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Proverbs 1:3

Proverbs 1:3 in Multiple Translations

and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity.

To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness and justice and equity;

To be trained in the ways of wisdom, in righteousness and judging truly and straight behaviour:

They provide education in what makes sense, living right, judging correctly, and acting fairly.

To receiue instruction to do wisely, by iustice and iudgement and equitie,

For receiving the instruction of wisdom, Righteousness, judgment, and uprightness,

to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;

To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

To understand the words of prudence: and to receive the instruction of doctrine, justice, and judgment, and equity:

These proverbs [PRS] will teach you how to discipline/control yourselves, how to conduct your lives, and how to do what is right and just [DOU].

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 1:3

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Proverbs 1:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לָ֭/קַחַת מוּסַ֣ר הַשְׂכֵּ֑ל צֶ֥דֶק וּ֝/מִשְׁפָּ֗ט וּ/מֵישָׁרִֽים
לָ֭/קַחַת lâqach H3947 to take Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מוּסַ֣ר mûwçâr H4148 discipline N-ms
הַשְׂכֵּ֑ל sâkal H7919 be prudent V-Hiphil-Ptc
צֶ֥דֶק tsedeq H6664 Righteousness N-ms
וּ֝/מִשְׁפָּ֗ט mishpâṭ H4941 justice Conj | N-ms
וּ/מֵישָׁרִֽים mêyshâr H4339 uprightness Conj | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 1:3

לָ֭/קַחַת lâqach H3947 "to take" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
מוּסַ֣ר mûwçâr H4148 "discipline" N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
הַשְׂכֵּ֑ל sâkal H7919 "be prudent" V-Hiphil-Ptc
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
צֶ֥דֶק tsedeq H6664 "Righteousness" N-ms
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
וּ֝/מִשְׁפָּ֗ט mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" Conj | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
וּ/מֵישָׁרִֽים mêyshâr H4339 "uprightness" Conj | N-mp
Uprightness refers to being fair and just, as seen in the Bible. It can also mean smoothness or straightness, often used to describe doing things rightly.
Definition: 1) evenness, uprightness, straightness, equity 1a) evenness, level, smoothness 1b) uprightness, equity 1c) rightly (as adv)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: agreement, aright, that are equal, equity, (things that are) right(-eously, things), sweetly, upright(-ly, -ness). See also: 1 Chronicles 29:17; Proverbs 2:9; Psalms 9:9.

Study Notes — Proverbs 1:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 2:1–9 My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path.
2 Job 22:22 Receive instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart.
3 Proverbs 8:10–11 Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.
4 1 Kings 3:28 When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.

Proverbs 1:3 Summary

This verse is talking about learning how to live a good life, one that is fair and right with God and others. It's about getting guidance on how to make wise choices and treat people with kindness and respect, as seen in Proverbs 1:3. This is important because it helps us live a life that honors God, as stated in Matthew 22:37-40, and reflects His character, as described in Psalm 89:14. By seeking wisdom and living with integrity, we can navigate life's challenges and make a positive impact on those around us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to receive instruction in wise living?

Receiving instruction in wise living means learning how to make good choices and live a virtuous life, as seen in Proverbs 1:3, and is essential for believers to live a life that honors God, as stated in Matthew 22:37-40.

How do righteousness, justice, and equity relate to each other?

Righteousness, justice, and equity are interconnected concepts that describe a life of moral integrity, fairness, and compassion, as seen in Proverbs 1:3, and are rooted in God's character, as described in Psalm 89:14 and Micah 6:8.

Why is it important to receive instruction in these areas?

Receiving instruction in wise living, righteousness, justice, and equity is crucial for believers to navigate life's challenges, make wise decisions, and reflect God's character, as emphasized in Ephesians 5:1-2 and Colossians 3:10.

How can I apply this verse to my daily life?

You can apply Proverbs 1:3 to your daily life by seeking wisdom, living with integrity, and treating others with fairness and compassion, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:1-6 and Matthew 7:12.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to receive instruction in wise living, and how can I seek wisdom in those areas?
  2. How can I balance the pursuit of righteousness, justice, and equity in my daily decisions and actions?
  3. What are some ways I can demonstrate compassion and fairness to those around me, and how can I reflect God's character in my relationships?
  4. What are some potential consequences of not receiving instruction in wise living, and how can I avoid those pitfalls in my own life?
  5. How can I prioritize the pursuit of wisdom and moral integrity in my daily life, and what role can Scripture play in guiding me?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:3

To receive the instruction of wisdom,.... Or "prudence" (h); of wise and prudent men; and especially of Christ himself, who bears those names, whose instructions this book is full of; and the design

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:3

To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity - "wisdom" [ haskeel (H7919)]; a different Hebrew word

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:3

To receive the instruction; willingly to receive the counsels of others, which is a good step to wisdom, and a part of it. Of wisdom; such as is wise, and tends to make men wise and prudent. This is opposed to the instruction of fools and folly, of which 19:27. For folly or wickedness hath its school, and multitudes of scholars, that are very apt to learn its lessons. Justice, and judgment, and equity; which teach men just judgment or equity, to wit, their whole duty, both to God and to others, and to themselves. These three words seem to signify the same thing, and are heaped together to note either the necessity of the precept, or the exactness and diligence which is required in the practice of it.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:3

Proverbs 1:3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;Ver. 3. To receive the instruction.] Tertullian calls the Bible (and the Proverbs by a specialty) nostra digesta, from the lawyers; and others our pandects, from them also. Is there not a thin veil laid over them, which is more ratified by reading, and at last wholly worn away? Surely as by much reading the statute book men grow worldly wise; and as a friend (it is Chrysostom’ s comparison) that is acquainted with his friend will get out the meaning of a letter or phrase which another could not that is a stranger, so it is in Scripture. And herein, as one well observeth, the poorest idiot being a sound Christian, goeth beyond the profoundest clerks that are not sanctified, that he hath his own heart instead of a commentary to help him to understand even the most needful points of the Scripture. A complete body of the laws of any country or of any system of law.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:3

(3) To receive the instruction of wisdom.—To take in, or appropriate, the “discipline” which results in “prudence” (haskçl) or practical wisdom; so David “behaved himself wisely” (1 Samuel 18:5). Equity.—Literally, what is straight, so true, honest.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:3

Verse 3. To receive the instruction] השכל haskel, the deliberately weighing of the points contained in the teaching, so as to find out their importance. Equity] משרים mesharim, rectitude. The pupil is to receive wisdom and instruction, the words of wisdom and understanding, justice and judgment, so perfectly as to excel in all. Wisdom itself, personified, is his teacher; and when God's wisdom teaches, there is no delay in learning.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:3

3. the instruction of wisdom] Rather, instruction (or discipline) in wise dealing, R.V. The word is not the same as that rendered wisdom in Proverbs 1:2; Proverbs 1:7. justice] Rather, righteousness, R.V. as a wider word. The three words, righteousness, judgement, equity, may be simply cumulative and comprehensive; or possibly righteousness may denote the abstract and inclusive principle, as it affects the character; judgement, the same principle in action generally; equity (lit. equities, marg.), the varied application of that principle in different cases.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:3

Wisdom - Not the same word as in Proverbs 1:2; better, perhaps, thoughtfulness. Justice - Rather, righteousness.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:3

3. To receive (acquire) the instruction (discipline) of wisdom — Rather, prudence, thoughtfulness.

Sermons on Proverbs 1:3

SermonDescription
Warren Wiersbe A Father's Counsel by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs chapter 3 and emphasizes the importance of following God's counsel. He highlights five admonitions given by God in this chapter. Th
J. Vernon McGee (Guidelines) Read the Bible by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching and teaching the Word of God. He quotes Dr. Morgan who said that inspiration is 95% perspiration, highlighting th
Zac Poonen (Proverbs) ch.1 & 2 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in guarding and guiding young people. He highlights three areas of concern: obedience to parents,
Shane Idleman The Fully Surrendered Life by Shane Idleman This sermon emphasizes the need for a fully surrendered life to God, highlighting the importance of breaking free from sin, arrogance, and fear. It challenges individuals to seek G
Carter Conlon It Is Time for the Lord to Work by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker addresses the increasing violence and lawlessness in society and the need for God to intervene. The psalmist's declaration that it is time for God to wo
Ed Miller (Christ Formed) 04 - Christ as Young Adult by Ed Miller In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing the principle of coming to God as a little child and crying out to Him. The speaker also highlights the significa
Tim Conway Practical Advice on Daily Bible Reading by Tim Conway This sermon emphasizes the importance of discipline in reading the Bible daily, highlighting that it is the food for the soul, the source of life, health, and where we encounter Ch

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