Proverbs 17:16
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
Original Language Analysis
לָמָּה
H4100
לָמָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
בְּיַד
in the hand
H3027
בְּיַד
in the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
4 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
כְּסִ֑יל
of a fool
H3684
כְּסִ֑יל
of a fool
Strong's:
H3684
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
לִקְנ֖וֹת
to get
H7069
לִקְנ֖וֹת
to get
Strong's:
H7069
Word #:
6 of 9
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
Cross References
Proverbs 23:23Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.Proverbs 18:15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.2 Corinthians 6:1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.Deuteronomy 5:29O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, accessing wisdom required resources—time to study rather than labor, money for travel to teachers, ability to access Torah scrolls. Yet many with these advantages pursued folly instead. Solomon had infinite resources and wisdom itself, yet his son Rehoboam had the price but not the heart (1 Kings 12:8). The rich young ruler had resources to follow Jesus but lacked heart (Matthew 19:16-22). Modern parallel: many with Bible access never read it.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'price' (resources, opportunities, access) for gaining wisdom do you possess but aren't using?
- Do you have the heart—deep desire and commitment—to pursue wisdom, or just external opportunities?
- How can you cultivate heart hunger for God's wisdom rather than merely possessing resources to obtain it?
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? Fools may have resources (mechir, מְחִיר, price, money) to acquire wisdom—access to teachers, books, education—yet lack heart (lev, לֵב, heart, will, desire) to pursue it. Resources without desire are worthless. This proverb mourns wasted opportunities. Many people have Bible access, Christian education, wise mentors but no heart for wisdom. Without the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1:7), resources are useless. Christ offers living water freely (John 7:37), but those without thirst won't drink.