TRV
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Commentary on Proverbs 23 verses 19–28
Here is good advice for parents to give to their children; words are put into their mouths, that they may train them up in the way they should go. Here we have,
I. An earnest call to young people to attend to the advice of their godly parents, not only to this that is here given, but to all other profitable instructions: "Here, my son, and be wise, Pro 23:19. This will be an evidence that thou art wise and a means to make thee wiser." Wisdom, as faith, comes by hearing. And again (Pro 23:22): "Hearken unto thy father who begot thee, and who therefore has an authority over thee and an affection for thee, and, thou mayest be sure, can have no other design than thy own good." We ought to give reverence to the fathers of our flesh, who begot us, and were the instruments of our being; much more ought we to obey and be in subjection to the Father of our spirits, who made us and is the author of our being. And since the mother also, from a sense of duty to God and from love to her child, gives him good instructions, let him not despise her, nor her advice, when she is old. When the mother was grown old we may suppose the children to be grown up; but let them not think themselves past being taught, even by her, but rather respect her the more for the multitude of her years and the wisdom which they teach. Scornful and insolent young men will make a jest, it may be, of the good advice of an aged mother, and think themselves not concerned to heed what an old woman says; but such will have a great deal to answer for another day, not only as having set at nought good counsel, but as having slighted and grieved a good mother, Pro 30:17.
II. An argument to enforce this call, taken from the great comfort which this will be to their parents, Pro 23:24, Pro 23:25. Note, 1. It is the duty of children to study how they may gladden the hearts of their good parents, and do it yet more and more, so that they may greatly rejoice in them, even when the evil days come and the years of which they say they have no pleasure in them but this, to see their children do well, as Barzillai to see Chimham preferred. 2. Children will be a joy to their parents if they be righteous and wise. Righteousness is true wisdom; those who do good so well for themselves. Those are completely such as they should be who are not only wise (that is, knowing and learned), but righteous (that is, honest and good), and not only righteous (that is, conscientious and well-meaning), but wise (that is, prudent and discreet) in the management of themselves. If such the children be, especially all the children, the father and mother will be glad, and think nothing too much that they have done, or do, for them; they will please themselves in them, and give God thanks for them; particularly she that bore them with pain, and nursed them with pains, will rejoice in them, and reckon herself well requited, and the sorrow more than forgotten, because a wise and good man is the product of it, who is a blessing to the world he was born into.
III. Some general precepts of wisdom and virtue.
1.Guide thy heart in the way, Pro 23:19. It is the heart that must be taken care of and directed aright; the motions and affections of the soul must be towards right objects and under a steady guidance. If the heart be guided in the way, the steps will be guided and the conversation well ordered.
2.Buy the truth and sell it not, Pro 23:23. Truth is that by which the heart must be guided and governed, for without truth there is no goodness; no regular practices without right principles. It is by the power of truth, known and believed, that we must be kept back from sin and constrained to duty. The understanding must be well-informed with wisdom and instruction, and therefore, (1.) We must buy it, that is, be willing to part with any thing for it. He does not say at what rate we must buy it, because we cannot buy it too dear, but must have it at any rate; whatever it costs us, we shall not repent the bargain. When we are at expense for the means of knowledge, and resolved not to starve so good a cause, then we buy the truth. Riches should be employed for the getting of knowledge, rather than knowledge for the getting of riches. When we are at pains in searching after truth, that we may come to the knowledge of it and may distinguish between it and error, then we buy it. Dii laboribus omnia vendunt - Heaven concedes every thing to the laborious. When we choose rather to suffer loss in our temporal interest than to deny or neglect the truth they we buy it; and it is a pearl of such great price that we must be willing to part with all to purchase it, must make shipwreck of estate, trade, preferment, rather than of faith and a good conscience. (2.) We must not sell it. Do not part with it for pleasures, honours, riches, any things in this world. Do not neglect the study of it, nor throw off the profession of it, nor revolt from under the dominion of it, for the getting or saving of any secular interest whatsoever. Hold fast the form of sound words, and never let it go upon any terms.
3.Give my thy heart, Pro 23:26. God in this exhortation, speaks to us as unto children: "Son, Daughter, Give my thy heart." The heart is that which the great God requires and calls for from every one of us; whatever we give, if we do not give him our hearts, it will not be accepted. We must set our love upon him. Our thoughts must converse much with him, and on him, as our highest end. The intents of our hearts must be fastened. We must make it our own act and deed to devote ourselves to the Lord, and we must be free and cheerful in it. We must not think to divide the heart between God and the world; he will have all or none. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart. To this call we must readily answer, "My father, take my heart, such as it is, and make it such as it should be; take possession of it, and set up thy throne in it."
4.Let thy eyes observe my ways; have an eye to the rule of God's word, the conduct of his providence, and the good examples of his people. Our eyes must observe these, as he that writes observes his copy, that we may keep in the right paths and may proceed and persevere in them.
IV. Some particular cautions against those sins which are, of all sins, the most destructive to the seeds of wisdom and grace in the soul, which impoverish and ruin it. 1. Gluttony and drunkenness, Pro 23:20, Pro 23:21. The world is full of examples of this sin and temptations to it, which all young people are concerned to stand upon their guard against and keep at a distance from Be not a wine-bibber; we are allowed to drink a little wine (Ti1 5:23), but not much, not to make a trade of it, never to drink to excess. Be not a riotous eater of flesh, as the Israelites were, who lusted exceedingly after it, saying, Who will give us flesh to eat? Whereas Paul, though he is free to eat flesh, yet resolves that he will eat no flesh while the world stands rather than make his brother to offend; so indifferent is he to it, Co1 8:13. Be not an excessive eater of flesh. Intemperance must be avoided in meat as well as drink. Be not a luxurious eater of flesh, not pleased with any thing but what is very nice and delicate, savoury dishes, and forced meat. Some take not only a pleasure, but a pride, in being curious about their diet, and, as they call it, eating well; as if that were the ornament of a gentleman, which is really the shame of a Christian, making a God of the belly. "Be not a wine bibber, and be not a riotous eater; and therefore, be not among wine-bibbers nor among riotous eaters; do not give them countenance, lest thou learn their ways and insensibly fall into those sins, or at least lose the dread and detestation of them. They covet to have thee among them; for those that are debauched themselves are very desirous to debauch others; therefore do not gratify them, lest thou endanger thyself." He fetches an argument against this sin from the expensiveness of it and its tendency to impoverish men: and if men will not be deterred from it by the ruin it brings on their secular interests, which lie nearest their hearts, no marvel that they are not frightened from it by what they are told out of the word of God of the mischief it does them in their spiritual and eternal concerns. The drunkard and the glutton hate to be reformed, though they are told they shall come to poverty, nay, though they are told they shall come to hell. Drunkenness is the cause of drowsiness; it stupefies men, and makes them inattentive to business, and then all goes to wreck and ruin: thus men that have lived creditably come to be clothed with rags. 2. Whoredom. This is another sin which takes away the heart that should be given to God, Hos 4:11. He shows the danger which attends that sin, Pro 23:27, Pro 23:28, (1.) It is a sin from which few recover themselves when once they are entangled in it. It is like a deep ditch and a narrow pit, which it is almost impossible to get out of; and therefore it is wisdom to keep far enough from the brink of it. Take heed of making any approaches towards this sin, because it is so hard to make a retreat from it, conscience, which should head the retreat, being debauched by it, and divine grace forfeited. (2.) It is a sin which bewitches men to their ruin: The adulteress lies in wait as a robber, pretending friendship, but designing the greatest mischief, to rob them of all they have that is valuable, to strip them both of their armour and of their ornaments. Even those who, being virtuously educated, endeavour to shun the adulteress, she will lie in wait for, that she may assault them when they are off their guard and she has them at an advantage. Let none therefore be at any time secure. (3.) It is a sin that contributes more than any other to the spreading of vice and immorality in a kingdom: It increases the transgressors among men. One adulteress may be the ruin of many a precious soul and may help to debauch a whole town. It increases the treacherous or perfidious ones; it not only occasions husbands to be false to their wives and servants to their masters, but many that have professed religion to throw off their profession and break their covenants with God. Houses of uncleanness are therefore such pest-houses as ought to be suppressed by those whose office it is to take care of the public welfare.
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SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:23 issues a profound and urgent dual imperative, compelling the reader to actively acquire and steadfastly safeguard the most invaluable spiritual and intellectual assets: divine truth, practical wisdom, moral instruction, and profound understanding. This verse encapsulates a core principle of biblical wisdom literature, asserting that these virtues are not merely desirable but essential, demanding a lifelong, diligent pursuit and an unwavering commitment to their retention, as they represent treasures of far greater worth than any material possession.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:23 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and urgent message. The most prominent is Metaphor, where abstract virtues—truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding—are vividly presented as tangible commodities that can be "bought" and "sold" in a marketplace. This commercial imagery makes the concept immediately relatable and powerfully emphasizes the immense value and the significant effort required for their acquisition and unwavering retention. The use of the Imperative Mood ("Buy," "sell not") creates a direct, forceful command, demanding immediate and decisive action and commitment from the hearer. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a form of Parallelism, specifically a cumulative listing of related virtues ("truth," "wisdom," "instruction," and "understanding"). While distinct, their grouping creates a comprehensive and reinforcing effect, underscoring the holistic nature of the spiritual and intellectual pursuit being advocated. This enumeration also functions as a rhetorical device for Emphasis, highlighting the broad and indispensable scope of the divine qualities that are to be prioritized above all else.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 23:23 profoundly articulates the biblical emphasis on the supreme value of divine wisdom and truth, positioning them as the most crucial investments one can make. Theologically, it asserts that true wealth, lasting security, and genuine flourishing are found not in material possessions, which are inherently fleeting, but in the enduring spiritual and intellectual virtues that align one with God's character and purposes. This verse underscores the active human responsibility in seeking God's truth and wisdom, implying that while God is the ultimate source, individuals must diligently pursue and apply themselves to acquire these divine gifts through study, reflection, and obedience. It also highlights the concept of stewardship, not merely of material resources, but of one's mind, heart, and spirit, urging a faithful preservation of the spiritual treasures once gained, recognizing their eternal significance and the danger of compromising them for temporal gain.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:23 serves as a timeless and urgent challenge to re-evaluate our priorities in a world often preoccupied with transient gains, superficial knowledge, and fleeting pleasures. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our values, urging us to invest our most precious resources—our time, energy, focus, and even our comfort—into the acquisition of divine truth, profound wisdom, moral instruction, and deep understanding. This means diligently engaging with God's Word, humbly seeking spiritual guidance from wise mentors, and embracing the discipline necessary for genuine spiritual and intellectual growth. Furthermore, the command to "sell it not" is a powerful call to steadfastness, integrity, and unwavering conviction. In an age of shifting values, moral relativism, and convenient compromises, we are exhorted to guard our convictions fiercely, to stand firm on biblical truth, and to refuse to trade eternal principles for temporary comfort, social acceptance, material advantage, or fleeting popularity. Our lives should visibly reflect the profound value we place on these spiritual commodities, demonstrating to a watching world that our true treasure lies in our relationship with God and the wisdom derived from Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "buy the truth" mean if it's not about money?
Answer: "Buying the truth" in Proverbs 23:23 is a profound and powerful metaphor. It does not refer to a literal financial transaction, as truth is not a commodity that can be purchased with money. Instead, it signifies a deliberate, active, and often costly investment of one's time, effort, focus, and even personal sacrifice to acquire, learn, and embrace divine truth. Just as a shrewd merchant would invest heavily in something of immense and lasting value, so too should an individual commit fully to gaining spiritual insight and understanding. This "cost" might involve diligent study of God's Word, humble submission to wise counsel, undergoing personal discipline and correction, or even enduring hardship and opposition for the sake of conviction, as highlighted throughout the wisdom literature of the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.
Why is it so important to "sell it not" once truth and wisdom are acquired?
Answer: The command to "sell it not" emphasizes the irreplaceable, non-negotiable, and eternal value of truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding. Once these virtues are acquired, they are to be held onto with unwavering tenacity because they are far more precious and enduring than any worldly possession or fleeting advantage. To "sell" them would imply compromising one's convictions, abandoning moral principles for expediency, trading spiritual discernment for temporary pleasures, social acceptance, or material gain, or even outright apostasy. This warning underscores the lifelong commitment required to live by God's truth and wisdom, guarding against moral decay, spiritual compromise, and the temptation to exchange eternal values for temporal benefits. It is a call to steadfastness in faith and integrity, a theme echoed in the New Testament's call to stand firm in the faith and hold fast to what is good, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:13.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:23, with its profound call to "buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely a purveyor of truth and wisdom, but the very embodiment of them. As John 14:6 declares, Jesus is "the way, and the truth, and the life." To "buy the truth" in the New Covenant era is to embrace Christ Himself, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). The "instruction" and "understanding" that the proverb commends are perfectly revealed and imparted through His teachings, His life, and the work of His Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth (John 16:13). We are called to "buy" Him, not with money, but with our very lives, surrendering all to gain the incomparable worth of knowing Him, as the Apostle Paul articulates in Philippians 3:7-8, counting everything else as loss for the sake of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord. And once we have Him, we are commanded to "sell Him not"—to hold fast to our confession of faith, to remain steadfast in His truth, and never to trade the eternal riches found in Him for the fleeting allurements, pressures, or temporary gains of the world (Hebrews 10:23). Jesus is the ultimate wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24), the source of all true instruction, and the one who grants spiritual understanding, making this ancient proverb a powerful foreshadowing of the preeminence and indispensability of Christ in the believer's life and eternal destiny.