Proverbs 23:23
Proverbs 23:23 in Multiple Translations
Invest in truth and never sell it— in wisdom and instruction and understanding.
Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
Buy the truth, and sell it not; Yea, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
Get for yourself that which is true, and do not let it go for money; get wisdom and teaching and good sense.
Invest in truth—and don't sell it! Invest in wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
Bye the trueth, but sell it not: likewise wisdome, and instruction, and vnderstanding.
Truth buy, and sell not, Wisdom, and instruction, and understanding,
Buy the truth, and don’t sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.
Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
Buy truth, and do not sell wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
Try to know/learn what is wise, and get good instruction and understanding; and do not throw those things away.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:23
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 23:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱמֶ֣ת
קְ֭נֵה
וְ/אַל
תִּמְכֹּ֑ר
חָכְמָ֖ה
וּ/מוּסָ֣ר
וּ/בִינָֽה
אֱמֶ֣ת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs
קְ֭נֵה
qânâh
H7069
to buy
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
תִּמְכֹּ֑ר
mâkar
H4376
to sell
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וּ/מוּסָ֣ר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
Conj | N-ms
וּ/בִינָֽה
bîynâh
H998
understanding
Conj | N-fs
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 23:23
אֱמֶ֣ת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
קְ֭נֵה
qânâh
H7069
"to buy"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּמְכֹּ֑ר
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
חָכְמָ֖ה
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.
וּ/מוּסָ֣ר
mûwçâr
H4148
"discipline"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
וּ/בִינָֽה
bîynâh
H998
"understanding"
Conj | 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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:23
Context — Saying 17
21For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.
22Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23Invest in truth and never sell it— in wisdom and instruction and understanding.
24The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him. 25May your father and mother be glad, and may she who gave you birth rejoice!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 18:15 | The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. |
| 2 | Matthew 13:44 | The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. |
| 3 | Psalms 119:72 | The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. |
| 4 | Proverbs 16:16 | How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. |
| 5 | Hebrews 11:26 | He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward. |
| 6 | Philippians 3:7–8 | But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ |
| 7 | Proverbs 10:1 | The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother. |
| 8 | Isaiah 55:1 | “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! |
| 9 | Psalms 119:127 | Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold. |
| 10 | 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? |
Proverbs 23:23 Summary
[This verse means that we should prioritize seeking and holding on to God's truth, and not give it up or compromise it, even when it's hard. We can do this by reading and applying the Bible to our lives, as well as seeking wise counsel from others. By investing in truth, we can gain wisdom, instruction, and understanding, which can lead to a life of righteousness and joy, as seen in Proverbs 3:13. As it says in Psalms 119:105, God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us on our journey.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'invest in truth' in Proverbs 23:23?
Investing in truth means to prioritize and seek after God's truth, as revealed in the Bible, such as in Psalms 119:160, which says 'The entirety of Your word is truth', and to make it a valuable part of our lives.
Why is it important not to 'sell' truth, according to this verse?
Not selling truth means to hold on to it and not compromise or abandon it, even when faced with challenges or pressures, as warned in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, where it says people will turn away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
How does wisdom, instruction, and understanding relate to truth in this verse?
Wisdom, instruction, and understanding are all connected to truth because they are the outcomes of seeking and applying God's truth in our lives, as seen in James 1:5, which says if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.
What are the benefits of following this advice in Proverbs 23:23?
The benefits of investing in truth and holding on to it include gaining wisdom, instruction, and understanding, which can lead to a life of righteousness and joy, as described in Proverbs 3:13, which says blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'invest in truth' in my daily life, such as through reading Scripture or seeking wise counsel?
- How can I ensure that I am not 'selling' truth, even in small ways, such as by compromising my values or remaining silent when I should speak up?
- What are some areas in my life where I need more wisdom, instruction, and understanding, and how can I seek these things from God?
- How can I apply the truth of God's Word to my relationships, such as with my family or friends, and what benefits can I expect to see as a result?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth, and sell [it] not,.... Evangelical truth, the word of truth, the Gospel of salvation, which comes from the God of truth; has Christ, who is the truth, for the stem and substance of it;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth; purchase it upon any terms, spare no pains nor cost to get it. The truth; the true and saving knowledge of God’ s mind and will concerning your salvation, and the way that leads to it. Sell it not; do not forget it nor forsake it for any worldly advantages, as ungodly men frequently do. Understanding; whereby you may love and practise the truth known and received.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:23
Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell [it] not; [also] wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.Ver. 23. Buy the truth and sell it not.] Every parcel of truth is precious, as the filings of gold, as the bezar stone, when beaten, are carefully looked to and preserved. "Hold fast the faithful word," as with both hands. "Strive together for the faith of the gospel." Be zealous for it; ητανηεπιταν, Either live with it, or die for it. As we have received it as a legacy from our forefathers (who sealed it with their blood, and paid dear for it), so we must transmit it to our posterity pure and entire, whatever it stands us in. They were so religious that they would not exchange a letter or syllable of the faith wherewith Christ had be trusted them. So zealous in buying the truth, that they would give five marks and more for a good book - and that was more money than ten pound is now. Some gave a load of hay for a few chapters of St James or of St Paul in English, sitting up all night in reading and hearing, &c. What a deal of charge was the Queen of Sheba at for Solomon’ s wisdom! The wise merchant for the pearl of price!
Jerome and Reuchlin for their Hebrew learning! Pro singulis horis singulos aureos numerabant. Reuchlin gave a crown an hour to the Jew that read to him. Jerome ventured his life to visit by night to a Jewish doctor. See Matthew 13:44. Arii ομοιουσιος. Nestorii θεοδοχος. Acts and Mon., fol. 756.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:23
(23) Buy the truth, and sell it not.—The “truth” is here described under the three heads of wisdom, self-discipline, and understanding. (See above, on Proverbs 1:2.) All these are to be obtained from God (James 1:5), who gives to every man “liberally,” “without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1). (Comp. Revelation 3:18, and the “treasure” and “pearl of great price” of Matthew 13:44-46.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:23
Verse 23. Buy the truth] Acquire the knowledge of God at all events; and in order to do this, too much pains, industry, and labour cannot be expended. And sell it not] When once acquired, let no consideration deprive thee of it. Cleave to and guard it, even at the risk of thy life. Coverdale translates: "Labour for to get the treuth; sell not awaye wissdome."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:23
23. buy … sell it not] Procure it at any cost: part with it on no consideration. Comp. Matthew 13:44-45. also] Rather, even, or, yea. The things mentioned are not additions to, but elements of “the truth.” Comp. Malachi 4:4, R.V.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:23
23. Buy the truth — Acquire it by paying the necessary price — earnest search, diligent pursuit, careful study, time, money, whatever is requisite to the obtaining of it. Sell it not — Never part with it at any price.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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Profiting From the Word 8. the Scriptures and the Promises by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of God's promises in the Scriptures, illustrating how they reveal God's love and grace towards His people. He explains that these promises are |
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A Discriminating Ministry by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the prophet Jeremiah's rough path and rebellious nature, highlighting the distinction between precious and vile elements in God's sight. He emphasizes t |