Proverbs 19:8 He that gets wisdom loves his own soul: he that keeps understanding shall find good. 

‘He that keeps understanding shall find good.’ It is not enough to gain wisdom once; the second part of the verse emphasises the importance of retaining and applying what you learn. “Keeping understanding” implies guarding it, holding to it faithfully, and living it out daily.

Those who do so will “find good”, meaning they will encounter blessing, favour, success, and peace as a result of walking in God’s ways. This “good” is not merely material; it is spiritual richness, healthy relationships, sound decision-making, and ultimately, the approval of God.

To seek wisdom is to value your own soul. It is an act of love for yourself in the truest and holiest sense. To guard and apply understanding is the pathway to a life marked by true goodness and divine favour. Wisdom is not just for the mind – it is for the soul, shaping the entire direction and outcome of one’s life.

Proverbs 19:8 He that gets wisdom loves his own soul: he that keeps understanding shall find good. 

This proverb affirms that seeking and living by godly wisdom is not only a spiritual pursuit but an act of self-care and preservation. The one who earnestly seeks wisdom demonstrates that he truly values his own life – both now and eternally.

‘He that gets wisdom loves his own soul…’ To pursue wisdom is to invest in your own well-being. You are not merely gathering knowledge, but aligning your heart with truth, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord, the foundation of all wisdom (9:10). In doing so, you show that you love your own soul enough to guide it in the path that leads to life, peace, and blessing. It is a recognition that living wisely is not restrictive; it’s protective. Wisdom guards your soul from sin, foolishness, destruction, and regret. In essence, seeking wisdom is a form of spiritual self-love, a wise and godly love for the eternal value of your own life.

Many chase after things they think will benefit their lives, money, fame, and status, but wisdom brings lasting reward. When you love wisdom, you are not only choosing to live rightly before God, but you are also safeguarding your soul for eternity. In contrast, rejecting wisdom leads to spiritual neglect, self-destruction, and eventual ruin – Proverbs 8:36 states “He that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul”. To be continued…