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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>And</i> so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So you will find favor and a good reputation In the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So you will find favor and good insight In the eyes of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then you will find favor and high regard with God and people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So shalt thou find favor and good understanding In the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God and people will like you and hold you in high esteem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then you will find favor and much success in the sight of God and humanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you do this, both God and people will be pleased with you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and find favor and a good reputation with God and men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then you will find favor and good understanding, in the sight of God and people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight of God and man. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And find grace and good understanding "" In the eyes of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And find grace and good understanding In the eyes of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And find grace and good understanding in the eyes of God and man.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And thou shalt And grace and good understanding before God and men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so shall you discover grace and good discipline, in the sight of God and men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then will you win favor and esteem before God and human beings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So you shall find favor, grace, and understanding in the sight of God and men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />That you may find mercies and grace and intelligence in the presence of God and in the presence of the children of men.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So shalt thou find grace and good favour In the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />so shalt thou find favour: and do thou provide things honest in the sight of the Lord, and of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/3-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=372" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.htm">Trust in the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: ū·mə·ṣā- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To attain to, find. ">Then you will find</a> <a href="/hebrew/2580.htm" title="2580: ḥên (N-ms) -- Favor, grace. From chanan; graciousness, i.e. Subjective or objective.">favor</a> <a href="/hebrew/7922.htm" title="7922: wə·śê·ḵel- (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Prudence, insight. Or sekel; from sakal; intelligence; by implication, success.">and high regard</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·nê (Prep-b:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">in the sight</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: wə·’ā·ḏām (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">and man.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-52.htm">Luke 2:52</a></span><br />And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-26.htm">1 Samuel 2:26</a></span><br />And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/39-21.htm">Genesis 39:21</a></span><br />the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/1-9.htm">Daniel 1:9</a></span><br />Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-47.htm">Acts 2:47</a></span><br />praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18</a></span><br />For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-21.htm">2 Corinthians 8:21</a></span><br />For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-19.htm">1 Peter 2:19-20</a></span><br />For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-24</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:1</a></span><br />Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-4.htm">1 Peter 3:4</a></span><br />but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-11.htm">Psalm 41:11</a></span><br />By this I know that You delight in me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-4.htm">Psalm 106:4</a></span><br />Remember me, O LORD, in Your favor to Your people; visit me with Your salvation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-11.htm">Nehemiah 1:11</a></span><br />O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/2-15.htm">Esther 2:15</a></span><br />Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle from whom Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. And when it was her turn to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, had advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So shall you find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.</p><p class="hdg">shalt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/39-2.htm">Genesis 39:2-4,21</a></b></br> And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-26.htm">1 Samuel 2:26</a></b></br> And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a></b></br> The fear of the LORD <i>is</i> the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do <i>his commandments</i>: his praise endureth for ever.</p><p class="hdg">good understanding</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/1-7.htm">Joshua 1:7,8</a></b></br> Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it <i>to</i> the right hand or <i>to</i> the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a></b></br> The fear of the LORD <i>is</i> the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do <i>his commandments</i>: his praise endureth for ever.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/132-1.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/psalms/145-16.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-5.htm">Find</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-3.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-9.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/29-25.htm">Repute</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/psalms/44-3.htm">Win</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-34.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-35.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-22.htm">Find</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-14.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-22.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-10.htm">Repute</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Win</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">various exhortations</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">The gain of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Exhortation to goodness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-33.htm">the different state of the wicked and upright</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then you will find favor</b><br>The concept of finding favor is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, often associated with divine blessing and approval. In the Old Testament, figures like Noah (<a href="/genesis/6-8.htm">Genesis 6:8</a>) and Joseph (<a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Genesis 39:4</a>) found favor in the eyes of God and others, leading to protection and success. This favor is not merely about human approval but is indicative of a life aligned with God's will, resulting in His blessings. The Hebrew word for favor, "chen," implies grace and kindness, suggesting that living according to God's wisdom brings about a gracious response from both God and people.<p><b>and high regard</b><br>High regard, or esteem, is a result of living a life marked by integrity and wisdom. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, reputation and honor were highly valued. Proverbs often emphasizes the importance of a good name (<a href="/proverbs/22.htm">Proverbs 22:1</a>), which is achieved through righteous living. This esteem is not superficial but is deeply connected to one's character and actions. The biblical narrative consistently shows that those who walk in wisdom and righteousness, like Daniel (<a href="/daniel/6-3.htm">Daniel 6:3</a>), are held in high regard by others.<p><b>in the sight of God and man.</b><br>This phrase underscores the dual aspect of living a life pleasing to both divine and human observers. Biblically, it reflects the idea that true wisdom and righteousness are recognized and rewarded by God and can also lead to respect and admiration from people. Jesus Christ exemplified this balance, growing in favor with God and man (<a href="/luke/2-52.htm">Luke 2:52</a>). The integration of divine and human approval suggests that a life lived according to God's principles naturally results in harmonious relationships and societal respect. This dual favor is a testament to the transformative power of living according to God's wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate source of wisdom and favor. In the context of Proverbs, God is the one who grants favor and high regard to those who live according to His principles.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/man.htm">Man</a></b><br>Refers to humanity in general. The verse suggests that living wisely and righteously will earn respect and favor from other people as well.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/pursue_wisdom_and_understanding.htm">Pursue Wisdom and Understanding</a></b><br><a href="/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4</a> is a continuation of the call to seek wisdom. By pursuing wisdom, we align ourselves with God's will, which leads to favor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/live_righteously.htm">Live Righteously</a></b><br>Living according to God's commandments not only pleases Him but also earns the respect of others. Our actions should reflect our faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seek_god's_approval_first.htm">Seek God's Approval First</a></b><br>While favor with man is important, our primary goal should be to seek God's approval. When we do, favor with others often follows.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balance_in_relationships.htm">Balance in Relationships</a></b><br>This verse encourages a balance in our relationships, emphasizing the importance of being right with both God and people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application_of_faith.htm">Practical Application of Faith</a></b><br>Our faith should be evident in our daily lives, influencing how we interact with others and how we are perceived.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_generosity_affect_relationships.htm">How can you inscribe mercy and truth in your heart?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_inscribe_mercy_and_truth.htm">How can you inscribe mercy and truth in your heart?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_righteous_suffer_despite_promises.htm">Proverbs 21:21: How can this promise of life, prosperity, and honor be reconciled with the reality that many righteous and loving people suffer hardship or persecution?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_prayers_answered_for_lawbreakers.htm">If ignoring the law makes one's prayers detestable (Proverbs 28:9), how do we account for apparent answered prayers among those who openly violate biblical commands?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Favour and good understanding.--</span>Particularly noted as distinguishing the childhood of our Lord (<a href="/luke/2-52.htm" title="And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.">Luke 2:52</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">So shalt thou find</span> (<span class="accented">vum'lsa</span>); literally, <span class="accented">and find.</span> A peculiar use of the imperative, the imperative kal (<span class="accented">m'tsa</span>) with <span class="accented">vau</span> consecutive (<span class="hebrew">וִ</span>) being equivalent to the future, "thou shalt find," as in the Authorized Version. This construction, where two imperatives are joined, the former containing an exhortation or admonition, the second a promise made on the condition implied in the first, and the second imperative being used as a future, occurs again in <a href="/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4</a>; <a href="/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2</a>, "Keep my commandments, and live;" 9:6, "Forsake the foolish, and live;" 20:13, "Open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread" (cf. <a href="/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18</a>; <a href="/psalms/37-27.htm">Psalm 37:27</a>; <a href="/job/22-21.htm">Job 22:21</a>; <a href="/isaiah/36-16.htm">Isaiah 36:16</a>; <a href="/hosea/10-12.htm">Hosea 10:12</a>; <a href="/amos/5-4.htm">Amos 5:4-6</a>; Gesenius, § 130, 2). Delitzsch calls this "an admonitory imperative;" Bottcher, "the desponsive imperative." Compare the Greek construction in Menander, <span class="greek">Οϊδ ὅτι ποίησον</span>, for <span class="greek">ποιήσεις</span>, "Know that this you will do." <span class="accented">Find</span> (<span class="accented">matza</span>); here simply "to attain," "obtain," not necessarily implying previous search, as in <a href="/proverbs/17-20.htm">Proverbs 17:20</a>. <span class="cmt_word">Favour</span> (<span class="accented">khen</span>). The same word is frequently translated "grace," and means the same thing; Vulgate, <span class="accented">gratia</span>; LXX., <span class="greek">χαρίς</span>. For the expression, "to find favour" (<span class="accented">matsa khen</span>), see <a href="/genesis/6-8.htm">Genesis 6:8</a>; <a href="/exodus/33-12.htm">Exodus 33:12</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/31-2.htm">Jeremiah 31:2</a>; comp. <a href="/luke/1-30.htm">Luke 1:30</a>, <span class="greek">Αῦρες</span> <span class="greek">γὰρ χάριν παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ</span>." For thou hast found favour [or, 'grace'] with God." spoken by Gabriel to the Virgin. <span class="cmt_word">Good understanding</span> (<span class="accented">sekel tov</span>); <span class="accented">i.e.</span> good sagacity, or prudence. So Delitzsch, Bertheau, Kamph. A true sagacity, prudence, or penetrating judgment will be adjudicated by God and man to him who possesses the internal excellence of love and truth. The Hebrew <span class="accented">sekel is</span> derived from <span class="accented">sakal</span>, "to act wisely or prudently," and has this intellectual meaning in <a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15</a>; <a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a> (see also <a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">1 Samuel 25:3</a> and <a href="/2_chronicles/30-22.htm">2 Chronicles 30:22</a>). The Targum Jonathan reads, <span class="accented">intellectus et benignitas</span>, thus throwing the adjective into a substantival form; the Syriac, <span class="accented">intellectus</span> simply. Ewald, Hitzig, Zockler, and others, on the other hand, understand <span class="accented">sekel</span> as referring to the judgment formed of any one, the favourable opinion or view which is entertained of hint by others, and hence take it as <span class="accented">reputation</span>, or estimation. The man who has love and truth will be held in high esteem by God and man. Our objection to this rendering is that it does not seem to advance the meaning of the passage beyond that of "favour." Another, mentioned by Delitzsch, is that <span class="accented">sekel</span> is never used in any other sense than that of <span class="accented">intellectus</span> in the Mishle. The marginal reading, "good success," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> prosperity, seems inadmissible here, as the hiph. <span class="accented">has'kil</span>, "to cause to prosper," as in <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8</a>; <a href="/joshua/1-7.htm">Joshua 1:7</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/29-9.htm">Deuteronomy 29:9</a>, does not apply in this instance any more than in <a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a>, margin. <span class="cmt_word">In the sight of God and man</span> (<span class="accented">b'eyney elohim v'adam</span>); literally, <span class="accented">in the eyes of Elohim and man</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> according to the judgment of God and man (Zockler); Vulgate<span class="accented">, coram Deo et hominibus.</span> A simpler form of this phrase is found in <a href="/1_samuel/2-26.htm">1 Samuel 2:26</a>, where Samuel is said to have found favour with the Lord, and also with men. So in <a href="/luke/2-52.htm">Luke 2:52</a> Jesus found favour "with God and man (<span class="greek">παρὰ Θεῷ καὶ ἀνθρώποις</span>)" (comp. <a href="/genesis/10-9.htm">Genesis 10:9</a>; <a href="/acts/2-47.htm">Acts 2:47</a>, <a href="/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18</a>). The two conditions of favor and sagacity, or prudence, are not to be assigned respectively to God and man (as Ewald and Hitzig), or that finding favour has reference more to God, and being deemed prudent refers more to man. The statement is universal. Both these conditions will be adjudged to the man who has mercy and truth by God in heaven and man on earth at the same time (see Delitszch). The LXX., "after favour," instead of the text, reads, "and provide good things in the sight of the Lord and men," quoted by St. Paul (<a href="/2_corinthians/8-21.htm">2 Corinthians 8:21</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/3-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then you will find</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמְצָא־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·ṣā-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">favor</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(ḥên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2580.htm">Strong's 2580: </a> </span><span class="str2">Graciousness, subjective, objective</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and high regard</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשֵֽׂכֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·śê·ḵel-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7922.htm">Strong's 7922: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, success</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the sight</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֵינֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ê·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - cdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and man.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָדָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/3-4.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:4 So you will find favor and good (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/3-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 3:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 3:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 3:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 3:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>