Question 1

What does it mean that wisdom is better than silver, gold, or rubies?

Accepted Answer

The passage compares wisdom to silver, gold, and rubies to show that knowing and fearing God is worth more than any amount of money. Silver and gold can buy things, but they cannot give true peace, a clean heart, or eternal life. Wisdom leads you to trust the Lord, to walk in right paths, and to have a calm heart even when life is hard. The picture is that if you had to choose between great riches and God’s wisdom, you would be better off choosing wisdom every time.

Question 2

How is wisdom a “tree of life” to those who lay hold of her?

Accepted Answer

Calling wisdom a “tree of life” means that taking hold of God’s wisdom brings real, lasting life. It points back to the tree of life in the garden, where eating its fruit meant living. In the same way, when a person clings to wisdom, they find joy, guidance, and a share in the life God gives. This is more than just good advice for daily choices. It is a picture of the life that comes from knowing God, resting in his promises, and walking in the way he sets out.

Question 3

What does this passage teach about God’s wisdom in creation?

Accepted Answer

The passage says the Lord founded the earth by wisdom and fixed the heavens by understanding. It also says that by his knowledge the deep waters were broken up and the clouds give dew. This shows that God did not make the world in a careless way. He ordered it wisely. The point for the reader is that the same wisdom that shaped land, sky, and sea is the wisdom he offers to guide your life. Trusting God’s wisdom means lining up your steps with how he has ordered his world.

Question 4

How does wisdom give peace, safety, and sweet sleep here?

Accepted Answer

The verses promise that if you keep sound wisdom and discretion, they will be life to your soul and like a graceful ornament around your neck. You will walk safely, your foot will not stumble, and when you lie down, you will not be afraid. Your sleep will be sweet. This does not mean a trouble-free life, but it does mean a settled trust in the Lord. A wise person knows God is their confidence, so they do not panic at sudden fear or judgment falling on the wicked. That trust lets them rest at night.

Question 5

What does it mean to withhold not good from those to whom it is due?

Accepted Answer

Here, “withhold not good” means that when you have the power to help someone or pay what you owe, you should not hold back. This includes wages or debts that rightly belong to another, but also kindness and help that your neighbor needs and you can give. The passage warns against saying, “Go and come again, and tomorrow I will give,” when you already have what they need. Wisdom does not only think right thoughts. It moves you to timely, generous action toward those around you.

Question 6

Why are we told not to devise evil or strive with a neighbour without cause?

Accepted Answer

The passage says not to plan evil against a neighbor who lives in trust beside you, and not to start a fight without reason if they have done you no harm. A neighbor who dwells securely by you is someone who assumes you wish them well. To betray that trust with secret plans or needless quarrels is against wisdom and against God. Wise living respects the peace God has placed between people, keeps promises, and looks for ways to protect that peace instead of stirring up trouble.

Question 7

What does it mean not to envy the oppressor or choose his ways?

Accepted Answer

The oppressor is someone who gains power or wealth by hurting others. You might be tempted to envy such a person because they seem to get ahead. This passage says not to envy them and not to copy their ways. Their success is short, and God is against them. The Lord calls the crooked person an abomination, puts his curse on the house of the wicked, and mocks the mockers. In contrast, he shares his secret care with the righteous and blesses the home of the just. So it is better to be small and honest than great and harsh.

Question 8

What does this section show about God’s attitude toward the proud and the lowly?

Accepted Answer

These verses say that God scorns the scorners but gives grace to the lowly. Scorners are people who make light of God, of sin, and of others. God answers their pride with judgment and shame. The lowly are those who know their need and bow before him. God meets them with favor and kindness. He also says the wise will inherit glory, while fools end up in shame. So true wisdom is tied closely to humility. Those who admit their need of God and receive his wisdom share in the honor he gives.

Question 9

How can I apply the wisdom of this passage in my daily life?

Accepted Answer

You can start by asking God for wisdom and treating it as more valuable than money or success. Let his words stay in front of your eyes, not pushed to the side. Trust him in times of fear, reminding yourself that he is your confidence. In your dealings with others, be quick to do good when you are able, honest in paying what you owe, gentle instead of quarrelsome, and careful not to copy harsh or unfair people. Walk in humility, knowing God gives grace to the lowly and leads them in peace.

Proverbs 3:13

¶ Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

The Blessings of Wisdom

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Proverbs 3:13

¶ Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

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The Blessings of Wisdom

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