Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 23:23
What does Proverbs 23:23 mean?
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Proverbs 23:23
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The verse urges us to "buy" truth, not with money, but with our utmost effort and willingness to sacrifice anything else. It emphasizes that "wisdom, instruction, and understanding" aren't separate things to acquire, but are actually the very elements that make up "truth" itself.
Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb appears within a larger section of Proverbs, spoken by a wise father to his son, offering practical guidance for living a good life. The verses before this emphasize the importance of listening to parental instruction and guarding one's heart, setting the stage for this call to actively pursue truth. The passage immediately following warns against gluttony and drunkenness, illustrating what happens when one doesn't value wisdom and truth.
Imagine finding a treasure map, but the map itself is incredibly valuable, and you have to pay a steep price to obtain it. That's the kind of urgency Proverbs 23:23 calls us to.
The verse uses strong verbs, 'buy' and 'sell not,' to emphasize the immense value of truth. This isn't about literal money; it's about investing whatever it takes – your time, your effort, your willingness to let go of other things – to gain genuine understanding.
The Cost of Knowing
Truth isn't a lonely concept; the verse bundles it with other vital qualities. What are they, and why do they always come together?
Proverbs 23:23 doesn't just mention 'truth' in isolation. It specifies what constitutes this valuable truth: 'wisdom, instruction, and understanding.' These aren't separate items on a wish list; they are the very fabric of truth itself.
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The Core Elements of Truth
When the verse says 'buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, instruction, and understanding,' it's saying these are inseparable. To truly possess truth is to embrace wisdom, submit to instruction, and cultivate understanding.
Understand the original words
emeth · Hebrew Noun
That which is real, faithful, and conforms to the character and revelation of God. It is a foundational virtue that must be pursued and guarded at any cost.
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
The practical application of divine knowledge. It involves living skillfully and righteously in accordance with God's design for life.
musar · Hebrew Noun
Disciplined correction or training that shapes one's character. It is often painful in the moment but essential for growth and moral maturity.
binah · Hebrew Noun
The ability to discern between good and evil, truth and falsehood. It implies a deep, perceptive understanding that goes beyond surface-level facts.
These parables highlight the immense value of the Kingdom of Heaven, comparing it to a hidden treasure and a precious pearl, illustrating the wisdom of 'buying' truth at any cost.
Isaiah 55:1-2This passage describes God's invitation to seek Him, offering spiritual nourishment 'without money and without price,' a beautiful counterpoint to Proverbs' call to 'buy' truth with effort and dedication.
Luke 14:28-30Jesus' parable about counting the cost of discipleship powerfully echoes Proverbs' message; true followers must be willing to invest everything, understanding that the 'truth' has an immeasurable value.
Philippians 4:8This verse encourages believers to focus their minds on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable, aligning with the diligent pursuit and retention of divine truth.
jfbProverbs 23:23: "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding."
- Buy—literally, "get" (Pr 4:5).truth—generally and specially as opposed to errors of all kinds.
clarkeProverbs 23:23: "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding."
Buy the truth - Acquire the knowledge of God at all events; and in order to do this, too much pains, industry, and labor cannot be expended. And sell it not - When once acquired, let no consideration deprive thee of it. Cleave to and guard it, even at the risk of thy life. Coverdale translates: "Labour for to get the treuth; sell not awaye wissdome."
The verse urges us to "buy" truth, not with money, but with our utmost effort and willingness to sacrifice anything else. It emphasizes that "wisdom, instruction, and understanding" aren't separate things to acquire, but are actually the very elements that make up "truth" itself.
This proverb appears within a larger section of Proverbs, spoken by a wise father to his son, offering practical guidance for living a good life. The verses before this emphasize the importance of listening to parental instruction and guarding one's heart, setting the stage for this call to actively pursue truth. The passage immediately following warns against gluttony and drunkenness, illustrating what happens when one doesn't value wisdom and truth.
This proverb appears within a larger section of Proverbs, spoken by a wise father to his son, offering practical guidance for living a good life. The verses before this emphasize the importance of listening to parental instruction and guarding one's heart, setting the stage for this call to actively pursue truth. The passage immediately following warns against gluttony and drunkenness, illustrating what happens when one doesn't value wisdom and truth.
"Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding." — The verse urges us to "buy" truth, not with money, but with our utmost effort and willingness to sacrifice anything else. It emphasizes that "wisdom, instruction, and understanding" aren't separate t…
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Last reviewed October 2026