Proverbs 3:16 - Exposition

The remaining three verses (16-18) state in what respects Wisdom is incomparable in value. Length of days ; orek yamim, as in Proverbs 3:2 . Wisdom is here represented as holding in her right hand that which is previously promised to obedience. Length of days is the blessing of blessings, the condition of all prosperity and enjoyment, and hence is placed in the right hand, the chief place, for among the Hebrews and other Oriental nations, as also among the Greeks the right hand was regarded as the position of highest honour ( Psalms 110:1-7 .l; 1 Kings 2:19 ; 1 Macc 10:63; Matthew 22:24 ); cf. Psalms 16:11 . in which the psalmist says of Jehovah, "In thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore." The two hands, the right and the left, signify the abundance of Wisdom's gifts. Riches and honour stand here for prosperity in general. The same expression occurs in Proverbs 8:8 , where riches are explained as "durable riches." A spiritual interpretation can, of course, be given to this passage—length of days being understood of eternal life; riches, of heavenly riches; and honour, not "the honour that cometh of men," but honour conferred by God ( 1 Samuel 5:1-12 :44; John 12:26 ); see Wardlaw, in loc. The thought of the verse is, of course, that Wisdom not only holds these blessings in her hands, but also confers them on those who seek her. The LXX . adds, "Out of her month proceedeth righteousness; justice and mercy she beareth upon her tongue;" possibly suggested by Proverbs 8:3 . The words of the teacher remind us of the saying of Menander, ὁ διαφέρων λογισμῷ πάντ ἔχει , "He who excels in prudence possesses all things."