Proverbs 3:14
Proverbs 3:14 in Multiple Translations
for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold.
For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, And the profit thereof than fine gold.
For trading in it is better than trading in silver, and its profit greater than bright gold.
for wisdom is worth more than silver, and pays better than gold.
For the marchandise thereof is better then the marchandise of siluer, and the gaine thereof is better then golde.
For better [is] her merchandise Than the merchandise of silver, And than gold — her increase.
For her good profit is better than getting silver, and her return is better than fine gold.
For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain of it than fine gold.
The purchasing thereof is better than the merchandise of silver, and her fruit than the chiefest and purest gold:
Being wise and having good understanding is worth more than silver, better than gold.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:14
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 3:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
ט֣וֹב
סַ֭חְרָ/הּ
מִ/סְּחַר
כָּ֑סֶף
וּ֝/מֵ/חָר֗וּץ
תְּבוּאָתָֽ/הּ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
סַ֭חְרָ/הּ
çachar
H5504
profit
N-ms | Suff
מִ/סְּחַר
çâchar
H5505
merchandise
Prep | N-ms
כָּ֑סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
וּ֝/מֵ/חָר֗וּץ
chărûwts
H2742
sharp
Conj | Prep | N-ms
תְּבוּאָתָֽ/הּ
tᵉbûwʼâh
H8393
produce
N-fs | Suff
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 3:14
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
ט֣וֹב
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.
סַ֭חְרָ/הּ
çachar
H5504
"profit"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to profit or gain from trade or business. It describes the income or benefit that comes from buying and selling goods. This word is used to talk about the benefits of commerce and trade.
Definition: 1) traffic, gain, profit, gain from merchandise 1a) traffic, gain from traffic Also means: sa.char (סָ֫חַר "merchandise" H5505)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: merchandise. See also: Proverbs 3:14; Proverbs 31:18; Isaiah 23:18.
מִ/סְּחַר
çâchar
H5505
"merchandise"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the business of buying and selling goods, like a marketplace where people trade. It's about making a profit from commerce, as seen in the KJV translations as 'mart' or 'merchandise'.
Definition: 1) traffic, gain, profit, gain from merchandise 1a) traffic, gain from traffic
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: mart, merchandise. See also: Proverbs 3:14; Isaiah 23:3; Isaiah 45:14.
כָּ֑סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
וּ֝/מֵ/חָר֗וּץ
chărûwts
H2742
"sharp"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word for gold also means something sharp or dug, like a trench. It appears in poetic passages, describing valuable or precious things. In some cases, it refers to determination or eagerness.
Definition: adj sharp-pointed, sharp, diligent
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: decision, diligent, (fine) gold, pointed things, sharp, threshing instrument, wall. See also: Job 41:22; Proverbs 13:4; Psalms 68:14.
תְּבוּאָתָֽ/הּ
tᵉbûwʼâh
H8393
"produce"
N-fs | Suff
This word means produce or income, referring to crops, revenue, or even the product of our lips. It is translated as fruit, gain, or revenue in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) produce, product, revenue 1a) product, yield, crops (of the earth usually) 1b) income, revenue 1c) gain (of wisdom) (fig) 1d) product of lips (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: fruit, gain, increase, revenue. See also: Genesis 47:24; 2 Kings 8:6; Psalms 107:37.
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:14
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:14
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:14
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:14
Context — The Blessings of Wisdom
12for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.
13Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding,
14for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold.
15She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. 16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:16 | How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. |
| 2 | Proverbs 8:19 | My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver. |
| 3 | Job 28:13–19 | 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.’ 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. Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. Topaz from Cush cannot compare to it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. |
| 4 | Revelation 3:18 | I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. |
| 5 | Matthew 16:26 | What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? |
| 6 | Proverbs 2:4 | if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Psalms 119:162 | I rejoice in Your promise like one who finds great spoil. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:111 | Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 1:11–12 | God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or glory for yourself or death for your enemies—and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king— therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.” |
Proverbs 3:14 Summary
[This verse, Proverbs 3:14, teaches us that wisdom is very valuable, even more valuable than silver or gold. It means that learning and living according to God's wisdom is better than having a lot of money or possessions, as also seen in Proverbs 16:16. By seeking wisdom, we can make good choices and live a life that pleases God, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:22. As we prioritize seeking wisdom, we can trust that God will guide us and provide for us, as promised in James 1:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for wisdom to be more profitable than silver?
This means that gaining wisdom is more valuable than gaining wealth, as stated in Proverbs 3:14, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold, a truth also echoed in Proverbs 16:16, which says it is better to have wisdom than gold.
How can wisdom bring better gain than fine gold?
Wisdom brings better gain because it provides a foundation for making good decisions and living a virtuous life, as seen in Proverbs 3:14, and also in Proverbs 10:22, which states that the blessing of the Lord makes rich, and adds no sorrow with it.
What is the significance of comparing wisdom to precious items like silver and gold?
Comparing wisdom to precious items like silver and gold, as in Proverbs 3:14, emphasizes its great value and importance, similar to how Psalm 119:72 says the law of God's mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
How can I apply the value of wisdom in my daily life?
You can apply the value of wisdom in your daily life by seeking it through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking guidance from wise mentors, as encouraged in James 1:5, which says if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and without reproach.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can prioritize seeking wisdom in my life, just as Proverbs 3:14 emphasizes its value?
- How does the value of wisdom compare to the value I place on material possessions or wealth?
- What are some decisions I have made recently that demonstrate my pursuit of wisdom, and what were the outcomes?
- In what ways can I use the wisdom I have gained to bless and serve others, as a good steward of the wisdom God has given me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:14
For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver,.... The believer is a spiritual merchant; faith is a trading with and for Christ, and for spiritual and heavenly things by him;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:14
For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:14
It is more necessary and advantageous, because it is so, not only for this short life, but also to the future and everlasting life, in which gold and silver bear no price.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:14
Proverbs 3:14 For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.Ver. 14. For the merchandise of.] That is, The profit that is gotten by making use of it. Kερδανοντεςουκοπιωμεν, saith a father. Seldom is any man weary of making money. Sing a song of utile, and men will lend their ears to it. The Jassians in Strabo, delighted with the music of an excellent harper, ran all away, as soon as the market bell rang, save a deaf old man, and he too, as soon as he heard of it. Now "godliness is profitable to all things," as having the promises of both lives; and the promises are "exceeding great and precious" things, even "the unsearchable riches of Christ," who brings "gold tried in the fire," and that which is better. For one grain of grace is far beyond all the gold of Ophir, and one hour’ s enjoyment of God to be much preferred before all the king of Spain’ s annual tribute. What is gold and silver, but the guts and garbage of the earth? And what is all the pomp and glory of the world, but dung and dogs’ meat?
I esteem them no better (surely) that I may win Christ, said St Paul, that great trader both by land and sea. Let me be put to any pain, to any loss, tantundem ut Iesum nanciscar, so I may get my Jesus, said Ignatius. This gold we cannot buy too dear, whatever we pay for it. The wise merchant sells all to purchase it. Every true son of Jacob will be content to part with his broth for the birthright, to purchase spiritual favours with earthly. "The Lord that made heaven and earth, bless thee out of Sion"; which is to say, the blessings that come out of Sion are choice, peculiar, precious, even above any that come out of heaven and earth. When God is shaking all nations, the saints shall come with their desirable things (so some read the words). Colligent omnes thesauros suos, saith Calvin, They shall gather up all their treasures.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:14
Verse 14. For the merchandise] סחר sachar, the traffic, the trade that is carried on by going through countries and provinces with such articles as they could carry on the backs of camels, c. from סחר sachar, to go about, traverse. Chaffarynge; Old MS. Bible. And the gain thereof] תבואתה tebuathah, its produce; what is gained by the articles after all expenses are paid. The slaves, as we have already seen, got their liberty if they were so lucky as to find a diamond of so many carats' weight; he who finds wisdom-the knowledge and salvation of God - gets a greater prize; for he obtains the liberty of the Gospel, is adopted into the family of God, and made an heir according to the hope of an eternal life.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:14
14. the merchandise of it] Comp. Matthew 13:45-46, where this proverb is expanded into a parable. The same idea of trading in the moral and spiritual sphere occurs in Proverbs 11:19, Proverbs 23:23; Job 28:15-19.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:14
Compare Proverbs 2:4. “Fine gold” is apparently a technical word of that commerce, the native gold in the nugget or the dust.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:14
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 3:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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Jane Lead's Journal Entries: 1670-1675 by Jane Lead | Jane Lead preaches about the journey of seeking divine wisdom and revelations, symbolized by passing through three gates of difficulty and progression, leading to a place of infini |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Prosperity and Adversity by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers that Christians face in their journey towards heaven. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing these perils, |
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Brought Up, Set Up, Kept Up and Tuned Up by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching with a broken heart and being deeply moved by the message of sin and redemption. He highlights the need for the |
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Abandonment by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking Jesus and surrendering oneself to Him. He criticizes those who seek attention and exhibit themselves during worshi |
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The Wonderful Love of Jesus by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares about his recent encounter with two young men, Nicky Cruz and Sonny Argonzoni, who have powerful testimonies of transformation through Christ. Th |
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What Jesus Wants for His Church by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the current state of society, which is filled with scandal, filth, and a lack of moral values. He emphasizes the need for individuals to lift |