Proverbs 3:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.

NIV: for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.

NASB: For her profit is better than the profit of silver, And her produce better than gold.

CSB: for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold.

NLT: For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.

KJV: For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

NKJV: For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.

Wisdom is a possession whose value far outweighs that of silver and gold. The reference to "her" continues the pattern of imagining wisdom as a woman (Proverbs 1:20). As used in the book of Proverbs, wisdom is the ability to act on knowledge. It implies the opportunity—but not the guarantee—for someone to make godly choices. A person can possess wisdom, but fail to follow it. The book of Ecclesiastes demonstrates that Solomon did not always act according to wisdom.

Like Solomon, many individuals have pursued wealth only to find unhappiness. Paul told Timothy to warn his congregation about the folly of lusting after riches. He said, "those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction" (1 Timothy 6:9). He explained, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils" (1 Timothy 6:10).

Proverbs 23:4–5 counsels: "Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven." Jesus told a story about a prosperous farmer who thought an abundant harvest could satisfy his soul far into the future. Jesus called him a fool, because he was not rich toward God, and before the light of the following day God demanded his soul. He died, leaving all his wealth behind (Luke 12:13–21).

Proverbs 3:13–26 extols the virtue of wisdom. Solomon began this discussion in chapter 1, and explained in chapter 2 that the Lord gives wisdom to the upright. Now he describes as blessed the person who finds wisdom, and explains its benefits and applications. Wisdom, as used in this book, refers to the ability to apply godly knowledge. While not a guarantee someone will act accordingly, having a grasp of God's intent for our lives is immensely valuable.

This chapter of Proverbs is addressed to Solomon's son. The term, ''my son'' occurs 15 times in chapters 1—7. The words may apply to one of Solomon's students in his court or to one of his biological sons. The application of wisdom in Proverbs 3 shows the benefits of trusting in the Lord with one's whole heart. Solomon credits obedience to and trust in God for longevity, success, guidance, health, reward that exceeds monetary wealth, enjoyment, peace, security, confidence, excellent human relationships, the Lord's blessing and favor, and honor. As with all ''proverbs,'' biblical or otherwise, their purpose is to impart general wisdom, not absolute prophecy. Like the original audience, modern readers are not expected to see these guidelines as absolute guarantees for any one person.

This passage lies in the second section of the book, found in chapters 1—9. The author, King Solomon, reigned over Israel from 971 to 931 BC. The first section of Proverbs, the preface, is found in Proverbs 1:1–7. The third section, chapters 10—22, were also written by Solomon. These proverbs were likely written by Solomon in his middle years, whereas he probably wrote Song of Songs in his early adulthood, and Ecclesiastes near the end of his life. As in the first two chapters, wisdom is stressed in Proverbs 3.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.