Proverbs 3:16

Length of days [is] in her right hand; [and] in her left hand riches and honour.

Length {H753} of days {H3117} is in her right hand {H3225}; and in her left hand {H8040} riches {H6239} and honour {H3519}.

Long life is in her right hand, riches and honor in her left.

Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

Length of days is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.

Context

Proverbs 3:16 is a powerful verse that continues the extended personification of wisdom, which began earlier in the chapter. The book of Proverbs, primarily attributed to King Solomon, is a collection of divine wisdom intended to guide individuals in living a righteous and prosperous life. In this chapter, the reader is exhorted to trust in the Lord with all their heart (Proverbs 3:5) and to embrace wisdom as a foundational principle.

Verses 13-15 of Proverbs 3 lavish praise upon wisdom, declaring her value to be far above rubies or any precious thing. Verse 16 then details the specific, tangible blessings that wisdom bestows upon those who possess her, setting the stage for the description of wisdom's pleasant ways and peace in Proverbs 3:17-18.

Key Themes

  • The Blessings of Wisdom: This verse explicitly states the rewards for pursuing and embracing divine wisdom. Wisdom is portrayed as a generous giver, holding valuable gifts in both hands.
  • Holistic Prosperity: The blessings mentioned are not limited to one aspect of life. "Length of days" refers to longevity and a full, satisfying life, while "riches and honour" point to material well-being and social respect. This suggests a comprehensive flourishing that comes from living wisely according to God's principles.
  • Divine Order and Cause-and-Effect: The verse implies a spiritual principle: aligning one's life with God's wisdom naturally leads to beneficial outcomes. It highlights God's design for human prosperity when His ways are followed.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Length of days" (Hebrew: 'orekh yamim - אֹרֶךְ יָמִים): This phrase signifies not merely a long life, but a full, satisfying, and complete existence. In ancient Israelite thought, longevity was often seen as a sign of God's blessing and faithfulness to His covenant, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 30:20.
  • "Riches and honour" (Hebrew: 'osher v'kavod - עֹשֶׁר וְכָבוֹד): These terms denote material wealth and high regard or dignity. "Honour" implies respect, reputation, and influence within the community, which was highly valued in ancient societies.
  • "Right hand" and "Left hand": Symbolically, the right hand was often associated with primary strength, favor, and greater blessing, while the left hand represented secondary or additional benefits. The imagery here suggests an abundance and diversity of blessings, with both major and complementary benefits flowing from wisdom.

Practical Application

Proverbs 3:16 offers enduring truth for believers today. It teaches us that prioritizing God's wisdom, as revealed in His Word, is not merely an academic or religious exercise but a practical path to a blessed life. While these promises are general principles and not absolute guarantees for every individual circumstance, they reveal God's desire for His people to thrive.

Seeking wisdom involves diligent study of Scripture, prayer, and discerning God's will in daily decisions. When we align our choices with divine principles, we often find that our lives are more stable, our relationships more fulfilling, and our resources better managed, leading to a greater sense of peace and true prosperity. This aligns with the New Testament concept of seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with all other necessary things being added.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 3:2

    For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:10

    As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.

  • Proverbs 22:4

    ¶ By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [are] riches, and honour, and life.

  • 1 Timothy 4:8

    For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

  • 1 Kings 3:13

    And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:21

    ¶ Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

  • 1 Corinthians 3:23

    And ye are Christ's; and Christ [is] God's.

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