King James Version

What Does Proverbs 8:19 Mean?

Proverbs 8:19 in the King James Version says “My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.”

Proverbs 8:19 · KJV

Context

17

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

18

Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

19

My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

20

I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: lead: or, walk

21

That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wisdom's fruit is better than gold, even fine gold; her yield better than choice silver. The Hebrew 'zahav' (gold), 'paz' (refined gold), 'keseph' (silver), and 'nichar' (choice/pure) describe peak material value. Yet wisdom exceeds even these. The 'fruit' and 'yield' metaphors describe productive returns - wisdom invests better than precious metals. What wisdom produces outvalues what wealth can purchase.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's era saw unprecedented wealth flow into Israel (1 Kings 10:14-29). Gold and silver were abundantly available, yet Solomon taught that wisdom surpassed them all. This from personal experience - possessing both wealth and wisdom, he knew wisdom's superiority. Ecclesiastes later amplifies this: wealth without wisdom produces vanity; wisdom without wealth still produces meaning.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do your investment priorities reflect whether you truly value wisdom above wealth?
  2. What 'fruit' does wisdom produce that gold cannot purchase?
  3. How would your life change if you pursued wisdom as diligently as you pursue financial security?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
ט֣וֹב1 of 7

“is better”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

פִּ֭רְיִי2 of 7

“My fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

מֵחָר֣וּץ3 of 7

“than gold”

H2742

properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp tee

וּמִפָּ֑ז4 of 7

“yea than fine gold”

H6337

pure (gold); hence, gold itself (as refined)

וּ֝תְבוּאָתִ֗י5 of 7

“and my revenue”

H8393

income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)

מִכֶּ֥סֶף6 of 7

“silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

נִבְחָֽר׃7 of 7

“than choice”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 8:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 8:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 10:20Proverbs 3:14Ecclesiastes 7:12Proverbs 8:10

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