Proverbs 16:16
Proverbs 16:16 in Multiple Translations
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! and to get knowledge is more to be desired than silver.
Far better to get wisdom than gold; far better to choose knowledge than silver.
Howe much better is it to get wisedome then golde? and to get vnderstanding, is more to be desired then siluer.
To get wisdom — how much better than gold, And to get understanding to be chosen than silver!
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold? and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver?
Get wisdom, because it is better than gold: and purchase prudence, for it is more precious than silver.
Becoming wise is better than aquiring gold; getting good understanding/insight is better than acquiring silver.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:16
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 16:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קְֽנֹה
חָכְמָ֗ה
מַה
טּ֥וֹב
מֵ/חָר֑וּץ
וּ/קְנ֥וֹת
בִּ֝ינָ֗ה
נִבְחָ֥ר
מִ/כָּֽסֶף
קְֽנֹה
qânâh
H7069
to buy
V-Qal-Inf-a
חָכְמָ֗ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
טּ֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
מֵ/חָר֑וּץ
chărûwts
H2742
sharp
Prep | N-ms
וּ/קְנ֥וֹת
qânâh
H7069
to buy
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-a
בִּ֝ינָ֗ה
bîynâh
H998
understanding
N-fs
נִבְחָ֥ר
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Niphal
מִ/כָּֽסֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
Prep | N-ms
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 16:16
קְֽנֹה
qânâh
H7069
"to buy"
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.
חָכְמָ֗ה
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.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
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.
טּ֥וֹב
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.
מֵ/חָר֑וּץ
chărûwts
H2742
"sharp"
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.
וּ/קְנ֥וֹת
qânâh
H7069
"to buy"
Conj | 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.
בִּ֝ינָ֗ה
bîynâh
H998
"understanding"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means understanding or discernment, like having wisdom or knowledge. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms, guiding people to make good decisions.
Definition: 1) understanding, discernment 1a) act 1b) faculty 1c) object 1d) personified Aramaic equivalent: bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0999)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: knowledge, meaning, [idiom] perfectly, understanding, wisdom. See also: Deuteronomy 4:6; Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 1:2.
נִבְחָ֥ר
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Niphal
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
מִ/כָּֽסֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:16
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
14The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
15When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
17The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life. 18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 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? |
| 3 | Proverbs 8:19 | My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 7:12 | For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner. |
| 5 | Proverbs 4:7 | Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. |
| 6 | Luke 12:21 | This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 3:15–18 | She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed. |
| 8 | Psalms 119:127 | Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold. |
| 9 | Job 28:13–28 | 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. From where then does wisdom come, and where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air. Abaddon and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor about it.’ But God understands its way, and He knows its place. For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When God fixed the weight of the wind and measured out the waters, when He set a limit for the rain and a path for the thunderbolt, then He looked at wisdom and appraised it; He established it and searched it out. And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” |
Proverbs 16:16 Summary
This verse is saying that it's much better to seek wisdom and understanding than to accumulate wealth and riches. Wisdom and understanding come from knowing God and His ways, as seen in Psalm 119:66, and this leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. By prioritizing wisdom, we can make better decisions and choices, and store up treasures in heaven, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21. By seeking to gain wisdom and understanding, we can live a life that honors God and brings joy and satisfaction to our hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to acquire wisdom in Proverbs 16:16?
Acquiring wisdom in this verse means to gain a deep understanding of God's ways and plans, as seen in Psalm 119:66, and to apply that knowledge in everyday life to make wise decisions.
Is the Bible saying that gold and silver are bad?
No, the Bible is not saying that gold and silver are bad, but rather that gaining wisdom and understanding is more valuable and desirable, as stated in Proverbs 16:16, and this is reinforced in Matthew 6:19-21 where Jesus teaches about storing up treasures in heaven.
How can I gain understanding as mentioned in this verse?
Gaining understanding involves seeking God's wisdom through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking guidance from wise and godly people, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and James 1:5.
What is the benefit of prioritizing wisdom over material wealth?
Prioritizing wisdom over material wealth leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life, as stated in Proverbs 16:16, and is also encouraged in 1 Timothy 6:6-10 where it is written that godliness with contentment is great gain.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am prioritizing material wealth over gaining wisdom and understanding?
- How can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 16:16 to my daily decisions and choices?
- What are some ways I can seek to gain a deeper understanding of God's ways and plans, as encouraged in this verse?
- In what ways can I use my resources and talents to store up treasures in heaven, rather than just accumulating wealth on earth?
- What does it mean for me to value wisdom and understanding more than gold and silver, and how can I demonstrate this in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:16
How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold?.... To obtain and possess Christ, the fountain of wisdom, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, which treasures are infinitely
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:16
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:16
How much better! it is inexpressibly and unconceivably better, as this phrase implies, 36:7 92:5, &c. Is it to get wisdom than gold, because it brings a man more certain, and complete, and lasting comfort and advantage.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:16
Proverbs 16:16 How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!Ver. 16. How much better is it to get wisdom than gold,] q.d., It is unspeakably better to get grace than gold; for what is gold and silver but the guts and garbage of the earth? and what serves it to but the life that now is, the back and belly? and what is the happiness that a man hath in much store of it but skin deep, or rather imaginary? "Surely man walketh in a vain show, in heaping up riches." That I speak not of the uncertainty of riches, their commonness to the wicked also, the insincerity of the comforts they yield, and their utter insufficiency to fill the infinite heart of man. Non enim plus satiatur cor auro quam corpus aura. The contrary of all which is true of heavenly wisdom. "How much better is it, therefore, to get wisdom than gold."
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:16
Verse 16. How much better - to get wisdom than gold?] Who believes this, though spoken by the wisest of men, under Divine inspiration?
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:16
16. rather to be chosen] Better, is rather &c. It is the acquisition of wisdom or understanding that is commended in both clauses of the verse, which are exactly parallel.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:16
16. To get — In both members may be rendered possess. The word means either to acquire or possess. It might be read thus: To own wisdom — how good!
Sermons on Proverbs 16:16
| 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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New Years' Address, January 1866 by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot delivers a New Year's Address in January 1866, emphasizing the importance of seeking spiritual profit in all aspects of life. He urges readers to assess whether their |
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The Lips of Knowledge Are a Precious Jewel by John Piper | John Piper reflects on the value of knowledge as highlighted in Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding over material riches. He delves into the si |
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Where Is the Fire? by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man who came to his office. The young man had been in Nicaragua and witnessed the power of God there. He tells the speaker |
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"Dow Jones and Revival" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of Christians prioritizing the kingdom of God over worldly concerns, drawing a parallel between the focus on financial markets like the Dow Jo |
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Finished With the World by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker expresses frustration and disappointment with the length and content of previous speakers at a gathering. He questions the prioritization of entertainme |