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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 23:23 Invest in truth and never sell it--in wisdom and instruction and understanding.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/23-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/20_Pro_23_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 23:23 - True Riches" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Invest in truth and never sell it--in wisdom and instruction and understanding." /><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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also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Invest in truth and never sell it—in wisdom and instruction and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Buy the truth, and sell <i>it</i> not; <i>also</i> wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Buy the truth, and do not sell <i>it,</i> <i>Also</i> wisdom and instruction and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Buy truth, and do not sell <i>it,</i> <i>Get</i> wisdom, instruction, and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Buy truth, and do not sell <i>it,</i> <i>Get</i> wisdom and instruction and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Buy truth, and do not sell <i>it</i>, <i>Get</i> wisdom and discipline and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Buy truth, and do not sell it; Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Buy—and do not sell—truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Buy—and do not sell—truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Buy the truth, and sell it not; Yea, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Invest in truth and wisdom, discipline and good sense, and don't part with them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Buy the truth, and sell it not; yea, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Buy truth (and do not sell it), [that is,] buy wisdom, discipline, and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Truth, wisdom, learning, and good sense--these are worth paying for, but too valuable for you to sell. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Purchase truth, but don't sell it; store up wisdom, instruction, and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Invest in truth and never sell it?in wisdom and instruction and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Acquire truth and do not sell it--wisdom, and discipline, and understanding. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Buy the truth, and do not sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Buy the truth, and don’t sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Buy truth, and do not sell, "" Wisdom, and instruction, and understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Truth buy, and sell not, Wisdom, and instruction, and understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Buy the truth, and thou shalt not sell wisdom and instruction and understanding.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Buy truth, and do not sell wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Purchase truth, and do not sell wisdom, or doctrine, or understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Buy truth and do not sell: wisdom, instruction, understanding! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Buy the truth, and do not sell wisdom; also buy understanding and instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Buy truth and do not sell wisdom, instruction or understanding.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Buy the truth, and sell it not; Also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/23-23.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=4730" 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/23.htm">True Riches</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7069.htm" title="7069: qə·nêh (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to erect, i.e. Create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase; by implication to own.">Invest in</a> <a href="/hebrew/571.htm" title="571: ’ĕ·meṯ (N-fs) -- Firmness, faithfulness, truth. Contracted from 'aman; stability; certainty, truth, trustworthiness.">truth</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">and never</a> <a href="/hebrew/4376.htm" title="4376: tim·kōr (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To sell. A primitive root; to sell, literally, or figuratively.">sell it—</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥāḵ·māh (N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">in wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/4148.htm" title="4148: ū·mū·sār (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Discipline, chastening, correction. From yacar; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint.">and instruction</a> <a href="/hebrew/998.htm" title="998: ū·ḇî·nāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- An understanding. From biyn; understanding.">and understanding.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him.…<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="/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="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a></span><br />in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-1.htm">Isaiah 55:1-3</a></span><br />“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. / Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-30.htm">1 Corinthians 1:30</a></span><br />It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.<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="/john/8-32.htm">John 8:32</a></span><br />Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15-17</a></span><br />From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. / All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.<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="/philippians/3-8.htm">Philippians 3:8</a></span><br />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="/psalms/19-9.htm">Psalm 19:9-10</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. / They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">1 Peter 1:18-19</a></span><br />For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.<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="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33</a></span><br />O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.</p><p class="hdg">buy</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2-4</a></b></br> So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, <i>and</i> apply thine heart to understanding; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5-7</a></b></br> Get wisdom, get understanding: forget <i>it</i> not; neither decline from the words of my mouth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-1.htm">Proverbs 10:1</a></b></br> The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son <i>is</i> the heaviness of his mother.</p><p class="hdg">sell</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Matthew 16:26</a></b></br> For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23</a></b></br> Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/11-26.htm">Hebrews 11:26</a></b></br> Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Buy</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-8.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Money</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-26.htm">Sell</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">True.</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/55-1.htm">Buy</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-17.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-32.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-24.htm">Money</a> <a href="/isaiah/50-1.htm">Sell</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-32.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-13.htm">True.</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Consider carefully what is before you</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/23.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/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Invest in truth</b><br>The call to invest in truth emphasizes the value of truth as a foundational principle in life. In biblical terms, truth is often associated with God's word and His commandments (<a href="/psalms/119-160.htm">Psalm 119:160</a>). The Hebrew concept of truth, "emet," implies faithfulness and reliability. In a historical context, truth was a scarce commodity, often overshadowed by deceit and falsehood, as seen in the warnings of false prophets (<a href="/jeremiah/14-14.htm">Jeremiah 14:14</a>). Investing in truth suggests a commitment to seeking and upholding God's truth, which is eternal and unchanging (<a href="/john/17-17.htm">John 17:17</a>).<p><b>and never sell it—</b><br>The admonition to never sell truth underscores its priceless nature. Selling truth can be understood as compromising or abandoning it for personal gain or convenience. This echoes the biblical theme of steadfastness in faith, as seen in the story of Esau, who sold his birthright for a meal (<a href="/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16</a>). The cultural context of ancient Israel valued covenants and promises, and selling truth would be akin to breaking a sacred covenant. This phrase calls believers to hold fast to their convictions and not trade them for worldly benefits (<a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Matthew 16:26</a>).<p><b>in wisdom</b><br>Wisdom in the biblical sense is more than knowledge; it is the application of knowledge in a godly manner. Proverbs frequently contrasts wisdom with folly, urging the pursuit of wisdom as a path to life (<a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a>). Wisdom is personified in <a href="/proverbs/8.htm">Proverbs 8</a>, where it is depicted as calling out to humanity. The pursuit of wisdom is a recurring theme in Scripture, with Solomon being a prime example of one who sought wisdom above all else (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a>). Wisdom is seen as a divine gift that leads to righteous living and decision-making.<p><b>and instruction</b><br>Instruction refers to the teaching and discipline necessary for growth in understanding and character. In the biblical context, instruction is often linked to the law and commandments given by God (<a href="/deuteronomy/6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:1-9</a>). The Hebrew word for instruction, "musar," implies correction and guidance, akin to a father instructing his child (<a href="/proverbs/3-11.htm">Proverbs 3:11-12</a>). This reflects the cultural importance of mentorship and learning from elders and leaders. Instruction is vital for developing discernment and aligning one's life with God's will.<p><b>and understanding.</b><br>Understanding is the ability to discern and comprehend the deeper truths of life. It involves insight and perception, going beyond surface-level knowledge. In Scripture, understanding is often associated with the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). The pursuit of understanding is encouraged throughout the Bible, as it leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more profound grasp of His purposes (<a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17-18</a>). Understanding is seen as a gift from God, enabling believers to navigate life's complexities with clarity and purpose.<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 writings often focus on the pursuit of wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom much of the wisdom literature, including Proverbs, was originally addressed. The cultural and religious context of Israel provides a backdrop for understanding the value placed on wisdom and truth.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_marketplace.htm">The Marketplace</a></b><br>While not a specific event or place, the metaphor of buying and selling in this verse suggests a marketplace setting, emphasizing the value and cost of acquiring wisdom and truth.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_truth.htm">The Value of Truth</a></b><br>Truth is a precious commodity that should be sought after diligently. In a world filled with deception, investing in truth is crucial for living a life that honors God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_as_a_lifelong_pursuit.htm">Wisdom as a Lifelong Pursuit</a></b><br>Wisdom, instruction, and understanding are not one-time acquisitions but lifelong pursuits. Believers are encouraged to continually seek these virtues.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_compromise.htm">Guarding Against Compromise</a></b><br>The admonition to "never sell it" warns against compromising or abandoning truth and wisdom for temporary gains or pleasures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_investment.htm">Practical Investment</a></b><br>Just as one invests time and resources in financial markets, believers should invest in spiritual growth through study, prayer, and fellowship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community.htm">The Role of Community</a></b><br>Engaging with a community of believers can provide accountability and encouragement in the pursuit of truth and wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_truth_your_top_priority.htm">Is truth worth more than anything else to you?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_about_religious_contradictions.htm">What about all the contradictions between religions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_hope_an_anchor_for_the_soul.htm">How does a lamp guide my path?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/when_is_it_time_to_keep_or_discard.htm">When is it time to keep or discard?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Buy the truth, and sell it not.--</span>The "truth" is here described under the three heads of wisdom, self-discipline, and understanding. (See above, on <a href="/proverbs/1-2.htm" title="To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;">Proverbs 1:2</a>.) All these are to be obtained from God (<a href="/james/1-5.htm" title="If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraides not; and it shall be given him.">James 1:5</a>), who gives to every man "liberally," "without money and without price" (<a href="/isaiah/55-1.htm" title="Ho, every one that thirsts, come you to the waters, and he that has no money; come you, buy, and eat; yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.">Isaiah 55:1</a>). (Comp. <a href="/revelation/3-18.htm" title="I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.">Revelation 3:18</a>, and the "treasure" and "pearl of great price" of <a href="/context/matthew/13-44.htm" title="Again, the kingdom of heaven is like to treasure hid in a field; the which when a man has found, he hides, and for joy thereof goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.">Matthew 13:44-46</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Buy the truth, and sell it not</span> (comp. <a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5, 7</a>; <a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16</a>). Consider truth as a thing of the highest value, and spare no pains, cost, or sacrifice to obtain it, and, when gotten, keep it safe; do not barter it for earthly profit or the pleasures of sense; do not be reasoned out of it, or laughed out of it; "sell it not," do not part with it for any consideration. The second clause gives the sphere in which truth moves, or the three properties which appertain to it. These are: <span class="cmt_word">wisdom</span> (<span class="accented">chochmah</span>), practical knowledge; <span class="cmt_word">instruction</span> (<span class="accented">musar</span>), moral culture and discipline; and <span class="cmt_word">understanding</span> (<span class="accented">binah</span>), the faculty of discernment (see notes on Proverbs 1:2). This verse is omitted in the chief manuscripts of the Septuagint. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/23-23.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">Invest in</span><br /><span class="heb">קְ֭נֵה</span> <span class="translit">(qə·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - 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">truth</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱמֶ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·meṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_571.htm">Strong's 571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and never</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sell it—</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּמְכֹּ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(tim·kōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4376.htm">Strong's 4376: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sell</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכְמָ֖ה</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">and instruction</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמוּסָ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mū·sār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4148.htm">Strong's 4148: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and understanding.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבִינָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇî·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth and don't sell it (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/23-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 23:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/23-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 23:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:24" /></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>