---
title: "Bullinger"
description: "My son. See note on Proverbs 2:1 .  keep = watch, guard. See note on Proverbs 4:23 .  they. Not the \"law\" and \"commandments\" of Proverbs 3:1 , for they a"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/bullingers-companion-bible-notes/proverbs/3"
---

**My son.** See note on [Proverbs 2:1](../../../kjv/proverbs/2/1) .
**keep** = watch, guard. See note on [Proverbs 4:23](../../../kjv/proverbs/4/23) .

**they.** Not the "law" and "commandments" of [Proverbs 3:1](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/1) , for they are feminine, but the "days" of [Proverbs 3:2](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/2) (which are masculine, agreeing with the verb "add", which is masculine also). See App-74 .
**add to thee.** This, in the Hiphil = make increase for thee, or cause thee to increase or grow [in wisdom]: i.e. as the days and years lengthen and increase they will add to thy wisdom if thou forget not, &c. So in other passages where wisdom is supposed to promise long life, which it does not. See notes on [Proverbs 3:16](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/16) ; [Proverbs 4:10](../../../kjv/proverbs/4/10) ; [Proverbs 9:11](../../../kjv/proverbs/9/11) ; [Proverbs 10:27](../../../kjv/proverbs/10/27) .

**mercy** = lovingkindness, or grace.
**Bind.** Like the phylacteries. Compare [Proverbs 6:21](../../../kjv/proverbs/6/21) ; [Proverbs 7:3](../../../kjv/proverbs/7/3) ; and see [Exodus 13:16](../../../kjv/exodus/13/16) .

**understanding** = insight. Hebrew. *sekel.* See note on "wisdom" ([Proverbs 1:2](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/2) ), No. 6. Not the same word as in [Proverbs 3:5](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/5) .
**God.** Hebrew. *Elohim.* App-4 .
**man.** Hebrew. *'adam.* App-14 .

**Trust** = Confide. Hebrew. *batah.* App-69 .
**the LORD.** Hebrew. *Jehovah.* App-4 .
**with all thine heart.** Illustrations: Abraham ([Genesis 24:1-8](../../../kjv/genesis/24/1-8) ; compare [Proverbs 19:14](../../../kjv/proverbs/19/14) ); Eleazar ([Genesis 24:12-27](../../../kjv/genesis/24/12-27) ); Jephthah ([Judges 11:11](../../../kjv/judges/11/11) ); David ([1 Samuel 30:6-8](../../../kjv/1-samuel/30/6-8) ); Asa ([2 Chronicles 14:9-15](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/14/9-15) ); Hezekiah ([2 Kings 18:4-7](../../../kjv/2-kings/18/4-7) ; [2 Kings 19:14-37](../../../kjv/2-kings/19/14-37) ); Nehemiah ([Proverbs 1:4-11](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/4-11) ; [Proverbs 2:4-8](../../../kjv/proverbs/2/4-8) ).
**understanding** = discernment. Hebrew. *binah.* See note on "wisdom" ([Proverbs 1:2](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/2) ), No. 2.

**acknowledge** = recognize, or own.
**direct** = rightly divide: i.e. dividing and thus showing what is right or pleasing to God. Hebrew. *yashar.* [Numbers 23:27](../../../kjv/numbers/23/27) . Compare [Judges 14:3](../../../kjv/judges/14/3) , [Judges 14:7](../../../kjv/judges/14/7) ; 1Sa 18:20 , [1 Samuel 18:26](../../../kjv/1-samuel/18/26) . Rendered by Septuagint *orthotomeo,* the same word as in [2 Timothy 2:15](../../../kjv/2-timothy/2/15) .

**Be not wise, &c.** Illustrations: Ahab ( 1Ki 22:30 , [1 Kings 22:34](../../../kjv/1-kings/22/34) , [1 Kings 22:35](../../../kjv/1-kings/22/35) ); Jeroboam ( 1Ki 12:26-33 ; [1 Kings 13:33](../../../kjv/1-kings/13/33) , [1 Kings 13:34](../../../kjv/1-kings/13/34) ; Asa ([1 Kings 15:19](../../../kjv/1-kings/15/19) ); Ben-hadad ([1 Kings 20:10](../../../kjv/1-kings/20/10) , [1 Kings 20:11](../../../kjv/1-kings/20/11) ); quoted [Romans 11:25](../../../kjv/romans/11/25) ; [Romans 12:16](../../../kjv/romans/12/16) .
**Fear** = revere. See note on [Proverbs 1:7](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/7) .
**the LORD.** Jehovah (with *'eth)* = Jehovah Himself. App-4 .
**depart from** = shun, or avoid.
**evil.** Hebrew. *ra'a'.* App-44 .

**health** = healing. Occurs only here.
**navel.** Put by Figure of speech *Synecdoche* (of Part) for the whole body ( App-6 ). But Septuagint and Syriac, following a different spelling, read "body".
**marrow** = moistening.

**Honour . . . substance.** This proverb has led to a universal custom. Compare 1Ti 5:3 , [1 Timothy 5:17](../../../kjv/1-timothy/5/17) . [Acts 5:2](../../../kjv/acts/5/2) ("price" = honour); [Proverbs 19:19](../../../kjv/proverbs/19/19) . Illustrations: Abraham ([Genesis 14:20](../../../kjv/genesis/14/20) . [Hebrews 7:2](../../../kjv/hebrews/7/2) ); Jacob ([Genesis 28:22](../../../kjv/genesis/28/22) ); David ([1 Chronicles 29:1-5](../../../kjv/1-chronicles/29/1-5) , [1 Chronicles 29:28](../../../kjv/1-chronicles/29/28) ); Widow ([Mark 12:41-44](../../../kjv/mark/12/41-44) ); Woman ([Mark 14:3-9](../../../kjv/mark/14/3-9) ); Cornelius ([Acts 10:2](../../../kjv/acts/10/2) , [Acts 10:4](../../../kjv/acts/10/4) ); Philippians ([Proverbs 4:15-19](../../../kjv/proverbs/4/15-19) ).

**presses** = wine-vats. Hebrew. *yekeb.* Not *gath* ; a wine-press.
**burst out** = overflow.
**new wine.** Hebrew. *tirosh.* App-27 .

**despise not** = shrink not from. Quoted from [Job 1:20-22](../../../kjv/job/1/20-22) , and in [Hebrews 12:5](../../../kjv/hebrews/12/5) , [Hebrews 12:6](../../../kjv/hebrews/12/6) . [James 5:17](../../../kjv/james/5/17) . Compare [Job 34:31](../../../kjv/job/34/31) , [Job 34:32](../../../kjv/job/34/32) . One of the passages quoted in the NT. from Proverbs, viz. [Proverbs 3:11](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/11) , [Proverbs 3:12](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/12) (in [Hebrews 12:5](../../../kjv/hebrews/12/5) , [Hebrews 12:6](../../../kjv/hebrews/12/6) . Compare [Revelation 3:19](../../../kjv/revelation/3/19) ); [Proverbs 3:34](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/34) ([James 4:6](../../../kjv/james/4/6) ); [Proverbs 11:31](../../../kjv/proverbs/11/31) (in [1 Peter 4:18](../../../kjv/1-peter/4/18) ); [Proverbs 25:21](../../../kjv/proverbs/25/21) , [Proverbs 25:22](../../../kjv/proverbs/25/22) (in [Romans 12:20](../../../kjv/romans/12/20) ); [Proverbs 26:11](../../../kjv/proverbs/26/11) (in [2 Peter 2:22](../../../kjv/2-peter/2/22) ). Illustrations: David ([2 Samuel 15:25](../../../kjv/2-samuel/15/25) , [2 Samuel 15:26](../../../kjv/2-samuel/15/26) ; [2 Samuel 16:10-12](../../../kjv/2-samuel/16/10-12) ; [2 Samuel 23:5](../../../kjv/2-samuel/23/5) ); Hezekiah ([Isaiah 39:5-8](../../../kjv/isaiah/39/5-8) , contrast Ahaz, [2 Chronicles 28:22](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/28/22) , and Jehoram, [2 Kings 6:31-33](../../../kjv/2-kings/6/31-33) ); Jerusalem ([Zephaniah 3:2](../../../kjv/zephaniah/3/2) . Compare [Isaiah 1:5](../../../kjv/isaiah/1/5) ).

**whom, &c.** Joseph ([Genesis 37:23-36](../../../kjv/genesis/37/23-36) ; [Genesis 39:20](../../../kjv/genesis/39/20) ; [Genesis 40:23](../../../kjv/genesis/40/23) . Compare [Psalms 105:18](../../../kjv/psalms/105/18) ); Israel ([Deuteronomy 8:3-5](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/8/3-5) , [Deuteronomy 8:15](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/8/15) , [Deuteronomy 8:16](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/8/16) ); Jehoshaphat ([2 Chronicles 20:35-37](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/20/35-37) ); Paul ([2 Corinthians 12:7](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/12/7) ).

**Happy** = Oh, the blessedness, as in [Psalms 1:1](../../../kjv/psalms/1/1) . Note the eight occurrences of this Beatitude in Proverbs: [Proverbs 3:13](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/13) ; [Proverbs 8:32](../../../kjv/proverbs/8/32) , [Proverbs 8:34](../../../kjv/proverbs/8/34) (blessed); [Proverbs 14:21](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/21) ; [Proverbs 16:20](../../../kjv/proverbs/16/20) ; [Proverbs 20:7](../../../kjv/proverbs/20/7) (blessed); [Proverbs 28:14](../../../kjv/proverbs/28/14) ; [Proverbs 29:18](../../../kjv/proverbs/29/18) .
**wisdom.** Hebrew. *chokmah.* See note on [Proverbs 1:2](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/2) .
**And** = yea, or even.

**the merchandise of it:** i.e. literal, her merchandise.

**She.** Emphatic = She, in herself.
**rubies** = corals, or pearls.

**in her right hand** = in her power; "hand" put by Figure of speech *Metonymy* (of Cause), for use as a grand agency for good of all kinds. Not necessarily a long life conferred. See note on [Proverbs 3:2](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/2) and App-75 .
**riches, &c.** = to be used aright. See App-75 .

**Her ways, &c.** Illustration: Hezekiah ([2 Chronicles 29:36](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/29/36) ; [2 Chronicles 30:26](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/30/26) . Contrast [2 Chronicles 28](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/28) ). Compare [Acts 2:46](../../../kjv/acts/2/46) ; [Acts 8:6](../../../kjv/acts/8/6) ; [Acts 13:52](../../../kjv/acts/13/52) . [2 Corinthians 8:2](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/8/2) .
**peace** = well-being, or prosperity.

**a tree of life.** See [Genesis 2:9](../../../kjv/genesis/2/9) ; [Genesis 3:22](../../../kjv/genesis/3/22) , [Genesis 3:24](../../../kjv/genesis/3/24) and compare [Proverbs 11:30](../../../kjv/proverbs/11/30) ; [Proverbs 13:12](../../../kjv/proverbs/13/12) ; [Proverbs 15:4](../../../kjv/proverbs/15/4) .[Revelation 2:7](../../../kjv/revelation/2/7) ; [Revelation 22:2](../../../kjv/revelation/22/2) , [Revelation 22:14](../../../kjv/revelation/22/14) .

**clouds, &c.** = skies.
**dew** = night mist. See note on [Psalms 133:3](../../../kjv/psalms/133/3) . "Dew" falls only when there are no clouds.

**them.** Is masculine, and so perhaps refers to the "mercy and truth" of [Proverbs 3:3](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/3) .
**sound wisdom** = what is stable. See note on [Proverbs 2:7](../../../kjv/proverbs/2/7) .

**soul.** Hebrew. *nephesh.* App-13 .
**neck.** Septuagint adds, "Yea, it shall be healing to thy flesh; and refreshing to thy bones".

**liest down.** Septuagint reads "sittest".

**Be not afraid, &c.** Illustrations: Moses ([Exodus 14:13](../../../kjv/exodus/14/13) , [Exodus 14:14](../../../kjv/exodus/14/14) ); Rahab ([Joshua 6:24](../../../kjv/joshua/6/24) , [Joshua 6:25](../../../kjv/joshua/6/25) .[Hebrews 11:31](../../../kjv/hebrews/11/31); [Hebrews 11:31](../../../kjv/hebrews/11/31) ); Elisha ([2 Kings 6:16](../../../kjv/2-kings/6/16) , [2 Kings 6:17](../../../kjv/2-kings/6/17) ); Ebedmelech ([Jeremiah 39:15-18](../../../kjv/jeremiah/39/15-18) ).
**the wicked** = lawless ones. Hebrew. *rasha'.*

**thy confidence.** Septuagint reads "in all thy ways".
**keep** = keep safe. Not the same word as in verses: [Proverbs 3:1](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/1) , [Proverbs 3:21](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/21) .

**Withhold not.** Illustrations: Ammonites, &c. ([Deuteronomy 23:3](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/23/3) , [Deuteronomy 23:4](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/23/4) ); Nabal ([1 Samuel 25:10](../../../kjv/1-samuel/25/10) , [1 Samuel 25:11](../../../kjv/1-samuel/25/11) ; Compare [Proverbs 3:15](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/15) ); Widow ([1 Kings 17:12](../../../kjv/1-kings/17/12) . [2 Kings 4:7](../../../kjv/2-kings/4/7) ); Parable ([Luke 10:30-35](../../../kjv/luke/10/30-35) ); Corinthians ([2 Corinthians 8:1-11](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/8/1-11) ; [2 Corinthians 9:1-7](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/9/1-7) ).
**them to whom it is due** = the owners thereof.
**hand.** Hebrew text reads "hands", but some codices, with two early printed editions and Septuagint, read "hand" (singular)

**evil.** Hebrew. *ra'a'.* App-44 .
**securely** = confidently, or without suspicion.

**If he, &c.** (Hebrew. *'im lo* = verily). Render: "he hath already done thee enough harm".

**Envy thou not, &c.** = Do not become excited against, &c. Illustrations: Moses ([Hebrews 11:25](../../../kjv/hebrews/11/25) , [Hebrews 11:26](../../../kjv/hebrews/11/26) ); Jezebel ([1 Kings 21:7-13](../../../kjv/1-kings/21/7-13) . Compare [2 Kings 9:30-37](../../../kjv/2-kings/9/30-37) ). [Psalms 34:21](../../../kjv/psalms/34/21) .
**the oppressor** = the man (Hebrew. *'ish)* of violence. App-14 .

**froward** = those who turn aside. The same word as in [Proverbs 2:15](../../../kjv/proverbs/2/15) ; not as elsewhere in Proverbs.
**abomination to the LORD.** Note all the things thus declared: [Proverbs 3:32](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/32) ([Proverbs 11:20](../../../kjv/proverbs/11/20) ); [Proverbs 6:16](../../../kjv/proverbs/6/16) ; [Proverbs 8:7](../../../kjv/proverbs/8/7) ; [Proverbs 11:1](../../../kjv/proverbs/11/1) ; [Proverbs 12:22](../../../kjv/proverbs/12/22) ; [Proverbs 15:8](../../../kjv/proverbs/15/8) ([Proverbs 21:27](../../../kjv/proverbs/21/27) ), 9, 16, 26; [Proverbs 16:5](../../../kjv/proverbs/16/5) ; [Proverbs 17:15](../../../kjv/proverbs/17/15) , [Proverbs 17:15](../../../kjv/proverbs/17/15) ; [Proverbs 20:10](../../../kjv/proverbs/20/10) (23); [Proverbs 28:9](../../../kjv/proverbs/28/9) .
**secret** = secret counsel. What is sealed up from all save those to whom He reveals it.

**The curse, &c.** Illustrations: Baasha ([1 Kings 16:1-4](../../../kjv/1-kings/16/1-4) , [1 Kings 16:12](../../../kjv/1-kings/16/12) , [1 Kings 16:13](../../../kjv/1-kings/16/13) ); Jehoiakim ([Jeremiah 22:13-19](../../../kjv/jeremiah/22/13-19) ); Coniah ([Jeremiah 22:24-28](../../../kjv/jeremiah/22/24-28) ); Jehu ([2 Kings 19:8-12](../../../kjv/2-kings/19/8-12) .[Hosea 1:4](../../../kjv/hosea/1/4); [Hosea 1:4](../../../kjv/hosea/1/4) ); Hazael ([Amos 1:4](../../../kjv/amos/1/4) ); Jeroboam II ([Amos 7:9](../../../kjv/amos/7/9) ); Esau ([Obadiah 1:18](../../../kjv/obadiah/1/18) ).
**the wicked** = a lawless one (singular) He blesseth, &c. Illustrations: Abraham ([Hebrews 11:12](../../../kjv/hebrews/11/12) . Contrast Ahab, [2 Kings 10:1-11](../../../kjv/2-kings/10/1-11) ); Jacob ([Genesis 30:27](../../../kjv/genesis/30/27) ); Joseph ([Genesis 39:2](../../../kjv/genesis/39/2) , [Genesis 39:21](../../../kjv/genesis/39/21) ); Obed-edom ([2 Samuel 6:11](../../../kjv/2-samuel/6/11) ); the widow ([2 Kings 4:2-7](../../../kjv/2-kings/4/2-7) ).
**the just** = just ones (plural)

**He scorneth, &c.** Quoted in [James 4:6](../../../kjv/james/4/6) . [1 Peter 5:5](../../../kjv/1-peter/5/5) .

**shall inherit, &c.** Render: "the wise shall inherit glory, but a fool is piling up disgrace". Illustrations: Asaph ([Psalms 73:24](../../../kjv/psalms/73/24) ); Paul ([2 Timothy 4:8](../../../kjv/2-timothy/4/8) ); others ([James 1:12](../../../kjv/james/1/12) .[3 John 1:12](../../../kjv/3-john/1/12); [3 John 1:12](../../../kjv/3-john/1/12)[3 John 1:12](../../../kjv/3-john/1/12) :26 ).
**shame, &c.** Illustrations: Jeroboam ([1 Kings 21:22](../../../kjv/1-kings/21/22) . 2Ki 13:2 , [2 Kings 13:11](../../../kjv/2-kings/13/11) ; [2 Kings 14:24](../../../kjv/2-kings/14/24) ; 2Ki 15:9 , [2 Kings 15:18](../../../kjv/2-kings/15/18) , [2 Kings 15:24](../../../kjv/2-kings/15/24) , [2 Kings 15:28](../../../kjv/2-kings/15/28) ). Compare [Proverbs 24:8](../../../kjv/proverbs/24/8) .
**fools.** Hebrew. *kesil.* See note on [Proverbs 1:7](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/7) .

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