The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
Read it in contextThe Blessings of Wisdom
Start reading at Proverbs 3:13 (Proverbs 3:13 to Proverbs 3:35).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
3:13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
3:14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
3:15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
3:16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
3:17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
3:18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
3:19The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
3:20By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
3:21My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
3:22So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
3:23Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
3:24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
3:25Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
3:26For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
3:27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
3:28Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
3:29Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
3:30Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
3:31Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
3:32For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
3:33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
3:34Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
3:35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 1:1–9:18): The teacher or parent addresses a son or pupil; Wisdom and the opposing seductive voices are personified within the instruction. These speeches train hearers rather than narrate a gathering of every person used as an example. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The Blessings of Wisdom. Read Proverbs 3:13 through Proverbs 3:35 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The book identifies more than one collection, including proverbs copied by Hezekiah's men. It does not give a date for the origin of every individual saying. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The instruction draws on household, workplace, city gate, court, and other everyday settings. Many sayings describe a general situation rather than one dated incident. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Blessings of Wisdom (Proverbs 3:13 to Proverbs 3:35).
Start reading at Proverbs 3:13. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament identifies Christ with the wisdom of God. Relating wisdom instruction to Him is a canonical connection; the personification of wisdom should not automatically be treated as a literal description of Christ's origin. See Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Practice truthful speech, teachability, justice, diligence, and self-control. Read proverbial generalizations with their genre in view rather than as guarantees that ignore circumstance or the book's other sayings. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.