Proverbs 3:16 (Mini Sermon)



 

16. Pro 3:16 - "Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour." A. Solomon continues giving the reasons why the man that finds wisdom and gets understanding is happy (blessed) (Pro 3:13). B. Wisdom has both her hands full with blessings that she is ready to give to those who seek her and keep her ways. C. Length of days is in her right hand; i. The first of wisdom's blessings is length of days. ii. Long life comes as a result of remembering God's law and keeping His commandments (Pro 3:2). iii. Length of days is the more important of the two blessings that wisdom possesses. a. We know this for two reasons. b. First of all, it is mentioned firstly in v.16. c. Secondly, it is in wisdom's right hand. (i) The right hand is a symbol of power (Psa 20:6) and authority (1Pe 3:22). (ii) The right hand is a symbol of God's grace and mercy (Mat 25:33-34). (iii) The right hand clearly has preeminence over the left hand in scripture (Ecc 10:2). D. and in her left hand riches and honour. i. Riches and honour would seem to many to be a greater blessing than long life. ii. But the word order and the fact that riches and honour are found in the left hand indicate that they are inferior to long life. iii. Nevertheless, riches and honour are blessings from God (1Ch 29:12). iv. He bestows them on the faithful (2Ch 17:3-6) who seek wisdom (Pro 8:18).