Proverbs 16:16

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:16

Solomon here not only asserts that it is better to get wisdom than gold (Prov. 3:14; 8:19), but he speaks it with assurance, that it is much better, better beyond expression?with admiration (How much better!) as one amazed at the disproportion?with an appeal to men's consciences (?Judge in yourselves how much better it is? )--and with an addition to the same purport, that understanding is rather to be chosen than silver and all the treasures of kings and their favourites. Note, 1. Heavenly... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:16

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold ?.... To obtain and possess Christ, the fountain of wisdom, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, which treasures are infinitely preferable to thousands of gold and silver; to gain the knowledge of him, and of God in him, with which eternal life is connected, and in comparison of which all things are loss and dung; to have wisdom in the hidden part, or grace in the heart, which is much more precious than gold that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:16

How much better - to get wisdom than gold? - Who believes this, though spoken by the wisest of men, under Divine inspiration? read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:16

To get wisdom than gold (comp, Proverbs 3:14 ; Proverbs 8:10 , Proverbs 8:11 , Proverbs 8:19 ); and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver; Revised Version better, yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than [to get] silver. If the clauses are not simply parallel, and the comparative value of silver and gold is So be considered, we may, with Wordsworth, see here an intimation of the superiority of wisdom ( chochmah ) over intelligence ( binah ) , ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:16

(See homily on Proverbs 8:10 , Proverbs 8:11 .)—C. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:16-26

The Divine justice in respect to the wise and fools We see the moral order of God revealed in the character and life of men in various ways. Their conduct has a good or evil effect on themselves, on their fellows, and is exposed to Divine judgment. Let us take these in their order. I. THE REFLEXIVE EFFECT OF MAN 'S CONDUCT . 1 . Wisdom is enriching ( Proverbs 16:16 ). To acquire it is better than ordinary wealth ( Proverbs 3:14 ; Proverbs 8:10 , Proverbs 8:11 ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 16:16-18

Proverbs 16:16-18. How much better is it It is inexpressibly and inconceivably better to get wisdom than gold Because it brings a man more certain, and complete, and lasting comfort and advantage. The way of the upright Their common road, in which they constantly desire, purpose, and endeavour to walk; is to depart from evil The evil of sin, whereby they escape the evil of punishment. He that keepeth his way That takes heed to walk in that high way; preserveth his soul From that... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:1-33

Laying plans and making decisions (16:1-33)A person may make plans, but God is the one who determines their outcome. He knows the person’s unseen motives and controls events according to his purposes. It is important, therefore, always to bring God into one’s planning (16:1-4). God punishes the arrogant but has mercy on those who fear him (5-6). He protects them from harm and guides them on the right pathway (7-9).When a king’s wisdom comes from God, his decisions will be right. He will show no... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 16:16

wisdom. Hebrew. chakmah. See note on Proverbs 1:2 . understanding. Hebrew. binah. See note on Proverbs 1:2 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 16:16

"How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver." This truism is universally recognized as the truth; but, as DeHoff said, "It is practiced by very few."[19] read more

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