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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 (לָקַח 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 and voluntarily choose wisdom’s instruction. My instruction is the instruction coming from wisdom. Instructions: (מוּסָר musar) 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 (דַּעַת daath) is the possession of information learned by personal experience, observation, or study. It includes wisdom, understanding, insight, and the ability to live successfully and apply what has been taken into one’s heart and mind. The Bible strongly urges us to seek and treasure accurate knowledge, as it is far superior to gold.

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: (חָכְמָה chokmah; σοφία sophia) 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, and help others accomplish the same. The wise person is often contrasted with the fool or stupid person. Wisdom has the capacity to understand and then act wisely and so have skill in living, adhering to the standards set out in the Word of God. Wisdom belongs to the person who has accumulated knowledge, or intellect, or enlightenment. – Deut. 4:6; 1Ki 5:9; Deut. 32:6; Prov. 11:29; Eccles. 6:8; Col. 1:28; 4:5.

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 repeatedly demonstrated that the economy can crash at any given time, 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 wise one.