Proverbs 16:16
New International Version
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!

New Living Translation
How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!

English Standard Version
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Berean Standard Bible
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

King James Bible
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

New King James Version
How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

New American Standard Bible
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

NASB 1995
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

NASB 1977
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

Legacy Standard Bible
How much better it is to acquire wisdom than fine gold! And to acquire understanding is to be chosen above silver.

Amplified Bible
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

Christian Standard Bible
Get wisdom — how much better it is than gold! And get understanding — it is preferable to silver.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Get wisdom— how much better it is than gold! And get understanding— it is preferable to silver.

American Standard Version
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.

Contemporary English Version
It's much better to be wise and sensible than to be rich.

English Revised Version
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
How much better it is to gain wisdom than gold, and the gaining of understanding should be chosen over silver.

Good News Translation
It is better--much better--to have wisdom and knowledge than gold and silver.

International Standard Version
How much better than gaining gold is the acquisition of wisdom, the attainment of wisdom better than silver!

Majority Standard Bible
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

NET Bible
How much better it is to acquire wisdom than gold; to acquire understanding is more desirable than silver.

New Heart English Bible
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold. Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Webster's Bible Translation
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold? and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver?

World English Bible
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
To get wisdom—how much better than gold, "" And to get understanding—to be chosen [more] than silver!

Young's Literal Translation
To get wisdom -- how much better than gold, And to get understanding to be chosen than silver!

Smith's Literal Translation
The obtaining of wisdom how good above gold and the obtaining of understanding to be chosen above silver.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Get wisdom, because it is better than gold: and purchase prudence, for it is more precious than silver.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Possess wisdom, for it is better than gold. And acquire prudence, for it is more precious than silver.

New American Bible
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is preferable to silver.

New Revised Standard Version
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
To get wisdom is much better than gold; and to get understanding is better than silver.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Possessing wisdom is better than gold, and possessing understanding, better than silver.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD
15When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. 16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. 17The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.…

Cross References
James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...

Proverbs 3:13-18
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...

Ecclesiastes 7:12
For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.

Job 28:12-19
But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? / No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. / The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ ...

Colossians 2:2-3
that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Matthew 13:44-46
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. / Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.

Proverbs 8:10-11
Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. / For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.

1 Corinthians 1:24-30
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. / For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. / Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. ...

Psalm 119:72
The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

Proverbs 4:5-7
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. / Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. / Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.

Ephesians 1:17-18
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,

Proverbs 2:1-6
My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, / if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, ...

Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. / More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Proverbs 23:23
Invest in truth and never sell it—in wisdom and instruction and understanding.

1 Kings 3:9-12
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...


Treasury of Scripture

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

Proverbs 3:15-18
She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her…

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 8:10,11,19
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold…

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Proverbs 16
1. The Plans of the heart














How much better
This phrase sets the tone for a comparison, emphasizing the superiority of one thing over another. In the Hebrew text, the word "better" (טוֹב, tov) is often used to denote something that is not just preferable but inherently good and beneficial. The rhetorical question invites the reader to reflect deeply on the value of what is being compared, suggesting that the benefits of wisdom and understanding far surpass material wealth.

to acquire wisdom
The Hebrew word for "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokmah) encompasses not only knowledge but also the skillful application of that knowledge in daily life. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly prized and often associated with the ability to live a successful and righteous life. The act of "acquiring" suggests a deliberate pursuit, indicating that wisdom is something to be sought after with intention and effort, much like one would pursue a treasure.

than gold
Gold, in biblical times, was the standard of wealth and prosperity. It was used in trade, ornamentation, and as a measure of one's riches. By comparing wisdom to gold, the verse highlights the transient nature of material wealth in contrast to the enduring value of wisdom. Gold can be lost or devalued, but wisdom, once acquired, enriches the soul and guides one's actions throughout life.

to gain understanding
Understanding (בִּינָה, binah) in Hebrew implies discernment and insight. It is the ability to see beyond the surface and grasp the deeper meaning of things. This pursuit of understanding is portrayed as an active process, requiring effort and dedication. In the biblical context, understanding is often linked with the fear of the Lord, suggesting that true insight comes from a relationship with God and a commitment to His ways.

is more desirable
The phrase "more desirable" (נִבְחָר, nivchar) conveys a sense of longing and preference. It suggests that understanding should be the object of our deepest desires and aspirations. This aligns with the biblical teaching that spiritual and moral qualities are of greater worth than physical possessions. The use of this term encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual growth and the pursuit of godly wisdom over the accumulation of wealth.

than silver
Silver, like gold, was a symbol of wealth and economic stability in the ancient world. It was used in currency and trade, making it a valuable commodity. By stating that understanding is more desirable than silver, the verse reinforces the message that spiritual riches surpass material ones. Silver, though valuable, cannot provide the guidance and fulfillment that understanding can offer. This comparison serves as a reminder to value what is eternal and life-giving over what is temporary and perishable.

Verse 16. - To get wisdom than gold (comp, Proverbs 3:14; Proverbs 8:10, 11, 19); and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver; Revised Version better, yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than [to get] silver. If the clauses are not simply parallel, and the comparative value of silver and gold is So be considered, we may, with Wordsworth, see here an intimation of the superiority of wisdom (chochmah) over intelligence (binah), the former being the guide of life and including the practice of religion, the latter denoting discernment, the faculty of distinguishing between one thing and another (see note on Proverbs 28:4, and the quotation from 'Pirke Aboth' on Proverbs 15:33). The LXX., for kenoh reading kinnot, have given a version of which the Fathers have largely availed themselves: "The nests of wisdom are preferable to gold, and the nests of knowledge are preferable above silver." Some of the old commentators take these "nests" to be the problems and apothegms which enshrine wisdom; others consider them to mean the children or scholars who are taught by the wise man.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
How much
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

better
טּ֥וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

to acquire
קְֽנֹה־ (qə·nōh-)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7069: To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own

wisdom
חָכְמָ֗ה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

than gold;
מֵחָר֑וּץ (mê·ḥā·rūṣ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2742: Incised, incisive, a trench, gold, a threshing-sledge, determination, eager

to gain
וּקְנ֥וֹת (ū·qə·nō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7069: To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own

understanding
בִּ֝ינָ֗ה (bî·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 998: An understanding

is more desirable
נִבְחָ֥ר (niḇ·ḥār)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

than silver.
מִכָּֽסֶף׃ (mik·kā·sep̄)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:16 How much better it is to get (Prov. Pro Pr)
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