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Proverbs 3:13

Proverbs 3:13 in Multiple Translations

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.

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

Happy is the man who makes discovery of wisdom, and he who gets knowledge.

Happy are those who find wisdom and gain understanding,

Blessed is the man that findeth wisedome, and the man that getteth vnderstanding.

O the happiness of a man [who] hath found wisdom, And of a man [who] bringeth forth understanding.

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding.

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

Blessed is the man that findeth wisdom and is rich in prudence:

Yahweh is pleased with those who become wise and have good understanding.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:13

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 3:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אַשְׁרֵ֣י אָ֭דָם מָצָ֣א חָכְמָ֑ה וְ֝/אָדָ֗ם יָפִ֥יק תְּבוּנָֽה
אַשְׁרֵ֣י ʼesher H835 blessed N-mp
אָ֭דָם ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) N-ms
מָצָ֣א mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Qal-Perf-3ms
חָכְמָ֑ה chokmâh H2451 wisdom N-fs
וְ֝/אָדָ֗ם ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) Conj | N-ms
יָפִ֥יק pûwq H6329 to promote N-fs
תְּבוּנָֽה tâbûwn H8394 understanding N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 3:13

אַשְׁרֵ֣י ʼesher H835 "blessed" N-mp
This Hebrew word means happiness or blessedness, often used to express how happy someone is. It appears in the Bible as an interjection, similar to 'how happy!' In the KJV, it is translated as 'blessed' or 'happy'.
Definition: 1) happiness, blessedness 1a) often used as interjection 1b) blessed are
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blessed, happy. See also: Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalms 119:2; Psalms 1:1.
אָ֭דָם ʼâdâm H120 "the man (Adam)" N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
מָצָ֣א mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
חָכְמָ֑ה 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.
וְ֝/אָדָ֗ם ʼâdâm H120 "the man (Adam)" Conj | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
יָפִ֥יק pûwq H6329 "to promote" N-fs
This Hebrew word means to promote or bring out something, like furnishing or securing it. In the Bible, it can also mean to succeed or obtain something. It appears in various forms, such as afford or draw out.
Definition: 1) to bring out, furnish, promote, go out, issue 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to produce, furnish 1a2) to bring out, elicit, obtain, cause to come out from 1a3) to promote 1a4) to cause to go out to
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: afford, draw out, further, get, obtain. See also: Psalms 140:9; Proverbs 8:35; Psalms 144:13.
תְּבוּנָֽה 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.

Study Notes — Proverbs 3:13

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 8:32–35 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD.
2 Proverbs 4:5–9 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. Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head; she will present you with a crown of beauty.”
3 Ecclesiastes 9:15–18 Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
4 1 Kings 10:23–24 So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.
5 Proverbs 2:4 if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure,
6 Proverbs 18:1 He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
7 1 Kings 10:1–9 Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. So she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain. When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built, the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants and cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your words and wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told to me. Your wisdom and prosperity have far exceeded the report I heard. How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness.”

Proverbs 3:13 Summary

Proverbs 3:13 tells us that the person who finds wisdom and understanding is truly blessed. This means they have discovered the knowledge and insight that comes from God, which helps them make good choices and live a fulfilling life (see Psalm 119:66). To find wisdom, we need to seek it with a humble heart, just like it says in Matthew 7:7-8, and be willing to learn and grow. By doing so, we can experience the blessings and joy that come from living a wise and obedient life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to find wisdom in Proverbs 3:13?

Finding wisdom in Proverbs 3:13 means to discover and apply the knowledge and insight that comes from God, as seen in Psalm 119:66, where it says, 'Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.'

How can I acquire understanding as mentioned in this verse?

Acquiring understanding, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:13, involves seeking God's guidance and wisdom through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking counsel from godly people, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14 and James 1:5.

What is the significance of being blessed in Proverbs 3:13?

Being blessed in Proverbs 3:13 refers to the state of being highly favored by God, which is a result of seeking and finding wisdom, as also seen in Psalm 1:1, where the blessed man is the one who walks in the ways of the Lord.

Is wisdom only for certain people, or can anyone find it?

According to Proverbs 3:13 and other scriptures like Matthew 7:7-8, wisdom is available to anyone who seeks it with a humble and willing heart, regardless of their background or status.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can practically seek wisdom in my daily life, and how can I prioritize this pursuit?
  2. How does my current understanding of God's wisdom impact my decision-making and relationships?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to apply the wisdom and understanding mentioned in Proverbs 3:13?
  4. In what ways can I share the wisdom and understanding I have received with others, and how can I be a source of encouragement and guidance for them?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:13

Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom,.... Some connect these words with the preceding; as if the sense was, a good man, though he is chastened by the Lord, yet is a happy man; not only because

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:13

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:13

Happy is the man, notwithstanding all his afflictions, that findeth wisdom; which supposeth his diligent searching for it, expressed . That getteth, Heb. that draweth out; which expression implies two things: 1. That man hath it not naturally in himself, but must have it from another, even from God and his word. 2. That men should labour for it, as those do that dig and draw forth metals out of the earth.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:13

Proverbs 3:13 Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.Ver. 13. Happy is the man.] Though afflicted, if with it instructed, si vexatio det intellectum. Bought wit is ever best prized. "Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and thereby teachest him out of thy law." Schola crucis, schola lucis. God’ s house of correction is his school of instruction. See my "Love Tokens," p. 145,146, &c. And the man that getteth understanding.] Heb., That draweth out understanding, viz., de thesauro suo, "out of the good treasure of his heart," as that good scribe instructed to the kingdom of heaven. The Chaldee hath it, iabiang, scaturire facit, that hath so profited in spiritual understanding, that he can readily bring it forth to the benefit of others.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:13

Verse 13. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom] This refers to the advice given in Proverbs 2:4; where see the note. See Clarke on Proverbs 2:4.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:13

13. getteth] Lit. draweth forth, or out, R.V. and A.V. marg. The word occurs again Proverbs 8:35, Proverbs 12:2, Proverbs 18:22, in all which places the source of supply is expressed: obtaineth (lit. draweth forth) favour from Jehovah.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:13

The first beatitude of the Proverbs introduces a new lesson. “Getteth understanding,” literally as in the margin, probably in the sense of “drawing forth from God’s store, from the experience of

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:13

13, 14. Here, from his digressions into the sundry particulars above, the instructor returns to the general theme, the excellency of true wisdom.

Sermons on Proverbs 3:13

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) the Cross and Our Self-Will by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of applying the teachings of the Bible to our daily lives. He criticizes the exaggerated and artificial way some preachers sp
Chuck Smith The Benefits of Wisdom by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in one's life. He encourages listeners to seek wisdom and not to forsake the instructions o
Steve Gallagher Eternal House of Wisdom by Steve Gallagher This sermon emphasizes the importance of building an eternal house of wisdom by submitting to God's authority, word, dealings in life, and living out wisdom. It contrasts the rewar
Don Courville On Eagles' Wings Pt 148 by Don Courville In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of suffering and how it can lead to happiness. He emphasizes the importance of suffering for well-doing rather than for evil. The p
Derek Prince Listen to Wisdom by Derek Prince Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of listening to the wisdom of God found in the Scriptures, highlighting the blessings that come to those who diligently seek and listen to wi
Jack Hyles The Treasure Is in a Field by Jack Hyles Jack Hyles preaches about the importance of recognizing the treasure within individuals despite their imperfections, using the analogy of a treasure hidden in a field. He emphasize
Anton Bosch Get Understanding by Anton Bosch Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding above material possessions, highlighting how often we prioritize acquiring things over gaining true unders

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