Long life is in her right hand;The phrase "Long life is in her right hand" refers to the benefits of wisdom, personified as a woman in Proverbs. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the right hand symbolized power and authority. The promise of long life is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with obedience to God's commandments (
Exodus 20:12,
Deuteronomy 5:16). This reflects the belief that living according to divine wisdom leads to a fulfilling and extended life. The right hand also signifies the primary and most significant blessing, indicating that wisdom's first and foremost gift is longevity.
in her left hand are riches and honor.
The left hand, while secondary to the right, still holds significant blessings—riches and honor. In biblical times, wealth and social standing were seen as signs of God's favor and blessings. Riches and honor are often linked in Scripture, suggesting that material wealth should be accompanied by a good reputation and respect (Proverbs 22:1). This dual promise of wealth and honor underscores the comprehensive nature of wisdom's rewards. The imagery of both hands being full of blessings emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of wisdom's gifts. This also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that true wisdom, found in Christ, brings spiritual riches and honor (Colossians 2:3).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings often focus on the practical application of wisdom in daily life.
2.
Wisdom (Personified)In Proverbs, wisdom is often personified as a woman who offers guidance and blessings to those who seek her. This personification helps readers understand the value and benefits of wisdom.
3.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.
Teaching Points
The Dual Blessings of WisdomWisdom offers both longevity and prosperity. In seeking wisdom, one finds a balanced life enriched with both time and resources.
The Symbolism of the Right and Left HandsThe right hand often symbolizes strength and priority, indicating that long life is a primary blessing of wisdom. The left hand, holding riches and honor, suggests that these are also significant but secondary to the gift of life.
The Pursuit of Wisdom Over WealthWhile riches and honor are desirable, they should not be pursued at the expense of wisdom. True wisdom leads to these blessings naturally.
Wisdom as a Source of HonorLiving wisely brings respect and honor from others, as wisdom leads to integrity and righteous living.
Practical Wisdom in Daily LifeApplying wisdom in everyday decisions leads to a fulfilling and honorable life, reflecting God’s design for human flourishing.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 3:16?
2.How can we seek "long life" and "riches" through wisdom in Proverbs 3:16?
3.What does Proverbs 3:16 teach about the value of wisdom in daily life?
4.How does Proverbs 3:16 connect with the promise of blessings in Deuteronomy 28?
5.In what ways can we prioritize wisdom to receive "honor" as described in Proverbs 3:16?
6.How can Proverbs 3:16 guide our decisions to align with God's will?
7.How does Proverbs 3:16 relate to the concept of wisdom in the Bible?
8.What is the significance of "long life" and "riches" in Proverbs 3:16?
9.How does Proverbs 3:16 align with the prosperity gospel?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 3?
11.How can a young man purify his path?
12.What does the Bible say about our lifespan?
13.Does the association of the wise with the 'right' and fools with the 'left' (Ecclesiastes 10:2) reflect outdated cultural biases, and how does it align with modern moral or ethical views?
14.Proverbs 16:31 declares that gray hair, or old age, is a crown of glory for the righteous--how do we reconcile this with the early deaths of many who lead faithful and moral lives?What Does Proverbs 3:16 Mean
Immediate context-Proverbs 3:13–18 personifies wisdom as a woman whose embrace brings tangible blessing. Verse 15 calls her “more precious than rubies,” setting the stage for the two-handed gift described in v.16.
- Throughout Proverbs, “wisdom” is inseparable from fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1:7), so every promise here rests on a God-centered life.
Long life in her right hand- “Long life is in her right hand”. In Scripture the right hand represents power, prominence, and first priority (Psalm 98:1;Isaiah 41:10). Wisdom’s first, most noticeable gift is extended days.
• Obedience to God’s ways protects a person from destructive choices (Proverbs 3:1-2; 4:10-12).
• Honoring parents—a wisdom command—carries the same promise of lengthened life (Exodus 20:12;Ephesians 6:2-3).
• While God may sovereignly call some home early (Philippians 1:23), the general pattern is that living within His design promotes health, stability, and longevity.
- Taking the verse literally affirms that God often rewards faithful living with more years on earth in which to serve Him and bless others (Psalm 91:14-16).
Riches and honor in her left hand- “In her left hand are riches and honor”. The left hand is still a place of blessing, though secondary; Scripture often pairs the two hands to show completeness (Songs 2:6).
• Riches: Wisdom teaches industry, integrity, and generosity, traits God commonly prospers (Proverbs 10:4; 13:11; 22:4). These gains are not mere accumulation but resources for stewardship (2 Corinthians 9:8-11).
• Honor: A good name and respect flow from living righteously (Proverbs 22:1;1 Samuel 2:30). Wisdom elevates a believer’s influence, reflecting Christ’s own growth “in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).
- Neither wealth nor reputation is pursued as an idol; both are tools to glorify God (Proverbs 3:9-10;Matthew 6:33). The verse assures that when wisdom leads, material and social blessings often follow in God’s timing.
summaryProverbs 3:16 pictures wisdom extending both hands: her right hand offers the primary gift of long life, while her left hand brings supporting blessings of wealth and honor. Embracing God’s wisdom produces a balanced, God-honoring life marked by longevity, provision, and respect—tangible evidence that walking in the fear of the LORD is the surest path to true prosperity.
Verse 16. - The remaining three verses (16-18) state in what respects Wisdom is incomparable in value.
Length of days;
orek yamim, as in ver. 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 (
Psalm 110:1;
1 Kings 2:19; 1 Macc. 10:63;
Matthew 22:24); cf.
Psalm 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 5:44;
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 πάντἔχει, "He who excels in prudence possesses all things."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Longאֹ֣רֶךְ(’ō·reḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 753:Lengthlifeיָ֭מִים(yā·mîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A dayis in her right hand;בִּֽימִינָ֑הּ(bî·mî·nāh)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3225:The right hand, side, the southin her left handבִּ֝שְׂמֹאולָ֗הּ(biś·mō·w·lāh)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8040:Dark, the north, the left hand[are] richesעֹ֣שֶׁר(‘ō·šer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6239:Wealthand honor.וְכָבֽוֹד׃(wə·ḵā·ḇō·wḏ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519:Weight, splendor, copiousness
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:16 Length of days is in her right (Prov. Pro Pr) 
