English Standard Version
Proverbs 4:7
7The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.
Proverbs 4:7 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
- New International Version (NIV)The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
- New Living Translation (NLT)Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
Context of Proverbs 4:7
5Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. 6Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. 8Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. 9She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown."
Read all of Proverbs 4Proverbs 4:7 word by word
רֵאשִׁ֣ית חָ֭כְמָה קְנֵ֣ה חָכְמָ֑ה וּבְכָל־קִ֝נְיָנְךָ֗ קְנֵ֣ה בִינָֽה׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 4:7
- Ecclesiastes 7:12For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.
- Ecclesiastes 9:16But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.
- Matthew 13:44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
- Luke 10:42but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
- Philippians 3:8Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
- Proverbs 16:16How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
- Proverbs 21:6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
- Psalms 49:16Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases.
- Ecclesiastes 2:4I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself.
- Mark 8:36For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
- Luke 12:20But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'
- Psalms 119:104Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
Commentaries on Proverbs 4:7
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 7Wisdom is the principal thing - חכמה ראשית reshith chochmah, "wisdom is the principle." It is the punctum saliens in all religion to know the true God, and what he requires of man, and for what he has made man; and to this must be added, under the Christian dispensation, to know Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, and for what end He was sent, the necessity of his being sent, and the nature of that salvation which he has bought by his own blood. Get wisdom…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 4-20Verses 4-20 The counsel which has come to him, in substance, from his father. Compare it with 2 Samuel 23:2 etc.; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 1 Chronicles 29:17; Psalm 15:1-5; Psalm 24:1-10; Proverbs 4:7 Or, “The beginning of wisdom is - get wisdom.” To seek is to find, to desire is to obtain. Proverbs 4:12 The ever-recurring parable of the journey of life. In the way of wisdom the path is clear and open, obstacles disappear; in the quickest activity (“when thou…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 7-8Wisdom often leads to better relationships and more wealth, but not always.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 77. (Compare Job 28:28). getting--or possession; a desire for wisdom is wise.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 4:7
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 4
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries