BibleProject | The Wisdom of ProverbsSample

Chapter 3: More Precious than Jewels

In this chapter we’ve got two more speeches from the father to the son, with a poem about Lady Wisdom nestled in between.

3rd Speech from Father to Son

Verses 1-12: This speech is a classic that contains some familiar verses. The father leaves behind the earlier emphasis on outside evil forces and moves on to encourage the son to address his own character. Pay attention to the physicality of the words and how often the father uses “you/your” to highlight personal works of faith and their rewards.

Give God your best (“the first fruits of your crop”), and you will have abundance (“your barns will be filled to overflowing”). The last two verses in this section (11-12) stand out because they don’t focus on prizes for honoring God. Instead, the father encourages the son to accept God’s discipline. Don’t be bitter when times are hard, he says, but rather trust that God corrects those He loves—like a father disciplining a son.

2nd Speech from Lady Wisdom

Verses 13-20: This is a beautiful poem about the value of wisdom, personified once more as a woman. “She is more precious than rubies;” the author sighs, “nothing you desire can compare with her.” The poet paints Lady Wisdom as a haven, a resting place, and a force of peace— a powerful one. In fact, she’s compared to the “tree of life” from Genesis 2:9, and in verses 19-20 we’re told that God himself employed wisdom to create the world: “By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations.” God’s wisdom is a powerful force in this universe and we have access to it!

4th Speech from Father to Son

Verses 21-35: This chapter ends with another speech from the father, emphasizing again that the way of wisdom is a way of peace. When you are wise, you’ll sleep well, live without fear, and will avoid traps that other people easily fall into. The father gives some practical relationship advice aimed at bringing peace: give people what they are owed, don’t think of ways to harm people, don’t accuse people without evidence, and don’t envy people who get things through violence.