Proverbs 3:17–21
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
Her wayes are wayes of plesantnesse: and all her pathes are peace.
She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
She is a tree of life, to them that lay hold vpon her: and happy is euery one that retaineth her.
The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
‖The LORD by wisedome hath founded the earth; by vnderstanding hath he established the heauens.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- ‖Alternative wordingOr, prepared
By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
By his knowledge the depthes are broken vp; and the cloudes droppe downe the dew.
¶ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
¶ My sonne, let not them depart from thine eyes: keepe sound wisedome and discretion.
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
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Cross References
25 Essential passages are open for comparison.
From verse 17
- Isaiah 26:3Rank 2 from verse 17
- Philippians 4:8–9Rank 3 from verse 17
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoeuer things are true, whatsoeuer things are ‖honest, whatsoeuer things are iust, whatsoeuer things are pure, whatsoeuer things are louely, whatsoeuer things are of good report: if there bee any vertue, and if there bee any praise, thinke on these things:
9Those things which ye haue both learned and receiued, and heard, and seene in mee, doe: and the God of peace shall be with you.
- Proverbs 2:10Rank 4 from verse 17
- Psalms 119:165Rank 5 from verse 17
- Matthew 11:28–30Rank 6 from verse 17
28¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
28¶ Come vnto me all yee that labour, and are heauy laden, and I will giue you rest.
29Take my yoke vpon you, and learne of me, for I am meeke and lowly in heart: *and yee shall find rest vnto your soules.
30*For my yoke is easie, and my burden is light.
- Proverbs 22:18Rank 7 from verse 17
- Psalms 112:1Rank 8 from verse 17
- Psalms 119:14Rank 9 from verse 17
- Psalms 19:10–11Rank 10 from verse 17
10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
10*†More to bee desired are they then gold, yea, then much fine gold: sweeter also then hony, and the hony combe.
11Moreouer by them is thy seruant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
- Isaiah 57:19Rank 11 from verse 17
- Proverbs 16:7Rank 12 from verse 17
- Psalms 119:103Rank 13 from verse 17
- Psalms 119:174Rank 14 from verse 17
- Psalms 119:47Rank 15 from verse 17
- Psalms 25:10Rank 16 from verse 17
- Psalms 37:11Rank 17 from verse 17
- Psalms 63:3–5Rank 18 from verse 17
3Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
4Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
5My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
3Because thy louing kindnes is better then life: my lips shal praise thee.
4Thus will I blesse thee, while I liue: I will lift vp my handes in thy Name.
5†My soule shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatnesse: and my mouth shall praise thee with ioyfull lips:
- Romans 5:1Rank 19 from verse 17
From verse 18
- Proverbs 11:30Rank 1 from verse 18
- Proverbs 15:4Rank 2 from verse 18
- Revelation 2:7Rank 3 from verse 18
7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
7Hee that hath an eare, let him heare what the Spirit saith vnto the Churches: To him that ouercommeth will I giue to eate of the tree of life, which is in the middest of the Paradise of God.
- Genesis 2:9Rank 4 from verse 18
9And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
9And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow euery tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food: the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and euill.
- Genesis 3:22Rank 5 from verse 18
22¶ And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
22¶ And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of vs, to know good & euill. And now lest hee put foorth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eate and liue for euer:
- Proverbs 13:12Rank 6 from verse 18
- Revelation 22:2Rank 7 from verse 18
2In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
2In the middest of the street of it, and of either side of the riuer, was there the tree of life, which bare twelue manner of fruits, and yeelded her fruit euery moneth: and the leaues of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
From verse 19
- Psalms 104:24Rank 1 from verse 19
- Jeremiah 10:12Rank 2 from verse 19
- Jeremiah 51:15Rank 4 from verse 19
- Psalms 136:5Rank 5 from verse 19
- Proverbs 8:27–29Rank 6 from verse 19
27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
27‖When hee prepared the heauens, I was there: when he set a compasse vpon the face of the depth.
28When he established the cloudes aboue: when he strengthned the fountaines of the deepe.
29*When he gaue to the sea his decree, that the waters should not passe his commandement: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
From verse 20
- Genesis 7:11Rank 1 from verse 20
11¶ In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
11¶ In the sixe hundredth yeere of Noahs life, in the second moneth, the seuenteenth day of the moneth, the same day, were al the fountaines of the great deepe broken vp, and the ‖windowes of heauen were opened.
- Psalms 65:9–12Rank 2 from verse 20
9Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.
10Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.
11Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.
12They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.
9‖Thou visitest the earth and waterest it: thou greatly inrichest it with the riuer of God which is full of water; thou preparest them corne, when thou hast so prouided for it.
10‖†Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrowes thereof: thou makest it soft with showres, thou blessest the springing thereof.
11†Thou crownest the yeere with thy goodnesse; and thy paths drop fatnesse.
12†They drop vpon the pastures of the wildernesse; and the little hilles reioyce on euery side.
- Genesis 1:9Rank 3 from verse 20
- Genesis 27:28Rank 4 from verse 20
- Job 36:27–28Rank 5 from verse 20
27For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:
28Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly.
27For hee maketh small the drops of water: they powre downe raine according to the vapour thereof:
28Which the clouds doe drop, and distill vpon man aboundantly.
- Job 38:26–28Rank 6 from verse 20
26To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man;
27To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?
28Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?
26To cause it to raine on the earth, where no man is: on the wildernesse wherein there is no man?
27To satisfie the desolate and waste ground, and to cause the bud of the tender herbe to spring forth.
28Hath the raine a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?
- Job 38:8–11Rank 7 from verse 20
8Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?
9When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,
10And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,
11And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
8*Or who shut vp the sea with doores, when it brake foorth as if it had issued out of the wombe?
9When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thicke darknesse a swadling band for it,
10And ‖brake vp for it my decreed place, and set barres and doores,
11And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and heere shall †thy proud waues be stayed.
- Deuteronomy 33:28Rank 8 from verse 20
- Genesis 27:37–39Rank 9 from verse 20
37And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?
38And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.
39And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above;
37And Isaac answered and saide vnto Esau, Behold, I haue made him thy LORD, and all his brethren haue I giuen to him for seruants: and with corne and wine haue I ‖susteined him: and what shall I doe now vnto thee, my sonne?
38And Esau said vnto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? blesse mee, euen mee also, O my father. And Esau lift vp his voyce, *and wept.
39And Isaac his father answered, and said vnto him, Behold, *thy dwelling shall be ‖the fatnesse of the earth, and of the dew of heauen from aboue.
- Jeremiah 14:22Rank 10 from verse 20
22Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O Lord our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.
22Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause raine? or can the heauens giue showres, Art not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will waite vpon thee: for thou hast made all these things.
23Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
23‖†*Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and reioyce in the LORD your God: for he hath giuen you the former raine moderately, and he will cause to come downe for you the raine, the former raine, & the latter raine in the first month.
- Psalms 104:8–9Rank 12 from verse 20
8They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them.
9Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.
8‖They go vp by the mountaines: they goe downe by the valleys vnto the place which thou hast founded for them.
9Thou hast set a bound that they may not passe ouer: that they turne not againe to couer the earth.
From verse 21
- Joshua 1:8Rank 1 from verse 21
8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
8This booke of the Law shal not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest obserue to doe according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt ‖haue good successe.
- Deuteronomy 6:6–9Rank 2 from verse 21
6And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
6And *these words which I command thee this day, shall bee in thine heart.
7And thou shalt †teach them diligently vnto thy children, and shalt talke of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest downe, and when thou risest vp.
8And thou shalt binde them for a signe vpon thine hand, and they shalbe as frontlets betweene thine eyes.
9And thou shalt write them vpon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
- Deuteronomy 32:46–47Rank 3 from verse 21
46And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.
47For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
46And hee said vnto them, *Set your hearts vnto all the wordes which I testifie among you this day, which yee shall commaund your children to obserue to doe all the wordes of this Law.
47For it is not a vaine thing for you: because it is your life, and through this thing yee shall prolong your dayes, in the land whither yee goe ouer Iordan to possesse it.
- Proverbs 4:21Rank 4 from verse 21
- Hebrews 2:1–3Rank 5 from verse 21
1THEREFORE we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
1¶ Therefore we ought to giue the more earnest heede to the things which we haue heard, lest at any time we should †let them slip.
2For if the word spoken by Angels was stedfast, and euery transgression and disobedience receiued a iust recompense of reward:
3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great saluation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed vnto vs by them that heard him,
- Deuteronomy 4:9Rank 6 from verse 21
9Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;
9Onely take heed to thy selfe, and keepe thy soule diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes haue seene, and lest they depart from thy heart all the dayes of thy life: but teach them thy sonnes, & thy sonnes sonnes:
- 1 John 2:27Rank 7 from verse 21
27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
27But the anointing which ye haue receiued of him, abideth in you: and yee need not that any man teach you: But, as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is trueth, and is no lye: and euen as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in ‖him.
- 1 John 2:24Rank 9 from verse 21
24Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
24Let that therefore abide in you which yee haue heard from the beginning: if that which ye haue heard from the beginning shall remaine in you, yee also shall continue in the Sonne, and in the Father.
- John 15:6–7Rank 10 from verse 21
6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered, and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall aske what ye will, and it shall be done vnto you.
- Proverbs 3:1–3Rank 11 from verse 21
1MY son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
1¶ My sonne, forget not my lawe; *but let thine heart keepe my commaundements:
2For length of dayes, and †long life, and peace shall they adde to thee.
3*Let not mercy and trueth forsake thee: bind them about thy necke, write them vpon the table of thine heart.
- Proverbs 2:7Rank 12 from verse 21
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
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DEFINED WORDS
Proverbs 3:17
COMBINED MEANING
pleasantness
State of being pleasant or agreeable.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. Figuratively, ways or courses of conduct, action, or direction. 2. Tracks, roads, routes, or ways of passage or travel.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Freedom from war, strife, disturbance, or inward trouble; quietness, reconciliation, safety, or well-being.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Proverbs 3:18
The state of living; the period or manner of one's existence.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: To put, place, set, arrange, deposit, apply, establish, impose, or cause to be in a stated position or condition. Sense 2: As the past tense of lie, to recline, rest, be situated, or remain in a state. Sense 3: In lay with, to have sexual relations. Sense 4: To press or bear upon. Sense 5: In lay up, lay by, or lay in store, to keep, store, or treasure; in lay wait, lay snares, lay an ambush, or lay siege, to prepare or set. Sense 6: In lay hold or lay hands on, to seize, take, apprehend, or touch. Sense 7: In lay down one's life, to surrender or give it; in lay aside, lay apart, or lay away, to remove, reject, or put off.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: To grasp, seize, cling to, carry, wield, support, or keep fast, literally or figuratively. Sense 2: To keep, retain, possess, maintain, continue in, or adhere to. Sense 3: To restrain, confine, or keep back; to contain or have capacity. Sense 4: To regard, account, or judge. Sense 5: To conduct or celebrate an observance. Sense 6: To endure, prevail, or take effect. Sense 7: In hold one's peace or hold one's tongue, to remain silent. Sense 8: As a noun, a grasp or attachment; a place of confinement, refuge, security, or fortification.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
1. Marks the person, place, thing, or basis to which something is related: on or onto; above or over; toward or against as the target of action, speech, thought, attention, or force; resting on, assigned to, or affecting as a state, gift, burden, duty, guilt, or judgment; supported by or based on; or one placed, added, or repeated on or after another. 2. With a stated time or occasion, or a preceding event, at that time or point, or at or after that event: on, at, when, then, or following it.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Blessed, favoured, fortunate, or joyful.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Each individual or member of the class, group, place, time, side, or kind named; all distributively.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Third-person singular present form of retain (to hold or keep in possession; not to lose or part with or dismiss).
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Proverbs 3:19
The divine name of the living God, also named JEHOVAH.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
Set; fixed; established on a basis; begun and built.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: The world in distinction from heaven. Sense 2: Dry land, ground, soil, or dust. Sense 3: A land, region, or its inhabitants.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
understanding
1. The capacity or act of perceiving, comprehending, discerning, judging, interpreting, or applying knowledge. 2. Knowledge, insight, wisdom, or prudent judgment possessed or gained. 3. Skill or ability in a work, art, subject, vision, saying, or interpretation.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
established
Set firmly; founded, made stable, ordained, enacted, ratified, or confirmed.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
DEFINED WORDS
Proverbs 3:20
Understanding or awareness gained by knowing; recognition; what is known.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The sea; the abyss of waters; the ocean.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Visible masses of condensed vapour in the sky. Sense 2: Figures of covering, multitude, or obscurity.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: A small rounded portion of liquid. Sense 2: To fall, let fall, distil, or pour in drops.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
From a higher place or position to a lower one; below.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Moisture that falls or settles in drops, especially at night.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Proverbs 3:21
1. A male child or descendant. 2. One belonging to, related to, or characterized by the person, people, place, condition, or quality named.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: To allow or permit; in older KJV use, also to hinder or restrain. Sense 2: To lower or send down.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. To leave, go away, or move from a place or person. 2. To cease to remain, be removed, disappear, or pass away. 3. To turn or separate from a way, practice, allegiance, or relationship. 4. To leave earthly life or this world.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The bodily organs of sight; by extension, sight, attention, observation, perception, understanding, desire, judgment, estimation, favour, or the presence and view before which something occurs.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
To guard, watch, protect, preserve, secure, retain, possess, hold, maintain, support, tend, manage, observe, obey, fulfil, celebrate, continue in, refrain from, or remain faithful to a person, place, trust, command, promise, way, time, or thing.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Sound: an audible noise, voice, report, or message. Sense 2: As an adjective, healthy, whole, firm, or free from error. Sense 3: As a verb, to make a noise, play or blow an instrument, or give a signal.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
discretion
Wise discernment, judgment, or understanding.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604
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16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
16Length of dayes is in her right hand: and in her left hand, riches and honour.
17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
17Her wayes are wayes of plesantnesse: and all her pathes are peace.
Selected passage18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
18She is a tree of life, to them that lay hold vpon her: and happy is euery one that retaineth her.
Selected passage19The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
19‖The LORD by wisedome hath founded the earth; by vnderstanding hath he established the heauens.
Selected passage20By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
20By his knowledge the depthes are broken vp; and the cloudes droppe downe the dew.
Selected passage21¶ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
21¶ My sonne, let not them depart from thine eyes: keepe sound wisedome and discretion.
Selected passage22So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
22So shall they bee life vnto thy soule, and grace to thy necke.