Proverbs 3:17
What does Proverbs 3:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 3:17 means
This verse describes the experience of walking in wisdom's ways as profoundly pleasant and peaceful. 'Her ways are ways of pleasantness' means that living according to divine insight brings joy and contentment in the journey itself, not just at the destination. 'All her paths are peace' indicates an inner tranquility and harmonious existence, free from the anxieties and turmoils often associated with folly or unrighteous living. Wisdom provides a serene and satisfying life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Her ways are ways of delight, and all her goings are peace.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Her ways <FI>are<Fi> ways of pleasantness, And all her paths <FI>are<Fi> peace.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Her ways are beautiful ways, and all her paths are peaceable.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
Context
Following the description of wisdom's tangible blessings in verse 16, this verse shifts to the *experience* of wisdom, portraying its intrinsic pleasantness and the peace it affords. It speaks to the quality of life lived in accordance with wisdom, not just the rewards received. This emphasis on the journey's inherent goodness provides an additional, compelling reason to pursue wisdom, beyond mere external benefits.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 112:1
Praise ye Jehovah. Blessed is the man that feareth Jehovah, That delighteth greatly in his commandments.
- Psalms 119:174
I have longed for thy salvation, O Jehovah; And thy law is my delight.
- Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
- Psalms 119:103
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
- Isaiah 57:19
I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace, to him that is far off and to him that is near, saith Jehovah; and I will heal him.
- Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
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