Proverbs 23:23

KJV

Buy the truth, and sell [it] not; [also] wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

KJV (with Strong's)

Buy {H7069} the truth {H571}, and sell {H4376} it not; also wisdom {H2451}, and instruction {H4148}, and understanding {H998}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Buy the truth, don't sell it, also wisdom, discipline and discernment.

Berean Standard Bible

Invest in truth and never sell it— in wisdom and instruction and understanding.

American Standard Version

Buy the truth, and sell it not; Yea, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 23:23 is situated within a significant collection of "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), which differs stylistically from the earlier Solomonic proverbs. This section often adopts a direct, paternal tone, offering practical and moral guidance from a teacher to a student or a father to a son. The immediate preceding verses (e.g., [Proverbs 23:19-21](/proverbs/23-19-21 "Proverbs 23:19-21 - Warnings Against Gluttony and Drunkenness")) caution against the dangers of gluttony, drunkenness, and idleness, underscoring the necessity of disciplined living and prudent choices. Following this verse, the text continues to provide admonitions against associating with evil individuals and warnings about the perils of immorality (e.g., [Proverbs 23:26-28](/proverbs/23-26-28 "Proverbs 23:26-28 - Warnings Against Immorality")). In this context, Proverbs 23:23 serves as a foundational call to embrace the core virtues that equip one to navigate life's myriad temptations and complexities with integrity and discernment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which emphasized the acquisition of practical and moral knowledge for successful living. In ancient Israel, wisdom was not solely an academic pursuit but a vital component of societal order and individual flourishing, often associated with righteous leadership and divine favor, as exemplified by [King Solomon's](/1_kings/3 "1 Kings 3 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom") renowned wisdom. The vivid imagery of "buying" and "selling" draws directly from the ubiquitous marketplace activities of the time. Ancient markets were bustling centers of commerce, social interaction, and the exchange of goods. This commercial metaphor elevates abstract virtues like truth and wisdom to the status of precious commodities, implying that their acquisition demands significant effort, sacrifice, and shrewd discernment, much like a diligent merchant would invest in truly valuable merchandise. This cultural resonance made the proverb's message immediately relatable and impactful to its original audience.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 23:23 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes woven throughout the entire book of [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - The Value of Wisdom"). Firstly, it underscores the **supreme value of wisdom and knowledge**, portraying them as the most desirable and essential possessions, echoing the foundational declaration in [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing") that "wisdom is the principal thing." Secondly, the imperative to "buy" highlights the theme of **active pursuit and diligent investment** required to obtain these virtues; they are not passively received but must be sought with intentionality, implying a cost in terms of time, energy, and focused effort. Thirdly, the command to "sell it not" emphasizes the theme of **unwavering preservation and steadfastness**. Once acquired, truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding are to be held onto with tenacity, resisting any temptation to compromise or abandon them for fleeting worldly gains, reflecting the broader call to walk in integrity and righteousness found throughout the wisdom literature, such as in [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1-3 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessedness of the Righteous").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Buy (Hebrew, _qânâh'_):** This primitive root signifies "to erect," "create," or "procure," especially through purchase. It implies an active, deliberate, and often costly effort to acquire something. In this context, "buy" transcends a mere monetary transaction; it denotes a purposeful, intentional investment of one's entire being—time, energy, focus, and even sacrifice—to gain truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding. It suggests a strategic, valued pursuit that prioritizes these virtues above all else.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** Contracted from a root meaning "to be firm," this word denotes stability, certainty, trustworthiness, and reality. It encompasses not only factual correctness but also moral integrity, faithfulness, and reliability. To "buy truth" means to embrace what is firm, dependable, and morally sound, grounding one's life in objective reality and divine reliability rather than fleeting opinions, deceptions, or subjective feelings. It is an embrace of God's revealed character and principles.
* **Sell (Hebrew, _mâkar'_):** This primitive root means "to sell," literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery) or figuratively (to surrender). The command "sell it not" is a strong and absolute prohibition against relinquishing, compromising, or trading away these invaluable virtues. It warns against abandoning spiritual insight, moral integrity, or divine wisdom for any temporary gain, convenience, worldly advantage, or social acceptance, emphasizing the permanent and irreplaceable nature of these acquisitions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Buy the truth":** This opening imperative establishes the primary call to action, setting a tone of urgency and prioritization. "Buying" here is metaphorical, signifying an an active, intentional, and often costly pursuit. It demands a commitment of one's entire being to acquire that which is firm, reliable, and morally sound—divine truth. This acquisition necessitates diligent study of God's Word, humble learning, and a willingness to sacrifice lesser pursuits for greater spiritual insight.
* **"and sell [it] not":** This negative imperative serves as a powerful counterpoint to the initial command, emphasizing the permanence and non-negotiable nature of the acquisition. Once truth is gained, it must be steadfastly retained and defended. This warns against compromising one's convictions, abandoning principles for expediency, or trading spiritual insight for worldly allurements, temporary benefits, or social pressures. It signifies an unwavering commitment to integrity and divine revelation, regardless of the cost.
* **"[also] wisdom":** Following truth, wisdom is presented as another essential commodity to be acquired and guarded. "Wisdom" (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_) refers to practical skill in living, the ability to apply knowledge and understanding effectively in daily life, discerning right from wrong, and making sound judgments according to God's ways. It is the skillful application of truth.
* **"and instruction":** This term (Hebrew, _mûwçâr'_) denotes chastisement, discipline, reproof, and moral training. It highlights the often challenging process by which wisdom is gained—through correction, learning from mistakes, and submitting to righteous guidance and divine discipline. Acquiring instruction means embracing the necessary discipline for spiritual and moral growth, recognizing that true wisdom often comes through refinement.
* **"and understanding":** "Understanding" (Hebrew, _bîynâh'_) refers to the ability to discern, comprehend deeply, and distinguish between different concepts or courses of action. It is the insightful perception that allows one to grasp the implications and connections of truth and wisdom, moving beyond mere factual knowledge to profound discernment and spiritual insight. Together, "wisdom, instruction, and understanding" form a comprehensive framework for a life lived skillfully, righteously, and discerningly before God.

#### 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.

* [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing")
* [Matthew 13:44-46](/matthew/13-44-46 "Matthew 13:44-46 - Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Value")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ")

### 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
* **What "cost" am I currently willing to incur to "buy" more truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding in my life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be tempted to "sell" or compromise the truth I have gained for temporary gain, comfort, or social acceptance?**
* **How can I more intentionally prioritize the diligent pursuit of spiritual virtues over material possessions or fleeting desires this week?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my understanding of God's Word and apply its wisdom more consistently and courageously in my daily decisions?**

### 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](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet"), 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](/1_corinthians/16-13 "1 Corinthians 16:13 - Stand Firm in the Faith").

### 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](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life") 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](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). 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](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). 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](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for the Sake of Christ"), 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](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - Hold Fast to the Confession of Our Hope")). Jesus is the ultimate wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 18:15

¶ The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

Matthew 13:44

¶ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Psalms 119:72

¶ The law of thy mouth [is] better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

Proverbs 16:16

¶ How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

Hebrews 11:26

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Isaiah 55:1

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.