and for receiving instruction in wise livingThe phrase "receiving instruction in wise living" emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom for practical daily life. In the biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a skillful application of God's principles. The Hebrew word for wisdom, "chokmah," often refers to the ability to make godly choices. This aligns with the teachings found in the book of James, where wisdom is described as pure, peace-loving, considerate, and full of mercy (
James 3:17). The ancient Near Eastern culture highly valued wisdom literature, as seen in other biblical books like Job and Ecclesiastes, which also explore themes of wisdom and understanding. The pursuit of wisdom is a recurring theme throughout Proverbs, urging believers to live in a way that honors God and benefits others.
and in righteousness
"Righteousness" in this context refers to living in a way that is morally right and just according to God's standards. The Hebrew word "tsedaqah" conveys a sense of ethical conduct and integrity. Righteousness is a key attribute of God, as seen in passages likePsalm 11:7, which states that the Lord is righteous and loves justice. In the New Testament, righteousness is further expounded upon as being fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). The call to righteousness is a call to reflect God's character in our actions and decisions, aligning with the biblical mandate to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).
justice
The term "justice" here is about fairness and the equitable treatment of others. In the biblical sense, justice involves upholding what is right and correcting what is wrong. The Hebrew word "mishpat" is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's just nature and His desire for His people to act justly.Micah 6:8 encapsulates this by stating that God requires His people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. Justice is a central theme in the prophetic books, where the prophets often rebuke Israel for failing to uphold justice, especially towards the poor and marginalized. In the New Testament, Jesus embodies perfect justice, and His teachings often challenge societal norms to reflect God's justice (Matthew 23:23).
and equity
"Equity" refers to fairness and impartiality, ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The Hebrew word "meyshar" suggests a level path or evenness, symbolizing fairness in judgment and treatment. This concept is closely related to justice but emphasizes the impartial application of laws and principles. In biblical history, leaders like King Solomon were renowned for their equitable judgments, as seen in the famous account of the two women claiming the same child (1 Kings 3:16-28). Equity is a reflection of God's character, who shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11) and calls His followers to do the same. The pursuit of equity is a call to reflect God's fairness in our interactions and decisions, ensuring that we uphold the dignity and worth of every person.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.
2.
Israel- The primary audience for the Proverbs, representing God's chosen people who were to live according to His laws.
3.
Wisdom Literature- Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical teachings for living a life that honors God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of InstructionEmphasize the necessity of being open to receiving instruction. In a conservative Christian perspective, this means valuing the teachings of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Living WiselyWise living involves making decisions that reflect God's character. This includes being prudent, discerning, and thoughtful in our daily actions.
Pursuing RighteousnessRighteousness is about aligning our lives with God's standards. It involves moral integrity and a commitment to living according to biblical principles.
Commitment to Justice and EquityJustice and equity are about treating others fairly and advocating for what is right. Christians are called to reflect God's justice in their interactions with others.
Practical Application of WisdomEncourage believers to apply wisdom in practical ways, such as in their relationships, work, and community involvement, ensuring that their actions reflect God's righteousness and justice.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 1:3?
2.How can we apply "receiving instruction in wise behavior" in daily life?
3.What does "righteousness, justice, and equity" mean in Proverbs 1:3?
4.How does Proverbs 1:3 connect with James 1:5 on seeking wisdom?
5.In what ways can we pursue "righteousness" in our community today?
6.How can Proverbs 1:3 guide our decisions in challenging situations?
7.How does Proverbs 1:3 define righteousness, justice, and equity in today's world?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 1:3?
9.How does Proverbs 1:3 relate to the overall theme of wisdom in Proverbs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1?
11.What defines true righteousness according to the Bible?
12.Psalm 98 portrays God as righteous and just, yet countless injustices have occurred throughout history--how does this align with a fair divine judgment?
13.Proverbs 3:33 states the Lord curses the wicked and blesses the righteous--how do we reconcile this with righteous people facing severe hardships and injustices?
14.Proverbs 2 depicts a direct correlation between virtue and success--why do corrupt or unethical individuals often thrive in reality?What Does Proverbs 1:3 Mean
for receiving instructionProverbs 1:3 opens with the purpose clause “to receive instruction.” God is telling us that wisdom is something we humbly welcome, not something we invent.
•Proverbs 4:1 echoes this: “Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction.”
•2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction,” underscoring that the Bible is our ultimate curriculum.
Being teachable means opening our mind and will to correction so that Christ can reshape every area of life.
in wise livingThe verse moves from instruction to its practical outcome—“wise living.” Wisdom is not abstract; it chooses the path that pleases God in daily decisions.
•James 3:13 asks, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct.”
•Ephesians 5:15-17 urges us to “walk carefully… making the most of every opportunity.”
Wise living is Spirit-directed common sense that steers us away from folly and toward choices that honor the Lord.
in righteousnessNext comes “righteousness.” This speaks of living in line with God’s moral standard.
•Matthew 5:6 blesses those who “hunger and thirst for righteousness,” promising satisfaction.
•1 John 3:7 states, “The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.”
Receiving instruction means letting God’s Word recalibrate our hearts to love what is right and hate what is evil.
justiceThe verse then highlights “justice,” focusing on how righteousness plays out in relationships and society.
•Micah 6:8 commands us “to act justly,” pairing justice with mercy and humility.
•Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Correct the oppressor.”
God’s wisdom compels us to treat others as He would, protecting the vulnerable and judging impartially.
equityFinally, “equity” stresses straightness and impartiality—applying the same standard to everyone.
•Proverbs 2:9 promises that wisdom will lead us “to every good path… justice and equity.”
•Acts 10:34 affirms that “God shows no partiality,” setting the model for believers.
Wisdom trains us to level our scales, refusing favoritism and reflecting God’s fair character.
summaryProverbs 1:3 shows that God’s wisdom is received, not self-generated, and it shapes every dimension of life: our personal choices, our moral integrity, and our dealings with others. Instruction leads to wise living, righteousness anchors our character, justice guides our interactions, and equity ensures fairness for all. Accepting this instruction positions us to walk confidently in the ways God blesses.
(3)
To receive the instruction of wisdom.--To take in, or appropriate, the "discipline" which results in "prudence" (
hask?l) or practical wisdom; so David "behaved himself wisely" (
1Samuel 18:5).
Equity.--Literally,what is straight,so true, honest.
Verse 3. -
To receive the instruction of wisdom. This verse carries on the statement of the design of the Proverbs.
To receive; Hebrew,
לְקַחַת (
lakakhath), not the same word as "to know" (
לָדַּעַת), in ver. 2, though regarded as synonymous with it by Delitzsch. Its meaning is well represented by the LXX.
δέξασθαι, and the Authorized Version "to receive." The Hebrew,
לָקַחַת, is infinitive, and means properly "to take, or lay hold of," hence "to receive," Greek,
δέχομαι, No doubt it conveys the idea of intellectual reception (cf.
Proverbs 2:1).
The instruction of wisdom; Hebrew,
מוּסַר הַשְׂכֵּל (
musar has'kel);
i.e. the discipline or moral training which leads on to reason, intelligence, or wisdom (as Hitzig, Fuerst, Zockler); or discipline full of insight, discernment, or thoughtfulness (as Umbreit, Ewald, Delitzsch). The phrase does not mean the wisdom which instruction imparts. The
word musar occurs here in a slightly different sense from its use in ver. 2; there it is objective, here its meaning as a medium for the attainment of wisdom is more distinctly brought out.
Wisdom (
haskel)
is properly "thoughtfulness" (so Umbreit. Ewald, Delitzsch, Plumptre). It is strictly the infinitive absolute of
שָׂכַל (
sakal), "to entwine or involve," and as a substantive it stands for the thinking through of a subject, so "thoughtfulness." The LXX. renders this sentence,
δέξασθαί τε στροφὰς, which St. Jerome understands as "versutias sermonum et solutiones aenigmatum" ("the cunning or craftiness of words and the explication of enigmas").
Justice, and judgment, and equity. These words seem to be the unfolding of the meaning contained in the expression, "the instruction of wisdom." Holden regards the last four words as objective genitives dependent on "instruction," but wrongly. Cornelius a Laplde states that "justice and judgment and equity" indicate the same thing in different aspects. "
Justice stands for the thing itself - that which is
just;
judgment in respect of right reason, which says it is just; and
equity in respect of its being agreeable to the Law of God."
Justice; Hebrew,
צֶדֶק (
tsedek), from the root
צָדַק (
tsadak), "to be right, or straight;" in a moral sense it means "rectitude," "
right," as in
Isaiah 15:2 (Gesenius). The underlying idea is that of straightness. Heidenheim, quoted by Delitzsch, maintains that in
tsedek the conception of the
justum prevails; but the latter enlarges its meaning, and holds that it also has the idea of a mode of thought and action regulated, not by the letter of the Law, but by love, as in
Isaiah 41:2;
Isaiah 42:6. Plumptre thinks "righteousness" would be a better translation of the word, on the ground that the Hebrew includes the ideas of truth and beneficence. Compare with this the LXX.
δικαιοσύνη. Zockler also renders "righteousness,"
i.e. "that which is in accord with the will and ordinances of God as Supreme Judge." In the Authorized Version, in
Proverbs 2:9, where we have the same collocation of words,
tsedek is translated "righteousness;" cf.
Proverbs 12:17, "He who utters truth shows forth righteousness (
tsedek)."
Judgment; Hebrew,
מְשְׁפָּט (
mish'pat), from the root
שָׁפַּט (
shapat), "to adjust, judge," corresponds with the Hebrew in meaning; it is the delivery of a correct judgment on human actions. Compare the LXX.
κρίμα κατευθύνειν.
Equity;
i.e. rectitude in thought and action (Delitzsch), or integrity (Zockler). This quality expresses upright demeanour or honoumble action on one's own part individually, while "judgment" has regard both to our own and the actions of others. The Hebrew,
mesharim (
מֵשָׁרִים), used only in the plural, is from the root
יָשַׁר (
yashar), "to be straight or even," and is equal to "uprightness." The plural form is reproduced in the marginal reading "equities;" comp.
Psalm 17:2, "Let thine eyes beheld the things that are equal (
mesharim)." The Vulgate reads
aequitas and the Syriae
rectitudo. The two ideas in judgment and equity appear to be expressed in the LXX. by the phrase.
κρίμα κατευθύνειν.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
to receiveלָ֭קַחַת(lā·qa·ḥaṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3947:To takeinstructionמוּסַ֣ר(mū·sar)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4148:Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraintin wise living,הַשְׂכֵּ֑ל(haś·kêl)Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7919:To be, circumspect, intelligentin righteousness,צֶ֥דֶק(ṣe·ḏeq)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6664:The right, equity, prosperityjustice,וּ֝מִשְׁפָּ֗ט(ū·miš·pāṭ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941:A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, styleand equity,וּמֵישָׁרִֽים׃(ū·mê·šā·rîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4339:Evenness, prosperity, concord, straightness, rectitude
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:3 To receive instruction in wise dealing (Prov. Pro Pr) 
