Proverbs 3:2

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

For length {H753} of days {H3117}, and long {H8141} life {H2416}, and peace {H7965}, shall they add {H3254} to thee.

for they will add to you many days, years of life and peace.

for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.

For length of days, and years of life, And peace, will they add to thee.

Proverbs 3:2 continues the thought from the preceding verse, emphasizing the profound benefits that flow from adhering to God's wisdom and commandments. The "they" in this verse refers directly to the "my law" and "my commandments" mentioned in Proverbs 3:1.

Context

This verse is part of a father's exhortation to his son, a common literary device in the book of Proverbs, which serves as a collection of divine wisdom for practical living. In ancient Israelite culture, longevity and peace were highly esteemed blessings, often seen as direct rewards for faithfulness to God's covenant. This perspective is rooted in the Old Testament understanding that obedience to divine instruction led to prosperity and well-being, while disobedience brought curses and hardship. The promise here echoes themes found throughout the Pentateuch, where God lays out the consequences of choosing life through obedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19-20.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Blessings of Obedience: The verse directly links adherence to divine instruction with tangible, desirable outcomes. It posits that living by God's principles is not merely a spiritual exercise but a path to a better life on earth.
  • Wisdom's Practical Rewards: It highlights that wisdom, as defined by God's commands, yields practical benefits. These benefits are not abstract but relate to the quality and duration of one's life.
  • Holistic Well-being: The blessings of "length of days, and long life, and peace" encompass more than just physical existence. They point to a full, satisfying life, characterized by both longevity and an inner state of wholeness and harmony.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "length of days" (Hebrew: אֹרֶךְ יָמִים, 'orekh yamim) and "long life" (שְׁנוֹת חַיִּים, sh'not chayyim) are somewhat synonymous, emphasizing an extended and complete lifespan. This isn't just about chronological age, but a life lived to its fullest potential and purpose. The word "peace" (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם, shalom) is profoundly rich in meaning. It signifies more than just the absence of conflict; it encompasses wholeness, completeness, prosperity, well-being, health, and harmony in all aspects of life—physical, mental, spiritual, and social. It is the state of flourishing that comes from being in right relationship with God and others.

Practical Application

Proverbs 3:2 serves as a timeless reminder that living according to God's Word yields significant benefits. It encourages believers to prioritize spiritual wisdom over worldly pursuits, knowing that true and lasting peace, along with a fulfilling life, stems from aligning our actions with divine principles. While these promises can have literal fulfillment, they also point to a spiritual reality where obedience leads to inner peace and a life rich in meaning and purpose, regardless of external circumstances. This verse challenges us to consider what we value most and where we seek our well-being, pointing us back to the enduring wisdom of God as the ultimate source of a blessed life. The benefits promised here are echoed in other wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 9:11, which states, "For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased."

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.

  • Ephesians 6:1

    ¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

  • Ephesians 6:3

    That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

  • Proverbs 4:10

    Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

  • Psalms 91:16

    With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

  • Proverbs 9:11

    For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

  • Psalms 119:165

    ¶ Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

  • Romans 15:13

    ¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
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