Proverbs 8:10
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
Original Language Analysis
מוּסָרִ֥י
my instruction
H4148
מוּסָרִ֥י
my instruction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
3 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
כָּ֑סֶף
and not silver
H3701
כָּ֑סֶף
and not silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
4 of 7
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
Cross References
Psalms 119:72The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.Psalms 119:127Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.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!Psalms 119:162I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.Proverbs 10:20The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.Ecclesiastes 7:11Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.Acts 3:6Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.Proverbs 8:19My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.2 Corinthians 6:10As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Historical Context
In Solomon's era of unprecedented prosperity (1 Kings 10), the temptation to prioritize wealth was acute. Silver and gold flowed into Jerusalem through trade networks. Against this backdrop, wisdom literature insisted that true wealth lies in understanding God's ways. The wisdom tradition thus offered prophetic critique of materialism within Israelite society.
Questions for Reflection
- What does your actual allocation of time and resources reveal about whether you truly value wisdom over material wealth?
- How can you practically 'receive instruction' as more valuable than financial gain?
Analysis & Commentary
In this chapter, Wisdom personified speaks, offering herself to all who will listen. 'Receive my instruction, and not silver' presents a stark choice: instruction (discipline, correction, wisdom) over silver. 'Knowledge rather than choice gold' similarly prioritizes wisdom over wealth. The comparative 'rather than' indicates not that silver and gold are evil but that wisdom surpasses them in value. This theme echoes throughout Proverbs (3:13-15, 16:16) and anticipates Jesus' teaching about treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) and Paul's counting all as loss for Christ (Philippians 3:8). The verse challenges materialistic priorities and calls for radical reorientation of values.