4:7
Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:
7a
Wisdom is supreme ; so acquire wisdom.
7b
And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.
4:7a
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as supreme usually means “beginning” or “first,” but it can also mean “best” or “most important.” As a result of this difference in meaning, there are two ways to interpret 4:7a:
(1) Wisdom is the most important quality, so get wisdom. For example:
Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do (Good News Translation)
(2) The first thing to do in becoming wise is to decide to get wisdom. For example:
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom (New Revised Standard Version)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because it fits better with the parallel statement in 4:7b. The second interpretation also seems to state a truth that is obvious.
4:7b
And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding: In Hebrew, the first part of this line is literally “with all your acquisitions.” In this context, it literally implies “in exchange for selling all your possessions.” But this line is not speaking about literal selling or buying. It indicates that the young man should make it his top priority and do everything possible to get wisdom/understanding. Another way to translate this line is:
Whatever else you do, get insight.
understanding: See the note on understanding in 4:1b.
General Comment on 4:7a–b
In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts. See 4:7a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.
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