Proverbs 3:7–8
What does Proverbs 3:7–8 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:7–8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 3:7–8 means
Proverbs 3:7
This instruction warns against intellectual arrogance and self-conceit, which are antithetical to true wisdom. Being 'wise in thine own eyes' means relying solely on one's own judgment without reference to divine truth. Instead, the path to true wisdom involves fearing the Lord, which is a reverent awe and submission to His authority, and actively turning away from evil. This humility before God is the prerequisite for gaining genuine insight.
Proverbs 3:8
This verse presents the tangible, physical benefits of humility and fearing the Lord as described in verse 7. Embracing God’s wisdom and departing from evil leads to 'health to thy navel' and 'marrow to thy bones.' These ancient expressions signify robust physical well-being, vitality, and strength throughout the entire body. A life aligned with God’s will brings not only spiritual but also comprehensive physical flourishing, demonstrating His holistic blessing.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil: It will be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil: It will be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Put no high value on your wisdom: let the fear of the Lord be before you, and keep yourself from evil: This will give strength to your flesh, and new life to your bones.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Be not wise in thine own eyes, Fear Jehovah, and turn aside from evil. Healing it is to thy navel, And moistening to thy bones.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Be not wise in thy own conceit: fear God, and depart from evil: For it shall be health to thy navel, and moistening to thy bones.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear Jehovah, and depart from evil: it shall be health for thy navel, and moisture for thy bones.
Context
v.7Having just exhorted the reader to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all ways, this verse now gives a negative command, warning against the opposite — self-reliance and intellectual pride. It provides a necessary counterpoint to verses 5 and 6, showing that trust in God inherently involves humility and a rejection of self-sufficiency. It also explains *how* to depart from evil, introducing it as a practical outflow of fearing the Lord.
v.8This verse directly offers the concrete, physical rewards that stem from the humility and fear of the Lord advocated in verse 7. It closes out the section on trusting God and departing from evil by underscoring the comprehensive welfare—spirit, mind, and body—that such a life brings. This promise provides another practical incentive for embracing divine wisdom, connecting spiritual obedience to tangible earthly blessings.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 1:1
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and turned away from evil.
- Job 28:28
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.
- Romans 11:25
For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in;
- Proverbs 16:6
By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.
- Isaiah 5:21
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
- Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.
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