Proverbs 19:8
Proverbs 19:8 in Multiple Translations
He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good.
He who gets wisdom has love for his soul: he who keeps good sense will get what is truly good.
If you become wise, you have good self-esteem; if you learn good sense you'll be successful.
He that possesseth vnderstanding, loueth his owne soule, and keepeth wisdome to finde goodnesse.
Whoso is getting heart is loving his soul, He is keeping understanding to find good.
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good.
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
But he that possesseth a mind, loveth his own soul, and he that keepeth prudence shall find good things.
Those who become wise [IDM] are doing a favor for themselves; those who get good sense will prosper.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:8
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 19:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קֹֽנֶה
לֵּ֭ב
אֹהֵ֣ב
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה
לִ/מְצֹא
טֽוֹב
קֹֽנֶה
qânâh
H7069
to buy
V-Qal
לֵּ֭ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
אֹהֵ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
N-fs
לִ/מְצֹא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 19:8
קֹֽנֶה
qânâh
H7069
"to buy"
V-Qal
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.
לֵּ֭ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
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.
אֹהֵ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
N-fs
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
לִ/מְצֹא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:8
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:8
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:8
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:8
Context — The Man of Integrity
6Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.
7All the brothers of a poor man hate him— how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found.
8He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.
9A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. 10Luxury is unseemly for a fool— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:20 | Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. |
| 2 | Proverbs 8:35–36 | For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 3:18 | She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed. |
| 4 | Proverbs 4:6 | Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 3:10 | For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. |
| 6 | John 14:21 | Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 2:1–9 | 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, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path. |
| 8 | Psalms 19:11 | By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 36:26 | I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. |
| 10 | Proverbs 4:21 | Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. |
Proverbs 19:8 Summary
This verse teaches us that when we seek wisdom and understanding, we are actually showing love and care for ourselves. It's like taking care of our own bodies and souls. By acquiring wisdom, we can make good choices and live a successful life, as seen in Proverbs 3:1-2, where we are promised long life and peace if we follow God's commands. By safeguarding our understanding, we can protect ourselves from harm and stay on the right path, just like Psalm 119:105 says, where God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to acquire wisdom?
Acquiring wisdom means to actively seek and obtain knowledge and understanding of God's ways, as seen in Proverbs 2:6, where it says that the Lord gives wisdom, and in James 1:5, which instructs us to ask God for wisdom if we lack it.
How does one safeguard understanding?
Safeguarding understanding involves protecting and preserving the knowledge and insight we have gained, by being mindful of our thoughts and actions, as warned in Proverbs 4:23, and by trusting in God's guidance, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What kind of success can we expect from acquiring wisdom and safeguarding understanding?
The success mentioned in Proverbs 19:8 is not limited to earthly prosperity, but also includes spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God, as seen in Joshua 1:8, where meditation on God's Word leads to success and prosperity.
Is acquiring wisdom and safeguarding understanding a selfish act?
According to Proverbs 19:8, acquiring wisdom and safeguarding understanding is actually an act of self-love, but not in a selfish sense; rather, it is a recognition that our well-being and success are intimately connected to our pursuit of wisdom and understanding, as also seen in Matthew 22:37-40, where loving God and loving our neighbors are closely tied.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can actively acquire wisdom in my daily life?
- How can I safeguard the understanding I have gained, and what are some common pitfalls to avoid?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to apply the wisdom and understanding I have acquired?
- How can I balance the pursuit of wisdom and understanding with the demands and pressures of everyday life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:8
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul,.... Wisdom and knowledge in things natural and civil; and especially in things divine, spiritual, and evangelical; particularly he that gets Christ, the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:8
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. He that getteth wisdom (literally, heart) loveth his own soul - (Proverbs 8:35-36.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:8
Loveth his own soul, or loveth himself, because he procures great good to his soul, or to himself, as it follows; as sinners, on the contrary, are said to hate their souls, , because they bring mischief upon them. That keepeth understanding; that observeth and carefully practiseth its precepts, as that phrase is commonly used. Shall find good; shall have great benefit by it, both for his conduct in this life, and for his happiness in the next.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:8
Proverbs 19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.Ver. 8. He that getteth wisdom.] Heb., He that getteth, or possesseth a heart; for we are born brutes, and are compared to "the horse and mule that have no understanding." Hearts we have all, but our "foolish hearts are darkened," yea, "a deceived heart hath turned us aside that we cannot deliver our souls, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?" Well may the rich have many friends, but not many hearts: for without wisdom no man can love his own soul, much less can he truly love another. Therefore, by how much better it is for a man to love his own soul as he ought than to be beloved of others for his gifts, by so much it is better to get wisdom than to get wealth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:8
(8) He that getteth wisdom.—Literally, heart. For that “wisdom,” or “knowledge,” that begins with the “fear of the Lord” (see above on Proverbs 1:7), and ends with loving Him, is not a matter of intellect only, but of the heart also—i.e., the will and affections.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:8
8. wisdom] Heb., a heart. Comp. Proverbs 7:7, Proverbs 9:4; Job 12:3; Job 34:10; in all which places the Heb. word rendered understanding is the same as here.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:8
Wisdom - literally, as in the margin, to gain a “heart,” i. e., the higher faculties both of reason and feeling, is identical with gaining wisdom, i. e., the faculty which seeks and finds.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:8
8. Getteth wisdom — Hebrews, heart; tropical of intelligence, understanding. Loveth his own soul — Himself; does good to himself. The latter clause is explanatory of the former.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Proverbs) ch.19:5 - 20:6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the consequences of lying and the importance of following God's laws. He emphasizes that no one can escape the punishment for their sins, as |
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Moral Virtue's Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on the moral virtue of discretion and how it can defer anger. He shares the wisdom of not punishing children when angry and instead waiti |
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Our Failure by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston, preaching on the theme of love and wisdom, emphasizes that loving God is essential to understanding the true worth of love, as it is a gift from Him. She high |
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Trust in God - True Wisdom by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of handling matters wisely in a land full of enemies. He warns that if one does not choose their way carefully, they will fac |
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(Proverbs) ch.16:5 - 17:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a little bit of money gained honestly rather than accumulating great wealth through dishonest means. The fear of the |
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Looking to God by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the happiness found in trusting the Lord, emphasizing that when God is our ultimate focus and we can declare Him as our God, everything in life |
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Spirit-Filled Salutations by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the power of greetings filled with the Holy Spirit, drawing from the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth before the birth of Jesus. It highlights the import |