Proverbs 1:3

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 1:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness and justice and equity;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness and justice and equity;
Proverbs 1:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness and justice and equity;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“To receive the instruction of wisdom, etc.] Or “prudence”f8; of wise and prudent men; and especially of Christ himself, who bears those names, whose instructions this book is full of; and the design of which is to engage the attention of men to them, and prevail upon them to receive them, and act conformably to them. Which instructions respect the following things; and which are added by way of illustration and amplification, viz. justice, and judgment, and equity; that which is just in itself, and according to the nature of God and his will; and is judged so by right reason; and is equitable between man and man, and agrees with the law of God. These three, R. Levi Ben Gersom says, signify…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To receive . . . of wisdom--For receiving that discipline which discretion imparts. The Hebrew for "wisdom" differs from that of Pro 1:2, and denotes rather discreet counsel. Compare the opposite traits of the fool (Pro 16:22). justice . . . equity--all the attributes of one upright in all his relations to God and man.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Wisdom - Not the same word as in Proverbs 1:2; better, perhaps, thoughtfulness. Justice - Rather, righteousness. The word in the Hebrew includes the ideas of truth and beneficence as well as “justice.” Judgment - The teaching of the Proverbs is to lead us to pass a right sentence upon human actions, whether our own or another’s. Equity - In the Hebrew (see the margin) the plural is used, and expresses the many varying forms and phases of the one pervading principle. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“To receive - Willing to receive the counsels of others. Such as makes men wise and prudent, and to teach just judgments or equity. Proverbs 1:4”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“receive: Pro 2:1-9, Pro 8:10, Pro 8:11; Job 22:22 equity: Heb. equities, Kg1 3:28 Proverbs 1:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification