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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 19:8 He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/19-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/20_Pro_19_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 19:8 - The Man of Integrity" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success." /><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'; 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the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who gets wisdom loves his own soul; One who keeps understanding will find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who acquires a heart <i>of wisdom</i> loves his own soul; He who keeps discernment will find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who gains wisdom <i>and</i> good sense loves (preserves) his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good <i>and</i> prosper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who acquires good sense loves himself; one who safeguards understanding finds success.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who acquires good sense loves himself; one who safeguards understanding finds success. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Do yourself a favor by having good sense--you will be glad you did. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A person who gains sense loves himself. One who guards understanding finds something good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do yourself a favor and learn all you can; then remember what you learn and you will prosper. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever obtains wisdom loves himself, and whoever treasures understanding will prosper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who acquires wisdom loves himself; the one who preserves understanding will prosper. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is getting heart is loving his soul, "" He is keeping understanding to find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whoso is getting heart is loving his soul, He is keeping understanding to find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He obtaining a heart loved his soul: he watched understanding to find good.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But he that possesseth a mind, loveth his own soul, and he that keepeth prudence shall find good things. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But whoever possesses reason loves his own soul. And one who guards prudence shall discover good things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those who gain sense truly love themselves; those who preserve understanding will find success. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />To get wisdom is to love oneself; to keep understanding is to prosper.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps faithfulness shall find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that gets wisdom loves his soul; he that keeps the faith finds good.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul; He that keepeth understanding shall find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that procures wisdom loves himself; and he that keeps wisdom shall find good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/19-8.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=3752" 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/19.htm">The Man of Integrity</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>All the brothers of a poor man hate him—how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7069.htm" title="7069: qō·neh- (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to erect, i.e. Create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase; by implication to own.">He who acquires</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: ’ō·hêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">loves</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">himself;</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: šō·mêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">one who safeguards</a> <a href="/hebrew/8394.htm" title="8394: tə·ḇū·nāh (N-fs) -- An understanding. And tbuwnah; or towbunah; from biyn; intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice.">understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: lim·ṣō- (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To attain to, find. ">will find</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">success.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.…<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/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<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="/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="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16</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="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="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9-10</a></span><br />For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, / so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm">Proverbs 2:10-11</a></span><br />For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. / Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-17</a></span><br />Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-33.htm">Proverbs 8:33-36</a></span><br />Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. / Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. / For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Proverbs 15:32</a></span><br />He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24-25</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20</a></span><br />He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.<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="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-25</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10-12</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. / For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. / If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that gets wisdom loves his own soul: he that keeps understanding shall find good.</p><p class="hdg">wisdom</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Proverbs 17:16</a></b></br> Wherefore <i>is there</i> a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing <i>he hath</i> no heart <i>to it</i>?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26</a></b></br> A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.</p><p class="hdg">loveth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/8-35.htm">Proverbs 8:35,36</a></b></br> For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/12-25.htm">John 12:25</a></b></br> He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></b></br> For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:</p><p class="hdg">he that keepeth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1-9</a></b></br> My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-18.htm">Proverbs 3:18,21</a></b></br> She <i>is</i> a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy <i>is every one</i> that retaineth her… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4,6,21</a></b></br> He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/28-54.htm">Cherishes</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-20.htm">Find</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-22.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-15.htm">Getteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Loves</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-20.htm">Prosper</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Prospers</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-15.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-4.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/5-28.htm">Cherishes</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-6.htm">Find</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-11.htm">Getteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-10.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-17.htm">Loves</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-17.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Prosper</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Prospers</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-14.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Life and Conduct</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'; 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In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued and often associated with skill in living, moral discernment, and the ability to make sound decisions. The phrase suggests that pursuing wisdom is an act of self-love, as it leads to a better life and aligns with God's will. This aligns with the biblical principle that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). The idea of loving oneself through wisdom can be connected to Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/22-39.htm">Matthew 22:39</a>, where loving one's neighbor as oneself implies a healthy self-regard rooted in God's truth.<p><b>one who safeguards understanding will find success.</b><br>Safeguarding understanding implies not only acquiring knowledge but also preserving and applying it wisely. In the biblical context, understanding is more than intellectual comprehension; it involves insight and discernment that guide one's actions. The promise of success for those who protect understanding reflects the biblical principle that God's wisdom leads to prosperity and well-being (<a href="/joshua/1-8.htm">Joshua 1:8</a>). This success is not merely material but encompasses spiritual and relational prosperity. The concept of safeguarding understanding can be seen in the life of Jesus, who embodied perfect wisdom and understanding, leading to the ultimate success of fulfilling God's redemptive plan (<a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a>).<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 the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His reign is often associated with peace and prosperity in Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to which Solomon belonged and over which he reigned. The cultural and religious context of Israel during Solomon's time is crucial for understanding the Proverbs.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes books like Job and Ecclesiastes. These texts focus on practical and philosophical insights into life and godliness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom.htm">The Value of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is portrayed as a treasure that benefits the individual who seeks it. In a conservative Christian perspective, this wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord and adherence to His commandments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-care_through_wisdom.htm">Self-Care through Wisdom</a></b><br>Loving one's own soul involves making choices that lead to spiritual and personal well-being. This includes seeking wisdom and understanding as foundational to a successful life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_leads_to_success.htm">Understanding Leads to Success</a></b><br>The Hebrew word for "understanding" (binah) implies discernment and insight. Keeping understanding means applying this discernment in daily life, which leads to success as defined by God's standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application_of_wisdom.htm">Practical Application of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom should be actively pursued and applied in all areas of life, including relationships, work, and spiritual growth. This involves daily decisions that align with biblical principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_scripture_in_gaining_wisdom.htm">The Role of Scripture in Gaining Wisdom</a></b><br>Regular engagement with Scripture is essential for gaining wisdom and understanding. The Bible provides the foundation and guidance needed to navigate life's challenges successfully.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_secrets_does_god_reveal.htm">How should we respond to constructive criticism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_overtalking.htm">What does the Bible say about excessive talking?</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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_the_unethical_often_succeed.htm">Proverbs 2 depicts a direct correlation between virtue and success--why do corrupt or unethical individuals often thrive in reality?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">He that getteth wisdom.--</span>Literally, <span class= "ital">heart. </span>For that "wisdom," or "knowledge," that begins with the "fear of the Lord" (see above on <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm" title="The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.">Proverbs 1:7</a>), and ends with loving Him, is not a matter of intellect only, but of the heart also--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the will and affections.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul</span>. "Wisdom" is, in the Hebrew, <span class="accented">leb.</span> "heart;" it is a matter, not of intellect only. but of will and affections (see on Proverbs 15:32). Septuagint, <span class="greek">ἀγαπᾷ ἑαυτόν</span>, "loveth himself." The contrary, "hateth his own soul," occurs in <a href="/proverbs/29-24.htm">Proverbs 29:24</a>. By striving to obtain wisdom a man shows that he has regard for the welfare of his soul and body. Hence St. Thomas Aquinas ('Sum. Theol.,' 1:2, qu. 25, art. 7, quoted by Corn. a Lapide) takes occasion to demonstrate that only good men are really lovers of themselves, while evil men are practically self-haters, proving his position by a reference to Arislotle's numeration of the characteristics of friendship, which the former exhibit, and none of which the latter can possess ('Eth. Nic.,' 9:4). <span class="cmt_word">He that keepeth understanding shall find</span> <span class="cmt_word">good</span> (<a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Proverbs 16:20</a>). A man must not only strive hard and use all available means to get wisdom and prudence, he must guard them like a precious treasure, not lose them for want of care or let them lie useless; and then he will find that they bring with themselves innumerable benefits. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/19-8.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">He who acquires</span><br /><span class="heb">קֹֽנֶה־</span> <span class="translit">(qō·neh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<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">לֵּ֭ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">loves</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹהֵ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·hêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">himself;</span><br /><span class="heb">נַפְשׁ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">one who safeguards</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁמֵ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(šō·mêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">understanding</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(tə·ḇū·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8394.htm">Strong's 8394: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, an argument, caprice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will find</span><br /><span class="heb">לִמְצֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lim·ṣō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">success.</span><br /><span class="heb">טֽוֹב׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:8 He who gets wisdom loves his own (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 19:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 19:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/19-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 19:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 19:9" /></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>