Proverbs 8:19

Authorized King James Version

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My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

Original Language Analysis

ט֣וֹב is better H2896
ט֣וֹב is better
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 1 of 7
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
פִּ֭רְיִי My fruit H6529
פִּ֭רְיִי My fruit
Strong's: H6529
Word #: 2 of 7
fruit (literally or figuratively)
מֵחָר֣וּץ than gold H2742
מֵחָר֣וּץ than gold
Strong's: H2742
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp tee
וּמִפָּ֑ז yea than fine gold H6337
וּמִפָּ֑ז yea than fine gold
Strong's: H6337
Word #: 4 of 7
pure (gold); hence, gold itself (as refined)
וּ֝תְבוּאָתִ֗י and my revenue H8393
וּ֝תְבוּאָתִ֗י and my revenue
Strong's: H8393
Word #: 5 of 7
income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)
מִכֶּ֥סֶף silver H3701
מִכֶּ֥סֶף silver
Strong's: H3701
Word #: 6 of 7
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
נִבְחָֽר׃ than choice H977
נִבְחָֽר׃ than choice
Strong's: H977
Word #: 7 of 7
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

Analysis & Commentary

Wisdom's fruit is better than gold, even fine gold; her yield better than choice silver. The Hebrew 'zahav' (gold), 'paz' (refined gold), 'keseph' (silver), and 'nichar' (choice/pure) describe peak material value. Yet wisdom exceeds even these. The 'fruit' and 'yield' metaphors describe productive returns - wisdom invests better than precious metals. What wisdom produces outvalues what wealth can purchase.

Historical Context

Solomon's era saw unprecedented wealth flow into Israel (1 Kings 10:14-29). Gold and silver were abundantly available, yet Solomon taught that wisdom surpassed them all. This from personal experience - possessing both wealth and wisdom, he knew wisdom's superiority. Ecclesiastes later amplifies this: wealth without wisdom produces vanity; wisdom without wealth still produces meaning.

Questions for Reflection