So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to focus on the "favor" aspect, but the verse also promises "good understanding." This isn't just about being liked; it's about gaining wisdom and sound judgment, which is valued by both God and people. True favor flows from, and is accompanied by, a discerning heart.
So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is a promise flowing directly from the preceding exhortations to trust in the Lord and not lean on one's own understanding. It assures the reader that by following God's wisdom, they will gain favor and be seen as wise, not just by others but by God Himself. The text emphasizes that this favor and understanding are the natural outcomes of a life lived in obedience and reliance on divine guidance, extending this blessing to relationships with both God and humanity.
The verse promises 'good success'— but what does that really mean? Is it about getting rich or just having things go your way?
While some translations suggest 'good success,' the original Hebrew points more toward 'good understanding' or 'discernment.' This isn't about random luck, but about developing a wise mind that can make good decisions.
Wisdom's Insight
The promise of favor extends to both God and people. How does living wisely impact our relationships with both?
The promise of finding favor isn't limited to just one area of life; it encompasses our standing with both the divine and the human.
Divine Approval
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Human Respect
Understand the original words
chen · Hebrew Noun
Grace, approval, or acceptance found in the presence of someone else, indicating a state of being looked upon with kindness and goodwill.
This passage directly mirrors the promise in Proverbs 3:4, stating that Jesus 'increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man,' showing the principle in action for the ultimate example.
1 Samuel 2:26This verse describes the young Samuel, highlighting how he 'continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with all Israel,' illustrating how a life of righteousness leads to acceptance before God and people.
Genesis 6:8Here, Noah 'found favor in the eyes of the Lord,' demonstrating that finding favor with God is a foundational step that often leads to a positive standing even in difficult circumstances.
Psalm 111:10This psalm declares that 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding,' connecting adherence to God's ways with gaining true insight and discernment.
clarkeProverbs 3:4: "So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man."
So shalt thou find favor - Thou shalt be acceptable to God, and thou shalt enjoy a sense of his approbation. And good understanding - Men shall weigh thy character and conduct; and by this appreciate thy motives, and give thee credit for sincerity and uprightness. Though religion is frequently persecuted, and religious people suffer at first where they are not fully known; yet a truly religious and ben…
pulpitProverbs 3:4: "So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man."
Verse 4. - So shalt thou find (vum'lsa); literally, and find. A peculiar use of the imperative, the imperative kal (m'tsa) with vau consecutive (וִ) being equivalent to the future, "thou shalt find," as in the Authorized Version. This construction, where two imperatives are joined, the former containing an exhortation or admonition, the second a promise made on the condition implied in the first, and…
It's easy to focus on the "favor" aspect, but the verse also promises "good understanding." This isn't just about being liked; it's about gaining wisdom and sound judgment, which is valued by both God and people. True favor flows from, and is accompanied by, a discerning heart.
This verse is a promise flowing directly from the preceding exhortations to trust in the Lord and not lean on one's own understanding. It assures the reader that by following God's wisdom, they will gain favor and be seen as wise, not just by others but by God Himself. The text emphasizes that this favor and understanding are the natural outcomes of a life lived in obedience and reliance on divine guidance, extending this blessing to relationships with both God and humanity.
This verse is a promise flowing directly from the preceding exhortations to trust in the Lord and not lean on one's own understanding. It assures the reader that by following God's wisdom, they will gain favor and be seen as wise, not just by others but by God Himself. The text emphasizes that this favor and understanding are the natural outcomes of a life lived in obedience and reliance on divine guidance, extending this blessing to relationships with both God and humanity.
"So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man." — It's easy to focus on the "favor" aspect, but the verse also promises "good understanding." This isn't just about being liked; it's about gaining wisdom and sound judgment, which is valued by both Go…
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Last reviewed October 2026