Proverbs 3:16
What does Proverbs 3:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 3:16 means
This verse personifies Wisdom, describing her as holding in her hands the greatest human desires: 'length of days' (longevity and fullness of life) in her right hand, and 'riches and honor' in her left. This vividly illustrates that wisdom is the source of these blessed outcomes. While not guaranteeing every individual a long, wealthy, or famous life, it portrays wisdom as the most direct path to a life characterized by enduring well-being, material sufficiency, and esteemed reputation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Length of days is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Length of days is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Long life is in her right hand, and in her left are wealth and honour.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Length of days <FI>is<Fi> in her right hand, In her left <FI>are<Fi> wealth and honour.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and glory.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Length of days is in her right hand; in her left hand riches and honour.
Context
Building on the declarations of wisdom's inherent value, this verse now enumerates the specific blessings that wisdom bestows. It moves beyond abstract praise to concrete benefits, demonstrating *how* wisdom enriches life. This clear list of desirable outcomes further reinforces the appeal of wisdom, directly linking it to the promises of a good life that were introduced at the beginning of the chapter, specifically in verse 2.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 10:30
but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
- 1 Timothy 4:8
for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come.
- 1 Kings 3:13
And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee, all thy days.
- Proverbs 22:4
The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah Isriches, and honor, and life.
- Proverbs 8:18
Riches and honor are with me; Yea, durable wealth and righteousness.
- Psalms 71:9
Cast me not off in the time of old age; Forsake me not when my strength faileth.
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