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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 16:16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/16-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/20_Pro_16_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 16:16 - The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/16-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/16-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/16-15.htm" title="Proverbs 16:15">◄</a> Proverbs 16:16 <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm" title="Proverbs 16:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />How much better <i>is it</i> to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />How much better it is to acquire wisdom than fine gold! And to acquire understanding is to be chosen above silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Get wisdom — how much better it is than gold! And get understanding — it is preferable to silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Get wisdom— how much better it is than gold! And get understanding— it is preferable to silver. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It's much better to be wise and sensible than to be rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />How much better it is to gain wisdom than gold, and the gaining of understanding should be chosen over silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It is better--much better--to have wisdom and knowledge than gold and silver. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />How much better than gaining gold is the acquisition of wisdom, the attainment of wisdom better than silver!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />How much better it is to acquire wisdom than gold; to acquire understanding is more desirable than silver. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />How much better it is to get wisdom than gold. Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />How much better is it to get wisdom than gold? and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />To get wisdom—how much better than gold, "" And to get understanding—to be chosen [more] than silver!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To get wisdom -- how much better than gold, And to get understanding to be chosen than silver!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The obtaining of wisdom how good above gold and the obtaining of understanding to be chosen above silver.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Get wisdom, because it is better than gold: and purchase prudence, for it is more precious than silver. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Possess wisdom, for it is better than gold. And acquire prudence, for it is more precious than silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is preferable to silver. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />To get wisdom is much better than gold; and to get understanding is better than silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Possessing wisdom is better than gold, and possessing understanding, better than silver.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/16-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3161" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">How much</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">better</a> <a href="/hebrew/7069.htm" title="7069: qə·nōh- (V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to erect, i.e. Create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase; by implication to own.">to acquire</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥāḵ·māh (N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/2742.htm" title="2742: mê·ḥā·rūṣ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Incised, incisive, a trench, gold, a threshing-sledge, determination, eager.">than gold!</a> <a href="/hebrew/7069.htm" title="7069: ū·qə·nō·wṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to erect, i.e. Create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase; by implication to own.">To gain</a> <a href="/hebrew/998.htm" title="998: bî·nāh (N-fs) -- An understanding. From biyn; understanding.">understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: niḇ·ḥār (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">is more desirable</a> <a href="/hebrew/3701.htm" title="3701: mik·kā·sep̄ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Silver, money. From kacaph; silver; by implication, money.">than silver.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13-18</a></span><br />Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:12</a></span><br />For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/28-12.htm">Job 28:12-19</a></span><br />But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? / 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.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2-3</a></span><br />that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">Matthew 13:44-46</a></span><br />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. / Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">Proverbs 8:10-11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24-30</a></span><br />but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. / For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. / Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-72.htm">Psalm 119:72</a></span><br />The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5-7</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. / Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. / Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17-18</a></span><br />that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1-6</a></span><br />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, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-7.htm">Philippians 3:7-8</a></span><br />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<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23</a></span><br />Invest in truth and never sell it—in wisdom and instruction and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a></span><br />Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15-18</a></b></br> She <i>is</i> more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></b></br> Wisdom <i>is</i> the principal thing; <i>therefore</i> get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">Proverbs 8:10,11,19</a></b></br> Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Better</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-12.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-19.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-22.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/job/36-21.htm">Preferred</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/16-19.htm">Better</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-15.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-3.htm">Preferred</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">The Plans of the heart</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>How much better to acquire wisdom than gold!</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the supreme value of wisdom over material wealth. In biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>) and is considered a divine gift that leads to a righteous life. The comparison to gold highlights the temporal nature of earthly riches versus the eternal benefits of wisdom. Historically, gold has been a symbol of wealth and power, yet the Bible consistently teaches that spiritual insight and moral discernment are of greater worth. This echoes Solomon's request for wisdom over riches (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a>), illustrating that true prosperity is found in understanding God's will.<p><b>To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.</b><br>Understanding, like wisdom, is portrayed as more valuable than silver, another precious metal. This reflects the biblical theme that spiritual insight and discernment are crucial for living a life pleasing to God. Understanding involves the ability to apply knowledge in a way that aligns with divine principles. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed high value on silver as a medium of exchange and wealth, yet this proverb teaches that spiritual understanding surpasses even the most desirable earthly possessions. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>), pointing to the eternal significance of spiritual over material wealth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he valued above wealth and power.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature was highly esteemed.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_and_understanding.htm">Wisdom and Understanding</a></b><br>Personified concepts in Proverbs, often depicted as valuable treasures that guide righteous living.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_superiority_of_wisdom.htm">The Superiority of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is portrayed as more valuable than gold, emphasizing its eternal and practical benefits over temporary material wealth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_understanding.htm">The Pursuit of Understanding</a></b><br>Understanding is described as more desirable than silver, suggesting that insight and discernment lead to a life aligned with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prioritizing_spiritual_wealth.htm">Prioritizing Spiritual Wealth</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to prioritize spiritual growth and wisdom over the accumulation of earthly riches.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_as_a_guide_for_life.htm">Wisdom as a Guide for Life</a></b><br>Wisdom provides guidance and protection, leading to a life of righteousness and peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_divine_wisdom.htm">Seeking Divine Wisdom</a></b><br>True wisdom comes from God, and believers are encouraged to seek it through prayer and study of the Scriptures.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_biblical_proverb.htm">What defines a biblical proverb?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_poor_devout_reconcile_psalm_112_3.htm">Psalm 112:3 declares that the righteous will enjoy wealth and riches; how does this reconcile with devout individuals who remain poor and persecuted throughout history? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_2_16_unfairly_target_women.htm">Proverbs 2:16 warns against the adulterous woman--does this single out women unfairly and conflict with other biblical calls for mutual respect?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_23_9_conflict_with_sharing_truth.htm">Proverbs 23:9 says not to speak to a fool; does this conflict with the New Testament's call to share truth with everyone?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">To get wisdom than gold</span> (comp, <a href="/proverbs/3-14.htm">Proverbs 3:14</a>; <a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">Proverbs 8:10, 11, 19</a>); <span class="cmt_word">and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver;</span> Revised Version better, <span class="accented">yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than</span> [to get] <span class="accented">silver.</span> If the clauses are not simply parallel, and the comparative value of silver and gold is So be considered, we may, with Wordsworth, see here an intimation of the superiority of wisdom (<span class="accented">chochmah</span>) over intelligence (<span class="accented">binah</span>), the former being the guide of life and including the practice of religion, the latter denoting discernment, the faculty of distinguishing between one thing and another (see note on Proverbs 28:4, and the quotation from 'Pirke Aboth' on <a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm">Proverbs 15:33</a>). The LXX., for <span class="accented">kenoh</span> reading <span class="accented">kinnot</span>, have given a version of which the Fathers have largely availed themselves: "The nests of wisdom are preferable to gold, and the nests of knowledge are preferable above silver." Some of the old commentators take these "nests" to be the problems and apothegms which enshrine wisdom; others consider them to mean the children or scholars who are taught by the wise man. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/16-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">How much</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">better</span><br /><span class="heb">טּ֥וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to acquire</span><br /><span class="heb">קְֽנֹה־</span> <span class="translit">(qə·nōh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7069.htm">Strong's 7069: </a> </span><span class="str2">To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכְמָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥāḵ·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than gold;</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵחָר֑וּץ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥā·rūṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2742.htm">Strong's 2742: </a> </span><span class="str2">Incised, incisive, a trench, gold, a threshing-sledge, determination, eager</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to gain</span><br /><span class="heb">וּקְנ֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·qə·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7069.htm">Strong's 7069: </a> </span><span class="str2">To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own</span><br /><br /><span class="word">understanding</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּ֝ינָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(bî·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_998.htm">Strong's 998: </a> </span><span class="str2">An understanding</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is more desirable</span><br /><span class="heb">נִבְחָ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(niḇ·ḥār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_977.htm">Strong's 977: </a> </span><span class="str2">To try, select</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than silver.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִכָּֽסֶף׃</span> <span class="translit">(mik·kā·sep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3701.htm">Strong's 3701: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silver, money</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:16 How much better it is to get (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/16-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 16:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 16:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>