Proverbs 23:23 kjv

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Proverbs 23:23 nkjv

Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.

Proverbs 23:23 niv

Buy the truth and do not sell it? wisdom, instruction and insight as well.

Proverbs 23:23 esv

Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Proverbs 23:23 nlt

Get the truth and never sell it;
also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.

Proverbs 23 verses

Proverbs 23 23 Meaning

Proverbs 23:23 issues a profound call to diligently acquire and steadfastly retain spiritual truth, wisdom, moral instruction, and comprehensive understanding. This acquisition is not a financial transaction but a matter of deep commitment and unwavering effort, prioritizing these divine virtues above all temporary gains or worldly allurements. Once attained, these foundations must be zealously guarded and never exchanged for anything of lesser or transient value, emphasizing their supreme and lasting worth.

Proverbs 23 23 Context

Proverbs, as part of the Bible’s wisdom literature, is primarily a collection of instructional sayings aimed at guiding individuals toward a life of godliness and prosperity by following divine principles. Chapter 23 specifically delves into a series of admonitions, cautioning against various vices such as gluttony, association with wicked individuals, pride, and succumbing to drunkenness and immoral conduct. Verse 23 acts as a pivotal positive exhortation within this framework of warnings. It commands the proactive pursuit of indispensable virtues – truth, wisdom, discipline, and understanding – positioning them as paramount against the temptations and fleeting allurements outlined elsewhere in the chapter. This reflects ancient Israelite values, where the acquisition and application of wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord, were central to personal and communal flourishing, starkly contrasting the transient, often deceptive, paths offered by pagan cultures.

Proverbs 23 23 Word analysis

• "Buy" (קְנֵה, qeneh): This imperative verb conveys acquisition through active effort and investment. It's less about a monetary purchase and more about the dedication and prioritization needed to make something one’s own. It signifies a serious, intentional pursuit that requires sacrifice and sustained effort, valuing the object of acquisition highly.
• "the truth" (אֱמֶת, ’emet): In Hebrew, ’emet denotes faithfulness, reliability, integrity, and stability, rather than merely factual accuracy. It signifies a profound moral and spiritual reality, reflecting the very character of God. It implies walking in sincerity and upholding what is right and constant.
• "and sell it not" (וְאַל תִּמְכֹּר, wə’al timkor): A firm prohibition against relinquishing or compromising these virtues. It cautions against exchanging truth for any lesser gain—be it convenience, social acceptance, material wealth, or false comfort. It underscores the intrinsic and irreplaceable value of what has been acquired, emphasizing that it should be a permanent possession, foundational to one’s life.
• "also wisdom" (חָכְמָה, ḥokmâ): Refers to the practical application of knowledge, keen discernment, and skill in living righteously. It is the ability to navigate life’s complexities with prudence, make sound moral judgments, and live according to divine principles. It transcends mere intellectual cleverness to embrace moral insight.
• "and instruction" (מוּסָר, musar): Signifies discipline, correction, and moral training. It encompasses both teaching and the reproof necessary to guide behavior and mold character. It implies a willingness to receive guidance, undergo correction, and allow one's life to be shaped by divine standards.
• "and understanding" (בִּינָה, bînâ): Denotes discerning insight and intelligence. It is the capacity to grasp profound principles, see distinctions, comprehend interconnectedness, and interpret situations correctly. It enables one to discern the nuances of truth and apply it effectively in diverse circumstances.

Words-group analysis

• "Buy the truth, and sell it not": This metaphorical couplet is a powerful command rooted in ancient marketplace language. It elevates truth to an invaluable commodity, urging active and purposeful acquisition, coupled with unwavering preservation. It critiques the transient nature of worldly transactions, contrasting them with the permanent value of spiritual truth. The admonition not to sell implies that anything offered in exchange is ultimately a deceitful and costly bargain, underscoring the vital importance of guarding one's moral and spiritual integrity.
• "also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding": This cluster represents the holistic nature of divine guidance and moral development. They are not isolated concepts but interrelated facets of a righteous life. Truth is the bedrock; wisdom is its practical application; instruction is the means by which these are internalized and character is shaped; and understanding is the faculty to perceive and distinguish them rightly. Together, they constitute a comprehensive framework for living a life that honors God and yields lasting fruit.

Proverbs 23 23 Bonus section

This proverb reflects a broader biblical theme: the kingdom of God, its truths, and its wisdom, are of immeasurable value, requiring dedicated pursuit and costly commitment (Matt 13:44-46). It implicitly argues against cultural relativism or the compromise of faith for expediency, common in any era. The "purchase" represents a choice to embrace God's reality at all costs, distinguishing it from passive belief or fleeting intellectual assent. The parallel between "truth" and its components "wisdom, instruction, and understanding" suggests that true wisdom is not mere intellectual prowess, but the practical application and embodiment of divine truth through consistent training and clear discernment.

Proverbs 23 23 Commentary

Proverbs 23:23 articulates a fundamental principle for a life built on divine foundation. It passionately commands a strenuous pursuit of virtues central to God’s nature and desired for His people: truth, practical wisdom, disciplinary training, and deep understanding. The phrase "buy... and sell not" employs a mercantile metaphor to vividly illustrate the incomparable worth of these spiritual assets. This "buying" doesn't involve money, but an earnest investment of time, desire, self-denial, and relentless effort—the daily discipline of study, prayer, and submission to God's Word. Conversely, "sell it not" means never compromising these core values for fleeting popularity, material gain, or temporary convenience. To do so would be to exchange enduring, invaluable spiritual wealth for transient, ultimately worthless substitutes. This verse underscores the Christian life as one of perpetual acquisition of righteousness and truth, matched by unyielding fidelity to what has been received. These qualities—truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding—are presented as an indivisible package, essential for living skillfully and righteously in God's world, securing both present blessing and eternal life.