They will be life to your soul
This phrase emphasizes the life-giving power of wisdom and understanding. In biblical context, "life" often refers to more than just physical existence; it encompasses spiritual vitality and well-being. The soul, or "nephesh" in Hebrew, represents the entire being, suggesting that wisdom nourishes and sustains one's inner life. This aligns with Deuteronomy 8:3, where it is stated that man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord, indicating that spiritual sustenance is as crucial as physical food. The life-giving aspect of wisdom is also echoed in John 6:63, where Jesus speaks of His words as spirit and life, pointing to the transformative power of divine truth.

and adornment to your neck
Adornment in ancient cultures often symbolized honor, status, and beauty. Necklaces and other forms of jewelry were not only decorative but also signified one's identity and social standing. In this context, wisdom is portrayed as a precious ornament, enhancing one's character and reputation. This imagery is consistent with Proverbs 1:9, where wisdom and instruction are described as a graceful garland for the head and pendants for the neck. The adornment metaphor suggests that wisdom beautifies and dignifies a person, much like how Christ's righteousness is described as a garment in Isaiah 61:10, symbolizing the believer's new identity in Him.

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.

2. Israel
The nation to whom the Proverbs were initially addressed, representing God's chosen people who were to live by His wisdom and commandments.

3. Wisdom and Understanding
These are personified throughout Proverbs as valuable treasures that guide and protect those who seek them.The Value of Wisdom
Wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge but a life-giving force that nourishes the soul.

Seek wisdom as a precious treasure that enhances your life and character.

Adornment of Character
Just as a necklace adorns the neck, wisdom beautifies and enhances one's character.

Let wisdom be evident in your actions and decisions, reflecting God's glory.

Life to the Soul
True life and vitality come from living in accordance with God's wisdom.

Pursue a relationship with God, the source of all wisdom, for a fulfilled and enriched life.

Practical Application of Wisdom
Apply wisdom in daily decisions, relationships, and challenges.

Use God's Word as a guide to navigate life's complexities with discernment.Verse 22. - So shall they he life to thy soul, and grace to thy neck. So shall they be (n'yikva); and they shall be. The "soul" and "neck" stand for the whole man in his twofold nature, internal and external. Life is in its highest and widest sense given to the soul (see Proverbs 2:16, 18; Proverbs 4:22; Proverbs 8:35), and favour is conferred on the man, i.e. he becomes acceptable to his neighbours, if he has wisdom. The latter expression is very similar to Proverbs 1:9, where the same promise is expressed, "grace" (hon) being equivalent to "ornament of grace" (liv'yath hon). Others understand "grace to thy neck" (hon l'garg grotheyka), as gratia guttturis, in the sense of "grace of the lips," as in Psalm 45:3 and Proverbs 22:11, that is, as the grace of speaking, power of eloquent and effective utterance (Gejerus, Bayne, Lapide). It is better to take it as referring to the adornment of the personal character, and so by metonymy of the favour and kindness which it procures.

Parallel Commentaries ...


They will be
וְיִֽהְי֣וּ (wə·yih·yū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

life
חַיִּ֣ים (ḥay·yîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

to your soul
לְנַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ (lə·nap̄·še·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

and adornment
וְ֝חֵ֗ן (wə·ḥên)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2580: Graciousness, subjective, objective

to your neck.
לְגַרְגְּרֹתֶֽיךָ׃ (lə·ḡar·gə·rō·ṯe·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1621: The throat


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:22 So they will be life to your (Prov. Pro Pr)