Proverbs 3:35 kjv

The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Proverbs 3:35 nkjv

The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools.

Proverbs 3:35 niv

The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.

Proverbs 3:35 esv

The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.

Proverbs 3:35 nlt

The wise inherit honor,
but fools are put to shame!

Proverbs 3 verses

Proverbs 3 35 Meaning

Proverbs 3:35 articulates a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom: those who walk in wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord and is characterized by discernment and righteousness, will receive honor and lasting respect. Conversely, individuals who choose the path of foolishness—marked by a disregard for divine instruction, moral depravity, and obstinacy—will inevitably face shame, disgrace, and public reproach. The verse presents a clear, absolute contrast in destinies between these two archetypal figures, emphasizing the inherent rewards of living according to God's ways and the consequences of rejecting them.

Proverbs 3 35 Context

Proverbs chapter 3 opens with a father's exhortation to his son to remember and keep God's commands (vv. 1-2), emphasizing steadfast love and faithfulness (vv. 3-4), and, most notably, to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding" (vv. 5-6). It outlines numerous blessings that accrue to those who live wisely: long life, peace, favor with God and man, prosperity through tithing, divine discipline for correction, and security from evil. Verses 13-18 specifically praise wisdom as more precious than jewels, bringing long life, riches, and honor. The verses leading up to verse 35 warn against envy of the wicked, urging dependence on the Lord, and speaking against those who plot evil or oppress others. Thus, Proverbs 3:35 acts as a concluding summary to this sustained discourse on the two contrasting paths and their inherent consequences. The historical context reflects a wisdom tradition in ancient Israel, where moral and ethical teachings were paramount, deeply rooted in the covenant relationship with God, shaping societal well-being and individual destiny.

Proverbs 3 35 Word analysis

• The wise (חֲכָמִים, chakhamim): Plural of chakham. In the biblical sense, wisdom (chokmah) is far more than intellectual ability. It encompasses practical skill, discernment, ethical judgment, and, crucially, a way of living that is oriented toward God. It originates from the fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7, 9:10) and is manifested in righteousness, integrity, and adherence to divine instruction. The "wise" are those who learn from experience, heed correction, and walk in God's ways, leading to prudent living and a well-ordered life.
• will inherit (יִנְחֲלוּ, yinḥalu): From the root נָחַל (naḥal), meaning to inherit, take possession of, or acquire. This term implies not just a temporary gain, but a rightful and lasting possession, often signifying an ancestral inheritance or something received as a lasting legacy. It suggests that honor is a permanent and deserved consequence for the wise, part of their heritage from the Lord.
• honor (כָּבֹוד, kavod): Weight, glory, respect, reputation, dignity. Kavod speaks to intrinsic worth, high regard, and recognition. It is not merely human accolades but often carries the sense of God-given dignity or public acknowledgement of one's value and integrity. It stands in contrast to shame or light estimation.
• but fools (וּכְסִילִים, u-khesilim): From the plural of kesil. A "fool" in Proverbs is not simply unintelligent but morally obtuse, resistant to correction, arrogant, and prone to making choices that disregard God's wisdom and bring self-destruction. This type of folly is characterized by a hardened heart, refusal to learn, and often by despising instruction and mockery.
• a disgrace (קָלוֹן, qalon): Shame, ignominy, humiliation, dishonor, contempt. Qalon is the antithesis of kavod. It denotes a diminished reputation, public contempt, and a state of lowliness or disgrace resulting from one's own folly or wickedness. It signifies the stripping away of dignity and the incurring of public reproach.

Words-group analysis:

• The wise will inherit honor: This phrase emphasizes the certainty and permanence of the reward for living wisely. The "inheritance" denotes a natural and destined outcome, suggesting that honor is not something haphazardly gained, but an integral part of the wise person's portion from God, and a lasting legacy that endures through generations and even into eternity.
• but fools a disgrace: This contrasting clause highlights the stark opposition in outcome. The structure "fools [inherit] a disgrace" uses an implied verb from the first part, strengthening the direct and inevitable link between foolish behavior and its consequence. "Disgrace" represents public shame and personal humiliation, demonstrating that foolish choices lead to a life marked by dishonor and contempt from both God and people.

Proverbs 3 35 Bonus section

The concept of "honor" (kavod) and "disgrace" (qalon) was profoundly significant in ancient Near Eastern cultures, serving as core societal values. To "inherit honor" would imply not just personal recognition, but often the enhancement of one's family and lineage, ensuring a good name for future generations. Conversely, "disgrace" would bring shame not only upon the individual but also upon their family and community. This adds a communal dimension to the individual consequences described, emphasizing the wide-reaching impact of living wisely or foolishly. Moreover, biblical wisdom ultimately finds its ultimate embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ. As God's own wisdom, Christ submitted to the ultimate disgrace of the cross (Phil 2:8) to bring true honor and glory to those who believe in Him (Heb 2:9-10). The wise person is therefore the one who finds their wisdom, and thus their true and lasting honor, in Christ.

Proverbs 3 35 Commentary

Proverbs 3:35 succinctly captures the central theological and moral theme pervasive throughout the Book of Proverbs: the two ways – the path of wisdom versus the path of folly – and their diametrically opposed destinies. Wisdom, deeply rooted in reverence for God and adherence to His ways, is consistently portrayed as leading to life, blessings, and exaltation. This "honor" (kavod) implies not merely social standing, but an intrinsic value and dignity bestowed by God, reflected in the respect and favor one finds from both divine and human sources. It encompasses wellbeing, reputation, and perhaps ultimately, eternal glory.

In contrast, the "fool" (kesil) in Proverbs is not intellectually deficient but morally corrupt, rejecting divine instruction and wisdom for self-serving desires or ignorance. Their choices lead inevitably to "disgrace" (qalon), a state of shame, humiliation, and public contempt. This outcome is not arbitrary punishment but the natural outworking of their destructive choices, revealing the moral bankruptcy of their ways. The verse underscores the moral universe established by God, where actions have inherent and unavoidable consequences. This truth serves as both a promise of blessing for the righteous and a stern warning for the rebellious, prompting a serious consideration of one's chosen path in life. Practically, it encourages us to prioritize seeking and applying God's wisdom in all aspects of life, as the true foundation for a life of lasting honor and purpose, while urging avoidance of the destructive path of foolishness, which invariably leads to ignominy. For example, a wise person builds a reputation for integrity and diligence, earning trust and respect; a foolish person acts impulsively or deceitfully, destroying their credibility and ending in disrepute.