Proverbs 3:13

¶ Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.

Happy {H835} is the man {H120} that findeth {H4672} wisdom {H2451}, and the man {H120} that getteth {H6329} understanding {H8394}.

Happy the person who finds wisdom, the person who acquires understanding;

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding,

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding.

Context of Proverbs 3:13

Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature, primarily offering practical guidance for living a righteous and prosperous life according to God's principles. Proverbs chapter 3 is a significant passage where King Solomon, often identified as the primary author, extols the virtues and benefits of wisdom. Verse 13 marks the beginning of an extended section (verses 13-18) that vividly describes the supreme value and blessedness of obtaining wisdom and understanding, setting it above all earthly treasures.

Key Themes

  • The Pursuit of Wisdom and Understanding: The verse highlights the active process of "finding" and "getting" wisdom and understanding, implying a deliberate and diligent search. This aligns with the broader message of Proverbs, which encourages a diligent search for wisdom as hidden treasure.
  • The Blessing of Happiness: The central promise of this verse is "happiness" (KJV) or blessedness. This isn't merely fleeting joy but a deep, abiding sense of well-being and contentment that stems from living in alignment with divine truth. It suggests that true fulfillment is found not in material possessions but in spiritual and moral discernment.
  • Wisdom's Superiority: By declaring the man who finds wisdom to be "happy," the verse subtly contrasts this spiritual gain with other pursuits, implying its unparalleled value. The subsequent verses in this chapter, Proverbs 3:16-18, further elaborate on the rich rewards wisdom brings, comparing it favorably to silver, gold, and rubies.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Happy" (Hebrew: ashrei): This word is often translated as "blessed" or "fortunate." It denotes a state of inner contentment and flourishing that comes from being in a right relationship with God and His ways, not just outward circumstances. It's a holistic sense of well-being.
  • "Wisdom" (Hebrew: chokmah): More than mere intellectual knowledge, chokmah refers to practical skill, moral insight, and the ability to apply truth effectively in daily life. It is the art of living skillfully according to God's design. Ultimately, true wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord.
  • "Understanding" (Hebrew: binah): This term signifies discernment, the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and to comprehend the deeper meaning of things. It's the capacity to gain insight and make sound judgments.

Practical Application

In a world often chasing fleeting pleasures and material gain, Proverbs 3:13 redirects our focus. It asserts that genuine and lasting happiness is not found in wealth, fame, or power, but in the diligent pursuit and acquisition of divine wisdom and understanding. This wisdom is accessible through God's Word, prayer, and seeking His guidance.

For believers today, this verse serves as an encouragement to prioritize spiritual growth and discernment above all else. It calls us to invest our time and effort into cultivating a mind and heart that comprehends God's truth, knowing that such an investment yields profound and enduring blessedness.

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 8:32

    ¶ Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed [are they that] keep my ways.

  • Proverbs 8:35

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

  • Proverbs 4:5

    Get wisdom, get understanding: forget [it] not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

  • Proverbs 4:9

    She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:15

    Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:18

    Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

  • 1 Kings 10:23

    So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.
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