King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
Complete Jewish Bible:
for gaining an intelligently disciplined life, doing what is right, just and fair;
Berean Standard Bible:
and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity.
American Standard Version:
To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness and justice and equity;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
To receive{H3947} the instruction{H4148} of wisdom{H7919}, justice{H6664}, and judgment{H4941}, and equity{H4339};
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 2:1
- ¶ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
Proverbs 2:9
- Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; [yea], every good path.
Job 22:22
- Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.
1 Kings 3:28
- And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God [was] in him, to do judgment.
Proverbs 8:10
- Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
Proverbs 8:11
- For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Proverbs 1:3
Proverbs 1:3, found within the Wisdom Literature of the Hebrew Bible, encapsulates the overarching purpose of the book of Proverbs itself. The verse reads: "To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity." This succinct statement serves as an introduction to the collection of sayings and teachings that follow, which are designed to impart practical wisdom for living a virtuous and successful life.
The historical context of this verse is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern tradition of wisdom literature, which was a genre of writing that included aphorisms, reflective essays, and poetic verse aimed at instructing individuals in the ways of righteousness, ethical conduct, and effective governance. During the time when the book of Proverbs was compiled—likely during the height of Israel's monarchy, with some material dating back to the time of Solomon—there was a strong emphasis on the importance of wisdom for rulers and the general populace alike.
The themes of Proverbs 1:3 are multifaceted:
1. **Wisdom**: This refers to the insight and understanding that come from experience and reflection. It is the ability to make sound judgments and to live skillfully in various situations.
2. **Justice**: This involves fairness in dealing with others and upholding what is right and lawful. It is the moral imperative to act with impartiality and to protect the rights of all individuals, especially the vulnerable.
3. **Judgment**: This speaks to the discernment necessary for making decisions, particularly in legal or leadership contexts. It is the capacity to weigh evidence and to render verdicts or make choices that are just and equitable.
4. **Equity**: Often associated with fairness and impartiality, equity ensures that individuals receive what they are due, taking into account their unique circumstances. It is the principle of treating people according to the requirements of justice, without reference to social status, race, or gender.
In essence, Proverbs 1:3 sets the stage for a comprehensive educational program that aims to cultivate a society where individuals are equipped with the tools to live righteously, govern justly, and interact with others fairly. The verse underscores the value of wisdom as a foundational principle for personal conduct and societal well-being. It is an invitation to the reader to pursue a life marked by understanding, integrity, and a commitment to ethical living.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3947
There are 909 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לָקַח
Transliteration: lâqach
Pronunciation: law-kakh'
Description: a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. - Strong's Number: H4148
There are 50 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מוּסָר
Transliteration: mûwçâr
Pronunciation: moo-sawr'
Description: from יָסַר; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint; bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. - Strong's Number: H7919
There are 63 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׂכַל
Transliteration: sâkal
Pronunciation: saw-kal'
Description: a primitive root; to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent; consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. - Strong's Number: H6664
There are 109 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צֶדֶק
Transliteration: tsedeq
Pronunciation: tseh'-dek
Description: from צָדַק; the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity; [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). - Strong's Number: H4941
There are 406 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִשְׁפָּט
Transliteration: mishpâṭ
Pronunciation: mish-pawt'
Description: from שָׁפַט; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style; [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. - Strong's Number: H4339
There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֵישָׁר
Transliteration: mêyshâr
Pronunciation: may-shawr'
Description: from יָשַׁר; evenness, i.e. (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e. (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adverbially); agreement, aright, that are equal, equity, (things that are) right(-eously, things), sweetly, upright(-ly, -ness).