Proverbs 17:16
Proverbs 17:16 in Multiple Translations
Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom?
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding?
How will money in the hand of the foolish get him wisdom, seeing that he has no sense?
Is there any point in stupid people trying to buy wisdom when they don't want to learn?
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of the foole to get wisdome, and he hath none heart?
Why [is] this — a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, And a heart there is none?
Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding?
Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it ?
What doth it avail a fool to have riches, seeing he cannot buy wisdom? He that maketh his house high, seeketh a downfall: and he that refuseth to learn, shall fall into evils.
It is useless to allow foolish people [RHQ] to try to become wise by paying for it, because they do not have enough good sense to become wise.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 17:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ/מָּה
זֶּ֣ה
מְחִ֣יר
בְּ/יַד
כְּסִ֑יל
לִ/קְנ֖וֹת
חָכְמָ֣ה
וְ/לֶב
אָֽיִן
לָ/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
זֶּ֣ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
מְחִ֣יר
mᵉchîyr
H4242
price
N-ms
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
כְּסִ֑יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
לִ/קְנ֖וֹת
qânâh
H7069
to buy
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
חָכְמָ֣ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וְ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
heart
Conj | N-ms
אָֽיִן
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:16
לָ/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
זֶּ֣ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
מְחִ֣יר
mᵉchîyr
H4242
"price"
N-ms
This word refers to the price or payment for something, it can also mean wages or reward. It is used in various contexts in the Bible to describe financial transactions.
Definition: 1) price, hire 1a) price 1b) hire, reward, gain
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: gain, hire, price, sold, worth. See also: Deuteronomy 23:19; Proverbs 17:16; Psalms 44:13.
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
כְּסִ֑יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
לִ/קְנ֖וֹת
qânâh
H7069
"to buy"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to buy or acquire something, and is used to describe God's redemption of His people. It emphasizes ownership and possession, as seen in the stories of God's creation and redemption.
Definition: 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, [idiom] surely, [idiom] verily. See also: Genesis 4:1; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Psalms 74:2.
חָכְמָ֣ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וְ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Conj | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
אָֽיִן
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:16
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:16
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
14To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.
15Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous— both are detestable to the LORD.
16Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom?
17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:25–26 | The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work. All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint. |
| 2 | Proverbs 23:23 | Invest in truth and never sell it— in wisdom and instruction and understanding. |
| 3 | Proverbs 18:15 | The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. |
| 4 | Proverbs 8:4–5 | “To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men. O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding. |
| 5 | Acts 28:26–27 | ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 5:29 | If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commandments always, so that it might be well with them and with their children forever. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 6:1 | As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. |
| 8 | Proverbs 9:4–6 | “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 55:1–3 | “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant— My loving devotion promised to David. |
| 10 | Acts 13:46 | Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. |
Proverbs 17:16 Summary
[This verse is saying that it doesn't make sense for someone to have the means to learn and grow spiritually, but instead choose not to. Having money or resources is not the problem, it's what we do with them that matters. We should use what we have to seek wisdom and understanding, as encouraged in Proverbs 4:7, rather than wasting it on things that don't last. By prioritizing spiritual growth, we can become wiser and more faithful, as seen in James 1:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'buy wisdom' in Proverbs 17:16?
Buying wisdom means to invest time, effort, and resources into gaining spiritual understanding and insight, as encouraged in Proverbs 4:7 and Proverbs 9:10.
Is having money inherently bad, according to Proverbs 17:16?
No, having money is not bad in itself; the issue is when one has the means to acquire wisdom but chooses not to, as seen in the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:15-21.
How does this verse relate to being a good steward of God's resources?
This verse emphasizes the importance of using one's resources, including money, to pursue wisdom and spiritual growth, rather than wasting them on fleeting pleasures, as warned in 1 Timothy 6:10.
What is the consequence of not seeking wisdom with the resources we have?
The consequence is that we remain foolish and lacking in spiritual understanding, which can lead to poor decision-making and a lack of faith, as seen in Hosea 4:6 and Matthew 25:1-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'buy wisdom' with the resources God has given me?
- How can I prioritize seeking spiritual understanding and insight in my daily life?
- What are some distractions or temptations that might cause me to neglect pursuing wisdom?
- In what ways can I use my financial resources to support my spiritual growth and development?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:16
Wherefore [is there] a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom,.... Natural wisdom and knowledge.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:16
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:16
Wherefore? the question implies that it is unworthily placed, and that it is to no purpose or benefit of the possessor. A price; possessions or riches, as all the ancient translators render it, of which this word is used, , and elsewhere, under which all opportunities and abilities of getting it are comprehended. To get wisdom; for the obtaining whereof rich men have many and great advantages above others. No heart to it; neither common discretion to discern the worth of wisdom, and his advantage to get it; nor any sincere desire to get it; for the heart is commonly used in Scripture both for the understanding, and for the will and affections.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:16
Proverbs 17:16 Wherefore [is there] a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]?Ver. 16. Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool? &c.] Wealth without wit is ill bestowed. Think the same of good natural parts, either of body or mind; so for authority, opportunity, and other advantages. Whereto serve they, if not rightly improved and employed? Certainly they will prove no better than Uriah’ s letters to those that have them; or as that sword which Hector gave Ajax; which so long as he used against his enemies, served for help and defence, but after he began to abuse it to the harm of harmless beasts, it turned into his own bowels. This will be a bodkin at thy heart one day, ‘ I might have been saved, but I woefully let slip those opportunities that God had thrust into my hands, and wilfully cut the throat of mine own poor soul, by an impenitent continuance in sinful courses, against so many dissuasives.’ Oh the spirit of fornication, that hath so besotted the minds of the most, that they have no heart to look after heaven while it is to be had, but trifle and fool away their own salvation!
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:16
(16) Wherefore is there a price . . .—He will still remain a fool, though he has paid high for instruction, if he has no capacity for taking it in.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:16
16. heart] i.e. understanding, R.V.; see Proverbs 15:32, note. We might almost render, capacity. Wisdom cannot be bought for a price: it can only be assimilated by a wise, or wisdom-loving heart. Its words are φωνᾶντασυνετοῖσι; its teachers teach, πνευματικοῖςπνευματικὰσυγκρίνοντες, “interpreting spiritual things to spiritual men” (as some translate 1 Corinthians 2:13). So was Incarnate Wisdom wont to cry, “Who hath ears to hear let him hear” (Matthew 13:9 ff.; comp. Revelation 2:11; Revelation 2:17; Revelation 2:29; Revelation 3:6; Revelation 3:13; Revelation 3:22).
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:16
More literally: Why is there a price in the hand of a fool? Is it to get wisdom when he has no heart for it? No money will avail without the understanding heart.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:16
16. A price, etc. — The ancient interpreters understood îçéø, (mehhir,) price, in the sense of wealth, estate. Taken in this sense the proverb might be translated: “Why is this?
Sermons on Proverbs 17:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Folly of Refusing to Be Saved by Charles Finney | Charles Finney delivers a powerful sermon on the folly of refusing salvation, emphasizing that sinners possess the means to attain eternal life yet lack the heart to pursue it. He |
|
Jesus Teaches About Persistence and Prayer Matthew 7:7-11 by David Servant | David Servant delves into Jesus' sermon on the mountainside, suggesting that beyond prayer, Jesus was addressing laziness and the importance of persistence. While Jesus' words on a |
|
Many Will Soon Be Buying Pure Gold by Carter Conlon | This sermon from 1 Peter chapter 1 emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, likening it to pure gold that endures trials and remains valuable. The speaker encourages be |
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Initiation Into Revival by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not growing weary in well-doing, highlighting the need for perseverance, faith, and obedience to God's word. It encourages believers to tru |
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Gb Buy Truth & Do Not Sell It by George Verwer | In the video, the speaker discusses various books and resources available for those seeking spiritual guidance. They mention a book called "No Turning Back" which had a profound im |
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Buy the Truth and Sell It Not - Exhortations to Husbands and Wives by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of truth in relationships, particularly between husbands and wives, highlighting the distinct sins that can arise in both genders: manipula |
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Shaping of Character by Truth by Phillips Brooks | Phillips Brooks preaches about the importance of seeking truth in the inward parts to shape our character throughout life. This process begins from the earliest moments of consciou |