Proverbs 29:3
Proverbs 29:3 in Multiple Translations
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance.
A man who is a lover of wisdom is a joy to his father: but he who goes in the company of loose women is a waster of wealth.
A man who loves wisdom makes his father happy, but one who visits prostitutes throws away his money.
A man that loueth wisdome, reioyceth his father: but he that feedeth harlots, wasteth his substance.
A man loving wisdom rejoiceth his father, And a friend of harlots destroyeth wealth.
Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
He that loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
A man that loveth wisdom, rejoiceth his father: but he that maintaineth bar lots, shall squander away his substance.
Those who are eager to become wise cause their parents to be glad; those who spend their time with prostitutes will end up giving all their money to them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:3
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 29:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִֽישׁ
אֹהֵ֣ב
חָ֭כְמָה
יְשַׂמַּ֣ח
אָבִ֑י/ו
וְ/רֹעֶ֥ה
ז֝וֹנ֗וֹת
יְאַבֶּד
הֽוֹן
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֹהֵ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal
חָ֭כְמָה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
יְשַׂמַּ֣ח
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְ/רֹעֶ֥ה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
Conj | V-Qal
ז֝וֹנ֗וֹת
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
V-Qal
יְאַבֶּד
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
הֽוֹן
hôwn
H1952
substance
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 29:3
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֹהֵ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
חָ֭כְמָה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
יְשַׂמַּ֣ח
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/רֹעֶ֥ה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
Conj | V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
ז֝וֹנ֗וֹת
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
V-Qal
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
יְאַבֶּד
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
הֽוֹן
hôwn
H1952
"substance"
N-ms
This word refers to wealth or substance, implying that something is enough or of high value. It can also be translated as riches or sufficiency.
Definition: 1) wealth, riches, substance 1a) wealth 1b) price, high value interj 2) enough!, sufficiency
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: enough, [phrase] for nought, riches, substance, wealth. See also: Psalms 44:13; Proverbs 19:4; Psalms 112:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:3
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
1A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it. 5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 27:11 | Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me. |
| 2 | Proverbs 10:1 | The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother. |
| 3 | Proverbs 15:20 | A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. |
| 4 | Luke 15:30 | But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ |
| 5 | Luke 15:13 | After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. |
| 6 | Proverbs 6:26 | For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. |
| 7 | Proverbs 28:7 | A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. |
| 8 | Proverbs 21:17 | He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich. |
| 9 | Proverbs 5:8–10 | Keep your path far from her; do not go near the door of her house, lest you concede your vigor to others, and your years to one who is cruel; lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich the house of a foreigner. |
| 10 | Proverbs 23:24–25 | The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him. May your father and mother be glad, and may she who gave you birth rejoice! |
Proverbs 29:3 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we love and pursue wisdom, it brings happiness to those around us, like our parents. On the other hand, when we get involved with things that are hurtful or sinful, like prostitution, we can lose everything that's truly valuable. As it says in Proverbs 9:10, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.' By choosing to love wisdom, we can avoid wasting our lives and resources on things that don't truly matter, and instead live a life that honors God and brings joy to others.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to love wisdom in Proverbs 29:3?
To love wisdom means to value and pursue knowledge and understanding that comes from God, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, which says, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.'
How does a companion of prostitutes squander his wealth?
A companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth by wasting his resources on fleeting and destructive pleasures, as warned in Proverbs 5:9-10, which says, 'Otherwise, you will give your best strength to others and your labor to strangers, and you will moan at the end, when your flesh and body are consumed.'
What is the significance of bringing joy to one's father in this verse?
Bringing joy to one's father in Proverbs 29:3 means that a child who loves wisdom and lives a virtuous life will bring happiness and pride to their parents, as seen in Proverbs 10:1, which says, 'A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.'
How can I apply the wisdom of this verse to my own life?
You can apply the wisdom of Proverbs 29:3 by prioritizing the pursuit of wisdom and virtue, and avoiding destructive habits and relationships, as encouraged in Proverbs 4:7, which says, 'Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my love for wisdom in my daily life, and how will this impact my relationships with others?
- How can I avoid the temptation of squandering my resources on fleeting pleasures, and instead use them for God's glory and my own good?
- What are some practical steps I can take to bring joy to my parents or other authorities in my life, and how will this reflect my love for wisdom?
- In what ways can I seek wisdom and understanding from God, and how will this impact my decision-making and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:3
Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father,.... He that is a philosopher, especially a religious one, that not only loves and seeks after natural wisdom, but moral wisdom and knowledge; and more
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:3
Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:3
Loveth wisdom; and therefore hateth and escheweth all folly and wickedness. Keepeth company with harlots; whereby he plainly discovers himself to want wisdom; of which see , &c. Spendeth his substance; whereby he not only ruineth himself, but also grieveth his father, as is implied from the opposite clause.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:3
Proverbs 29:3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth [his] substance.Ver. 3. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father.] But he that keepeth company with harlots.] Those she sinners, as they call them, are costly creatures, and they that keep them care not what cost they cast away upon them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:3
(3) Whoso loveth wisdom . . .—This verse is illustrated by the parable of the prodigal son (see Luke 15).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:3
Verse 3. But he that keepeth company] רעה roeh, he that feedeth harlots, יאבד yeabed, shall utterly destroy his substance. Has there ever been a single case to the contrary?
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:3
3. wisdom] regarded, as the second clause of the verse shews, as leading to purity of life. Comp. Proverbs 2:10; Proverbs 2:16. spendeth] Rather, wasteth, R.V. ἀπολεῖ, LXX. Comp. διεσκόρπισετὴνοὐσίαναὐτοῦ … ὁκαταφαγώνσουτὸνβίονμετὰτῶνπορνῶν, Luke 15:13; Luke 15:30.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:3
Spendeth ... - The laws of parallelism would lead us to expect “troubleth his father,” but that is passed over as a thing about which the profligate would not care, and he is reminded of what comes
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:3
3. Spendeth his substance — Squanders his wealth. There are but few ways in which riches are so soon and so surely dissipated as by association with lewd women. Comp. Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 6:26; Proverbs 28:7.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Cry of Wisdom by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the concept of wisdom and its connection to intelligence and understanding. He highlights the complexity and intricacy of the human bod |
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 25 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the importance of refraining from judging others, emphasizing the need to focus on self-reflection and righteous judgment within our spheres of responsibili |
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Choose Humility by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the critical importance of choosing humility over pride, sharing his personal journey of recognizing his own prideful thoughts and attitudes towards others |
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Prodigal Church by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the prodigal son from the Bible. He compares the prodigal son to the state of the church, describing how it has become impoveris |
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New Covenant - Overcoming Temptation - Part 5 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of reverencing God and seeking His secrets for godly living. It highlights the need to overcome temptations by relying on the power of the Hol |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 26 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker warns against the dangers of self-consciousness, as it can lead to self-pity, which is considered satanic. The example of Judas is given, who was filled |
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The Prodigal by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches on the parable of the prodigal son, illustrating the rebellious nature of humanity and the unconditional love and forgiveness of God. She emphasizes the co |