16:16
Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:
16a How much better to acquire wisdom than gold !
16b
To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
This “better than” proverb has a different structure than proverbs such as 12:9. See the note there. Such proverbs have a contrast between a bad/undesirable situation and a good/desirable situation in each line. Here in 16:16, the first parallel part in each line is better than the second parallel part in each line. Another proverb of this type is 16:32.
The overall meaning is that it is better to gain wisdom and understanding than to obtain gold and silver. It does not imply that it is bad to obtain gold and silver.
16:16a–b
How much better: This phrase is an exclamation that emphasizes the value of gaining wisdom. In languages that do not use this kind of exclamation, another way to express the emphasis is:
It is better—much better— (Good News Translation)
-or-
It is far better
to acquire wisdom…To gain understanding: The verbs that the Berean Standard Bible translates as acquire and gain come from the same word in Hebrew. It means “to get or choose.” The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as understanding refers to the ability to comprehend and interpret ideas and to draw conclusions. Other words that express the meaning accurately include “perception” and “insight.”
gold…silver: gold and silver often function together as a pair to indicate wealth.
General Comment on 16:16a–b
In some languages, it may be more natural to reorder and/or combine the parallel parts of this verse. For example:
It is much better to gain wisdom and understanding than to accumulate gold and silver.
-or-
It is better to become wise and intelligent than to become rich.
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