Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 3

(d) Fourth Discourse: Exhortation to Various Virtues (Proverbs 3:1–18).

Long life—That is, a life worth living, fit to be called “life”; whereas “length of days” only implies extension of life, the reward promised for obedience to parents.

Mercy. —Or rather, love, shown by God to man (Exodus 34:7), by man to God (Jeremiah 2:2), and to his fellow man (Genesis 21:23); “truth,” or rather, faithfulness, especially in keeping promises, is similarly used both of God (Psalms 30:10) and man (Isaiah 59:14). The two are often joined, as in this place. They are the two special attributes by which God is known in His dealings with men (Exodus 34:6–7), and as such must be imitated by man (Matthew 5:48).

Bind them about your neck ...—These directions resemble the figurative orders with regard to the keeping of the Law in Exodus 13:9 and Deuteronomy 6:8, the literal interpretation of which led to the use of prayer-fillets and phylacteries among the Jews. Certain texts of Scripture were copied out, enclosed in a leather case, and tied at the time of prayer on the left arm and forehead.

Table. —Rather, tablet (Luke 1:63).

Favour and good understanding.—Particularly noted as distinguishing the childhood of our Lord (Luke 2:52).

Fear the Lord, and depart from evil.— The same result is reached by Job also (Proverbs 28:28) in his inquiry after wisdom.

Navel. —As it is the center, and so the most important part of the body. (Compare the epithet applied to Delphi, “navel of the earth.”)

Marrow. —Literally, watering: that is, refreshing. (Compare Job 21:24.) For the opposite condition, “dryness of the bones,” compare Proverbs 17:22.