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Wisdom Can Save Those Who Possess Her

Proverbs 3:17 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹⁷Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness: “Her ways” is a reference to the path or route in the life of this imperfect age wherein we are guided, directed, or lead by wisdom. The Hebrew noun pleasantness (נֹעַם noam) has the thought of that which is satisfactory and agreeable to one. (Ps 90:17; Prov. 3:17; 15:26; 16:24; Zech. 11:7, 10) In other words, wisdom can make your life satisfactory and agreeable.

All her paths are peace: The Hebrew noun paths (נְתִיבָה nethibah) has the sense of a way of life, a lifestyle, a course of conduct. The paths on which wisdom leads us can lead to peace, well-being, safety, and security. If we recall, chapter 2 of Proverbs was filled with the path that led to destruction, while the paths that wisdom leads us on here in 3:17 is to pleasantness and peace.

Wisdom can save those who possess her from a life filled with difficult times because they will sidestep what those from the world wade right through, even early or untimely death. (vs. 18) Wisdom leads us to the greatest happiness and satisfaction paths, not dullness. The Hebrew noun peace (שָׁלוֹם shalom) stands for a life of harmonious relationships, which can be free from disputes; however, it is more than the absence of conflict, as such peace also entails joy and successfulness, as well as being fully blessed by God.

Wisdom is characterized as a vivid and generous queen, giving gifts to her faithful and loving subjects and extending them to everyone who will accept her rule. You will recall from 3:16 that she offered the blessing of length of days, which means a prolonged life. The wisdom of God certainly gives us the best chance at prolonging the life we have now and the eternal life that is to come. She has also offered her subjects riches and honor. She is not only ready to embrace her loyal subjects with both arms, but she is also prepared to bless them with both hands. There is no guarantee that prosperity and honor will come our way, but if we apply the godly wisdom in a balanced manner, any opportunities that will be there in our lives can be ours. Devotion, virtue, reverence, holiness, faithfulness certainly will bring us the greatest pleasure. She has instructed us to walk according to God’s Word if we are to find a wealth of pleasure and joy in life. The sensual pleasures that Satan’s world has to offer cannot compare to the enjoyment and happiness that compassionate, generous, and merciful souls have in our relationship with God and doing good. If we live this kind of life, there is a guarantee of peace in the end and many peaceful moments along the way.