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 delivers a powerful and concise exhortation to actively acquire and steadfastly retain the most invaluable commodities in life: truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding. This verse underscores a foundational principle of biblical wisdom literature, urging a lifelong, diligent pursuit of divine insight and moral integrity, presenting these spiritual virtues as treasures far surpassing any material possession, which must be guarded against compromise or relinquishment at all costs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 23:23 is situated within a larger section of the book (Proverbs 22:17-24:34) often referred to as "The Sayings of the Wise." This collection, distinct from the Solomonic proverbs that precede it, presents practical advice and moral instruction, often in the form of direct address from a father or teacher to a son or disciple. The immediate verses leading up to 23:23 (e.g., [Proverbs 23:19-21](/proverbs/23-19 "Proverbs 23:19-21 - Warnings Against Drunkenness and Gluttony")) warn against gluttony and drunkenness, emphasizing the importance of disciplined living and wise choices. Following this verse, the text continues to offer admonitions against associating with evil men ([Proverbs 23:24-25](/proverbs/23-24 "Proverbs 23:24-25 - Joy in a Wise Son")) and warnings against immorality. Thus, Proverbs 23:23 serves as a pivotal call to foundational virtues that enable one to navigate life's perils and temptations wisely.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerges from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which sought to impart practical and moral guidance for successful living. In this cultural milieu, the pursuit of wisdom was not merely an academic exercise but a vital component of societal and individual flourishing, often associated with kingship and leadership, as exemplified by [King Solomon](/1_kings/3 "1 Kings 3 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom"). The imagery of "buying" and "selling" draws directly from the ubiquitous marketplace activity of ancient Israel. Markets were central hubs for commerce, social interaction, and the exchange of goods, making the concept of acquiring and retaining valuable items immediately relatable to the audience. This commercial metaphor elevates abstract virtues like truth and wisdom to the status of precious commodities, implying that their acquisition requires effort, sacrifice, and discernment, much like a shrewd merchant would invest in truly valuable merchandise.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 23:23 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life"). Firstly, it highlights the **supreme value of wisdom and knowledge**, portraying them as the most desirable possessions, echoing the sentiment in [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing") that "wisdom is the principal thing." Secondly, it emphasizes the **active pursuit and diligent investment** required to obtain these virtues; they are not passively received but must be "bought," implying a cost, a commitment of time, energy, and focus. Thirdly, the command to "sell it not" underscores 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 call to walk in integrity and righteousness found throughout the wisdom literature, such as in [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Buy (Hebrew, _qânâh'_):** This primitive root means "to erect," "create," or "procure," especially by purchase. It implies an active, deliberate effort to acquire something, often at a cost or through significant exertion. In this context, it signifies a purposeful, intentional investment of one's resources—time, energy, focus, and even sacrifice—to gain truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding. It's not a casual acquisition but a strategic, valued pursuit.
* **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 or deceptions.
* **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 prohibition against relinquishing or compromising these invaluable virtues. It warns against trading away spiritual insight, moral integrity, or divine wisdom for any temporary gain, convenience, or worldly advantage, emphasizing the permanent and irreplaceable nature of these acquisitions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Buy the truth":** This imperative command initiates the verse, setting a tone of urgency and prioritization. "Buying" implies an active, intentional, and often costly pursuit. It's not about a monetary transaction, but a commitment of one's entire being to acquire what is firm, reliable, and morally sound—divine truth. This acquisition requires diligent study, humble learning, and a willingness to sacrifice lesser things.
* **"and sell [it] not":** This negative imperative serves as a powerful counterpoint, emphasizing the permanence and non-negotiable nature of the acquisition. Once truth is gained, it must be steadfastly retained. This warns against compromising one's convictions, abandoning principles for expediency, or trading spiritual insight for worldly allurements or temporary benefits. It signifies an unwavering commitment to integrity and divine revelation.
* **"[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.
* **"and instruction":** This term (Hebrew, _mûwçâr'_) denotes chastisement, discipline, reproof, and moral training. It highlights the process by which wisdom is often gained—through correction, learning from mistakes, and submitting to righteous guidance. Acquiring instruction means embracing the discipline necessary for spiritual and moral growth.
* **"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 insight that allows one to grasp the implications and connections of truth and wisdom, moving beyond mere knowledge to profound discernment. Together, "wisdom, instruction, and understanding" form a comprehensive framework for a life lived skillfully and righteously before God.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where abstract virtues—truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding—are presented as tangible commodities that can be "bought" and "sold" in a marketplace. This commercial imagery makes the concept relatable and emphasizes the immense value and effort required for their acquisition and retention. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Buy," "sell not") creates a direct, urgent command, demanding immediate and decisive action from the hearer. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a form of **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, by listing four closely related virtues ("truth," "wisdom," "instruction," and "understanding"). While not perfectly synonymous, their grouping creates a cumulative effect, emphasizing the holistic nature of the spiritual and intellectual pursuit being advocated. This enumeration also functions as **Emphasis**, underscoring the comprehensive 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 and lasting security are found not in material possessions, which are 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. It also highlights the concept of stewardship, not just 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.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:23 serves as a timeless challenge to re-evaluate our priorities in a world often preoccupied with transient gains and superficial knowledge. It calls us to a radical reorientation, urging us to invest our most precious resources—time, energy, and focus—into the acquisition of divine truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding. This means diligently engaging with God's Word, humbly seeking spiritual guidance, and embracing the discipline necessary for growth. Furthermore, the command to "sell it not" is a powerful call to steadfastness and integrity. In an age of shifting values and convenient compromises, we are exhorted to guard our convictions, to stand firm on biblical truth, and to refuse to trade eternal principles for temporary comfort, social acceptance, or material advantage. Our lives should reflect the profound value we place on these spiritual commodities, demonstrating that our true treasure lies in our relationship with God and the wisdom derived from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cost" am I willing to incur to "buy" more truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding in my life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "sell" or compromise the truth I have gained for temporary gain or comfort?**
* **How can I more intentionally prioritize the pursuit of spiritual virtues over material 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?**

### FAQ

**What does "buy the truth" mean if it's not about money?**

Answer: "Buying the truth" in Proverbs 23:23 is a 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 wise merchant would invest heavily in something of immense 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"), seeking wise counsel, undergoing personal discipline, or even enduring hardship for the sake of conviction, as highlighted throughout the wisdom literature of the Old 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 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 than any worldly possession or fleeting advantage. To "sell" them would imply compromising one's convictions, abandoning moral principles for expediency, or trading spiritual discernment for temporary pleasures, social acceptance, or material gain. This warning underscores the lifelong commitment required to live by God's truth and wisdom, guarding against apostasy, moral decay, and the temptation to exchange eternal values for temporal benefits, a theme echoed in the New Testament's call to stand firm in the faith, 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 call to "buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in 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 and His Spirit ([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 lives, surrendering all to gain the incomparable worth of knowing Him, as Paul articulates in [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ"), counting everything else as loss for the sake of Christ. 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 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.

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.