Proverbs 3:13
What does Proverbs 3:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 3:13 means
This verse declares a profound blessing on the person who actively seeks and finds wisdom and understanding. 'Happy is the man' signifies a deep, abiding contentment and inner joy—a truly blessed state. Unlike fleeting pleasures, the happiness derived from acquiring spiritual insight and practical knowledge is enduring and superior, leading to a life well-ordered and purposeful. It underscores wisdom as the ultimate pursuit for human flourishing.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Happy is the man who makes discovery of wisdom, and he who gets knowledge.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862O the happiness of a man <FI>who<Fi> hath found wisdom, And of a man <FI>who<Fi> bringeth forth understanding.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Blessed is the man that findeth wisdom, and is rich in prudence:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Blessed is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
Context
This verse launches into a new section, shifting the focus to the intrinsic value and benefits of wisdom itself. It acts as a beatitude, pronouncing blessing upon those who successfully acquire wisdom, setting the stage for an extended praise of wisdom's incomparable worth. This transition elevates wisdom as the ultimate goal, surpassing all other desired virtues or material gains discussed previously.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Kings 10:23
So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.
- Proverbs 4:5
Get wisdom, get understanding; Forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth;
- Proverbs 8:32
Now therefore, mysons, hearken unto me; For blessed are they that keep my ways.
- Ecclesiastes 9:15
Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
- Proverbs 2:4
If thou seek her as silver, And search for her as for hid treasures:
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