Proverbs 8:10
New International Version
Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,

New Living Translation
Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.

English Standard Version
Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,

Berean Standard Bible
Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.

King James Bible
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

New King James Version
Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold;

New American Standard Bible
“Accept my instruction and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold.

NASB 1995
“Take my instruction and not silver, And knowledge rather than choicest gold.

NASB 1977
“Take my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choicest gold.

Legacy Standard Bible
Take my discipline and not silver, And knowledge rather than choicest fine gold.

Amplified Bible
“Take my instruction rather than [seeking] silver, And take knowledge rather than choicest gold,

Christian Standard Bible
Accept my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Accept my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.

American Standard Version
Receive my instruction, and not silver; And knowledge rather than choice gold.

Contemporary English Version
Let instruction and knowledge mean more to you than silver or the finest gold.

English Revised Version
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Take my discipline, not silver, and my knowledge rather than fine gold,

Good News Translation
Choose my instruction instead of silver; choose knowledge rather than the finest gold.

International Standard Version
Grab hold of my instruction in lieu of money and knowledge instead of the finest gold,

Majority Standard Bible
Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.

NET Bible
Receive my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.

New Heart English Bible
Receive my instruction rather than silver; knowledge rather than choice gold.

Webster's Bible Translation
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

World English Bible
Receive my instruction rather than silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Receive my instruction, and not silver, "" And knowledge rather than choice gold.

Young's Literal Translation
Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold.

Smith's Literal Translation
Receive my instruction and not silver and knowledge above tried gold.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Receive my instruction, and not money: choose knowledge rather than gold.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Accept my discipline, and not money. Choose the doctrine that is greater than gold.

New American Bible
Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.

New Revised Standard Version
Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Receive discipline and not silver; and choose for yourself knowledge rather than fine gold.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Receive discipline and not silver, and choose for yourselves knowledge rather than refined gold.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Receive instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than tried gold.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Excellence of Wisdom
9They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge. 10Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. 11For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.…

Cross References
Job 28:15-19
It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. / It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. / Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. ...

Proverbs 3:14-15
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.

Proverbs 16:16
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

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.

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.

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. ...

Psalm 19:9-10
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. / They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

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

Psalm 119:127
Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold.

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

Isaiah 33:6
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.

1 Corinthians 1:24
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 2:6-7
Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. / No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.

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,

Philippians 3:8
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


Treasury of Scripture

Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

Proverbs 2:4,5
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; …

Proverbs 3:13,14
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding…

Proverbs 10:20
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

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Best Choice Choicest Choose Gold Instead Instruction Rather Receive Silver Teaching
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Proverbs 8
1. the fame
6. and evidence of wisdom
10. The excellence
12. the nature
15. the power
18. the riches
22. and the eternity of wisdom
32. Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it brings














Receive my instruction
The Hebrew word for "receive" is "laqach," which implies an active, intentional act of taking or accepting something offered. In the context of Proverbs, this is a call to embrace wisdom as a precious gift. The term "instruction" here is "musar," which often refers to discipline or correction. This suggests that wisdom is not merely about acquiring information but involves a transformative process that shapes character and behavior. In a conservative Christian perspective, this aligns with the belief that divine wisdom, as imparted through Scripture, is essential for living a life that honors God.

instead of silver
Silver, in ancient times, was a symbol of wealth and prosperity. It was used as currency and was highly valued for its beauty and utility. By urging the reader to prioritize instruction over silver, the verse emphasizes the superior value of wisdom. This reflects a biblical theme that spiritual riches far surpass material wealth. In the New Testament, Jesus echoes this sentiment in Matthew 6:19-21, where He advises storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The conservative Christian view holds that true fulfillment and security come from a relationship with God and adherence to His teachings, rather than from worldly possessions.

and knowledge
The Hebrew word for "knowledge" is "da'ath," which encompasses understanding, insight, and discernment. This is not merely factual knowledge but a deep, experiential understanding of God's ways and purposes. In the biblical context, knowledge is closely linked to wisdom and is seen as a gift from God. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," highlighting that true knowledge begins with reverence for God. From a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the importance of grounding one's life in the truths of Scripture and seeking God's guidance in all things.

rather than pure gold
Gold, like silver, was a measure of wealth and status in the ancient world. It was used in trade, ornamentation, and as a standard of value. The phrase "pure gold" suggests something of the highest quality and worth. By comparing knowledge to pure gold, the verse elevates the pursuit of divine wisdom above even the most esteemed earthly treasures. This reflects a consistent biblical message that spiritual pursuits should take precedence over material gain. In Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field and a pearl of great value, illustrating the incomparable worth of spiritual truth. For conservative Christians, this verse serves as a reminder to prioritize eternal values over temporal ones, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Verse 10. - Receive my instruction, and not silver; i.e. acquire wisdom rather than silver, if ever the choice is yours. And knowledge rather than choice gold (comp. ver. 19; Proverbs 3:140. (For "knowledge," daath, see on Proverbs 2:10.) The comparison is implied rather than expressed in the first clause, while it is made clear in the second. Thus Hosea 6:6, "I desired mercy, and not sacrifice," the second matter mentioned being, not necessarily of no importance, but always in such cases of inferior importance to the other. We may quote Horace's complaint of the worldliness of his countrymen, a marked contrast to the inspired counsel of Proverbs ('Epist.,' 1:1, 52) -

"Villus argentum est auro, virtutibus aurum.
O cives, cives! quaerenda pecunia primum est,
Virtus post nummos."


Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Receive
קְחֽוּ־ (qə·ḥū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3947: To take

my instruction
מוּסָרִ֥י (mū·sā·rî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4148: Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint

instead of
וְאַל־ (wə·’al-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

silver,
כָּ֑סֶף (kā·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

and knowledge
וְ֝דַ֗עַת (wə·ḏa·‘aṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847: Knowledge

rather than pure
נִבְחָֽר׃ (niḇ·ḥār)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

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


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:10 Receive my instruction rather than silver (Prov. Pro Pr)
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