The whole of verse 7 appears to interrupt the continuity between verses 6 and 8. Some scholars propose that verse 7 be omitted, following the Septuagint New English Bible reverses the order of verses 6 and 7. However, Revised English Bible places verse 7 in a footnote. The Handbook recommends that verse 7 be retained between verses 6 and 8.

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom”: Here the Hebrew has two disconnected phrases that are literally “First thing of wisdom. Get wisdom.” This line, whatever its origin, seems to say that wisdom is the most important thing, and therefore, you should obtain it. See Good News Translation. New Jerusalem Bible has “The first principle of wisdom is: acquire wisdom.” The New Jerusalem Bible footnote goes on to say “to win wisdom one must first realize how essential it is and that it demands self-sacrifice.”

“And whatever you get, get insight” is literally “and with all your getting [possession], get insight.” This line again places the highest importance on obtaining insight or understanding. For “insight” see 1.2. Bible en français courant renders verse 7 “To acquire wisdom make an effort to learn what it is; be ready to give whatever you possess to become intelligent.”

La Bible du Semeur has “This is the beginning of wisdom: obtain wisdom, at the cost of all you own get discernment.”

We may also say, for example, “Nothing is more important than becoming wise. You may get many possessions, but good sense is the best of all.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .