Proverbs 8:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,

NIV: Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,

NASB: Accept my instruction and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold.

CSB: Accept my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.

NLT: Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.

KJV: Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

NKJV: Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold;

Wisdom (Proverbs 8:1–4) offers a choice between her instruction and silver and choice gold. Which is better? Wealth does not guarantee happiness or benefit anyone beyond the grave. Even billionaires die and leave their wealth behind. Merely having money does not make a person wise enough to keep those riches. However, a person who is truly wise has a better opportunity for success and prosperity (Proverbs 8:18). Wisdom can offer benefits which money literally cannot buy (Proverbs 8:11).

Jesus' story about a rich man who died and went to the place of suffering illustrates this truth (Luke 16:19–31). Paul tells Timothy to warn those who long to be rich that "we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world" (1 Timothy 6:7). He adds, "But 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).

King David understood the truth that the value of God's Word far exceeds the value of silver and gold. He writes: "The rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold" (Psalm 19:9–10).

Proverbs 8:1–11 comes immediately after a potent warning about a promiscuous, seductive woman. Here, Solomon again presents a woman, this time as wisdom personified (Proverbs 1:20). She calls from everywhere to men to learn prudence and sense. She cites the value of learning from her. Her words are noble, right, true, righteous, and honest. Wisdom is far greater than silver, choice gold, jewels, and everything else that can be compared with her.

In this passage, wisdom is once again imagined as a woman who cries out to be heard (Proverbs 1:20–21). Wisdom extols her own truth and value. Wisdom was part of God's creative power long before even the creation of the universe. The chapter again returns to the many benefits of godly wisdom, before completing those declarations at the start of the next chapter.

Thus far in Proverbs, Solomon has spoken about the virtues of wisdom and the need to acquire it and live by it. He has also warned about the dangers of rejecting wisdom. Chapter 7 ended with a description of a promiscuous woman seducing a foolish young man. Now, in chapter 8, he lets wisdom speak, once again personified as a woman. She speaks about her existence before creation and her gift of life to all who find her. This analogy continues into chapter 9.

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.