Proverbs 3:2 kjv

For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

Proverbs 3:2 nkjv

For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.

Proverbs 3:2 niv

for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

Proverbs 3:2 esv

for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.

Proverbs 3:2 nlt

If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.

Proverbs 3 verses

Proverbs 3 2 Meaning

Proverbs 3:2 declares that by remembering and keeping the divine instruction and commands given in the preceding verse, one will receive blessings of long life and holistic well-being. This promise signifies not merely extended years, but a life lived in its fullest measure, characterized by vitality, tranquility, security, and prosperity. It establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship between adherence to God-given wisdom and tangible, abundant blessings in life.

Proverbs 3 2 Context

Proverbs 3:2 is an integral part of the initial "father-to-son" discourses found in the first nine chapters of the Book of Proverbs. This section serves as an earnest exhortation from a mentor, traditionally understood as King Solomon, to his disciple, imploring them to embrace and internalize divine wisdom. Verse 1 sets the premise by urging the disciple not to forget the speaker's "teaching" (Hebrew torah) and "commands" (Hebrew mitzvot). Verse 2 then provides the direct benefit and motivation for such adherence. This verse, therefore, frames wisdom not as an abstract philosophical pursuit, but as a practical path yielding tangible blessings in the earthly life of the one who fears the Lord. The entire book emphasizes that true wisdom begins with reverence for the Lord, leading to right living and prosperous outcomes, often implicitly contrasting this with the chaotic, destructive paths of folly and wickedness common in ancient societies. The promises of longevity and peace stand in direct contrast to the fleeting and troubled lives often associated with those who reject wisdom's call.

Proverbs 3 2 Word analysis

• For (Heb. Kî, כִּי): This conjunction introduces the reason or consequence of the preceding statement. Here, it explicitly links the keeping of instruction (Pro 3:1) to the blessings promised in Pro 3:2, establishing a direct causal relationship.
• length (Heb. ʾōrek, אֹרֶךְ): Refers to the extent or duration of time. When paired with "days," it emphasizes extended periods of living.
• of days (Heb. yāmîm, יָמִים): Signifies lifespan or a period of time. In Biblical terms, "long days" denotes a complete or full life, seen as a divine blessing and a mark of God's favor for faithfulness.
• and years (Heb. wəšanîm, וְשָׁנִים): "Years" parallels "days" for emphatic effect, creating a common Hebrew literary device (merism or parallelism) that underscores the totality and completeness of the longevity being promised. It points to a long, sustained life.
• of life (Heb. ḥayyîm, חַיִּים): The plural form of "life" suggests not merely existence, but fullness of life, vitality, abundance, and holistic well-being. It is the antithesis of decay or absence of vitality. This echoes the concept of true, flourishing life that God desires for His people.
• and peace (Heb. wəšālōm, וְשָׁלוֹם): Shalom is a profound and comprehensive Hebrew term meaning far more than just absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, security, prosperity, tranquility, well-being, health, harmony in relationships, and general flourishing in all aspects of life – physical, emotional, spiritual, and social. It is the positive, vibrant state of wholeness in God.
• they will add (Heb. yōspīʾû, יֹסִיפוּ): This is a third-person plural verb. Grammatically, "they" refers back to "my teaching" (tôratî) and "my commands" (miṣwōṯay) in Proverbs 3:1, implying a personification. The instruction and commands themselves are portrayed as actively bestowing these benefits. However, it's understood that it is God, working through His wisdom, who is the ultimate giver of these blessings. The verb signifies an increase, an accretion, an adding of abundance.
• to you (Heb. lāk, לָךְ): A direct address, making the promise personal and immediately relevant to the individual who heeds the instruction.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For length of days and years of life": This phrase creates a powerful and emphatic statement about longevity. It's a double expression, intensifying the promise of a full, extended lifespan. This blessing of prolonged life is consistently linked throughout the Old Testament to covenant obedience (e.g., Ex 20:12, Deut 4:40). It suggests living out one's potential and enjoying the full span of existence God intends.
• "and peace they will add to you": The inclusion of "peace" (shalom) broadens the scope beyond mere longevity. It emphasizes a qualitative blessing – not just existing for a long time, but existing in a state of comprehensive well-being. The active verb "add" underscores that these blessings are not passive or accidental; they are actively bestowed upon the one who adheres to wisdom's way. This promise points to a life of inner calm, outward harmony, and prosperity that comes from alignment with divine principles.

Proverbs 3 2 Bonus section

The promises of Proverbs 3:2, like many in the wisdom literature, often describe the general, observable patterns of divine operation rather than absolute, unvarying guarantees in every individual circumstance. While righteous living is designed to lead to a flourishing life and often does, external factors, and God's sovereign will, mean exceptions can exist. However, the overarching theological truth remains: aligning one's life with God's wisdom is the path to true well-being. The emphasis on shalom (peace) also speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's blessing, encompassing far more than material gain or physical health. It is a spiritual and existential state of being in harmony with God and His created order. This verse highlights the practical utility of wisdom – it is not abstract knowledge, but knowledge that brings tangible, desirable life benefits. The promise found here underscores God's benevolent desire for His children to prosper and live abundantly, physically and spiritually, when they heed His voice.

Proverbs 3 2 Commentary

Proverbs 3:2 articulates a foundational promise of divine recompense for fidelity to God's instruction. It operates on the principle that there is an inherent cause-and-effect relationship in the moral universe, orchestrated by God. When one embraces wisdom, characterized by remembering and keeping divine commands (as per Pro 3:1), the outcomes are profoundly beneficial. The specific benefits promised – "length of days and years of life and peace" – encapsulate a comprehensive vision of a flourishing existence. "Length of days" speaks to longevity and a full life span, viewed as a mark of God's favor in the Old Testament covenant context. This is not simply a biological extension, but the opportunity to experience life's blessings to their fullest. "Years of life" reinforces this idea, suggesting a life lived richly and completely. Crucially, "peace" (shalom) is included, which signifies more than the absence of conflict; it denotes a deep, comprehensive sense of wholeness, well-being, security, prosperity, and harmony in every aspect of life – spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, and relational. This verse implies that wisdom's ways bring about inner tranquility and outer stability. The personified "teaching" and "commands" actively "add" these blessings, implying that walking in wisdom is a continuous process that continually enriches one's life. This verse serves as a potent motivator, underscoring that commitment to God's ways is profoundly advantageous, leading to both a quantitatively longer and a qualitatively richer, more serene life. For example, living wisely can include healthy habits for longevity, resolving conflicts for peaceful relationships, and trusting God for inner peace amidst trials.