Proverbs 3:14

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

Complete Jewish Bible:

for her profit exceeds that of silver, gaining her is better than gold,

Berean Standard Bible:

for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold.

American Standard Version:

For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, And the profit thereof than fine gold.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For the merchandise^{H5504} of it is better^{H2896} than the merchandise^{H5505} of silver^{H3701}, and the gain^{H8393} thereof than fine gold^{H2742}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 3:14

Proverbs 3:14, which reads, "For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold," is part of a larger passage in the book of Proverbs that extols the value of wisdom. The verse itself is a continuation of the acclamation of wisdom that begins in Proverbs 3:13, where those who find wisdom are said to be happy and fortunate.

In the historical context of the ancient Near East, wisdom was seen as a precious commodity, crucial for a well-lived life. The verse uses mercantile language to convey the idea that wisdom is more valuable than the most precious metals—silver and gold—which were the standards of wealth and commerce at the time. By comparing wisdom to these highly sought-after materials, the author emphasizes that the benefits of wisdom surpass even the greatest financial gains one could achieve through trade or acquisition.

The theme of the verse is the supreme value of wisdom. It suggests that the pursuit of wisdom yields richer rewards than the pursuit of material wealth. This aligns with the broader teachings in Proverbs, which often contrast the temporary and sometimes deceptive nature of riches with the enduring and enriching nature of wisdom. The verse encourages readers to prioritize the cultivation of wisdom, insight, and understanding above the accumulation of worldly possessions, implying that wisdom enriches one's life in ways that material wealth simply cannot.

In summary, Proverbs 3:14 highlights the superiority of wisdom over material wealth, using the metaphor of commerce to underscore the idea that wisdom's rewards are more valuable than the profits gained from the trade of the finest physical goods, such as silver and gold. This verse reflects the high esteem in which wisdom was held in the ancient world and continues to be a guiding principle for personal development and decision-making in contemporary faith-based contexts.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5504
   There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סַחַר
   Transliteration: çachar
   Pronunciation: sakh'-ar
   Description: from סָחַר; profit (from trade); merchandise.
   
2. Strong's Number: H2896
   There are 517 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טוֹב
   Transliteration: ṭôwb
   Pronunciation: tobe
   Description: from טוֹב; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured).
   
3. Strong's Number: H5505
   There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סָחַר
   Transliteration: çâchar
   Pronunciation: saw-khar'
   Description: from סָחַר; an emporium; abstractly, profit (from trade); mart, merchandise.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3701
   There are 343 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כֶּסֶף
   Transliteration: keçeph
   Pronunciation: keh'-sef
   Description: from כָּסַף; silver (from its pale color); by implication, money; money, price, silver(-ling).
   
5. Strong's Number: H8393
   There are 40 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תְּבוּאָה
   Transliteration: tᵉbûwʼâh
   Pronunciation: teb-oo-aw'
   Description: from בּוֹא; income, i.e. produce (literally or figuratively); fruit, gain, increase, revenue.
   
6. Strong's Number: H2742
   There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֲרוּץ
   Transliteration: chărûwts
   Pronunciation: khaw-roots'
   Description: or חָרֻץ; passive participle of חָרַץ; properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp teeth); (figuratively) determination; also eager; decision, diligent, (fine) gold, pointed things, sharp, threshing instrument, wall.