Proverbs 3:24 kjv

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Proverbs 3:24 nkjv

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.

Proverbs 3:24 niv

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Proverbs 3:24 esv

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Proverbs 3:24 nlt

You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.

Proverbs 3 verses

Proverbs 3 24 Meaning

Proverbs 3:24 promises inner security, peace, and restorative sleep as a tangible blessing for those who embrace and live by wisdom. It implies freedom from anxiety and dread, allowing for deep and satisfying rest. This verse is a direct outcome of the instructions to trust in the Lord and follow His ways, laid out earlier in the chapter.

Proverbs 3 24 Context

Proverbs 3:24 is part of a fatherly discourse (Prov 3:1-12) exhorting a son to remember, cherish, and follow wisdom (often personified as Lady Wisdom in Proverbs). The blessings mentioned in verse 24 are a direct result of heeding the earlier commands to "forget not my teaching" (v. 1), "trust in the Lord with all your heart" (v. 5), "honor the Lord with your wealth" (v. 9), and "not despise the Lord’s discipline" (v. 11). The chapter establishes that wisdom, fear of the Lord, and a life lived in accordance with divine principles lead to tangible benefits such as long life, peace, favor, guidance, health, prosperity, and crucially, deep inner tranquility and secure rest. This promise of undisturbed sleep contrasts sharply with the agitated nights of those who reject wisdom and walk in unrighteousness (cf. Prov 4:16).

Proverbs 3 24 Word analysis

• When you lie down (בְּשָׁכְבְּךָ - bə·shāḵ·ḇə·ḵā):

  • Root: שָׁכַב (shakhav). Meaning: to lie down, rest, sleep.
  • Significance: This specifically refers to the act of retiring for the night. It highlights a common human vulnerability – the need for rest and the accompanying exposure to worries or dangers that can arise in the night. The promise addresses this precise time.

• you will not be afraid (לֹא־תִפְחָד - lō-ṯi p̄·ḥāḏ):

  • Root: פָחַד (pakhad). Meaning: to dread, tremble, be afraid, be filled with terror.
  • Significance: This signifies an absence of internal dread or terror. It's not just the absence of external threats but the presence of internal calm. This speaks to a peace of mind that prevents nightmares, anxieties, or fearful thoughts from disturbing one's rest.

• when you lie down (וְשָׁכַבְתָּ - wə·shāḵaḇ·tā):

  • This is a repetition of the verb 'to lie down' (shakhav).
  • Significance: The repetition emphasizes the certainty and consistency of the experience. It underscores that whenever the righteous person seeks rest, this state of security will prevail. Some interpretations see the first "lie down" as the initiation of rest and the second as the state of being at rest or entering sleep.

• your sleep (וּשְׁנָתְךָ - ū·šə·nā·ṯə·ḵā):

  • Root: שֵׁנָה (shenah). Meaning: sleep, slumber.
  • Significance: Focuses on the state of sleep itself, not just the act of lying down. The quality of sleep is central to this promise.

• will be sweet (עָרְבָה - ‘ā·rə·ḇāh):

  • Root: עָרַב (arav). Meaning: to be sweet, pleasant, agreeable.
  • Significance: "Sweet" here indicates enjoyable, refreshing, and deeply satisfying. It's not merely unconsciousness but restorative, untroubled, and pleasant rest. This "sweetness" is the positive outcome that stems from the absence of fear mentioned earlier.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "When you lie down, you will not be afraid": This phrase addresses the primary human need for safety, especially during vulnerability like sleep. It speaks to a deep, inherent security that overcomes anxiety and potential dangers, whether real or perceived. It highlights inner tranquility derived from wisdom and trust in God, protecting against both outward and inward turmoil. This state is a stark contrast to the unrest often experienced by the wicked.
• "when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet": This reiteration amplifies the previous promise. It not only ensures an absence of fear but positively affirms a delightful and refreshing quality of sleep. This is a divine blessing, reflecting spiritual health and alignment with God's will, leading to physical and mental rejuvenation. It is the natural consequence of having peace with God and conscience, undisturbed by guilt, fear, or worldly anxieties.

Proverbs 3 24 Bonus section

The ancient Near Eastern context often viewed night as a time of potential danger and spiritual attack, making the promise of fearless sleep particularly potent. Kings and common people alike sought protection from malevolent forces. The "sweet sleep" promised here stands as a testament to the supreme protective power and provision of Yahweh, which far surpasses any pagan deity or human effort at security. It reflects a life ordered by divine principles where God himself is the ultimate guardian. This physical blessing of sleep also foreshadows a deeper, spiritual rest (as explored in Heb 4), hinting at the ultimate peace and security found in God, which begins in this life and is perfected in His eternal presence.

Proverbs 3 24 Commentary

Proverbs 3:24 presents a vivid and tangible blessing associated with embracing divine wisdom and trusting in the Lord: peaceful, sweet, and undisturbed sleep. In a world full of anxieties, where sleep can be a time of worry or distress, this verse assures the righteous of genuine rest. The promise of not being afraid before and during sleep points to an internal state of security that surpasses circumstances. This isn't merely a promise of physical rest but speaks to profound psychological and spiritual tranquility. The "sweetness" of sleep denotes its restorative, pleasant, and deep nature, indicative of a clear conscience, a peaceful mind, and confidence in God's providence and protection. This peace is the fruit of living according to God's ways, free from the guilt, dread, and strife that often plague those who disregard divine wisdom.

Examples:

• A student who trusts God with their studies and fears the Lord more than failing a test can sleep soundly, even before a major exam.
• A person facing significant life challenges, but whose heart remains steadfast in faith, finds undisturbed rest while others would be overwhelmed with anxiety.