Proverbs 19:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.

NIV: The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.

NASB: One who gets wisdom loves his own soul; One who keeps understanding will find good.

CSB: The one who acquires good sense loves himself; one who safeguards understanding finds success.

NLT: To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.

KJV: He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

NKJV: He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.

A "proverb" is a short, common-sense statement which expresses a general truth. In the book of Proverbs, true wisdom begins with an appreciation of the Creator (Proverbs 1:7). Pursuing God's truth leads a person in the best possible direction (Proverbs 4:10–15). That does not guarantee earthly success (John 16:33), but it does give a person a better likelihood of it than does pursuing foolishness and evil (Proverbs 8:35–36). A sensible person cares about the state of their soul (Mark 8:36). That causes them to make wise, spiritually discerned decisions (1 Corinthians 2:14; Hebrews 5:14).

When the Lord appointed Joshua as Moses' successor, He told him to "be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7). He also commanded Joshua to study God's written Word and to follow it diligently. He added the promise, "For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (Joshua 1:8). God's formula for success has never changed!

Proverbs 19:8–21 continues Solomon's observations about wisdom and foolishness, a king's wrath, household turmoil, and human plans as compared to divine sovereignty. A theme of these proverbs is the danger of ignoring godly wisdom, while placing too much reliance on one's own ability. A wise person is prudent, diligent, and honest. At the same time, wisdom means realizing that not all plans work out.

Several themes are associated with these statements. Among them are the idea that personal integrity is worth much more than earthly wealth or success. Solomon discusses the unfortunate habit of favoring the rich and dismissing the poor, while commending those who care for the unfortunate. Many references are made to the consequences of foolish behavior, including the shame and punishment such things can bring.

This series of proverbs is part of Solomon's writing on wisdom (Proverbs 10:1), a long chain continuing into chapter 22. As do other segments, this speaks on the harsh realities of poverty, the need for integrity, the dangers of laziness, the value of loving discipline, and the consequences of acting foolishly.

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.