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Proverbs 3:16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 3:16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/3-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/20_Pro_03_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 3:16 - The Blessings of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Length of days <i>is</i> in her right hand; <i>and</i> in her left hand riches and honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Length of days <i>is</i> in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Length of days is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand; in her left, riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand; in her left, riches and honor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Length of days is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />In her right hand Wisdom holds a long life, and in her left hand are wealth and honor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Length of days is in her right had; in her left hand are riches and honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/3.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />Long life is in [wisdom's] right hand. In [wisdom's] left hand are riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom offers you long life, as well as wealth and honor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand, and in her left are riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Length of days is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Length of days is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Length of days [is] in her right hand, "" In her left [are] wealth and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Length of days is in her right hand, In her left are wealth and honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Length of days in her right hand; in her left, riches and honor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and glory. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Length of days is at her right hand, and at her left hand is wealth and glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand, in her left are riches and honor; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The length of days is in her right hand; wealth and honor in her left.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Length of days is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For length of existence and years of life are in her right hand; and in her left hand are wealth and glory: out of her mouth proceeds righteousness, and she carries law and mercy upon her tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/3-16.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=449" 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">The Blessings of Wisdom</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">15</span>She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/753.htm" title="753: &#8217;&#333;&#183;re&#7733; (N-msc) -- Length. From 'arak; length.">Long</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: y&#257;&#183;m&#238;m (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">life</a> <a href="/hebrew/3225.htm" title="3225: b&#238;&#183;m&#238;&#183;n&#257;h (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3fs) -- Right hand. From yaman; the right hand or side of a person or other object; locally, the south.">is in her right hand;</a> <a href="/hebrew/8040.htm" title="8040: bi&#347;&#183;m&#333;&#183;w&#183;l&#257;h (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3fs) -- The left. ">in her left hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/6239.htm" title="6239: &#8216;&#333;&#183;&#353;er (N-ms) -- Riches. From ashar; wealth.">are riches</a> <a href="/hebrew/3519.htm" title="3519: w&#601;&#183;&#7733;&#257;&#183;&#7687;&#333;&#183;w&#7695; (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Rarely kabod; from kabad; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness.">and honor.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <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="/1_kings/3-13.htm">1 Kings 3:13</a></span><br />Moreover, I will give you what you did not request&#8212;both riches and honor&#8212;so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">Proverbs 8:18</a></span><br />With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Proverbs 22:4</a></span><br />The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-33.htm">Deuteronomy 5:33</a></span><br />You must walk in all the ways that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/91-16.htm">Psalm 91:16</a></span><br />With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-8.htm">1 Timothy 4:8</a></span><br />For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a></span><br />But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-2.htm">Ephesians 6:2-3</a></span><br />&#8220;Honor your father and mother&#8221; (which is the first commandment with a promise), / &#8220;that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/21-4.htm">Psalm 21:4</a></span><br />He asked You for life, and You granted it&#8212;length of days, forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-12.htm">Job 12:12</a></span><br />Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/65-22.htm">Isaiah 65:22</a></span><br />No longer will they build houses for others to inhabit, nor plant for others to eat. For as is the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people, and My chosen ones will fully enjoy the work of their hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10-11</a></span><br />For, &#8220;Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. / He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a></span><br />The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-12.htm">Psalm 34:12-14</a></span><br />Who is the man who delights in life, who desires to see good days? / Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. / Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18-20</a></span><br />Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him&#8212;for this is his lot. / Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God. / For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.</p><p class="hdg">length</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-2.htm">Proverbs 3:2</a></b></br> For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-10.htm">Proverbs 4:10</a></b></br> Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/21-4.htm">Psalm 21:4</a></b></br> He asked life of thee, <i>and</i> thou gavest <i>it</i> him, <i>even</i> length of days for ever and ever.</p><p class="hdg">and</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-6.htm">Proverbs 4:6-9</a></b></br> Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">Proverbs 8:18-21</a></b></br> Riches and honour <i>are</i> with me; <i>yea</i>, durable riches and righteousness&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-13.htm">1 Kings 3:13</a></b></br> And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-9.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-9.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-2.htm">Length</a> <a href="/psalms/119-14.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-9.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-21.htm">Length</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-9.htm">Wealth</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>Long life is in her right hand;</b><br>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 (<a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a>, <a href="/deuteronomy/5-16.htm">Deuteronomy 5:16</a>). 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.<p><b>in her left hand are riches and honor.</b><br>The left hand, while secondary to the right, still holds significant blessings&#8212;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 (<a href="/proverbs/22.htm">Proverbs 22:1</a>). 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 (<a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a>).<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 known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings often focus on the practical application of wisdom in daily life.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom (Personified)</a></b><br>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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dual_blessings_of_wisdom.htm">The Dual Blessings of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom offers both longevity and prosperity. In seeking wisdom, one finds a balanced life enriched with both time and resources.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_symbolism_of_the_right_and_left_hands.htm">The Symbolism of the Right and Left Hands</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_wisdom_over_wealth.htm">The Pursuit of Wisdom Over Wealth</a></b><br>While riches and honor are desirable, they should not be pursued at the expense of wisdom. True wisdom leads to these blessings naturally.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_as_a_source_of_honor.htm">Wisdom as a Source of Honor</a></b><br>Living wisely brings respect and honor from others, as wisdom leads to integrity and righteous living.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_wisdom_in_daily_life.htm">Practical Wisdom in Daily Life</a></b><br>Applying wisdom in everyday decisions leads to a fulfilling and honorable life, reflecting God&#8217;s design for human flourishing.<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/what_is_the_definition_of_actual_grace.htm">How can a young man purify his path?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_view_on_lifespan.htm">What does the Bible say about our lifespan?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_ecclesiastes_10_2_culturally_biased.htm">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?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_early_deaths_of_the_faithful.htm">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?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - The remaining three verses (16-18) state in what respects Wisdom is incomparable in value. <span class="cmt_word">Length of days</span>; <span class="accented">orek yamim</span>, 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 (<a href="/psalms/110-1.htm">Psalm 110:1</a>; <a href="/1_kings/2-19.htm">1 Kings 2:19</a>; 1 Macc. 10:63; <a href="/matthew/22-24.htm">Matthew 22:24</a>); cf. <a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a>. 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. <span class="cmt_word">Riches and honour</span> stand here for prosperity in general. The same expression occurs in <a href="/proverbs/8-8.htm">Proverbs 8:8</a>, 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 (<a href="/1_samuel/5.htm">1 Samuel 5</a>:44; <a href="/john/12-26.htm">John 12:26</a>); see Wardlaw, <span class="accented">in loc.</span> 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 <a href="/proverbs/8-3.htm">Proverbs 8:3</a>. The words of the teacher remind us of the saying of Menander, <span class="greek">&#x1f49;&#x20;&#x3b4;&#x3b9;&#x3b1;&#x3c6;&#x1f73;&#x3c1;&#x3c9;&#x3bd;&#x20;&#x3bb;&#x3bf;&#x3b3;&#x3b9;&#x3c3;&#x3bc;&#x1ff7;&#x20;&#x3c0;&#x1f71;&#x3bd;&#x3c4;</span> <span class="greek">&#x1f14;&#x3c7;&#x3b5;&#x3b9;</span>, "He who excels in prudence possesses all things." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/3-16.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">Long</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1465;&#1443;&#1512;&#1462;&#1498;&#1456;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;&#333;&#183;re&#7733;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_753.htm">Strong's 753: </a> </span><span class="str2">Length</span><br /><br /><span class="word">life</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1464;&#1453;&#1502;&#1460;&#1497;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(y&#257;&#183;m&#238;m)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is in her right hand;</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1460;&#1469;&#1497;&#1502;&#1460;&#1497;&#1504;&#1464;&#1425;&#1492;&#1468;</span> <span class="translit">(b&#238;&#183;m&#238;&#183;n&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b &#124; Noun - feminine singular construct &#124; third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3225.htm">Strong's 3225: </a> </span><span class="str2">The right hand, side, the south</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in her left hand</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1460;&#1437;&#1513;&#1474;&#1456;&#1502;&#1465;&#1488;&#1493;&#1500;&#1464;&#1431;&#1492;&#1468;</span> <span class="translit">(bi&#347;&#183;m&#333;&#183;w&#183;l&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b &#124; Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8040.htm">Strong's 8040: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dark, the north, the left hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[are] riches</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1506;&#1465;&#1443;&#1513;&#1473;&#1462;&#1512;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8216;&#333;&#183;&#353;er)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6239.htm">Strong's 6239: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wealth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and honor.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1456;&#1499;&#1464;&#1489;&#1469;&#1493;&#1465;&#1491;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#601;&#183;&#7733;&#257;&#183;&#7687;&#333;&#183;w&#7695;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3519.htm">Strong's 3519: </a> </span><span class="str2">Weight, splendor, copiousness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/3-16.htm">Proverbs 3:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3-16.htm">Proverbs 3:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/3-16.htm">Proverbs 3:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3-16.htm">Proverbs 3:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3-16.htm">Proverbs 3:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/3-16.htm">Proverbs 3:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/3-16.htm">Proverbs 3:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/3-16.htm">Proverbs 3:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/3-16.htm">Proverbs 3:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/3-16.htm">Proverbs 3:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/3-16.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:16 Length of days is in her right (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/3-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 3:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 3:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/3-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 3:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 3:17" /></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>

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