Proverbs 3:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then you will win favor and esteem in the sight of God and of people.

Berean Standard Bible:

Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.

American Standard Version:

So shalt thou find favor and good understanding In the sight of God and man.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

So shalt thou find^{H4672} favour^{H2580} and good^{H2896} understanding^{H7922} in the sight^{H5869} of God^{H430} and man^{H120}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 3:4

Proverbs 3:4 is part of a larger section in the book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon, the wise king of Israel. This verse encapsulates a key theme in wisdom literature: the pursuit of divine favor and human goodwill through integrity and wisdom. The historical context of Proverbs is set within the ancient Near Eastern tradition of wisdom literature, which was didactic in nature, intended to instruct and guide individuals in right living.

The verse itself, "So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man," suggests that by adhering to wisdom and upright behavior, one will gain a positive reputation both with the divine and with other people. The phrase "find favour" implies that such a person will be viewed with grace and approval, while "good understanding" indicates that they will be recognized for their discernment and sound judgment.

In the broader context of Proverbs, this verse is part of a passage (Proverbs 3:1-12) that emphasizes the importance of keeping the commandments, showing mercy and truth, and trusting in the Lord with all one's heart. The promise of favor from both God and humanity underscores the interconnectedness of righteous living with positive social and spiritual outcomes. It reflects the belief that living wisely according to God's precepts leads to a harmonious life, beneficial relationships, and divine blessing.

The historical and cultural context of this verse would have resonated with the Israelite audience, who understood the importance of maintaining good standing within their covenant relationship with God, as well as with their community, as essential for a prosperous and peaceful life. This teaching would have been seen as both a religious and practical guide for daily living.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H4672
   There are 425 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָצָא
   Transliteration: mâtsâʼ
   Pronunciation: maw-tsaw'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present; [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on.
   
2. Strong's Number: H2580
   There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֵן
   Transliteration: chên
   Pronunciation: khane
   Description: from חָנַן; graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty); favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured.
   
3. Strong's Number: H2896
   There are 517 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טוֹב
   Transliteration: ṭôwb
   Pronunciation: tobe
   Description: from טוֹב; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured).
   
4. Strong's Number: H7922
   There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֶׂכֶל
   Transliteration: sekel
   Pronunciation: seh'-kel
   Description: or שֵׂכֶל; from שָׂכַל; intelligence; by implication, success; discretion, knowledge, policy, prudence, sense, understanding, wisdom, wise.
   
5. Strong's Number: H5869
   There are 830 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַיִן
   Transliteration: ʻayin
   Pronunciation: ah'-yin
   Description: probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape); affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves).
   
6. Strong's Number: H430
   There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
   Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
   Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
   Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.
   
7. Strong's Number: H120
   There are 581 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָדָם
   Transliteration: ʼâdâm
   Pronunciation: aw-dawm'
   Description: from אָדַם; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.); [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person.