Blog - Proverbs 3:17

If you like this blog, then you will like Get Wisdom, Get Understanding which is Pastor Wagner's commentary series on the book of Proverbs which is available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. Find out more here. For all the blogs in this series, click here: Proverbs Commentary. Proverbs 3:17 "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." (Pro 3:17)

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The list of reasons why the man who finds wisdom is blessed continues to grow with each passing verse from the tip of Solomon's pen. Not only is wisdom exceedingly valuable (Pro 3:14-15) and brings with her long life and wealth (Pro 3:16), she also provides those who seek her with a pleasant and peaceful existence in this oftentimes harsh and turbulent world. Her ways are ways of pleasantness. This is the only place in the Bible where the word pleasantness is found. There are not many words which have only a single occurrence in scripture, so when one is found we would do well to give it due consideration. Pleasantness is "the quality of being pleasant", and pleasant is "having the quality of giving pleasure . . . agreeable to the mind, feelings, or senses; such as one likes" (OED). Substituting the definitions into the verse we find that the ways of wisdom are pleasurable, pleasing, agreeable, and likeable. In other words, finding wisdom and getting understanding (Pro 3:13), will bring happiness, enjoyment, and satisfaction into one's life. When knowledge is pleasant unto a man's soul, his life shall be pleasant.

Pro 2:10-11, 20-21 - When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: . . . 20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. 21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

Wisdom will not only bring a man individual pleasure with himself, but in like manner when brethren seek wisdom and are unified in the faith, being of one mind and one accord, a church will be pleasant as well.

Psa 133:1 - Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

And all her paths are peace. All of wisdom's paths are peace. Peace is "freedom from, or cessation of, war or hostilities; that condition of a nation or community in which it is not at war with another" (OED). If a course of action in a man's life is not leading to peace, chances are the path he has chosen is not a wise one. If he is constantly fighting battles with people (spouse, children, parents, bosses, coworkers, teachers, government, neighbors, etc.), then it is apparent that he is not seeking wisdom. If we work righteousness by living wisely, we will have peaceful lives.

Isa 32:17-18 - And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. 18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

We should endeavor to, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Rom 12:18). Seeking wisdom from the word of God will facilitate that. It is especially important in a local church for members to seek, acquire, and apply wisdom in their personal interactions with each other to prevent bitterness, envy, and strife from arising which will destroy a church in short order. When wisdom guides our words and conduct, and we learn when to speak and when to keep silence, peace will ensue among the brethren.

Jas 3:13-18 - Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.