Proverbs 3:13-18 Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left-hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retained her.
‘Happy is the man’ – There are eight beatitudes in Proverbs (3:13; 8:32, 34; 14:21; 16:20; 20:7; 28:14; 29:18).
‘Wisdom’ [Hebrew: Chokmah] wisdom, prudence, shrewdness, skill. Translated as “wisdom” 145 times (1:2, 7; 2:2, 6, 10; 3:13, 19; 4:5, 7, 11; 5:1; 7:4; 8:1, 11-12; 9:10; 10:13, 23, 31; 11:2; 13:10; 14:6, 8, 33; 15:33; 16:16; 17:16; 24; 18:4; 21:30; 23:23; 24:3, 24:14; 28:26; 29:3, 15; 30:3; 31:26; Ex. 28:3; 31:3, 6; 35:26; 31, 35; 36:1-2; Ps. 37:30; 51:6; 90:12; 104:24; 111:10; Eccl. 1:13-18; 2:3-26; 7:11-25; 8:1, 16;). It is the predominant word for wisdom in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
‘Understanding’ [Hebrew: biynah] discernment and discrimination. Translated as understanding (1:2; 3:5; 4:1-7; 7:4; 8:14; 9:6, 10; 16:16; 23:23; 30:2); wisdom (23:4); and knowledge (2:3).
‘Better than …’ Wisdom and understanding better than Silver (3:14); fine gold; rubies (3:15) and other things.
‘Rubies’ – Pearls, or precious stones in general.
‘Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.’ Six blessings of wisdom/knowledge: Length of days (3:16). Riches and honour. Pleasantness (3:17). Peace. Tree of Life (3:18). Happiness.
‘Tree of life to them that lay hold upon her.’ Compare Genesis 2:9; 3:22-24 and Revelation 2:7; 22:2, 14. By obeying wisdom and knowledge one can live long and even enter into eternal life.
Living the Word 