19:8
Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:
8a
He who acquires wisdom loves himself ;
8b
one who safeguards understanding will find success.
The overall meaning is that a person who heeds the practical wisdom that he has gained truly cares about his own well-being. Such a person will be successful.
19:8a
He who acquires wisdom: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as wisdom is literally “heart.” In Hebrew, the word “heart” refers primarily to a person’s mental faculties. This includes the ability to think clearly and to make good decisions. So the phrase “gets heart” refers here to a person who gains intelligence and insight.
The meaning of this phrase is very similar to “buying wisdom” in 17:16b. See the note there.
loves himself: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as himself refers to the person’s own life. In this context, loving one’s own life or self has a positive connotation. It means that the person cares about his well-being and values the things that will truly lead to his benefit.
Some other ways to translate 19:8a are:
To learn sense is true self-love (Revised English Bible)
-or-
The one who acquires wisdom loves himself (NET Bible)
-or-
Do yourself a favor and learn all you can (Good News Translation)
19:8b
one who safeguards understanding: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as one who safeguards understanding is literally “the one keeping understanding” or “the one preserving understanding.” The word understanding refers here to the “good sense” or “competence” to handle the situations that a person faces in life. In Proverbs, a person “preserves his good sense” (keeps it from being ruined or lost) by heeding it and putting it into practice.
will find success: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will find success is literally “finds good.” It means that a person benefits or prospers both materially and morally.
Some other ways to translate 19:8b are:
he who keeps understanding will be successful (New American Bible)
-or-
then remember what you learn and you will prosper (Good News Translation)
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