KJV ORIGINAL
For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
For the profit you get from it is better than the profit from silver, and what you gain from it is worth more than fine gold.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is saying that wisdom brings greater value and benefit than even the most precious metals like silver and gold.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of King Solomon, who wrote many of the Proverbs, wisdom was highly valued as a gift from God in ancient Israelite culture. People in that era often measured wealth through trading silver and gold, which were symbols of prosperity and security. This verse is part of a larger passage in Proverbs that urges readers to prioritize divine wisdom over material riches for a more meaningful life.
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