Provérbios 3
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Provérbios 3
NJB (MT versing) The Rewards of Wisdom Guidance for the Young Six Admonitions Concerning Conduct Advice to the Young How to Acquire Wisdom 3:1-12 (1-12) 3:1-2 (1-2) 3:1-2 (1-2) 3:1-4 3:1-2 (1-2) 3:3-4 (3-4) 3:3-4 (3-4) 3:3-6 (3-6) 3:5-6 (5-6) 3:5-8 (5-8) 3:5-10 3:7-8 (7-8) 3:7-8 (7-8) 3:9-10 (9-10) 3:9-10 (9-10) 3:9-10 (9-10) 3:11-12 (11-12) 3:11-12 (11-12) 3:11-20 3:11-12 (11-12) The Incomparable Value of Wisdom The Joys of Wisdom 3:13-26 (13-26) 3:13-18 (13-18) 3:13-18 (13-18) 3:13-20 (13-20) 3:19-20 (19-20) 3:19-26 (19-26) An Admonition Followed by Six Prohibitions 3:21-26 (21-26) 3:21-26 3:21-26 (21-26) 3:27-35 (27-35) 3:27-30 (27-30) 3:27-35 (27-35) 3:27-35 3:27-35 (27-35) 3:31-35 (31-35) Etc. CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS This chapter, like Proverbs in general, has many commands. Do not forget ‒ BDB 1013, KB 1489, Qal IMPERFECT used as a JUSSIVE, v. 1 Keep my commandments ‒ BDB 665, KB 718, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense, v. 1 Do not let kindness and truth leave you ‒ BDB 736, KB 806, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense, v. 3 Bind them around your neck ‒ BDB 905, KB 1153, Qal IMPERATIVE, v. 3 Write them on the tablet of your heart ‒ BDB 507, KB 503, Qal IMPERATIVE, v. 3 Find favor and good repute ‒ BDB 592, KB 619, Qal IMPERATIVE, v. 4 Trust in the Lord with all your heart ‒ BDB 105, KB 120, Qal IMPERATIVE, v. 5 Do not lean on your own understanding ‒ BDB 1043, KB 1612, Niphal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense,v. 5 In all your ways acknowledge Him ‒ BDB 393, KB 390, Qal IMPERATIVE, v. 6 Do not be wise in your own eyes ‒ BDB 224, KB 243, Qal JUSSIVE, v. 7 Fear the Lord ‒ BDB 431, KB 432, Qal IMPERATIVE, v. 7 Turn from evil ‒ BDB 693, KB 747, Qal IMPERATIVE, v. 7 Let it be healing ‒ BDB 224, KB 243, Qal JUSSIVE, v. 8 Honor the Lord from your wealth ‒ BDB 457, KB 455, Piel IMPERATIVE, v. 9 Let your barns be filled ‒ BDB 569, KB 583, Niphal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense, v. 10 Do not reject discipline of the Lord ‒ BDB 549, KB 540, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense, v. 11 Do not loathe His reproof ‒ BDB 880, KB 1089, Qal JUSSIVE, v. 11 Let them not depart ‒ BDB 531, KB 522, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense, v. 21 Keep sound wisdom and discretion ‒ BDB 665, KB 718, Qal IMPERATIVE, v. 21 Do not be afraid of sudden fear ‒ BDB 431, KB 432, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense, v. 25 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due ‒ BDB 586, KB 602, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense, v. 27 Do not say to your neighbor. . . ‒ BDB 55, KB 65, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense, v. 28 Go ‒ BDB 239, KB 246, Qal IMPERATIVE, v. 28 Come back ‒ BDB 996, KB 1427, Qal IMPERATIVE, v. 28 Do not devise harm against your neighbor ‒ BDB 360, KB 357, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense, v. 29 Do not contend with a man without cause ‒ BDB 936, KB 1224, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense, v. 30 Do not envy a man of violence ‒ BDB 888, KB 1109, Piel IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense, v. 31 Do not choose his ways ‒ BDB 103, KB 119, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense, v. 31 Notice how so many of these have to do with life in community. How we treat others clearly reveals our relationship with God (cf. Matt. 25:31-46; 1 John 4)! SPECIAL TOPIC: HEBREW GRAMMAR
Provérbios 3:1-12
3:1 "My son" This (BDB 119, KB 137) refers to a "pupil." The UBS Handbook on Proverbs, p. 85, thinks this is a textual marker for a new subject. ▣ "teaching" This (BDB 435, KB 1710) is from the root "Torah" or "law" (BDB 435). of a mother - Prov 1:8; 6:20, 23 of a father - Prov 3:1; 4:2; 7:2 of a sage - Prov 13:14; 28:4,7,9; 29:18 SPECIAL TOPIC: TERMS FOR GOD'S REVELATION, II ▣ "heart" This is used in the sense of (1) the entire person or (2) a proper attitude. SPECIAL TOPIC: HEART ▣ "keep" YHWH's covenant is conditional (cf. Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28). SPECIAL TOPIC: KEEP ▣ "commandments" See SPECIAL TOPIC: TERMS FOR GOD'S REVELATION, V. 3:2 "peace" This word is shalom (BDB 1022, KB 1532), which means not only the absence of evil but the presence of good. SPECIAL TOPIC: PEACE (OT) ▣ "length of days. . .of life" This is really a promise to the society of Israel (cf. Exod. 20:12; Deut. 4:1,40; 5:16,33; 6:2; 11:8-9). YHWH's covenant with Israel was conditional. Be careful of western individualism interpreting an eastern book. SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT SPECIAL TOPIC: EASTERN LITERATURE 3:3 "kindness" This is the Hebrew word hesed (BDB 338, KB 336 II), which is a special term used for God's steadfast, loyal, covenant love. Notice how human choices (v. 2) and divine promises are put side by side. This is the essence of Old Testament covenant structure. SPECIAL TOPIC: LOVINGKINDNESS (hesed) ▣ "truth" This (BDB 54) means "stability," "firmness," and refers to abiding faithfulness. These two terms in v. 3 are a hendiadys (cf. Gen. 24:49; Exod. 34:6; Deut. 7:9; Ps. 25:10). SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH, AND FAITHFULNESS (OT) ▣ "Bind them around your neck" Later the rabbis took this very seriously (i.e., phylactery, cf. Exod. 13:9; Deut. 6:5-9). This means "wear them as a special treasure" (cf. Prov. 1:9) so as to "keep them on your mind at all times." ▣ "Write them on the tablet of your heart" This speaks of proper attitude and motive (cf. Prov. 7:3; this reflects the "new covenant" of Jer. 31:31-34), as well as daily remembrance (esp. Jer. 31:33). 3:4 NASB, NRSV "good repute" "high esteem" NJB, REB "success" "approbation" "understanding" The UBS Text Project, pp. 449-450, gives the MT three possible meanings. a good understanding (KB 1329, #1) success (KB 1329, #2) good behavior The BDB 968, #2, gives the meaning as "insight" or "understanding" (i.e., Prov. 13:15; Ps. 111:10; 2 Chr. 30:22). ▣ "In the sight of God and man" All of life belongs to God and there is no distinction between the sacred and the secular. Our actions toward other humans show our love for God (cf. the NT books of James and 1 John). 3:5 "Trust" This VERB (BDB 105, KB 120, Qal IMPERATIVE) basically means "to prostrate oneself before YHWH." It is used extensively in Psalms. I have included my note from Ps. 4:45 here. Psalm 4:5 "trust in the Lord" This is a recurrent theme (BDB 105, KB 120). a call to sinners ‒ Ps. 4:5 a call to the faithful ‒ Ps. 9:10; 32:10; 37:3,5; 40:3; 55:23; 56:4,11; 84:12; 91:2; 112:7; 115:11; 125:1; 143:8; Pro. 16:20; 29:25; Isa. 26:3-4 the king ‒ Ps. 21:7; 25:2; 26:1; 28:7 the fathers ‒ Ps. 22:4-5 O people ‒ Ps. 62:8; 115:9 priests ‒ Ps. 115:10 It is trust in YHWH and His word that brings hope (cf. Ps. 4:3), joy (cf. Ps. 4:7), and peace (cf. Ps. 4:8) in this fallen world. ▣ "in the Lord" This is the covenant name for Israel's God—YHWH (cf. Gen. 2:4). SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D. ▣ "with all your heart" This refers to a priority commitment of one's entire person. SPECIAL TOPIC: HEART ▣ "do not lean on your own understanding" The term "lean" (lit. "trust," BDB 105) means to rely on. This is a tremendously important spiritual principle (cf. Jer. 9:23-24). YHWH's revelation and our trusting in it expressed by our lifestyle is the only way to peace and happiness in a fallen world. 3:6 "In all your ways" God is concerned and active in all areas of our lives! There is no secular and sacred with Him. ▣ "acknowledge Him" This is literally �know� (BDB 393; KB 390, Qal IMPERATIVE) used in a specialized sense. It speaks of a daily personal relationship of truth and faith. It involves both verbal witness and lifestyle witness (i.e., David's charge to Solomon in 1 Chr. 28:9). SPECIAL TOPIC: KNOW ▣ "paths straight" God's revelation was illustrated as a clear, straight, smooth, and unobstructed path/road. His followers were not to deviate to the right or to the left. This path brings light, hope, and peace (cf. Prov. 6:23; Ps. 119:105). 3:7 "Do not be wise in your own eyes" See Prov. 26:5,12,16; 28:11; Isa. 5:21; Jer. 9:23-24; Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 10:12; Gal. 6:3. ▣ "Fear. . .turn" Our relationship with God must make a difference in our lifestyle (cf. Prov. 8:13; 16:17)! SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR (OT) 3:8 "It will be healing to your body" The term "healing" (BDB 951) is found only here as a FEMININE NOUN. It is used in the sense of "medicine" or "remedy" (TEV). The term translated "body" by NASB is literally "navel-string" (BDB 1057, cf. Ezek. 16:4). It is imagery for one's body, as is "bones" (BDB 782 I) in the next poetic line. Knowing and acting on YHWH's revealed truth brings a long and happy life (cf. v. 2). This is often called "the two ways" (cf. Deut. 30:15,19; Psalm 1). How a person or a society lives will be related to the cursing and blessing sections of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. Aren't you glad we live under a grace-based system (i.e., the new covenant, Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-36)! SPECIAL TOPIC: HEALING 3:9 "Honor" This is a commercial term which means "give due weight to" (BDB 457, KB 455, Piel IMPERATIVE). From this NOUN form comes the term "glory." SPECIAL TOPIC: GLORY (OT) ▣ "from your wealth" Sharing is a spiritual thermometer. The definitive NT passage of stewardship is found in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. SPECIAL TOPIC: WEALTH SPECIAL TOPIC: TITHES IN THE MOSAIC LEGISLATION SPECIAL TOPIC: TITHING ▣ "from the first" This speaks of the giving of first fruits from children, cattle, and produce (cf. Exod. 22:29; 23:19; 34:20; Lev. 23:10). It was a way to symbolize YHWH's ownership of all things, as well as human beings as stewards of His creation. 3:10 NASB, NKJV, NRSV, Peshitta "plenty" TEV, REB, JPSOA, LXX "grain" "corn" The UBS Text Project, p. 451, says that the MT has בעשׂ (BDB 960, KB 1304), which can mean plenty corn wheat ▣ "new wine" See SPECIAL TOPIC: WINE AND STRONG DRINK. 3:11 "do not reject the discipline of the Lord" Divine discipline has a purpose and is an example of His love (Job 5:17; Hebrews 12:5-12). However, it can be resisted and rejected! 3:12 "For whom the Lord loves" The question comes, "Who does the Lord love?" This is a crucial theological discussion. He loves all human beings made in His image for fellowship (cf. Gen. 1:26-27; John 3:16; 4:42; Acts 10:34-35; 1 Tim. 2:4-6; Titus 2:11; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 2:2; 4:14). He uniquely loves His covenant people. This is the meaning of this verse. He disciplines His wayward creation out of love and a desire that they repent and return. SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN SPECIAL TOPIC: OT PREDICTIONS OF THE FUTURE VS. NT PREDICTIONS ▣ NASB, NKJV, NRSV, NJB, JPSOA, Peshitta "Even as a father" "a parent" REB, LXX "and he punishes" The NASB follows the MT but the UBS Text Project, p. 451, cannot decide between the reading of the MT and LXX. MT �and like a father� ‒ וכאב LXX �and He makes suffer� ‒ ויכאיב Discipline is a sign of YHWH's love and care (cf. Heb. 12:5-11). SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD
Provérbios 3:13-26
3:13-18 This is one complete poem, as vv. 19-20 are a second poem. which is developed fully in Proverbs 8. 3:13 "How blessed is the man" This could be translated "happy" (BDB 80, KB 97, cf. Ps. 41:3; NIDOTTE, vol. 1, pp. 570-572). 3:14 There is a continuing emphasis in these passages on the value of wisdom over possessions (cf. Prov. 8:10-11,18-21; Ps. 19:7-14). The emphasis here is that character, rather than possessions, is ultimate and is superior to having things (cf. 2 Cor. 7:30-31). 3:15 Wisdom is more valuable (ADJECTIVE, BDB 429) than jewels (cf. Job 28:16,18; Prov. 8:11). Things of ths world are fleeting (cf. Rom. 12:2; 1 John 2:17) but God's word is precious and eternal (cf. Isa. 55:11). ▣ "jewels" The etymology of this word (BDB 819, KB 946) is in doubt but the preponderance of evidence seems to refer to "red coral" (cf. Lam. 4:7; LXX, Josephus), however it could refer to rubies. 3:16-17 These verses speak of the quality and quantity of life in the presence of wisdom. 3:18 "the tree of life" This is ancient imagery for happiness, peace, and health (cf. Gen. 2:9; 3:22; Prov. 11:30; 13:12; 15:4; Ezek. 47:12; Rev. 2:7; 22:2; NIDOTTE, vol. 3, pp. 1260-1261). ▣ ". . .to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who hold her fast" As all gifts of God, wisdom must be received and kept. There are two PARTICIPLES that show that "the tree of life," which is an idiom of health, happiness, and longevity, must be held. take hold ‒ BDB 304, KB 302, Hiphil ACTIVE PARTICIPLE hold fast ‒ BDB 1069, KB 1751, Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE (NIDOTTE, vol. 4, p. 305) The "tree of life" is theologically parallel in this context to "wisdom," therefore, it is imagery of both a mental grasp of wisdom and a daily living out of that wisdom (i.e. James 1:22-25). 3:19 "The Lord by wisdom founded the earth" The development of the theological concept of personified wisdom referring to the Messiah is discussed in John 1:1-3 and is based on Prov. 8:22-31. There are several passages which link wisdom and creation (cf. Ps. 104:24; Isa. 40:12-14; Jer. 10:12). Jesus was YHWH's agent of creation (cf. John 1:3,10; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2). ▣ "the heavens" This refers to the atmosphere above the earth. SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVEN 3:20 As Prov. 3:19 speaks of creation, v. 20 speaks of God's sustaining His creation. YHWH is the true God of fertility. ▣ "the deeps" This (BDB 1062, KB 1690) refers to the subterranean waters active in creation. SPECIAL TOPIC: WATERS 3:21 "them" This refers to divine wisdom and revelation, especially the Mosaic Law, Wisdom Literature, and the Prophets. SPECIAL TOPIC: HEBREW CANON 3:22 "life to your soul" The term "life" (BDB 313, KB 307) usually refers to physical life (i.e., Deut. 30:20; 32:47; Prov. 4:22; 10:16; 22:4), but it can be combined with spiritual life (i.e., Deut. 30:15,19; Prov. 4:13; 11:19 12:28; 19:23; 21:21). In the OT these two merge together! The term "soul" (BDB 659, KB 711) denotes the whole person. See my full note at Gen. 35:18 and Lev. 17:11. Humans do not have a soul, they are a soul (cf. Gen. 2:7). SPECIAL TOPIC: NEPHESH ▣ "adornment to your neck" This imagery shows (cf. Prov. 1:9; 3:3) God's wisdom is ever before the faithful follower others can see God's wisdom in how the faithful follower speaks and lives 3:23 For "path" see note at v. 6. ▣ "your foot will not stumble" This continues the imagery of a path/road of godliness. The path of God's revelation is clear, smooth, straight, and unobstructed (cf. v. 26)! 3:24 NASB, NKJV, JPSOA, LXX, Peshitta "When you lie down" NRSV, REB "If you sit down" TEV, NJB "When you go to bed" The UBS Text Project, p. 452, gives the MT a "B" rating (some doubt). MT ‒ �If you lie down�, אם - חשכב NRSV ‒ �When you sit down�, אם - חשב For the faithful follower, sleep is peaceful and regenerative (cf. Ps. 4:9). 3:25 NASB, NKJV, NRSV, TEV, NJB, JPSOA, Peshitta "suddenly" "fools" "intimidation" The UBS Text Project, p. 452, gives the MT, "suddenly," an "A" rating. suddenly ‒ פחאם fools ‒ פחאם The only difference is the vowel points. Context determines the meaning of words. Copying errors exacerbate the problem. 3:26 NASB, NKJV, NRSV "your confidence" "your guarantor" REB, NASB margin, Vulgate "at your side" "your trust" "will be over all your ways" "will be with you" The MT has the NOUN (BDB 492, KB 489 II) which means "confidence." The other NASB option takes the root as related to "loins" or "side" (BDB 492). This basic trilateral root has three connotations. loins/side (KB 489 I) stupidity (KB 489 I) confidence (KB 489 II) Context, context, context determines meaning!
Provérbios 3:27-35
3:27-31 Notice the series of "do not. . ." A life of wisdom is a life in community. The evidence that one knows God is the obvious reversal of the fall (i.e., Genesis 3), which was self centeredness. When one thinks and acts on behalf of others, this is an evidence of a changed heart, mind, spirit (cf. Ezek. 36:26-27). 3:27 "When it is in your power to do it" This is literally 'when it is in the power of your hand." The MT has "hands" but the Masoretic scholars suggested "hand" (Qere). This idiom can be seen in Gen. 31:29; Neh. 5:5, and Micah 2:1. SPECIAL TOPIC: HAND 3:30 "Do not contend" This VERB (BDB 936, KB 1224, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense) has two connotations. quarrel noisily or contend (BDB 936, #1 and #2; JPSOA, LXX, Peshitta) legal law suit (BDB 936, #2, cf. Prov. 23:11; NET Bible) ▣ "without cause" There are some reasons for confrontation but they are not personal but rather communal (cf. Rom. 12:18; 14:19). 3:31 God's people have always wondered how Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28; 30; Psalm 1 can be true when they see the wicked prosper. Psalm 37 and 73 deal with this question and give an answer. 3:32-35 These verses are antithetical parallelism. They clearly illustrate "the two ways" of the OT performance-based covenant (i.e., "if. . .then," cf. Deut. 30:15,19; Psalm 1). 3:32 "abomination" This term occurs often in Proverbs (cf. Pro. 3:32; 11:1,20; 12:22; 15:8,9,26; 16:5; 17;15; 20:10,23). SPECIAL TOPIC: ABOMINATION (OT) 3:33 "curse" This NOUN (BDB 76, KB 91 or 541) is also used in Deut. 28:20, which documents what will happen to those who violate YHWH's covenant. Malachi uses the word in the same sense (cf. Mal. 2:2; 3:9). The "cursings" and "blessings" are clearly laid out in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. This is an expression of the theological concept of "the two ways," which Job struggled so much with. See my exegetical notes online in the Job commentary. 3:35 NASB, NKJV, NRSV, NJB, LXX, Peshitta "inherit" "win" "obtain" "are adorned" The UBS Text Project, p. 453, gives the MT an "A" rating. they inherit ‒ ינחלו are adorned ‒ נחלו