Proverbs 1:3 kjv

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

Proverbs 1:3 nkjv

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

Proverbs 1:3 niv

for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;

Proverbs 1:3 esv

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

Proverbs 1:3 nlt

Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.

Proverbs 1 verses

Proverbs 1 3 Meaning

Proverbs 1:3 specifies the practical objectives for engaging with the wisdom found within the book: to acquire knowledge for understanding and discerning what is truly wise behavior. This comprehensive instruction is intended to guide individuals toward living lives characterized by righteousness in their moral conduct, justice in their interactions, and equity in all dealings, aligning their actions with God's divine standards for humanity and society.

Proverbs 1 3 Context

Proverbs 1:3 is part of the introductory prologue (Proverbs 1:1-7) to the entire Book of Proverbs. This prologue functions as a thesis statement, setting forth the book's purpose and its intended audience. The verses prior (1:1-2) introduce Solomon as the author (or collector) and state the broad aim of learning "wisdom and instruction." Verse 3 then elaborates on this, detailing the specific components and applications of this wisdom, which extend beyond mere knowledge to encompass moral and ethical behavior crucial for communal well-being and individual flourishing. Historically, Israelite wisdom literature, like Proverbs, contrasted with surrounding ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions by grounding its ethics and understanding of life explicitly in the character of Yahweh, the one true God, and His covenant with Israel. Unlike utilitarian or pragmatic wisdom sometimes found in pagan texts, Israelite wisdom's pursuit of "righteousness, justice, and equity" was rooted in divine commands and a relationship with a holy God who Himself embodies these virtues, implicitly forming a polemic against societal practices devoid of such a moral foundation.

Proverbs 1 3 Word analysis

• to receive (לָקַח, laqakh):

  • Word Level: More than passive hearing; it implies an active acceptance, a taking in, grasping, and appropriating for oneself.
  • Significance: Suggests intentional acquisition and internalizing the teaching, leading to adoption. It’s about accepting knowledge and making it one's own.

• instruction (מוּסָר, musar):

  • Word Level: Discipline, chastening, moral correction, ethical training, guidance. It encompasses both teaching and the corrective action that enforces it.
  • Significance: It's a formative process that often involves experience and sometimes even consequences to shape character. Not merely intellectual information but character-shaping education.

• wise dealing / wise behavior (הַשְׂכֵּל, haskel):

  • Word Level: Understanding, discernment, prudence, acting wisely, having success or insight through practical application.
  • Significance: It denotes the skill and ability to live life effectively, shrewdly, and prudently in a manner that leads to favorable outcomes, particularly those aligned with God's design. It's practical wisdom, not just theoretical.

• righteousness (צֶדֶק, tzedeq):

  • Word Level: Moral rectitude, right conduct, integrity, conformity to an ethical or divine standard, a state of being morally pure and just.
  • Significance: It is behavior that aligns with God's character and commandments. It signifies integrity and uprightness in character and action.

• justice (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat):

  • Word Level: Judgment, legal decision, application of law, administering justice, discernment, social order based on equitable dealings.
  • Significance: Refers to actively doing what is right and fair, especially in societal structures, legal contexts, and interactions between people. It often involves defending the rights of the weak and ensuring equity.

• equity (מֵישָׁרִים, meysharim):

  • Word Level: Uprightness, straightness, fairness, impartiality, moral rectitude, sincerity, evenness. It implies a lack of deviation, crookedness, or bias.
  • Significance: Often paired with mishpat, it speaks to the fairness, impartiality, and straightforwardness of one's actions and judgments. It is about treating everyone without partiality or deviation from what is right.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "to receive instruction in wise dealing": This phrase highlights the proactive and intentional nature of gaining wisdom. It implies a willingness to be taught, corrected, and disciplined so that one's understanding translates into skillful, practical, and prudent living. The goal is not just knowing about wisdom, but effectively living out wisdom. This transformation of the self is key.
• "righteousness, justice, and equity": This trio of terms represents the fundamental pillars of a life lived according to God's ways. They form a comprehensive description of moral excellence and societal responsibility:
  • Righteousness emphasizes inner moral uprightness and outward ethical conduct aligned with divine standards.
  • Justice emphasizes the application of moral truth in interpersonal relationships and societal structures, ensuring fair treatment and defending the vulnerable.
  • Equity emphasizes impartiality, honesty, and straightforwardness in all dealings, ensuring no crookedness or unfair advantage.These three virtues are inseparable and define a truly godly character and a thriving community under God's blessing.

Proverbs 1 3 Bonus section

The active "receiving" of instruction underscored in Proverbs 1:3 highlights a crucial aspect of biblical wisdom: it is not passively absorbed, but actively sought and humbly embraced. This concept applies universally throughout Scripture, emphasizing the individual's responsibility to yield to God's truth. Furthermore, the virtues listed—righteousness, justice, and equity—are not merely human ideals; they are attributes of God Himself. For humanity to "receive instruction" in these areas is therefore to be conformed to the very nature of the Creator, reflecting His character in creation. The goal of this instruction is ultimately for individuals to walk in shalom, a state of wholeness and flourishing, both personally and communally, that is the fruit of living righteously before God and man. This holistic understanding positions Proverbs as a guide to practical godliness, directly connecting sound conduct with divine truth.

Proverbs 1 3 Commentary

Proverbs 1:3 precisely articulates the scope of the instruction offered by the Book of Proverbs, extending far beyond intellectual acquisition. It points to a deep and transformative engagement with wisdom. The instruction, or musar, is not merely informational but corrective and character-forming, designed to train individuals for "wise dealing" (haskel). This is the practical application of wisdom – thinking shrewdly and acting effectively in every sphere of life, discerning the path that honors God and leads to flourishing. The subsequent triad of "righteousness, justice, and equity" further specifies the moral fabric that this wisdom aims to weave into a person's life. These are not abstract concepts but tangible, daily virtues. Righteousness covers personal uprightness, justice speaks to fairness and care in societal interaction, particularly towards the needy, and equity emphasizes impartiality and integrity. Thus, the Proverbs teach a holistic wisdom that produces moral excellence and fosters a society marked by truth, fairness, and a deep reverence for the divine order. For instance, the instruction impacts one's decision-making regarding finances (e.g., integrity in business dealings), relationships (e.g., speaking truthfully, not gossiping), and leadership (e.g., judging without partiality).