Proverbs 19:8
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
Original Language Analysis
קֹֽנֶה
He that getteth
H7069
קֹֽנֶה
He that getteth
Strong's:
H7069
Word #:
1 of 8
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
לֵּ֭ב
wisdom
H3820
לֵּ֭ב
wisdom
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
2 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
his own soul
H5315
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
his own soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
he that keepeth
H8104
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
he that keepeth
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה
understanding
H8394
תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה
understanding
Strong's:
H8394
Word #:
6 of 8
intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
Cross References
Proverbs 16:20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.Proverbs 3:18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.Proverbs 4:6Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.John 14:21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.1 Peter 3:10For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:Psalms 19:11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.Proverbs 17:16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?Proverbs 22:18For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.Proverbs 3:21My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:Proverbs 4:21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom literature was explicitly eudaimonistic—concerned with human flourishing. Biblical wisdom uniquely grounds this flourishing in covenant relationship with God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does pursuing godly wisdom demonstrate genuine love for yourself?
- What 'good' have you found by keeping biblical understanding?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Getting wisdom demonstrates self-love in the highest sense—seeking one's true good. Keeping understanding leads to finding good, showing wisdom's practical benefits. This isn't selfish but properly ordered self-interest that recognizes spiritual flourishing is the path to genuine wellbeing.