Log inSign up

Proverbs 2 · a question people ask

Does the chapter mean that if I search hard enough, I will earn wisdom?

In the text

The chapter holds two things side by side. The son is to seek: "if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God" (2:4-5). And the next verse gives the reason: "For the LORD gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding" (2:6). It speaks of what the LORD keeps in store, too: "He lays up sound wisdom for the upright" (2:7). The chapter joins the seeking and the giving with "For" (2:6), and doesn't say more about how they fit, or use the word earn. Elsewhere Solomon asked for "an understanding heart" (1 Kings 3:9), and God told him, "I have given you a wise and understanding heart" (1 Kings 3:12). These notes don't say more than these verses say.

The verses

“if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He lays up sound wisdom for the upright. He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,”
Proverbs 2:4-7 · World English Bible
“Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this great people of yours?””
1 Kings 3:9 · World English Bible
“behold, I have done according to your word. Behold, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, and after you none will arise like you.”
1 Kings 3:12 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Proverbs 2

Proverbs 2: If you seek her as silver

The son is told to "store up" the words (2:1), and the LORD "lays up sound wisdom for the upright" (2:7): one Hebrew verb, tsafan. And the search "as silver" (2:4) ends in something that isn't silver: "then you will understand the fear of the LORD" (2:5).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekProverbs 2 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Proverbs 2

All questions about Proverbs →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions