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Wisdom Is More Precious Than All Else

Proverbs 8:10-11 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹⁰Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold,
¹¹for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

Take my instruction instead of silver: Here the Hebrew verb take (laqach) expresses a command that has the sense of grasping or taking hold of, namely, willingly accepting, receiving, or choosing what is offered. Thus, we are to grasp or take hold of, willingly choose wisdom’s instruction. My instruction is the instruction coming from wisdom. Instructions: (Heb. piqquḏim) This Hebrew noun means instructions, precepts, directions, procedures, regulation, i.e., a principle or rule concerning the personal conduct that is to be obeyed within a community.

And knowledge rather than choice gold: Knowledge (Heb. daath) is a possession of information learned by personal experience, observation, or study. The Bible strongly urges us to seek and treasure accurate knowledge, as it is far superior to choice gold, which is gold of the highest purity.

For wisdom is better than jewels: The conjunction for is introducing the reasons as to why we should take wisdom’s instruction and knowledge. The adjective better is of a greater value. Wisdom: (Heb. chokmah) is sound judgment, based on knowledge and understanding. It is the balanced application of that knowledge to answer difficulties, achieve objectives, sidestep or ward off dangers, not to mention helping others to accomplish the same. The wise person is often contrasted with the foolishness or stupid person.

And all that you may desire cannot compare with her: Here all that you may desire means all of the things that you may desire.

Correctly, the truth is that wisdom is far more valuable than silver or choice gold. World events have demonstrated repeatedly, at any given time, the economy can crash, and money becomes worthless, with survival being found in the choices of the wise one. Wisdom’s teachings are priceless, because they lead to life everlasting, something no amount of money can buy, as it is an undeserved gift from God. Even now, wisdom can deliver true happiness and offer protection to the one who is wise.