Proverbs 3:3

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Guidance for the Young

1 My son, do not forget my law,
^aBut let your heart keep my commands;

2 For length of days and long life
And ^apeace they will add to you.

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
^aBind them around your neck,
^bWrite them on the tablet of your heart,

4 ^aAnd so find favor and¹ high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

5 ^aTrust in the Lord with all your heart,
^bAnd lean not on your own understanding;

6 ^aIn all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall¹ direct your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own ^aeyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

8 It will be health to your¹ flesh,
And ^astrength to your bones.

9 ^aHonor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

10 ^aSo your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

Commentaries:

Barnes' Notes

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Proverbs 3:4 >>

Proverbs 3:3

The two elements of a morally perfect character:

(1) "Mercy," shutting out all forms of selfishness and hate.

(2) "Truth," shutting out all deliberate falsehood, all hypocrisy, conscious or unconscious.

The words that follow possibly refer to the Eastern custom of writing sacred names on pieces of papyrus or parchment, and wearing them around the neck, as charms and talismans against evil. Compare, however, I Peter 3:3-4.

**Other Barnes' Notes entries containing Proverbs 3:3:**

Proverbs 6:21-22
Isaiah 65:20
Matthew 23:5

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Proverbs 3:4 >>

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