Bible Strands
Proverbs 3:16
Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The passage records a father’s instruction to a son, addressing personified wisdom as the source of tangible blessings. This verse sits between declarations of wisdom’s supreme value and the description of her peaceful paths.
The words — The Hebrew אֹ֣רֶךְ יָ֭מִים ('O.rekh Ya.mim) literally renders "length of days," while עֹ֣שֶׁר וְ/כָבֽוֹד ('O.sher ve./kha.Vod) translates directly to "wealth and honor." These terms ground the metaphor in measurable, earthly outcomes.
The thread — The text links extended days and honor to the fear of the LORD in Proverbs 3:2 and Proverbs 22:4. Paul mirrors this distribution of blessings in 2 Corinthians 6:10, contrasting outward lack with inward possession.
Why it lands — The verse states that life, wealth, and honor are held in wisdom’s hands rather than pursued directly. It requires the reader to treat the acquisition of wisdom as the necessary means to obtain those ends.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 3:2 for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.
- 2 Corinthians 6:10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
- Proverbs 22:4 The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.
- 1 Kings 3:13 Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.
- Mark 10:30 will fail to receive a hundredfold in the present age—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, along with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.
- 1 Timothy 4:8 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.
- Psalms 21:4 He asked You for life, and You granted it—length of days, forever and ever.
- Proverbs 4:6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you.
- Proverbs 8:18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness.
- 1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore, stop boasting in men. All things are yours,