14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
14 For the merchandise H5504 of it is better H2896 than the merchandise H5505 of silver, H3701 and the gain H8393 thereof than fine gold. H2742
14 For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, And the profit thereof than fine gold.
14 For better `is' her merchandise Than the merchandise of silver, And than gold -- her increase.
14 For the gain thereof is better than the gain of silver, and her revenue than fine gold.
14 For her good profit is better than getting silver, And her return is better than fine gold.
14 For trading in it is better than trading in silver, and its profit greater than bright gold.
My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 3
Commentary on Proverbs 3 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 3
Pr 3:1-35. The study of truth commended. God must be feared, honored, and trusted, and filial submission, under chastisement, exhibited. The excellence of wisdom urged and illustrated by its place in the divine counsels. Piety enforced by a contrast of the destiny of the righteous and the wicked.
1. law [and] commandments—all divine instructions (see on Ps 119:1 and Ps 119:4).
let thine heart keep—or sincerely observe (Pr 4:13; 5:2).
2. length … life—often promised as blessings (Ps 21:4; 91:16).
peace—includes prosperity (Ps 125:5).
add—abound to thee.
3. mercy and truth—God's faithfulness to His promises is often expressed by these terms (Ps 25:10; 57:3). As attributes of men, they express integrity in a wide sense (Pr 16:6; 20:28).
bind … write … heart—outwardly adorn and inwardly govern motives.
4. favour—grace, amiability (Pr 22:11; Ps 45:2); united with this,
a good understanding—(Compare Margin), a discrimination, which secures success.
in the sight … man—such as God and man approve.
5. Trust … heart—This is the center and marrow of true wisdom (Pr 22:19; 28:25). The positive duty has its corresponding negation in the admonition against self-confidence.
6. ways—(Ps 1:1).
acknowledge—by seeking His wise aid (Pr 16:3; Ps 37:5; Jer 9:23, 24).
direct—literally, "make plain" (compare Heb 12:13).
7. (Compare Pr 27:2; Ro 12:16).
fear … evil—reverentially regarding His law.
8. It—This conduct.
health—(Compare Margin).
to thy navel—for all the organs of nourishment.
marrow—(Compare Margin).
bones—frame of body. True piety promotes bodily health.
9, 10. (Compare Pr 11:25; Ex 23:19; De 18:4; Isa 32:8; 2Co 9:13).
10. presses—or wine fats (Joe 2:24; 3:13).
11, 12. The true intent of afflictions considered; they do not contradict the assertion of the blessed state of the pious (Job 5:17; Heb 12:5, 6).
12. he delighteth—or receiveth as denoting reconciliation regarding the offense which produced chastisement.
13. findeth—literally, "reaches," or "obtains by seeking."
getteth—literally, "draws out," as metals by digging.
14, 15. The figure of Pr 3:13 carried out.
it—that is, wisdom.
merchandise of silver—acquisition by trading.
fine gold—dug gold, solid as a nugget.
15. rubies—gems, or pearls.
16, 17. Wisdom personified as bringing the best blessings (compare Mt 6:33; 1Ti 4:8).
17. Her ways—such as she directs us to take.
18. Wisdom allegorized as
a tree of life—(Ge 2:9; 3:22) whose fruit preserves life, gives all that makes living a blessing.
19, 20. The place of wisdom in the economy of creation and providence commends it to men, who, in proportion to their finite powers, may possess this invaluable attribute, and are thus encouraged by the divine example of its use to seek its possession.
21. sound wisdom—(compare Pr 2:7).
let … eyes—that is, these words of instruction.
22-24. assign reasons in their value for happiness and ornament, guidance and support in dangers, both when waking and sleeping.
25. Be not—or, "You shall not be."
sudden fear—what causes it (Pr 1:27), any unlooked-for evil (Ps 46:3; 91:12; 1Pe 3:14).
desolation—(Pr 1:27).
26. The reason; such as are objects of God's favor.
be thy confidence—literally, "in thy confidence," in the source of thy strength (compare Na 3:9, for the same construction, Hebrew).
27, 28. Promptly fulfil all obligations both of justice and charity (compare Jas 2:15, 16).
29, 30. Do not abuse confidence and avoid litigation.
31. oppressor—or man of mischief. The destiny of successful evildoers warns against desiring their lot (Ps 37:1, 2, 35, 36).
32-35. Reasons for the warning.
froward—(Pr 2:15).
secret … righteous—in their communion (Am 3:7).
33. curse … wicked—It abides with them, and will be manifested.
34. The retribution of sinners, as in Ps 18:26.
35. inherit—as a portion.
shame—or disgrace, as opposed to honor.
promotion—(Compare Margin); as honor for well-doing makes men conspicuous, so fools are signalized by disgrace.