Proverbs 8:35 kjv

For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

Proverbs 8:35 nkjv

For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD;

Proverbs 8:35 niv

For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD.

Proverbs 8:35 esv

For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD,

Proverbs 8:35 nlt

For whoever finds me finds life
and receives favor from the LORD.

Proverbs 8 verses

Proverbs 8 35 Meaning

Proverbs 8:35 declares that the one who "finds" (acquires, embraces) personified Wisdom also "finds life" (meaning profound, abundant, spiritual existence, not merely physical) and "obtains favor from the Lord." This verse is a powerful assurance that seeking and aligning with God's divine wisdom leads to the deepest form of human flourishing and the express approval and blessing of God Himself.

Proverbs 8 35 Context

Proverbs chapter 8 presents a powerful and extended personification of Wisdom (Hebrew: Ḥokhmah). Wisdom is depicted as a majestic, noble, and eternal being who stands at the high places, the crossroads, and the city gates, loudly inviting all humanity to hear her instruction and receive her benefits. She offers true wealth, enduring riches, righteousness, and counsel, declaring her origins as being with God from the very beginning of creation, even before the foundations of the earth were laid. She assisted Him as a master craftsman, rejoicing in His presence and delighting in the sons of men. The surrounding verses in Proverbs 8 underscore the invaluable nature of Wisdom, portraying her gifts as far superior to silver, gold, or jewels. This specific verse (8:35) acts as a concluding promise within Wisdom's invitation, directly linking the pursuit of wisdom to finding genuine life and securing God's personal approval, implicitly contrasting with the destructive path of Folly and pagan beliefs that promised life but delivered ruin.

Proverbs 8 35 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - kî): A conjunctive particle, often translated as "for," "because," "indeed," or "surely." It introduces the reason or consequence for Wisdom's preceding exhortations (e.g., in v. 34, "blessed is the one who listens to me"). It reinforces the positive outcome tied to following Wisdom's call.
• whoever finds (מֹצְאִי - mots’ēy): From the root verb מָצָא (matsa') meaning "to find, discover, obtain, achieve." It implies more than accidental stumbling; it suggests seeking, diligent searching, active appropriation, and a conscious recognition of value. It refers to the one who truly grasps, takes hold of, and incorporates Wisdom into their life.
• me: Refers to personified Wisdom, the central figure and speaker of Proverbs 8. As interpreted later through biblical revelation, this Wisdom profoundly points to the pre-existent Christ, the Logos, through whom all things were created and in whom all treasures of wisdom are hidden.
• finds life (יִמְצָא חַיִּים - yimtsa’ khayyîm): Literally "will find lives." The Hebrew word ḥayyîm (life) is frequently plural, suggesting a comprehensive, full, abundant, flourishing existence—spiritual vitality, prosperity, well-being, and genuine enjoyment of life in its richest sense, beyond mere biological existence. It stands in stark contrast to the death (spiritual, moral, physical) offered by foolishness.
• and obtains (וַיָּפֶק - va-yapheq): From the verb יָפַק (yapaq) or נָפַק (naphaq), meaning "to bring forth, draw out, extract, gain, obtain." This verb often describes gaining something desirable or valuable through effort or consequence. It suggests a concrete outcome, a definite securing of a beneficial result, not just a vague hope.
• favor (רָצוֹן - rātsôn): Signifies "delight, pleasure, goodwill, acceptance, approval, grace, favor." It's not just passive tolerance but God's active, positive disposition and pleasure towards the individual. This is a divine blessing and endorsement, signifying that the one with Wisdom lives in a way that pleases God.
• from the Lord (מֵיְהוָה - mê-YHWH): Emphasizes that this favor originates directly from Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. It highlights that the blessings of Wisdom are not human-generated achievements but divine endowments, rooted in God's sovereign will and gracious character. It underscores the ultimate source of all true good.

• "whoever finds me finds life": This phrase highlights the intimate and causal connection between seeking and embracing divine wisdom and experiencing a full, vital, and spiritually rich existence. Wisdom is not merely theoretical but transformational, imparting life itself. This also draws a strong contrast with the destructive path of Folly (personified in Prov 9) which leads to the depths of death.
• "finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord": This segment connects ultimate flourishing with divine approval. The life gained through wisdom is not just existential but also relational—it places the individual in a state of grace and delight with God. It indicates a restored or proper relationship with the Creator, where one's actions and heart align with His good pleasure.

Proverbs 8 35 Bonus section

The "life" (hayyim) promised by Wisdom in this verse is foundational to the concept of abundant life taught throughout Scripture, reaching its fullest expression in the New Testament with Jesus Christ (Jn 10:10). This comprehensive sense of "life" includes deliverance from destruction, spiritual well-being, material sufficiency (when God wills), and enduring fellowship with the Creator. The "favor from the Lord" (ratson meYHWH) extends beyond a simple smile from God; it speaks of being an object of God's settled pleasure, where His good will and beneficial purpose are actively directed toward the individual. This divine approval can lead to blessing in all areas of life (Deut 28:1-14). Historically, wisdom literature often contrasted the pursuit of divine truth with humanistic or polytheistic philosophies; this verse implicitly functions as a polemic against systems that promised peace or prosperity through human effort or idolatry but ultimately led to chaos and God's displeasure.

Proverbs 8 35 Commentary

Proverbs 8:35 serves as a climax to Wisdom's passionate appeal, summarizing the ultimate benefits of embracing her. To "find" Wisdom is to genuinely apprehend and internalize God's established order, moral law, and divine truth, leading to an active alignment of one's life with them. This results in "life"—a qualitative, holistic, and vibrant existence, encompassing spiritual vitality, relational harmony, physical well-being, and profound purpose. This "life" contrasts sharply with the emptiness and ultimate destruction offered by alternative paths. Furthermore, such a life attracts "favor from the Lord," signifying God's direct approval, delight, and blessings. It's a testament to the fact that living according to God's wisdom brings about a harmonious relationship with Him, securing His good pleasure, which is the source of all true blessedness. For believers, this "finding" of Wisdom points supremely to knowing Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine Wisdom, through whom ultimate life and acceptance by God are granted.

• Example: One who chooses humility and repentance over pride and self-righteousness "finds life" by gaining peace with God and others, and "obtains favor" through God's forgiveness and restorative grace.