Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Original Language Analysis
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
is the principal thing
H7225
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
is the principal thing
Strong's:
H7225
Word #:
1 of 8
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
קְנֵ֣ה
therefore get
H7069
קְנֵ֣ה
therefore get
Strong's:
H7069
Word #:
3 of 8
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
וּבְכָל
H3605
וּבְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
קִ֝נְיָנְךָ֗
and with all thy getting
H7075
קִ֝נְיָנְךָ֗
and with all thy getting
Strong's:
H7075
Word #:
6 of 8
creation, i.e., (concretely) creatures; also acquisition, purchase, wealth
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 7:12For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.Proverbs 23:23Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.Proverbs 16:16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Historical Context
This proverb reflects the priority ancient Israelite culture placed on acquiring wisdom above material wealth.
Questions for Reflection
- What do your priorities and schedule reveal about whether wisdom is truly your 'principal thing'?
- What might you need to sacrifice or reorder to make acquiring wisdom your highest pursuit?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse boldly declares wisdom as the supreme acquisition. 'Wisdom is the principal thing' (רֵאשִׁית חָכְמָה/re'shit chokhmah) uses 're'shit' (beginning/chief thing) to establish wisdom as the highest priority, the foundation for everything else. 'Therefore get wisdom' (קְנֵה חָכְמָה/qeneh chokhmah) employs the commercial verb 'qanah,' meaning purchase, acquire, buy. Wisdom costs something—time, effort, sometimes material resources (paying for education). The parallel phrase 'with all thy getting get understanding' (בְּכָל־קִנְיָנְךָ קְנֵה בִינָה/bekhol-qinyanecha qeneh vinah) emphasizes that amid all other acquisitions, understanding must be obtained. This verse calls for prioritizing wisdom above wealth, pleasure, or status. It anticipates Jesus' command to 'seek first the kingdom of God' (Matthew 6:33) and Paul's counting all else as loss compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8).