Proverbs 3:3

3:3 Do not let truth and mercy ¹  leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart. ² 

Proverbs 15:3

15:3 The eyes of the Lord ³  are in every place,

keeping watch ⁴  on those who are evil and those who are good.

Proverbs 22:18

22:18 For it is pleasing if ⁵  you keep these sayings ⁶  within you,

and ⁷  they are ready on your lips. ⁸ 

[3:3]  ¹ tn The two words חֶסֶד וֶאֶמֶת (khesed ve’emet, “mercy and truth”) form a nominal hendiadys, the second word becoming an adjective: “faithful covenant love” or “loyal [covenant] love and faithfulness.”

[3:3]  ² sn This involves two implied comparisons (hypocatastasis). One is a comparison of living out the duties and responsibilities taught with binding a chain around the neck, and the other is a comparison of the inward appropriation of the teachings with writing them on a tablet. So the teachings are not only to become the lifestyle of the disciple but his very nature.

[15:3]  ³ sn The proverb uses anthropomorphic language to describe God’s exacting and evaluating knowledge of all people.

[15:3]  ⁴ tn The form צֹפוֹת (tsofot, “watching”) is a feminine plural participle agreeing with “eyes.” God’s watching eyes comfort good people but convict evil.

[22:18]  ⁵ tn Or “when” (so NIV).

[22:18]  ⁶ tn Heb “keep them,” referring to the words of the wise expressed in these sayings. The referent has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[22:18]  ⁷ tn The term “and” does not appear in the Hebrew but is supplied in the translation.

[22:18]  ⁸ sn If the teachings are preserved in the heart/mind of the disciple, then that individual will always be ready to speak what was retained.