Proverbs 3:16
Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
Original Language Analysis
יָ֭מִים
of days
H3117
יָ֭מִים
of days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 6
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
בִּֽימִינָ֑הּ
is in her right hand
H3225
בִּֽימִינָ֑הּ
is in her right hand
Strong's:
H3225
Word #:
3 of 6
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
Cross References
Proverbs 3:2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.2 Corinthians 6:10As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.Proverbs 22:4By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.1 Timothy 4:8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.1 Kings 3:13And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.Mark 10:30But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.Psalms 21:4He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.
Historical Context
Ancient imagery of right hand (strength, honor) versus left hand (lesser importance) appears throughout Scripture. This verse promises wisdom brings both categories of blessing, with priority on spiritual/eternal (right hand) while not neglecting temporal/practical (left hand).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you tend to prioritize temporal blessings (wealth, honor) over eternal blessings?
- What would change if you pursued wisdom primarily for knowing God rather than for practical benefits?
- How does Christ embody both the 'length of days' (eternal life) and 'riches and honor' that wisdom offers?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom personified offers longevity with her right hand and riches/honor with her left. This poetic imagery suggests wisdom's comprehensive benefits - both temporal blessings (long life, wealth, honor) and something even greater (right hand signifies greater value). The asymmetry implies that while wisdom brings material blessings, these aren't its primary value. Eternal life is wisdom's greatest gift, with earthly blessings as secondary benefits.