Proverbs 3:17

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 3:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.
Proverbs 3:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The eye [that] mocketh at [his] father, etc.] At his advice, admonitions, and instructions; looks upon him with scorn and disdain, and treats him as a weak, silly, old man: here Agur returns to the first generation he had observed; and despiseth to obey [his] mother; her orders and commands: or, “the obedience of his mother”f862; her discipline and instruction, having no regard to it. The word is rendered “gathering” in (<014910>Genesis 49:10); and Jarchi interprets it of the gathering of wrinkles in her face: and so the Targum, Arabic, and Syriac versions render it, “the old age of his mother”; despising her as an old foolish woman; (see <202322>Proverbs 23:22); qhl, in the Ethiopic…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Her ways--such as she directs us to take.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
““Ways” and “paths” describe the two kinds of roads, the “highway” and the “byway.” In both these he who was guided by Wisdom would walk securely. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Peace - Procure a blessed tranquility in a man's mind and conscience. Proverbs 3:18”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“ways of: Pro 2:10, Pro 22:18; Psa 19:10, Psa 19:11, Psa 63:3-5, Psa 112:1, Psa 119:14, Psa 119:47, Psa 119:103, Psa 119:174; Mat 11:28-30 all: Psa 25:10, Psa 37:11, Psa 119:165; Isa 26:3, Isa 57:19; Luk 1:79; Rom 5:1; Phi 4:8, Phi 4:9 Proverbs 3:18”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification