What does Proverbs 3:4 mean?

Love of God and dependability will result in favor and good success in God's sight, and in man's sight too. As with all statements in wisdom literature, the point is not meant to be taken as an absolute promise in all situations. Rather, this flows from the general idea that following God's will results in better results than to defy Him.

The Hebrew word for "favor" comes from a verb meaning "to be gracious or to show favor." The word can be translated "grace" or "kindhearted" or "charm," and carries the idea of popularity or approval.

To have "good success" is to enjoy a reputation as a competent, wise, effective person. At age 12 Jesus exemplified what it means to find favor and good success in God's sight and in man's sight too. Luke 2:40 says He "grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him." The chapter closes with the statement, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52). One of the qualifications for an overseer is this: "he must be well thought of by outsiders" (1 Timothy 3:7). Every church needs men who love God and are dependable so their reputation in the sight of God and man will be blameless.