Proverbs 3:13 kjv

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

Proverbs 3:13 nkjv

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;

Proverbs 3:13 niv

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,

Proverbs 3:13 esv

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,

Proverbs 3:13 nlt

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.

Proverbs 3 verses

Proverbs 3 13 Meaning

Proverbs 3:13 declares that a state of profound blessedness or true happiness belongs to the individual who actively seeks and acquires wisdom and understanding. This is not a superficial joy but a deep, lasting well-being that flows from a life aligned with divine truth and discernment. The verse initiates a section praising wisdom as supremely valuable, more precious than any earthly treasure, emphasizing its indispensable role in achieving a truly flourishing life guided by God's principles.

Proverbs 3 13 Context

Proverbs chapter 3 is a fervent exhortation from a father to his son, emphasizing the profound value and benefits of adhering to wisdom. It is a part of the book's introductory "discourse poems" (Proverbs 1-9), which lay the theological and philosophical foundation for the short, pithy sayings that follow in the rest of the book. Verses 1-12 detail various promises for those who trust in the Lord with all their heart, lean not on their own understanding, honor God with their wealth, and welcome His discipline. Proverbs 3:13 then serves as a central affirmation, highlighting that true happiness and blessedness are found specifically in the acquisition of "wisdom" and "understanding." The subsequent verses (3:14-18) continue to praise wisdom by comparing its worth to silver, gold, and rubies, asserting that it offers long life, riches, honor, pleasant paths, and peace—all qualities contrasting with the fleeting allure of worldly possessions and human reasoning. The passage stands in mild polemic against the notion that true blessedness is derived primarily from material prosperity, military might, or human ingenuity apart from God, which were common ideals in the ancient Near East. Instead, it anchors flourishing in divine wisdom.

Proverbs 3 13 Word analysis

• Blessed (אשׁרי - ashre): This term, often translated "happy" in older versions, denotes a profound state of flourishing, well-being, and favor that comes from God. It describes a divinely-approved state, indicating deep satisfaction and an ideal existence rather than merely a fleeting emotion. This same root is used throughout the Psalms to describe those who walk righteously before God.
• is the one who finds (מָצָא - matsa): This verb signifies discovery, attainment, or coming into possession of something. It implies active seeking, rather than accidental discovery. The person described here has earnestly searched and successfully come upon this precious attribute.
• wisdom (חכמה - chokmah): This is a comprehensive Hebrew term meaning practical skill, discernment, prudence, and an understanding of how to live rightly in God's world. It is more than mere intellectual knowledge; it encompasses moral and spiritual insight, the ability to apply truth, and ultimately, stems from the "fear of the LORD" (Prov 1:7). It guides decision-making and leads to skillful living.
• and the one who obtains (מֵפִיק - mefiq, from נָפַק - naphaq): This verb implies bringing something forth, producing, or acquiring it through effort. It suggests a proactive, diligent pursuit and an active gaining of understanding, mirroring the active seeking of matsa.
• understanding (תבונה - tevunah): Often paired with chokmah, this term refers to discernment, insight, and the ability to comprehend, make sense of complex situations, and grasp the meaning of things. While chokmah is about skillful living, tevunah provides the intellectual framework and insight into "how" things work or "why" things are. It allows one to differentiate, interpret, and make judicious decisions.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who obtains understanding": This construction highlights a parallel relationship between "wisdom" and "understanding." They are two distinct yet complementary facets of a unified concept. Wisdom (chokmah) relates to practical living and skill, while understanding (tevunah) concerns insightful discernment. The phrasing suggests that a truly wise person also possesses keen understanding, and vice versa. The active verbs "finds" and "obtains" emphasize that these are not passive gifts but are diligently pursued and acquired through intentional effort and a devoted heart, recognizing their supreme value. The "blessedness" results directly from this acquisition, painting a picture of a fulfilling life derived from divine illumination and practical godliness.

Proverbs 3 13 Bonus section

The emphasis on "finding" and "obtaining" highlights the accessible nature of wisdom for those who seek it diligently. It is not an esoteric secret but something that can be acquired. However, the consistent teaching in Proverbs (e.g., Prov 1:7) reveals that the foundation for this chokmah and tevunah is the "fear of the Lord"—a reverential awe and obedient submission to God. Thus, seeking wisdom is synonymous with seeking God Himself and His ways. The parallel between chokmah and tevunah throughout Proverbs indicates a robust, two-fold quality: wisdom to live skillfully, and understanding to perceive rightly. Together, they represent a complete practical and insightful approach to life from God's perspective.

Proverbs 3 13 Commentary

Proverbs 3:13 encapsulates a central truth of biblical wisdom literature: genuine flourishing is intrinsically linked to the pursuit and possession of wisdom and understanding. This is not simply about being intelligent, but about discerning and applying God's truth to everyday life. The "blessedness" (or deep happiness/well-being) promised here transcends worldly measures of success. It suggests a life lived in harmony with divine principles, leading to inner peace, discernment in decisions, and protection from the pitfalls of foolishness. Wisdom, sourced from God (Jas 1:5) and ultimately embodied in Christ (1 Cor 1:30, Col 2:3), transforms a person from the inside out, affecting their judgment, their actions, and their ultimate destiny. It provides clarity in complex situations, guiding the wise person toward paths of righteousness and fruitfulness (Prov 3:17-18). This verse serves as an invitation to prioritize spiritual discernment over material gain or human cleverness, promising a superior reward: a life truly favored by God.For example, a person facing a difficult career decision finds wisdom through prayer and seeking godly counsel, leading to a path that brings spiritual peace even if it involves less material gain. Or, a parent navigating challenges with their child relies on understanding gained from biblical principles about nurturing, patience, and discipline, leading to healthy family dynamics rather than simply reacting out of emotion.