the mockers, but gives to the
The inherit but carry away nothing but