Devine Scripture

Proverbs 3:22

What does Proverbs 3:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 3:22 means

This verse promises that consistently holding onto wisdom and discretion will result in profound personal blessings. These qualities will be 'life unto thy soul,' meaning they will invigorate and sustain one's inner being, and 'grace to thy neck,' symbolizing honor, beauty, and favor in the eyes of others. Wisdom thus provides both internal flourishing and external adornment, making one's life rich and attractive.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

So shall they be life unto thy soul, And grace to thy neck.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

So shall they be life unto thy soul, And grace to thy neck.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So they will be life for your soul, and grace for your neck.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And they are life to thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And there shall be life to thy soul, and grace to thy mouth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

so shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace unto thy neck.

Context

This verse offers the immediate, personal benefits for diligently keeping wisdom and discretion, directly fulfilling the potential outcomes implied in verse 21. It connects internal vitality ('life unto thy soul') with outward appearance or reputation ('grace to thy neck'). This clear articulation of blessings serves to motivate the continued pursuit and application of wisdom, setting the stage for more specific promises of security and peace.

v.21My son, let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discretion:

v.22This passage

v.23Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, And thy foot shall not stumble.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 1:9

    For they shall be a chaplet of grace unto thy head, And chains about thy neck.

  • Isaiah 38:16

    O Lord, by these things men live; And wholly therein is the life of my spirit: Wherefore recover thou me, and make me to live.

  • Proverbs 4:22

    For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.

  • John 12:49

    For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

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