for she is more profitable than silverThe "she" in this verse refers to wisdom, personified as a woman throughout Proverbs. In ancient times, silver was a highly valued commodity, often used as currency and a measure of wealth. The comparison highlights the superior value of wisdom over material wealth. Biblically, wisdom is seen as a divine attribute, originating from God (
James 1:5). The pursuit of wisdom is encouraged as it leads to a life aligned with God's will, offering spiritual riches that surpass earthly treasures. This echoes the sentiment found in
Job 28:15-19, where wisdom is described as more valuable than gold and precious stones.
and her gain is better than fine gold
Gold, especially fine gold, was considered the pinnacle of wealth and prosperity in biblical times. It was used in the construction of the Temple (1 Kings 6:20-22) and symbolized purity and divine glory. The verse suggests that the benefits of wisdom exceed even the most refined and purest forms of wealth. This aligns with Jesus' teaching inMatthew 6:19-21, where He advises storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Wisdom's gain includes understanding, discernment, and a closer relationship with God, which are eternal and incorruptible, unlike material wealth.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. He was the son of King David and Bathsheba and reigned as the king of Israel.
2.
WisdomPersonified as a woman in Proverbs, wisdom is depicted as a valuable and desirable trait that leads to a prosperous and righteous life.
3.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature was highly valued and seen as a guide for living a life pleasing to God.
Teaching Points
The Value of WisdomWisdom is portrayed as more valuable than the most precious earthly materials. In a world that often prioritizes wealth and material success, this verse challenges believers to seek wisdom as a primary goal.
Eternal PerspectiveThe pursuit of wisdom aligns with an eternal perspective, focusing on spiritual growth and understanding rather than temporary, earthly gains.
Practical Benefits of WisdomWisdom leads to better decision-making, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilling life. It provides guidance and insight that surpasses the benefits of material wealth.
Seeking Wisdom from GodBelievers are encouraged to actively seek wisdom from God, who generously provides it to those who ask. This pursuit should be a daily priority in the life of a Christian.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 3:14?
2.How does Proverbs 3:14 define the value of wisdom over material wealth?
3.What practical steps can you take to seek wisdom daily?
4.How does Proverbs 3:14 connect with James 1:5 about asking for wisdom?
5.In what ways can wisdom lead to a more fulfilling life?
6.How can valuing wisdom over riches influence your financial decisions?
7.How does Proverbs 3:14 define true wealth compared to material riches?
8.What is the historical context of Proverbs 3:14?
9.How does Proverbs 3:14 challenge modern views on success and prosperity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 3?
11.What is more precious than gold?
12.What does the Bible teach about money?
13.What does the Bible say about achieving success?
14.What does the Bible teach about wisdom?What Does Proverbs 3:14 Mean
For she is more profitable than silver- “She” is wisdom, personified inProverbs 3:13, immediately preceding our verse.
- Scripture equates wisdom’s value with tangible wealth to make an unmistakable point: wisdom yields benefits that outlast material profit. CompareProverbs 8:10-11—“Receive my instruction instead of silver… for wisdom is better than jewels.”
- Silver can be lost (Proverbs 23:4-5) or corrode (James 5:2-3), but wisdom anchors the heart in God’s ways, preserving life (Proverbs 3:18).
- Examples:
• Joseph’s God-given insight saved nations from famine; silver followed later (Genesis 41:39-43).
• Solomon asked for wisdom, and material riches were added (1 Kings 3:11-13).
- Takeaway: seek wisdom first; all necessary provisions follow (Matthew 6:33).
And her gain is better than fine gold- “Gain” points to returns on investment. Wisdom’s dividends surpass the finest gold because they are eternal. Jesus echoes this priority: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).
- Gold refines in fire; wisdom refines the soul.Psalm 19:9-10 celebrates the Lord’s judgments as “sweeter than honey, more desirable than much pure gold.”
- Practical gains:
• Guidance that spares us from destructive choices (Proverbs 2:10-15).
• Peace and pleasant paths (Proverbs 3:17).
• A life that shines Christ’s light to others (Philippians 2:15-16).
- Eternal gains:
• Wisdom leads to salvation through reverent fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10;2 Timothy 3:15).
• It positions believers for heavenly rewards no thief can touch (Luke 12:33-34).
summaryWisdom, grounded in the fear of the Lord and revealed in His Word, eclipses even the most prized earthly wealth. Silver and gold can enrich a moment; godly wisdom enriches a lifetime and eternity. Pursue wisdom first, and the God who owns all treasures will handle the rest.
Verse 14. -
The merchandise (
sakh'rah); Vulgate,
acquisitio; LXX.,
ἐμπορεύεσθαι. The gain arising from trading in wisdom is better than that which arises from trading in silver.
Sakh'rah is the gain or profit arising from merchandise,
i.e. from trading. It denotes the act itself of gaining. The root
sakrah, like the Greek
ἐμπορευέσθαι, signifies "to go about for the sake of traffic,"
i.e. to trade. There may be an allusion here, as in
Proverbs 2:4, to the new commerce (Plumptre).
The gain thereof (
t'vuathah);
i.e. the gain existing in, and going along with, Wisdom herself; gain, therefore, in a different sense from that indicated in
sakh'rah. Gesenius takes it as "gain resulting from Wisdom," as in
Proverbs 8:19 and
Isaiah 23:3. The word is used of the produce of the earth, the idea apparently embodied in the Vulgate
fructus. In this case there may be a reference to ver. 18, where Wisdom is said to be a "tree of life." The LXX. omits the latter clause of this verse. The sense is, "The possession of Wisdom herself is better than fine gold."
Fine gold (
karuts); Vulgate,
aurum purum; Syriac,
aurum purissimum. Kharuts is the poetic word for gold, so called, either
(1) from its brilliancy, and then akin to the Greekχρυσός (Curtius); or
(2) from its being dug up, from the rootkharats, "to cut into or dig up, to sharpen." It evidently means the finest and purest gold, and is here contrasted with silver (keseph). The word is translated "choice gold" inProverbs 8:10; "gold" simply inProverbs 16:16; "yellow gold" inPsalm 68:13; and "fine gold" inZechariah 9:3. In the Version Junii et Tremellii it appears aseffosum aurum, "gold dug up,"i.e. gold in its native, unalloyed state. The Targum Jonathan understands it of "molten gold" (aurum conflatum).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
forכִּ֤י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionshe is moreט֣וֹב(ṭō·wḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodprofitableסַ֭חְרָהּ(saḥ·rāh)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5504:Commerce, gainthan silver,כָּ֑סֶף(kā·sep̄)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701:Silver, moneyand her gain [is better]תְּבוּאָתָֽהּ׃(tə·ḇū·’ā·ṯāh)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8393:Product, revenuethan fine gold.וּ֝מֵחָר֗וּץ(ū·mê·ḥā·rūṣ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2742:Incised, incisive, a trench, gold, a threshing-sledge, determination, eager
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:14 For her good profit is better than (Prov. Pro Pr) 
