Proverbs 23:23
New International Version
Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well.

New Living Translation
Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.

English Standard Version
Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Berean Standard Bible
Invest in truth and never sell it—in wisdom and instruction and understanding.

King James Bible
Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

New King James Version
Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.

New American Standard Bible
Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

NASB 1995
Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.

NASB 1977
Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.

Legacy Standard Bible
Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and discipline and understanding.

Amplified Bible
Buy truth, and do not sell it; Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.

Christian Standard Bible
Buy—and do not sell—truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Buy—and do not sell—truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

American Standard Version
Buy the truth, and sell it not; Yea, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Contemporary English Version
Invest in truth and wisdom, discipline and good sense, and don't part with them.

English Revised Version
Buy the truth, and sell it not; yea, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Buy truth (and do not sell it), [that is,] buy wisdom, discipline, and understanding.

Good News Translation
Truth, wisdom, learning, and good sense--these are worth paying for, but too valuable for you to sell.

International Standard Version
Purchase truth, but don't sell it; store up wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Majority Standard Bible
Invest in truth and never sell it?in wisdom and instruction and understanding.

NET Bible
Acquire truth and do not sell it--wisdom, and discipline, and understanding.

New Heart English Bible
Buy the truth, and do not sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.

Webster's Bible Translation
Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

World English Bible
Buy the truth, and don’t sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Buy truth, and do not sell, "" Wisdom, and instruction, and understanding,

Young's Literal Translation
Truth buy, and sell not, Wisdom, and instruction, and understanding,

Smith's Literal Translation
Buy the truth, and thou shalt not sell wisdom and instruction and understanding.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Buy truth, and do not sell wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Purchase truth, and do not sell wisdom, or doctrine, or understanding.

New American Bible
Buy truth and do not sell: wisdom, instruction, understanding!

New Revised Standard Version
Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Buy the truth, and do not sell wisdom; also buy understanding and instruction.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Buy truth and do not sell wisdom, instruction or understanding.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Buy the truth, and sell it not; Also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
True Riches
22Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. 23Invest in truth and never sell it— in wisdom and instruction and understanding. 24The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him.…

Cross References
James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Matthew 13:44-46
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. / Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.

Colossians 2:3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.

Isaiah 55:1-3
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. / Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.

1 Corinthians 1:30
It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

Psalm 119:72
The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

2 Timothy 3:15-17
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. / All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

Proverbs 16:16
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

Philippians 3:8
More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Psalm 19:9-10
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. / They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

1 Peter 1:18-19
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.

Proverbs 2:1-6
My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, / if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, ...

Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!


Treasury of Scripture

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

buy

Proverbs 2:2-4
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; …

Proverbs 4:5-7
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth…

Proverbs 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

sell

Matthew 16:26
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Acts 20:23
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

Hebrews 11:26
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

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Buy Discipline Good Instruction Intelligence Money Sell Sense Teaching True. Truth Understanding Wisdom
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Buy Discipline Good Instruction Intelligence Money Sell Sense Teaching True. Truth Understanding Wisdom
Proverbs 23
1. Consider carefully what is before you














Invest in truth
The call to invest in truth emphasizes the value of truth as a foundational principle in life. In biblical terms, truth is often associated with God's word and His commandments (Psalm 119:160). The Hebrew concept of truth, "emet," implies faithfulness and reliability. In a historical context, truth was a scarce commodity, often overshadowed by deceit and falsehood, as seen in the warnings of false prophets (Jeremiah 14:14). Investing in truth suggests a commitment to seeking and upholding God's truth, which is eternal and unchanging (John 17:17).

and never sell it—
The admonition to never sell truth underscores its priceless nature. Selling truth can be understood as compromising or abandoning it for personal gain or convenience. This echoes the biblical theme of steadfastness in faith, as seen in the story of Esau, who sold his birthright for a meal (Hebrews 12:16). The cultural context of ancient Israel valued covenants and promises, and selling truth would be akin to breaking a sacred covenant. This phrase calls believers to hold fast to their convictions and not trade them for worldly benefits (Matthew 16:26).

in wisdom
Wisdom in the biblical sense is more than knowledge; it is the application of knowledge in a godly manner. Proverbs frequently contrasts wisdom with folly, urging the pursuit of wisdom as a path to life (Proverbs 3:13-18). Wisdom is personified in Proverbs 8, where it is depicted as calling out to humanity. The pursuit of wisdom is a recurring theme in Scripture, with Solomon being a prime example of one who sought wisdom above all else (1 Kings 3:9-12). Wisdom is seen as a divine gift that leads to righteous living and decision-making.

and instruction
Instruction refers to the teaching and discipline necessary for growth in understanding and character. In the biblical context, instruction is often linked to the law and commandments given by God (Deuteronomy 6:1-9). The Hebrew word for instruction, "musar," implies correction and guidance, akin to a father instructing his child (Proverbs 3:11-12). This reflects the cultural importance of mentorship and learning from elders and leaders. Instruction is vital for developing discernment and aligning one's life with God's will.

and understanding.
Understanding is the ability to discern and comprehend the deeper truths of life. It involves insight and perception, going beyond surface-level knowledge. In Scripture, understanding is often associated with the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). The pursuit of understanding is encouraged throughout the Bible, as it leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more profound grasp of His purposes (Ephesians 1:17-18). Understanding is seen as a gift from God, enabling believers to navigate life's complexities with clarity and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often focus on the pursuit of wisdom and understanding.

2. Israel
The nation to whom much of the wisdom literature, including Proverbs, was originally addressed. The cultural and religious context of Israel provides a backdrop for understanding the value placed on wisdom and truth.

3. The Marketplace
While not a specific event or place, the metaphor of buying and selling in this verse suggests a marketplace setting, emphasizing the value and cost of acquiring wisdom and truth.
Teaching Points
The Value of Truth
Truth is a precious commodity that should be sought after diligently. In a world filled with deception, investing in truth is crucial for living a life that honors God.

Wisdom as a Lifelong Pursuit
Wisdom, instruction, and understanding are not one-time acquisitions but lifelong pursuits. Believers are encouraged to continually seek these virtues.

Guarding Against Compromise
The admonition to "never sell it" warns against compromising or abandoning truth and wisdom for temporary gains or pleasures.

Practical Investment
Just as one invests time and resources in financial markets, believers should invest in spiritual growth through study, prayer, and fellowship.

The Role of Community
Engaging with a community of believers can provide accountability and encouragement in the pursuit of truth and wisdom.(23) Buy the truth, and sell it not.--The "truth" is here described under the three heads of wisdom, self-discipline, and understanding. (See above, on Proverbs 1:2.) All these are to be obtained from God (James 1:5), who gives to every man "liberally," "without money and without price" (Isaiah 55:1). (Comp. Revelation 3:18, and the "treasure" and "pearl of great price" of Matthew 13:44-46.)

Verse 23. - Buy the truth, and sell it not (comp. Proverbs 4:5, 7; Proverbs 16:16). Consider truth as a thing of the highest value, and spare no pains, cost, or sacrifice to obtain it, and, when gotten, keep it safe; do not barter it for earthly profit or the pleasures of sense; do not be reasoned out of it, or laughed out of it; "sell it not," do not part with it for any consideration. The second clause gives the sphere in which truth moves, or the three properties which appertain to it. These are: wisdom (chochmah), practical knowledge; instruction (musar), moral culture and discipline; and understanding (binah), the faculty of discernment (see notes on Proverbs 1:2). This verse is omitted in the chief manuscripts of the Septuagint.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Invest in
קְ֭נֵה (qə·nêh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7069: To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own

truth
אֱמֶ֣ת (’ĕ·meṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness

and never
וְאַל־ (wə·’al-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

sell it—
תִּמְכֹּ֑ר (tim·kōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4376: To sell

in wisdom
חָכְמָ֖ה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

and instruction
וּמוּסָ֣ר (ū·mū·sār)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4148: Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint

and understanding.
וּבִינָֽה׃ (ū·ḇî·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 998: An understanding


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth and don't sell it (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 23:22
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