Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

PROVERBS 3:16KJV
Know the Bible

Proverbs 3:16 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 3:16 mean?

Proverbs 3:16 describes wisdom as offering long life ("length of days") in one hand and wealth and respect ("riches and honour") in the other. The verse uses the picture of wisdom as a generous woman holding out these gifts to those who seek her.

In the context of Proverbs, a father is urging his child to value wisdom above all else. The verse uses vivid imagery to show that wisdom brings practical rewards in daily life, not just spiritual insight. The promise of "length of days" and "riches and honour" highlights the real-world benefits that the ancient audience would have understood as signs of a good and blessed life.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 3:16

  • יָמִין (yamin, "right hand"): In Hebrew culture, the right hand is often seen as the place of strength or favor. The verse places "length of days" in wisdom’s right hand, suggesting it is the most desirable or primary gift.
  • עֹשֶׁר (osher, "riches"): This word refers to material wealth or abundance. Its use here emphasizes that wisdom is not just about moral or spiritual gain but can also lead to tangible prosperity.
  • כָּבוֹד (kavod, "honour"): This word means weight, glory, or respect. In this context, it points to the social standing and respect that often come with wise living.

Why Proverbs 3:16 matters

  • Proverbs 3:16 helps clear up the idea that wisdom is only about spiritual matters; the verse shows that wisdom is seen as valuable for everyday life, offering both longevity and prosperity.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where wisdom is personified as a woman offering blessings to those who pursue her, reinforcing the practical benefits of living wisely.
  • The imagery of wisdom holding gifts in both hands highlights the completeness and generosity of wisdom’s rewards, encouraging the reader to seek wisdom wholeheartedly.

Where else these words appear

“riches” Hebrew H6239 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 31:16 For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
  • Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

“hand” Hebrew H8040 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • Judges 3:21 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
  • 2 Chronicles 18:18 Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.

“Length” Hebrew H753 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:3 And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
  • Ezekiel 40:36 The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

“hand” Hebrew H3225 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.
  • Psalms 108:6 That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.