---
title: "Clarke"
description: "Verse Proverbs 3:1. My son — The preceptor continues to deliver his lessons. Forget not my law — Remember what thou hast heard, and practise what thou dos"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/clarkes-commentary/proverbs/3"
---

Verse [Proverbs 3:1](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/1). ***My son*** — The preceptor continues to deliver his lessons.
***Forget not my law*** — *Remember* what thou hast *heard*, and *practise* what thou dost *remember*; and let all obedience be *from the heart*: "Let thy heart keep my commandments."

Verse [Proverbs 3:2](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/2). ***For length of days*** — THREE eminent *blessings* are promised here:
1. ארך ימים orech yamim, long days;
2. שנות חיים shenoth chaiyim, years of lives;
3. שלום shalom, prosperity; i.e. health, long life, and abundance.

Verse [Proverbs 3:3](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/3). ***Let not mercy and truth forsake thee*** — Let these be thy constant *companions* through life.
***Bind them about thy neck*** — Keep them constantly *in view*. *Write* *them upon the table of thine heart*- let them be thy *moving* *principles; feel* them as well as *see* them.

Verse [Proverbs 3:4](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/4). ***So shalt thou find favour*** — Thou shalt be acceptable to God, and thou shalt enjoy a sense of his approbation.
***And good understanding*** — Men shall *weigh* thy character and conduct; and by this *appreciate* thy motives, and give thee credit for sincerity and uprightness. Though religion is frequently persecuted, and religious people suffer at first where they are not fully *known*; yet a truly religious and benevolent character will in general be prized wherever it is well known. The envy of men is a proof of the excellence of that which they envy.

Verse [Proverbs 3:5](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/5). ***Trust in the Lord with all thine heart*** — This is a most important precept:
1. God is the *Fountain* of all good.
2. He has made his intelligent creatures *dependent* upon himself.
3. He requires them to be *conscious* of that dependence.
4. He has *promised* to communicate what they need.
5. He commands them to *believe* his promise, and look for its fulfilment.
6. And to do this without doubt, fear, or distrust; "with their whole heart."
***Lean not unto thine own understanding*** — אל תשען *al tishshaen*, do not *prop* thyself. It is on GOD, not on *thyself*, that thou art commanded to *depend*. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool.

Verse [Proverbs 3:6](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/6). ***In all thy ways acknowledge him.*** — Begin, continue, and end every work, purpose, and device, with God. Earnestly pray for his *direction* at the *commencement*; look for his continual *support* in the *progress*; and so begin and continue that all may terminate in his glory: and then it will certainly be to thy good; for we never *honour* God, without *serving ourselves*. This passage is well rendered in my old MS. Bible: *Have trost in the Lord of all thin* *herte and ne lene thou to thi prudence: in all thi weys think hym,* *and he shal right rulen thi goynges; ne be thou wiis anentis* *thiself*. *Self-sufficiency* and *self-dependence* have been the ruin of mankind ever since the fall of Adam. The grand sin of the human race is their continual endeavour to *live independently of God*, i.e., to be *without God in the world*. *True religion* consists in considering God the fountain of all good, and expecting all good from him.

Verse [Proverbs 3:8](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/8). ***It shall be health to thy navel*** — We need not puzzle ourselves to find out what we may suppose to be a more *delicate* meaning for the original word שר *shor* than *navel*; for I am satisfied a more proper cannot be found. It is well known that it is by the *umbilical cord* that the *fetus* receives its nourishment all the time it is in the womb of the mother. It receives nothing by the *mouth*, nor by any other means: by *this* alone all nourishment is received, and the circulation of the blood kept up. When, therefore, the wise man says, that "trusting in the Lord with the whole heart, and acknowledging him in all a man's ways, c., shall be health to the navel, and marrow to the bones" he in effect says, that this is as essential to the life of God in the soul of man, and to the continual growth in grace, as the *umbilical cord* is to the *life* and *growth of the fetus* in the womb. Without the *latter*, no human being could ever exist or be born; without the *former*, no *true religion* can ever be found. *Trust* or *faith* in God is as necessary to derive grace from him to nourish the soul, and cause it to grow up unto eternal life, as the *navel string* or *umbilical cord* is to the human being in the first stage of its existence. I need not push this illustration farther: the good sense of the reader will supply what *he knows*. I might add much on the subject.
***And marrow to thy bones.*** — This metaphor is not less proper than the preceding. All the larger *bones* of the body have either a large *cavity*, or they are *spongious*, and full of little cells: in both the one and the other the *oleaginous* substance, called *marrow*, is contained in proper vesicles, like the fat. In the larger *bones*, the *fine oil*, by the gentle heat of the body, is exhaled through the pores of its small vesicles, and enters some narrow passages which lead to certain fine canals excavated in the substance of the bone, that the marrow may supply the *fibres of* *the bones*, and render them less liable to break. *Blood-vessels* also penetrate the *bones* to supply this *marrow* and this *blood*; and consequently the *marrow* is supplied in the infant by means of the *umbilical cord*. From the *marrow* diffused, as mentioned above, through the *bones*, they derive their *solidity* and *strength*. A simple experiment will cast considerable light on the use of the *marrow* to the *bones*: - Calcine a *bone*, so as to destroy all the *marrow* from the cells, you will find it exceedingly *brittle*. Immerse the same bone in *oil* so that the cells may be all replenished, which will be done in a few minutes; and the bone reacquires a considerable measure of its *solidity* and *strength*; and would acquire the *whole*, if the *marrow* could be *extracted* without otherwise injuring the texture of the *bone*. After the calcination, the bone may be reduced to powder by the hand; after the *impregnation with the oil*, it becomes *hard, compact*, and *strong*. What the marrow is to the *support* and *strength* of the *bones*, and the *bones* to the *support* and *strength* of the *body*; that, *faith* in God, is to the *support, strength, energy*, and *salvation* of the *soul*. Behold, then, the force and elegance of the wise man's metaphor. Some have rendered the last clause, *a* *lotion for the bones*. What is this? How are the *bones washed*? What a pitiful destruction of a most beautiful metaphor!

Verse [Proverbs 3:9](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/9). ***Honour the Lord with thy substance*** — The מנחה MINCHAH or gratitude-offering to God, commanded under the *law*, is of endless obligation. It would be well to give a portion of the *produce of* *every article* by which we get our support to *God*, or to the *poor*, the representatives of Christ. This might be done either in *kind*, or by the *worth* in *money*. Whatever God sends us in the way of secular prosperity, there is a *portion of it* always for the poor, and for God's cause. When that *portion* is thus disposed of, the rest is *sanctified*; when it is *withheld*, God's curse is upon the whole. Give to the *poor*, and God will give to *thee*.

Verse [Proverbs 3:11](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/11). ***Despise not the chastening of the Lord*** — The word מוסר *musar* signifies *correction, discipline*, and *instruction*. *Teaching* is essentially necessary to show the man the *way* in which he is to go; *discipline* is necessary to render that *teaching* *effectual*; and, often, *correction* is requisite in order to bring the mind into *submission*, without which it cannot acquire *knowledge*. Do not therefore reject this procedure of God; humble thyself under his mighty hand, and open thy eyes to thy own interest; and then thou wilt learn *specially* and *effectually*. It is of no use to *rebel*; if thou do, thou *kickest against the* *pricks*, and every act of rebellion against him is a *wound* to thine own *soul*. God will either *end* thee or *mend* thee; wilt thou then *kick* on?

Verse [Proverbs 3:12](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/12). ***Whom the Lord loveth*** — To encourage thee to bear correction, know that it is a proof of God's love to thee; and thereby he shows that he treats thee as a father does his son, even that one to whom he bears the fondest affection.
The last clause the *Septuagint* translate μαστιγοι δε παντα υἱον ὁν παραδεχεται, "and chasteneth every son whom he receiveth;" and the *apostle*, [Hebrews 12:6](../../../kjv/hebrews/12/6), quotes this *literatim*. Both clauses certainly amount to the same sense. *Every son whom he receiveth*, and *the son in whom he delighteth*, have very little difference of meaning.

Verse [Proverbs 3:13](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/13). ***Happy*****is*****the man*****that*****findeth wisdom*** — This refers to the advice given in [Proverbs 2:4](../../../kjv/proverbs/2/4); where see the note. [Proverbs 2:4](../../../kjv/proverbs/2/4).

Verse [Proverbs 3:14](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/14). ***For the merchandise*** — סחר *sachar*, the *traffic*, the *trade* that is carried on by *going through countries* and *provinces* with such articles as they could carry on the backs of camels, c. from סחר *sachar*, to *go about, traverse*. *Chaffarynge*; Old MS. Bible.
***And the gain thereof*** — תבואתה *tebuathah*, its *produce*; what is gained by the articles after all expenses are paid. The *slaves*, as we have already seen, got their *liberty* if they were so lucky as to find a diamond of so many carats' weight; he who *finds* *wisdom*-the *knowledge* and *salvation of God*- gets a greater prize; for he obtains the *liberty of the Gospel*, is adopted into the *family of God*, and made an *heir* according to the hope of an eternal life.

Verse [Proverbs 3:15](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/15). ***She*****is*****more precious than rubies*** — מפנינים *mippeninim*. The word principally means *pearls*, but may be taken for *precious stones* in general. The root is פנה *panah*, he *looked, beheld*; and as it gives the idea of the eye always being turned towards the observer, Mr. Parkhurst thinks that it means the *loadstone*; [Job 28:18](../../../kjv/job/28/18), where this subject is considered at large. If the oriental *ruby*, or any other precious stone, be intended here, the word may refer to their being *cut* and *polished*, so that they present different *faces*, and reflect the light to you in whatever direction you may look at them.
***All the things thou canst desire*** — Superior to every thing that can be an object of desire here below. But who believes this?

Verse [Proverbs 3:16](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/16). ***Length of days*****is*****in her right hand*** — A wicked man shortens his days by *excesses*; a righteous man prolongs his by *temperance*.
***In her left hand riches and honour.*** — That is, her hands are full of the choicest benefits. There is nothing to be understood here by the *right hand* in preference to the *left*.

Verse [Proverbs 3:17](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/17). ***Her ways*****are*****ways of pleasantness*** — These blessings of true religion require little comment. They are well expressed by the poet in the following elegant verses: -
And *all her* flowery *paths are peace*.
*Happy the man* that finds the grace,
The blessing of God's chosen race;
The *wisdom coming from above*,
The *faith* that sweetly *works by love*!"
WESLEY.

Verse [Proverbs 3:18](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/18). ***She*****is*****a tree of life*** — עץ חיים *ets chaiyim*, "the tree of lives," alluding most manifestly to the tree so called which God in the beginning planted in the garden of Paradise, by eating the fruit of which all the wastes of nature might have been continually repaired, so as to prevent death for ever. This is an opinion which appears probable enough. The blessings which wisdom-true religion-gives to men, preserve them *in* life, comfort them *through* life, cause them to triumph in *death*, and ensure them a glorious *immortality*.

Verse [Proverbs 3:19](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/19). ***The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth*** — Here wisdom is taken in its proper acceptation, for that infinite knowledge and skill which God has manifested in the creation and composition of the earth, and in the structure and economy of the heavens. He has established the *order* as well as the *essence* of all things; so that though they *vary* in their *positions*, c., yet they never *change* either their *places*, or their *properties*. *Composition* and *analysis* are not *essential changes* the original *particles*, their *forms* and *properties*, remain the same.

Verse [Proverbs 3:20](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/20). ***By his knowledge the depths are broken up*** — He determined in his wisdom how to *break up* the *fountains of the* *great deep*, so as to *bring a flood of waters upon the earth*; and by his knowledge those fissures in the earth through which *springs* of water arise have been appointed and determined; and it is by his skill and influence that *vapours* are exhaled, suspended in the *atmosphere*, and afterwards precipitated on the earth in *rain,* *dews*, &c. Thus the wisest of men attributes those effects which we suppose to spring from *natural causes* to the Supreme Being himself.

Verse [Proverbs 3:21](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/21). ***Let not them depart from thine eyes*** — Never forget that God, who is the author of nature, directs and governs it in all things; for it is no self-determining agent.
***Keep sound wisdom and discretion*** — תושיה ומזמה *tushiyah* *umezimmah*. We have met with both these words before. *Tushiyah* is the *essence* or *substance* of a thing; *mezimmah* is the *resolution* or *purpose* formed in reference to something good or excellent. To acknowledge God as the author of all good, is the *tushiyah*, the *essence*, of a godly man's creed; to *resolve* to *act according* to the directions of his wisdom, is the *mezimmah*, the *religious* *purpose*, that will bring good to ourselves and glory to God. These bring *life to the soul*, and are *ornamental* to the man who acts in this way, [Proverbs 3:22](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/22).

Verse [Proverbs 3:24](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/24). ***When thou liest down*** — In these verses ([Proverbs 3:23-26](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/23-26)) the wise man describes the confidence, security, and safety, which proceed from a consciousness of innocence. Most people are afraid of *sleep*, lest they should never awake, because they feel they are not prepared to appear before God. They are neither innocent nor pardoned. True believers know that God is their keeper night and day; they have strong confidence in him that he will be their director and not suffer them to take any *false step* in life, [Proverbs 3:23](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/23). They go to rest in perfect confidence that God will watch over them; hence their *sleep*, being undisturbed with foreboding and evil dreams, is *sweet* and refreshing, [Proverbs 3:24](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/24). They are not apprehensive of any *sudden destruction*, because they know that all things are under the control of God; and they are satisfied that if *sudden destruction* should fall upon their wicked neighbour, yet God knows well how to preserve *them*, [Proverbs 3:25](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/25). And all this naturally flows from the Lord being their confidence, [Proverbs 3:26](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/26).

Verse [Proverbs 3:27](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/27). ***Withhold not good from them to whom it is due*** — מבעליו *mibbealaiv, from the lords of it*. But who are they? The *poor*. *And what art thou, O rich man*? Why, thou art a *steward*, to whom God has given substance that thou mayest divide with the poor. They are the right owners of every farthing thou hast to spare from thy own support, and that of thy family; and God has given the surplus for their sakes. Dost thou, by hoarding up this treasure, deprive the *right owners* of their property? If this were a *civil case*, the law would take thee by the throat, and lay thee up in prison; but it is a case in which GOD alone judges. And what will he do to thee? Hear! "He shall have judgment without mercy, who hath showed no mercy;" [James 2:13](../../../kjv/james/2/13). *Read, feel, tremble, and act justly*.

Verse [Proverbs 3:28](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/28). ***Say not unto thy neighbour*** — Do not refuse a kindness when it is in thy power to perform it. If thou have the means *by* *thee*, and thy neighbour's necessities be pressing, do not put him off till the *morrow*. Death may take either him or thee before that time.

Verse [Proverbs 3:30](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/30). ***Strive not with a man*** — Do not be of a litigious, quarrelsome spirit. Be not under the influence of too nice a sense of honour. If thou must appeal to judicial authority to bring him that wrongs thee to reason, avoid all enmity, and do nothing in a spirit of revenge. But, if he *have done thee no harm*, why contend with him? May not others in the same way contend with and injure thee!

Verse [Proverbs 3:31](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/31). ***Envy thou not the oppressor*** — O how bewitching is *power*! Every man desires it; and yet all hate *tyrants*. But query, if all had *power*, would not the major part be *tyrants*?

Verse [Proverbs 3:32](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/32). ***But his secret*** — סודו *sodo, his secret assembly*; godly people meet there, and God dwells there.

Verse [Proverbs 3:33](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/33). ***The curse of the Lord*** — No godly people meet in such a house; nor is God ever an *inmate* there.
***But he blesseth the habitation of the just.*** — He considers it as his *own temple*. There he is worshipped in spirit and in truth; and hence God makes it his *dwelling-place*.

Verse [Proverbs 3:34](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/34). ***Surely he scorneth the scorners; but he giveth grace**********unto the lowly.*** — The *Septuagint* has Κυριος ὑπερηφανοις αντιτασσεται, ταπεινοις δε διδωσι χαριν. *The Lord resisteth the* *proud; but giveth grace to the humble*. These words are quoted by St. *Peter*, [1 Peter 5:5](../../../kjv/1-peter/5/5), and by St. *James*, [James 4:6](../../../kjv/james/4/6), just as they stand in the *Septuagint*, with the change of ὁ Θεος, *God*, for Κυριος, *the* *Lord*.

Verse [Proverbs 3:35](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/35). ***The wise*** — The person who follows the dictates of wisdom, as mentioned above, *shall inherit glory*; because, being one of the *heavenly family*, a *child of God*, he has thereby heaven for his *inheritance; but fools*, such as those mentioned [Proverbs 1:7](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/7) and [Proverbs 2:12](../../../kjv/proverbs/2/12); [Proverbs 2:22](../../../kjv/proverbs/2/22), shall have *ignominy* for their exaltation. Many such fools as Solomon speaks of are exalted to the *gibbet* and *gallows*. The way to prevent this and the like evils, is to attend to the voice of wisdom.

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