Proverbs 19:8

¶ He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

He that getteth {H7069} wisdom {H3820} loveth {H157} his own soul {H5315}: he that keepeth {H8104} understanding {H8394} shall find {H4672} good {H2896}.

To acquire good sense is to love oneself; to treasure discernment is to prosper.

He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.

He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good.

Proverbs 19:8 underscores the profound benefits of acquiring and retaining wisdom and understanding. It presents a timeless principle: pursuing spiritual and practical insight is an act of self-love and leads to a life of flourishing.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient wisdom sayings, primarily attributed to King Solomon, designed to impart moral and spiritual instruction. It often contrasts the path of the wise with that of the foolish, highlighting the consequences of each. This particular verse fits squarely within the book's overarching theme that wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical skill for living righteously and successfully. It is part of a larger section (chapters 10-29) that offers numerous individual proverbs on various aspects of life, emphasizing prudence, diligence, and the fear of the Lord.

Key Themes

  • The Value of Wisdom: The verse elevates wisdom as something profoundly beneficial, portraying its acquisition as a loving act towards one's own well-being. It suggests that true self-interest aligns with the pursuit of wisdom.
  • Self-Preservation Through Prudence: "Loveth his own soul" implies that wisdom guides individuals to make choices that preserve and enhance their life, both spiritually and practically. It's a form of enlightened self-care that prevents destructive paths.
  • The Reward of Understanding: "He that keepeth understanding shall find good" promises positive outcomes for those who not only gain but also retain and apply discernment. This "good" encompasses overall well-being, success, peace, and favor, not just material prosperity.
  • Active Acquisition and Retention: The verbs "getteth" and "keepeth" emphasize an active, ongoing process. Wisdom is not passively received but diligently sought, and understanding must be guarded and applied consistently.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wisdom" here is chokmah (חָכְמָה), which often refers to a practical skill or dexterity, not just theoretical knowledge. In a moral and spiritual context, it means the ability to live skillfully according to divine principles. "Understanding" is typically tebunah (תְּבוּנָה) or binah (בִּינָה), signifying discernment, the capacity to distinguish between right and wrong, and to grasp the deeper meaning of things. To "love one's own soul" (נַפְשׁוֹ) means to act in one's true best interest, recognizing that wise choices lead to a flourishing life. The phrase "shall find good" (יִמְצָא טוֹב) implies discovering and experiencing what is genuinely beneficial, favorable, and wholesome.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to actively pursue wisdom and understanding as a vital part of their spiritual journey and daily life. It reminds us that prioritizing God's wisdom leads to true flourishing, far beyond fleeting pleasures or material gain. We can gain this wisdom by diligently studying God's Word, praying for discernment, and seeking counsel from godly individuals. Embracing wisdom is not a burdensome task but a loving investment in our own souls, yielding lasting benefits and guiding us to make choices that truly lead to "good" in every sense.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 16:20

    ¶ He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy [is] he.

  • Proverbs 8:35

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

  • Proverbs 8:36

    But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

  • Proverbs 3:18

    She [is] a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is every one] that retaineth her.

  • Proverbs 4:6

    Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

  • Proverbs 2:1

    ¶ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

  • Proverbs 2:9

    Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; [yea], every good path.

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