New English Translation
Proverbs 4:7
7Wisdom is supreme – so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding!
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.
- English Standard Version (ESV)The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
Context of Proverbs 4:7
5Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding; do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak. 6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will guard you. Wisdom is supreme – so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding! 8Esteem her highly and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. 9She will place a fair garland on your head; she will bestow a beautiful crown on you.”
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 wisdom provides protection, just as money provides protection. But the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.
- Ecclesiastes 9:16So I concluded that wisdom is better than might, but a poor man’s wisdom is despised; no one ever listens to his advice.
- Matthew 13:44“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, hidden in a field, that a person found and hid. Then because of joy he went and sold all that he had and bought that field.
- Luke 10:42but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the best part; it will not be taken away from her.”
- Philippians 3:8More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things – indeed, I regard them as dung! – that I may gain Christ,
- Proverbs 16:16How much better it is to acquire wisdom than gold; to acquire understanding is more desirable than silver.
- Proverbs 21:6Making a fortune by a lying tongue is like a vapor driven back and forth; they seek death.
- Psalms 49:16Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich and his wealth multiplies!
- Ecclesiastes 2:4I increased my possessions: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself.
- Mark 8:36For what benefit is it for a person to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his life?
- Luke 12:20But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded back from you, but who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
- Psalms 119:104Your precepts give me discernment. Therefore I hate all deceitful actions. נ (Nun)
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
New English Translation — © 1996-2016 Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.
Commentaries