Proverbs 3:16
Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
Proverbs 3:16
Verse 16 continues the personified Wisdom motif, describing two blessings she holds in each hand: “Length of days” and “riches and honour.” The duality suggests a balanced life—durability (long life) paired with outward blessings (material wealth, esteem). In the wisdom tradition, prosperity isn’t merely economic; it includes a long, well-ordered life rooted in prudent living. The right hand often symbolizes strength and blessing; the left, also a place of authority, reinforces the comprehensive nature of Wisdom’s gifts. The audience—young readers in a rural, agrarian society—would recognize a life well-ordered by prudent choices as a form of divine blessing. The broader Wisdom literature ties a well‑lived life to fidelity to God’s ways, which yields both longevity and favorable circumstances.
This verse reinforces the covenantal idea that wisdom governs blessings. Long life, riches, and honor are not random but the fruit of following God’s instruction. It counters fatalism (blessings are random) and cynicism (wealth equals virtue). Theologically, it foregrounds the principle that knowing and applying God’s wisdom shapes not only inner character but the external arc of a person’s life. It also cautions that these blessings are gracious gifts that accompany obedience, not automatic warrants. The verse invites readers to trust that God’s design for a flourishing life includes both spiritual and temporal well-being.
Consider how you measure success. If your aim is a long, meaningful life with integrity, let Wisdom steer daily choices: how you handle finances, time, and reputation. Practical steps: practice delayed gratification, cultivate generosity, and pursue work that serves others. In family life, teach children that integrity and wise stewardship impact how the family is perceived and valued. When facing pressure for quick financial gain or status, pause to ask, “Does this choice fit a long, honorable life Wisdom would approve?” By aligning decisions with wisdom, you invite blessings that endure beyond momentary pleasure.
Cross-References: Deuteronomy 5:16; Psalm 34:12–13; Ephesians 4:1–3; Colossians 3:12–14