Proverbs 3:14 kjv
For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
Proverbs 3:14 nkjv
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.
Proverbs 3:14 niv
for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
Proverbs 3:14 esv
for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.
Proverbs 3:14 nlt
For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
Proverbs 3 14 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 8:10 | Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold. | Wisdom is superior to silver and gold. |
| Prov 8:11 | For wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. | Wisdom surpasses all desired material wealth. |
| Prov 16:16 | How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver! | Direct comparison favoring wisdom. |
| Job 28:15 | It cannot be bought for gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. | Wisdom's incalculable value, not bought by gold or silver. |
| Job 28:16 | It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. | Wisdom's worth beyond the rarest, finest gold. |
| Job 28:17 | Gold and glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold. | Gold and glass cannot be compared to it. |
| Job 28:19 | The topaz of Cush cannot equal it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. | Pure gold cannot compare to wisdom. |
| Ps 19:10 | More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold... | God's words/laws are more desirable than fine gold. |
| Mt 6:19 | Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, | Earthly treasures are perishable. |
| Mt 6:20 | but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. | Heavenly treasures (like wisdom) are enduring. |
| Jas 1:5 | If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. | God is the source of wisdom. |
| Jas 3:17 | But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. | Characteristics of true wisdom. |
| 1 Cor 1:24 | but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. | Christ is the wisdom of God. |
| 1 Cor 1:30 | And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, | Christ provides wisdom from God. |
| Col 2:3 | in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. | All treasures of wisdom are found in Christ. |
| Phil 3:8 | Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. | Knowing Christ surpasses all earthly gain. |
| 2 Cor 4:18 | As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. | Focus on eternal values over temporal. |
| Rev 3:18 | I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself... | Spiritual "riches" are desired from Christ. |
| Ps 119:72 | The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. | God's law (wisdom) valued above great wealth. |
| Ps 119:127 | Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, more than fine gold. | Loving God's commands more than gold. |
| Isa 55:1 | Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. | Divine blessings are freely given and priceless. |
| Hag 2:8 | The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. | God owns all material wealth. |
Proverbs 3 verses
Proverbs 3 14 Meaning
Proverbs 3:14 asserts the superlative value of wisdom, proclaiming that its acquisition and profit far surpass that of the most coveted material wealth, specifically silver and the purest gold. It establishes wisdom as the ultimate treasure, yielding greater and more enduring benefits than any physical commodity.
Proverbs 3 14 Context
Proverbs 3:14 is situated within the "fatherly instructions" of Proverbs chapters 1-9, which serve as an extended introduction to the book. Specifically, verses 1-12 of chapter 3 constitute a powerful call to embrace and obey wisdom by trusting the Lord completely, honoring Him with one's wealth, and submitting to His discipline. Verses 13-18 then elaborate on the blessedness and intrinsic value of obtaining this divine wisdom, describing it in terms of life, favor, and supreme profitability. Proverbs 3:14 directly follows verse 13 ("Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding"), explaining why such a person is blessed: because wisdom's value exceeds any material wealth. The cultural context views precious metals like silver and gold as the epitome of security, luxury, and success, making the comparison particularly striking for an ancient audience accustomed to mercantile exchanges and valuing tangible assets. The emphasis is on spiritual and practical wisdom provided by God, standing in stark contrast to reliance on one's own limited understanding or the transient nature of material riches.
Proverbs 3 14 Word analysis
- For (כִּי, ki): A conjunction connecting this verse to the preceding one, providing the reason for the blessedness described in Proverbs 3:13. It signals an explanation or elaboration.
- the merchandise (סַחַר, saḥar): This noun signifies trading, commerce, profit, or gain from business. It sets up a deliberate economic metaphor, contrasting the pursuit of earthly goods with the pursuit of wisdom. The Hebrew implies the process of obtaining something through a transaction or endeavor.
- of it: Refers directly back to wisdom (חָכְמָה, ḥokmâ) mentioned in the preceding verse. The possessive suffix indicates that the "merchandise" or "trade" belongs to wisdom itself, or what is derived from wisdom.
- is better (טוֹב, ṭôv): This fundamental Hebrew adjective means good, pleasant, excellent, superior. It conveys qualitative preeminence. It’s not just "more," but inherently of higher quality and greater desirability. This comparison is definitive.
- than merchandise: Repetition of saḥar (סַחַר) creates parallelism and underscores the direct comparative nature, setting up a side-by-side evaluation.
- of silver: Silver was a standard medium of exchange and a significant form of wealth in ancient Israel, often associated with stability and widespread value. This term grounds the comparison in common experience.
- and the gain (תְּבוּאָתָהּ, tĕvû’ātāh): This noun denotes "produce," "yield," "revenue," or "profit." It speaks of the result or return received from an endeavor. While saḥar points to the act of trading, tĕvû’ātāh points to the bounty received from that trade, signifying the benefits that wisdom brings.
- thereof: Again, refers to wisdom, indicating the benefits and outcomes that flow directly from it.
- than fine gold (מִפַּז, mipaz): Paz (פַּז) refers to pure, refined gold, of the highest quality and brilliance. This term elevates the comparison beyond general gold to its most precious and untarnished form, making the statement of wisdom's superiority even more profound and conclusive.
Words-group analysis
- For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver: This phrase presents a foundational claim that the very act of dealing with or acquiring wisdom ("its merchandise") yields a superior benefit to engaging in commerce for silver. It is an economic comparison, highlighting wisdom's inherent and transactional value as being more profitable than a primary commodity like silver. This signifies a better return on one's investment of time, effort, and attention when applied to wisdom compared to material pursuits.
- and the gain thereof than fine gold: This phrase intensifies the comparison by moving from "merchandise" (the transactional value) to "gain" or "profit" (the enduring benefits received), and from silver to "fine gold," which represents the peak of material wealth and purity. It emphasizes that not only is the pursuit of wisdom more valuable, but the eventual fruits, dividends, and lasting returns obtained from it are more precious and satisfying than even the purest and most highly esteemed physical asset. The parallelism deepens the conviction that nothing earthly truly compares to wisdom's supreme, ultimate reward.
Proverbs 3 14 Bonus section
The parallelism employed in this verse, comparing "merchandise of silver" with "gain... than fine gold," uses synonymous parallelism to reinforce the singular point of wisdom's supreme value through two related yet distinct aspects (the initial trade vs. the long-term profit). This elevates wisdom beyond merely being one valuable asset to being the most valuable asset, transcending all others. This divine wisdom, later revealed perfectly in Jesus Christ, offers spiritual wealth that satisfies infinitely more than temporal riches (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30). The proverb thus sets a biblical scale of values, directing the human heart away from fleeting materialism towards the enduring, heavenly treasure of knowing and applying God's truth.
Proverbs 3 14 Commentary
Proverbs 3:14 masterfully employs mercantile language familiar to its audience to convey a profound spiritual truth: the surpassing worth of Godly wisdom. It isn't just a metaphor for vague superiority; it's a stark declaration that wisdom provides greater utility, lasting profit, and intrinsic value than the most tangible and desired forms of ancient wealth. Silver was the currency of trade, gold the mark of opulence and stability. By claiming that wisdom's "merchandise" and "gain" outshine even "fine gold," the verse positions wisdom as the ultimate treasure. This wisdom, sourced from God, offers durable riches—life, honor, peace, and security—that neither moth nor rust can corrupt (Matthew 6:19-21), and that surpass fleeting material accumulation (Proverbs 8:10-11, 16:16). It prompts a crucial evaluation of priorities: what truly constitutes ultimate wealth? The proverb unequivocally asserts it is wisdom, echoing Job's contemplation that wisdom's price cannot be weighed out in precious metals (Job 28:15-19). This highlights that wisdom is not something obtained by sheer purchasing power, but by seeking God Himself (James 1:5; Colossians 2:3).