Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 29:3 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. "
Proverbs 29:3
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
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Both parts of this verse repeat truths that have already been said, but when we compare them, each part helps explain the other. We should notice, for the honor of a good young man, that he loves wisdom. In that sense, he is a philosopher, since the word means a lover of wisdom, and true religion is the best kind of wisdom. He avoids bad company, especially the company of loose women. Because of that, he brings joy to his parents, gives them comfort, and usually keeps or even increases what he has, so he is likely to live in peace and comfort.
We should also notice, for the shame of a wicked young man, that he hates wisdom. He keeps company with immoral women, and they will ruin him in body and soul. He grieves his parents and, like the prodigal son, wastes their goods with harlots. Nothing brings a man to poverty faster than sexual sin, and wisdom is the best protection against those destructive desires.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 29:1
"He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy."
Proverbs 29:2
"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan."
Proverbs 29:4
"The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down."
Proverbs 29:5
"A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet."
Proverbs 29:6
"An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad."
Proverbs 29:7
"The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge."
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