Devine Scripture

Proverbs 3:4

What does Proverbs 3:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 3:4 means

Living by kindness and truth, as exhorted in verse 3, leads to a favorable reputation and genuine respect. This 'favor and good understanding' is not just superficial approval but deep appreciation from both God and people. It indicates a life that aligns with divine principles, earning divine blessing and commanding the esteem of others, demonstrating that godly character has beneficial outcomes in all relationships.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

So shalt thou find favor and good understanding In the sight of God and man.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

So shalt thou find favor and good understanding In the sight of God and man.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So you will have grace and a good name in the eyes of God and men.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And find grace and good understanding In the eyes of God and man.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And thou shalt find grace, and good understanding before God and men.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and thou shalt find favour and good understanding in the sight ofGod and man.

Context

This verse reveals the positive outcome of embodying kindness and truth, acting as a direct consequence of the instruction in verse 3. It reinforces the idea that righteous living brings tangible rewards beyond just personal satisfaction. This promise of favor sets the stage for the crucial exhortation to trust in the Lord that follows, linking outward character to an inward disposition of faith.

v.3Let not kindness and truth forsake thee: Bind them about thy neck; Write them upon the tablet of thy heart:

v.4This passage

v.5Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding:

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 111:10

    The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all they that dohis commandments: His praise endureth for ever.

  • Luke 2:52

    And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

  • Romans 14:18

    For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men.

  • Genesis 39:2

    And Jehovah was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

  • 1 Samuel 2:26

    And the child Samuel grew on, and increased in favor both with Jehovah, and also with men.

  • Joshua 1:7

    Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest.

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