Trust in the Lord
Proverbs 3
The father instructs his son to trust in the Lord rather than his own understanding and to honor him with the firstfruits of his labor, explaining that the Lord disciplines those he loves. He praises wisdom as more valuable than silver, gold, or jewels, describes the Lord founding the earth and heavens by wisdom, and closes with commands to help the poor and deal honestly with neighbors.
About these editions
The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.
Thomson 1808Septuagint
Brenton 1851Septuagint
Greek · BrentonSeptuagint
KJV 1769Masoretic
JPS 1917Masoretic
1
ThomsonMY son, forget not my rules; but let thy heart keep my commandments.
BrentonMy son, forget not my laws; but let thine heart keep my words:
GreekΥἱὲ, ἐμῶννομίμων μὴ ἐπιλανθάνου, τὰ δὲ ῥήματά μου τηρείτω σὴ καρδία·
KJVMy son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
JPSMy son, forget not my teaching; But let thy heart keep my commandments;
2
ThomsonFor they will add to thee length of days and years of life and peace.
Brentonfor length of existence, and years of life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
GreekΜῆκος γὰρ βίου, καὶ ἔτη ζωῆς, καὶ εἰρήνην προσθήσουσί σοι.
KJVFor length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
JPSFor length of days, and years of life, And peace, will they add to thee.
3
ThomsonLet not acts of kindness and faithfulness forsake thee: but bind them about thy neck and thou shalt find favour.
BrentonLet not mercy and truth forsake thee; but bind them about thy neck:
GreekἘλεημοσύναι καὶ πίστεις μὴ ἐκλειπέτωσάν σε· ἄφαψαι δὲ αὐτὰς ἐπὶ σῷ τραχήλῳ, καὶ εὑρήσεις χάριν·
KJVLet not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
JPSLet not kindness and truth forsake thee; Bind them about thy neck, write them upon the table of thy heart;
4
ThomsonBe provident in regard to things good in the sight of the Lord and of men.
Brentonso shalt thou find favour: and do thou provide things honest in the sight of the Lord, and of men.
Greekκαὶ προνοοῦ καλὰ ἐνώπιον Κυρίου καὶ ἀνθρώπων.
KJVSo shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
JPSSo shalt thou find grace and good favour In the sight of God and man.
5
ThomsonTrust in God with thy whole heart; and be not elated for thine own wisdom.
BrentonTrust in God with all thine heart; and be not exalted in thine own wisdom.
GreekἼσθι πεποιθὼς ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ ἐπὶ Θεῷ, ἐπὶ δὲ σῇ σοφίᾳ μὴ ἐπαίρου.
KJVTrust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
JPSTrust in the LORD with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding.
6
ThomsonShew it in all thy ways, that it may make thy paths straight.
BrentonIn all thy ways acquaint thyself with her, that she may rightly direct thy paths.
GreekΠάσαις ὁδοῖς σου γνώριζε αὐτὴν, ἵνα ὀρθοτομῇ τὰς ὁδούς σου.
KJVIn all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
JPSIn all thy ways acknowledge Him, And He will direct thy paths.
7
ThomsonBe not wise in thine own conceit; but fear God and depart from all evil:
BrentonBe not wise in thine own conceit; but fear God, and depart from all evil.
GreekΜὴ ἴσθι φρόνιμος παρὰ σεαυτῷ, φοβοῦ δὲ τὸν Θεὸν, καὶ ἔκκλινε ἀπὸ παντὸς κακοῦ.
KJVBe not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
JPSBe not wise in thine own eyes; Fear the LORD, and depart from evil;
8
Thomsonthen shall thy body have health and thy bones a cure.
BrentonThen shall there be health to thy body, and good keeping to thy bones.
GreekΤότε ἴασις ἔσται τῷ σώματί σου, καὶ ἐπιμέλεια τοῖς ὀστέοις σου.
KJVIt shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
JPSIt shall be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.
9
ThomsonHonour the Lord with some of thy righteous labours: and set apart for him some of thy fruits of righteousness:
BrentonHonour the Lord with thy just labours, and give him the first of thy fruits of righteousness:
GreekΤίμα τὸν Κύριον ἀπὸ σῶν δικαίων πόνων, καὶ ἀπάρχου αὐτῷ ἀπὸ σῶν καρπῶν δικαιοσύνης·
KJV—
JPSHonour the LORD with thy substance, And with the first-fruits of all thine increase;
10
Thomsonthat thy barns may be plenteously filled with corn; and that thy vats may overflow with wine.
Brentonthat thy storehouses may be completely filled with corn, and that thy presses may burst forth with wine.
GreekἽνα πίμπληται τὰ ταμιεῖά σου πλησμονῆς σίτῳ, οἴνῳ δὲ αἱ ληνοί σου ἐκβλύζωσιν.
KJVSo shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
JPS—
11
ThomsonMy son, slight not the correction of the Lord, nor faint when reproved by Him:
BrentonMy son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
GreekΥἱὲ, μὴ ὀλιγώρει παιδείας Κυρίου, μηδὲ ἐκλύου ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ ἐλεγχόμενος.
KJVMy son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
JPSMy son, despise not the chastening of the LORD, Neither spurn thou His correction;
12
Thomsonfor whom the Lord loveth He reproveth: and chastiseth every son whom He receiveth.
Brentonfor whom the Lord loves, he rebukes, and scourges every son whom he receives.
GreekὋν γὰρ ἀγαπᾷ Κύριος, ἐλέγχει, μαστιγοῖ δὲ πάντα υἱὸν ὃν παραδέχεται.
KJVFor whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
JPSFor whom the LORD loveth He correcteth, Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
13
ThomsonHappy the man who hath found wisdom, and the mortal who hath seen prudence:
BrentonBlessed is the man who has found wisdom, and the mortal who knows prudence.
GreekΜακάριος ἄνθρωπος ὃς εὗρε σοφίαν, καὶ θνητὸς ὃς εἶδε φρόνησιν.
KJVHappy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
JPSHappy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that obtaineth understanding.
14
Thomsonfor it is better to traffic for her, than for treasures of gold and silver.
BrentonFor it is better to traffic for her, than for treasures of gold and silver.
GreekΚρεῖσσον γὰρ αὐτὴν ἐμπορεύεσθαι, ἢ χρυσίου καὶ ἀργυρίου θησαυρούς.
KJVFor the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
JPSFor the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, And the gain thereof than fine gold.
15
ThomsonShe is more precious than costly stones: and nothing evil can be compared to her. She is easily known by all who approach her; but no price is equal to her in value.
BrentonAnd she is more valuable than precious stones: no evil thing shall resist her: she is well known to all that approach her, and no precious thing is equal to her in value.
GreekΤιμιωτέρα δέ ἐστι λίθων πολυτελῶν, οὐκ ἀντιτάξεται αὐτῇ οὐδὲν πονηρόν· εὔγνωστός ἐστι πᾶσι τοῖς ἐγγίζουσιν αὐτῇ, πᾶν δὲ τίμιον οὐκ ἄξιον αὐτῆς ἐστι.
KJVShe is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
JPSShe is more precious than rubies; And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16
ThomsonFor length of days and years of life are in her right hand; and in her left, riches and glory. Out of her mouth proceedeth righteousness: and on her tongue she carrieth law and mercy.
BrentonFor length of existence and years of life are in her right hand; and in her left hand are wealth and glory:
GreekΜῆκος γὰρ βίου καὶ ἔτη ζωῆς ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτῆς, ἐν δὲ τῇ ἀριστερᾷ αὐτῆς πλοῦτος καὶ δόξα·
KJVLength of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
JPSLength of days is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honour.
16a
Thomson—
Brentonout of her mouth proceeds righteousness, and she carries law and mercy upon her tongue.
Greekἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτῆς ἐκπορεύεται δικαιοσύνη, νόμον δὲ καὶ ἔλεον ἐπὶ γλώσσης φορεῖ.
KJV—
JPS—
17
ThomsonHer ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace.
BrentonHer ways are good ways, and all her paths are peaceful.
GreekΑἱ ὁδοὶ αὐτῆς ὁδοὶ καλαί, καὶ πάσαι αἱ τρίβοι αὐτῆς ἐν εἰρήνῃ.
KJVHer ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
JPSHer ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.
18
ThomsonShe is a tree of life to all who take hold of her; and safe for them who rely on her, as on the Lord.
BrentonShe is a tree of life to all that lay hold upon her; and she is a secure help to all that stay themselves on her, as on the Lord.
GreekΞύλον ζωῆς ἐστι πᾶσι τοῖς ἀντεχομένοις αὐτῆς, καὶ τοῖς ἐπερειδομένοις ἐπʼ αὐτὴν ὡς ἐπὶ Κύριον ἀσφαλής.
KJVShe is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
JPSShe is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, And happy is every one that holdest her fast.
19
ThomsonBy wisdom God founded the earth; and by understanding He furnished the heavens.*
BrentonGod by wisdom founded the earth, and by prudence he prepared the heavens.
GreekὉ Θεὸς τῇ σοφίᾳ ἐθεμελίωσε τὴν γῆν, ἡτοίμασε δὲ οὐρανοὺς φρονήσει.
KJVThe LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
JPSThe LORD by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens.
20
ThomsonBy knowledge the deeps were broken up and the clouds distilled dew.
BrentonBy understanding were the depths broken up, and the clouds dropped water.
GreekἘν αἰσθήσει ἄβυσσοι ἐῤῥάγησαν, νέφη δὲ ἐῤῥύησαν δρόσους.
KJVBy his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
JPSBy His knowledge the depths were broken up, And the skies drop down the dew.
21
ThomsonMy son, be not wanting in retention: but keep my counsel, namely, the sentiment:
BrentonMy son, let them not pass from thee, but keep my counsel and understanding:
GreekΥἱὲ, μὴ παραῤῥυῇς, τήρησον δὲ ἐμὴν βουλὴν καὶ ἔννοιαν·
KJVMy son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
JPSMy son, let not them depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22
Thomson—
Brentonthat thy soul may live, and that there may be grace round thy neck;
Greekἵνα ζήσῃ ἡ ψυχή σου, καὶ χάρις ᾖ περὶ σῷ τραχήλῳ·
KJVSo shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
JPSSo shall they be life unto thy soul, And grace to thy neck.
22a
Thomsonthat thy soul may live and that grace may be around thy neck; and it will be health to thy flesh and a cure for thy bones
Brentonand it shall be health to thy flesh, and safety to thy bones:
Greekἔσται δὲ ἴασις ταῖς σαρξί σου, καὶ ἐπιμέλεια τοῖς σοῖς ὀστέοις·
KJV—
JPS—
23
Thomsonso that thou mayst proceed on in all thy ways in peace and security, and that thy foot may not stumble.
Brentonthat thou mayest go confidently in peace in all thy ways, and that thy foot may not stumble.
Greekἵνα πορεύῃ πεποιθὼς ἐν εἰρήνῃ πάσας τὰς ὁδούς σου, ὁ δὲ πούς σου οὐ μὴ προσκόψῃ.
KJV—
JPS—
24
ThomsonFor when thou liest down, thou shalt be free from fear: and when thou sleepest, thou shalt sleep sweetly,
BrentonFor if thou rest, thou shalt be undismayed; and if thou sleep, thou shalt slumber sweetly.
GreekἘὰν γὰρ κάθῃ, ἄφοβος ἔσῃ· ἐὰν δὲ καθεύδῃς, ἡδέως ὑπνώσεις.
KJVWhen thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
JPSWhen thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
25
Thomson—
BrentonAnd thou shalt not be afraid of alarm coming upon thee, neither of approaching attacks of ungodly men.
GreekΚαὶ οὐ φοβηθήσῃ πτόησιν ἐπελθοῦσαν, οὐδὲ ὁρμὰς ἀσεβῶν ἐπερχομένας.
KJV—
JPS—
26
ThomsonFor the Lord will be over all thy ways, and will support thy foot that thou mayst not be shaken.
BrentonFor the Lord shall be over all thy ways, and shall establish thy foot that thou be not moved.
GreekὉ γὰρ Κύριος ἔσται ἐπὶ πασῶν ὁδῶν σου, καὶ ἐρείσει σὸν πόδα ἵνα μὴ σαλευθῇς.
KJV—
JPS—
27
ThomsonDelay not to do good to the needy, when it is in the power of thy hand to help.
BrentonForbear not to do good to the poor, whensoever thy hand may have power to help him.
GreekΜὴ ἀπόσχῃ εὖ ποιεῖν ἐνδεῆ, ἡνίκα ἂν ἔχῃ ἡ χείρ σου βοηθεῖν.
KJVWithhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
JPSWithhold not good from him to whom it is due, When it is in the power of thy hand to do it.
28
ThomsonDo not say, Go away and come again: to-morrow I will give—when thou hast it in thy power to do good; for thou knowest not what to-morrow will bring forth.
BrentonSay not, Come back another time, to-morrow I will give; while thou art able to do him good: for thou knowest not what the next day will bring forth.
GreekΜὴ εἴπῃς, ἐπανελθὼν ἐπάνηκε, αὔριον δώσω, δυνατοῦ σου ὄντος εὖ ποιεῖν· οὐ γὰρ οἶδας τί τέξεται ἡ ἐπιοῦσα.
KJVSay not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
JPSSay not unto thy neighbour: ‘Go, and come again, And to-morrow I will give’; when thou hast it by thee.
29
ThomsonDevise not evils against thy friend, who sojourneth with thee and confideth in thee.
BrentonDevise not evil against thy friend, living near thee and trusting in thee.
GreekΜὴ τεκτῄνῃ ἐπὶ σὸν φίλον κακὰ παροικοῦντα καὶ πεποιθότα ἐπὶ σοί.
KJVDevise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
JPSDevise not evil against thy neighbour, Seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
30
ThomsonBe not at enmity with a man without cause; lest he do thee some mischief.
BrentonBe not ready to quarrel with a man without a cause, lest he do thee some harm.
GreekΜὴ φιλεχθρήσῃς πρὸς ἄνθρωπον μάτην, μήτί σε ἐργάσηται κακόν.
KJVStrive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
JPSStrive not with a man without cause, If he have done thee no harm.
31
ThomsonAcquire not the reproaches of bad men, nor be fond of their ways.
BrentonProcure not the reproaches of bad men, neither do thou covet their ways.
GreekΜὴ κτήσῃ κακῶν ἀνδρῶν ὀνείδη, μηδὲ ζηλώσῃς τὰς ὁδοὺς αὐτῶν.
KJV—
JPS—
32
ThomsonFor every transgressor is impure in the sight of the Lord, and among the righteous he taketh not a seat.
BrentonFor every transgressor is unclean before the Lord; neither does he sit among the righteous.
GreekἈκάθαρτος γὰρ ἔναντι Κυρίου πᾶς παράνομος, ἐν δὲ δικαίοις οὐ συνεδριάζει.
KJVFor the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
JPS—
33
ThomsonThe curse of God is in the houses of the wicked: but the folds of the righteous are blessed.
BrentonThe curse of God is in the houses of the ungodly; but the habitations of the just are blessed.
GreekΚατάρα Θεοῦ ἐν οἴκοις ἀσεβῶν, ἐπαύλεις δὲ δικαίων εὐλογοῦνται.
KJV—
JPS—
34
ThomsonThe Lord resisteth the proud; but He granteth favour to the humble.
BrentonThe Lord resists the proud; but he gives grace to the humble.
GreekΚύριος ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσι χάριν.
KJV—
JPSIf it concerneth the scorners, He scorneth them, But unto the humble He giveth grace.
35
ThomsonThe wise shall inherit glory; but the wicked have extolled dishonour.
BrentonThe wise shall inherit glory; but the ungodly have exalted their own dishonour.
GreekΔόξαν σοφοὶ κληρονομήσουσιν, οἱ δὲ ἀσεβεῖς ὕψωσαν ἀτιμίαν.
KJVThe wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
JPS—