Proverbs
Nine One Five
#71
Proverbs 3:16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
This verse is not merely a repetition of the themes introduced in verse two, but an intentional call back to them. It indicates that the chapter is actually one big sermon about how to have a better life- a sermon with two primary points: the first is to forsake not God’s commandments and the second is to seek wisdom.
Under that first point we have a few subpoints given to us: a) the need to trust God, b) places where we must trust him, and c) the benefits of trusting Him. Now, by restating the theme of the chapter, (how to have a better, longer life, and how to have peace), we see that this verse provides a second point in how we do that. It is important to notice that the point is not just repeated, but expanded upon. The goal is not only a better, longer life, but also riches and honor. Wisdom then will not just lengthen your days, by keeping you from foolish decisions that will shorten your life; but in her other hand is riches and honor.
If through knowledge you know cars are driving on the road you need to cross, and understanding tells you it’s then dangerous to cross the road; wisdom will guide you to look both ways before you cross it. In this sense, wisdom will keep you from ruining your life.
Wisdom will also help you in decisions that are not about life and death. It will help you in decisions that affect your finances and in things that may bring shame and dishonor on you. Wisdom will keep your life on the right track.
Under that first point we have a few subpoints given to us: a) the need to trust God, b) places where we must trust him, and c) the benefits of trusting Him. Now, by restating the theme of the chapter, (how to have a better, longer life, and how to have peace), we see that this verse provides a second point in how we do that. It is important to notice that the point is not just repeated, but expanded upon. The goal is not only a better, longer life, but also riches and honor. Wisdom then will not just lengthen your days, by keeping you from foolish decisions that will shorten your life; but in her other hand is riches and honor.
If through knowledge you know cars are driving on the road you need to cross, and understanding tells you it’s then dangerous to cross the road; wisdom will guide you to look both ways before you cross it. In this sense, wisdom will keep you from ruining your life.
Wisdom will also help you in decisions that are not about life and death. It will help you in decisions that affect your finances and in things that may bring shame and dishonor on you. Wisdom will keep your life on the right track.