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Proverbs 24:14

Proverbs 24:14 in Multiple Translations

Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off.

So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

So shalt thou know wisdom to be unto thy soul; If thou hast found it, then shall there be a reward, And thy hope shall not be cut off.

So let your desire be for wisdom: if you have it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

In the same way, you should know that wisdom is good for you; if you find it, there will be a future for you, and your hope will not be crushed.

So shall the knowledge of wisdome be vnto thy soule, if thou finde it, and there shall be an ende, and thine hope shall not be cut off.

So [is] the knowledge of wisdom to thy soul, If thou hast found that there is a posterity And thy hope is not cut off.

so you shall know wisdom to be to your soul. If you have found it, then there will be a reward: Your hope will not be cut off.

So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to thy soul: when thou hast found it , then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

So also is the doctrine of wisdom to thy soul: which when thou hast found, thou shalt have hope in the end, and thy hope shall not perish.

Similarly, being wise is good for your soul; if you become wise, you will be happy in the future, and God will certainly do for you what you are confidently expecting him to do [LIT].

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:14

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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 24:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כֵּ֤ן דְּעֶ֥/ה חָכְמָ֗ה לְ/נַ֫פְשֶׁ֥/ךָ אִם מָ֭צָאתָ וְ/יֵ֣שׁ אַחֲרִ֑ית וְ֝/תִקְוָתְ/ךָ֗ לֹ֣א תִכָּרֵֽת
כֵּ֤ן kên H3651 right Part
דְּעֶ֥/ה yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
חָכְמָ֗ה chokmâh H2451 wisdom N-fs
לְ/נַ֫פְשֶׁ֥/ךָ nephesh H5315 soul Prep | N-cs | Suff
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
מָ֭צָאתָ mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Qal-Perf-2ms
וְ/יֵ֣שׁ yêsh H3426 there Conj | Part
אַחֲרִ֑ית ʼachărîyth H319 end N-fs
וְ֝/תִקְוָתְ/ךָ֗ tiqvâh H8615 cord Conj | N-fs | Suff
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
תִכָּרֵֽת kârath H3772 to cut V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:14

כֵּ֤ן kên H3651 "right" Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
דְּעֶ֥/ה yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
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.
לְ/נַ֫פְשֶׁ֥/ךָ nephesh H5315 "soul" Prep | 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.
אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
מָ֭צָאתָ mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
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.
וְ/יֵ֣שׁ yêsh H3426 "there" Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
אַחֲרִ֑ית ʼachărîyth H319 "end" N-fs
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
וְ֝/תִקְוָתְ/ךָ֗ tiqvâh H8615 "cord" Conj | N-fs | Suff
In Hebrew, this word for hope means a cord that attaches or expectancy, like waiting for something to happen. It appears in the Bible as a feeling of expectation or a thing someone longs for. The KJV translates it as hope or expectation.
Definition: cord
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: expectation(-ted), hope, live, thing that I long for. See also: Joshua 2:18; Psalms 62:6; Psalms 9:19.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִכָּרֵֽת kârath H3772 "to cut" V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.

Study Notes — Proverbs 24:14

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 James 1:25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does.
2 Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts.
3 Proverbs 2:10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul.
4 Psalms 119:103 How sweet are Your words to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth!
5 Proverbs 23:18 For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
6 Proverbs 2:1–5 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.
7 Proverbs 22:18 for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips.
8 Proverbs 3:13–18 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. 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.
9 Psalms 19:10–11 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.
10 Psalms 119:111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.

Proverbs 24:14 Summary

[Proverbs 24:14 teaches us that wisdom is sweet to our souls, giving us a deep satisfaction and joy in living a life guided by God's principles. This wisdom leads to a secure future and a hope that will never fade, as we trust in God's goodness and plans for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). Living wisely means seeking God's guidance and living according to His Word, which prepares us for eternity (Matthew 6:19-21). By following God's wisdom, we can face the future with confidence and hope, knowing that He is always with us (Psalm 23:4).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of wisdom being sweet to my soul?

The sweetness of wisdom to our souls, as mentioned in Proverbs 24:14, implies a deep satisfaction and joy that comes from living a life guided by God's wisdom, similar to the satisfaction from eating honey as mentioned in Proverbs 24:13. This satisfaction is rooted in our trust in God's goodness and provision, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.

How can I find wisdom that leads to a secure future?

Finding wisdom that leads to a secure future involves seeking God's guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and living according to its principles, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:1-6 and James 1:5-8. It's a lifelong journey of trusting in God's sovereignty and wisdom.

What does it mean for my hope to never be cut off?

Having hope that will never be cut off, as stated in Proverbs 24:14, means trusting in God's eternal promises and plans for our lives, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity, as reassured in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:4. This hope is rooted in the character of God, who is faithful and loving.

Is this verse promising earthly success or something more?

While Proverbs 24:14 does promise a future and hope, it's essential to understand that these promises are primarily spiritual and eternal, rather than solely earthly or material, as clarified in Matthew 6:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 2:9. The wisdom that leads to a secure future is about living a life that honors God and prepares us for eternity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's wisdom to ensure a secure future?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for the sweetness of wisdom in my daily life?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principles of wisdom from Proverbs 24:14 to my current challenges and decisions?
  4. What does it mean for me to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom when my future seems uncertain?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:14

So [shall] the knowledge of wisdom [be] unto thy soul,.... Or let it be taken in as greedily and with as good an appetite; as pleasant, useful, delightful, and profitable; even the knowledge of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:14

My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: Eat thou honey, because it is good (a gracious invitation to partake of the spiritual honey, Son 5:1;

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:14

When thou hast found it; whereby he implies that there is indeed some difficulty and trouble in the pursuit of wisdom, but that it is abundantly compensated with the sweetness and advantage of it when a man arrives at it. Then there shall be a reward, Heb. and or also there is a reward. It is not only as good as honey, sweet for the present, but it is infinitely better, bringing a sure and everlasting reward with it.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:14

(14) So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul.—Rather, Know (or understand) that wisdom is such (equally sweet and good) for thy soul.A reward.—Literally, a future. (Comp. Proverbs 23:18.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:14

Verse 14. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul] True religion, experimental godliness, shall be to thy soul as the honey-comb is to thy mouth. Then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.] This is precisely the same with that in the preceding chapter, Proverbs 23:18, where see the note. See Clarke on Proverbs 23:18. The word אחרית acharith, we translate in the former place an end, and here we translate it a reward; but there is no place I believe in the sacred writings in which it has any such acceptation; nor can such a meaning be deduced from the root אחר achar, which always refers to behind, after, extremity, latter part, time, c., but never carries the idea of recompense, compensation, or such like nor has one of the versions understood it so. There is another state or life, and thy expectation of happiness in a future world shall not be cut off. In this sense the versions all understood it. I will take them as they lie before me. "Which (wisdom) when thou shalt have found, thou shalt have hope in thy last days; and thy hope shall not perish." - Vulgate. "And if thou find it, thou shalt have a good death; and hope shall not forsake thee." - Septuagint. "Which, if thou have found, thy latter days shall be better than the former; and thy hope shall not be consumed." - Chaldee. "There shall be an end, and thy hope shall not be cut off." - Syriac. "For, if thou shalt find her, (wisdom,) thy death shall be glorious, and thy hope will not fail thee." - Arabic. Whiche whan thou fyndist schalt han in the last thingis, hope: and thin hope schal not perischen. - Old MS. Bible. "And there is GOOD HOPE; yee that hope shal not be in vayne." - Coverdale. This rendering is indefinite, which is not the usual custom of the translator.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:14

14. so shall the knowledge of wisdom be] Rather, so know wisdom to be. With like avidity as you eat honey (Proverbs 24:13), know, get to know, pursue the knowledge of, wisdom. Comp. Psalms 19:10 (Hebrews 11). reward] See Proverbs 23:18 note.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:14

The knowledge of wisdom - Better, Know that thus (like the honey) is wisdom to thy soul.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:14

13, 14. Eat thou honey — These two verses, taken together, imply a comparison. There is first what seems a simple precept concerning diet, which is afterwards applied to the acquisition of wisdom.

Sermons on Proverbs 24:14

SermonDescription
Vance Havner Where Is America Headed? by Vance Havner In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are engaged in a spiritual battle that has already been won by Jesus on the cross. He compares our role to that of so
Derek Prince Commanded to Love - Part 2 by Derek Prince This sermon delves into the concept of love as described in the Epistle of James, emphasizing the importance of loving one's neighbor as oneself, which is referred to as the perfec
Stephen Olford Crisis-01 Crisis of Identity by Stephen Olford In this sermon, the preacher recounts the story of Paul's conversion on the Damascus road. He emphasizes the significance of Paul's encounter with Jesus and his subsequent choice t
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) James 1-2 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the introduction of James in the book of James. James identifies himself as a bond slave of God and Jesus Christ, emphasizing his complete su
Denny Kenaston The Great Deception by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of dealing with sin early, comparing it to a serpent that can lead us astray. He shares a tragic story of a young man who reb
Randy Jones The Absolute Lordship of Jesus by Randy Jones In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of the listeners and help them understand the truth. He emphasizes the importance of studying th
Gerhard Du Toit Prayer Summit - Part 5 by Gerhard Dutoit by Gerhard Du Toit This sermon emphasizes the importance of churches being filled with people who are full of God, not just with a large number of attendees. It delves into the significance of deepen

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