For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Hebrew word for "obtain" here suggests more than just passively receiving favor; it implies actively drawing it out, like drawing water from a well. This means finding Wisdom isn't just about getting a reward, but about unlocking a continuous flow of God's good favor through your life.
For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD,
English Standard Version (ESV)
These verses conclude a long speech by Lady Wisdom, who has been inviting people to listen to her teachings and find true understanding. She contrasts herself with the foolishness that leads to destruction, and in these final verses, she emphasizes the incredible reward for those who embrace her. This invitation is an urgent call to choose life and God's approval over ruin.
What if the greatest discovery you could make wasn't a new gadget or a hidden treasure, but something far more profound? Proverbs 8:35 points to an incredible reward for those who seek wisdom.
This verse isn't just about collecting facts; it's about finding something that transforms your very being. The 'life' promised here is multi-layered:
Beyond just finding life, there's another incredible benefit mentioned in this verse. What does it truly mean to 'obtain favor from the LORD'?
The second part of Proverbs 8:35 speaks of 'obtaining favor from the LORD.' This isn't about earning God's affection through good deeds, but about experiencing His pleasure and acceptance that flows from finding Wisdom (who is Christ).
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Understand the original words
ḥayyîm · Hebrew Noun
The essential state of existence, both physical and, more importantly, spiritual and eternal; true life is found only in relationship with God through His wisdom.
rāṣôn · Hebrew Noun
The gracious acceptance or good pleasure of God bestowed upon an individual; it signifies God’s active kindness and is a source of security and blessing.
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel; He is the self-existent One, the Redeemer, and the source of all blessing and wisdom.
This passage echoes Proverbs 8:35 by stating that in the Word (Wisdom personified), there is life, directly linking finding wisdom with finding spiritual life.
John 17:3Jesus Himself defines eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ, which perfectly aligns with the idea in Proverbs that finding wisdom leads to life and divine favor.
Romans 8:6This verse contrasts the 'mind of the flesh' which leads to death, with the 'mind of the Spirit' which leads to life and peace, mirroring the choice presented in Proverbs between rejecting wisdom (leading to death) and embracing it (leading to life and favor).
1 John 5:12This verse states that whoever has the Son has life, directly paralleling the promise in Proverbs that finding wisdom means finding life and favor from the Lord.
clarkeProverbs 8:35: "For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD."
Whoso findeth me - The wisdom that comes from God, teaching to avoid evil and cleave to that which is good; findeth life - gets that knowledge which qualifies him to answer the purposes for which he was made; for he is quickened with Christ, and made a partaker of the Divine life. Christ dwells in his heart by faith; he lives a new life, for Christ liveth in him; the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesu…
cambridgeProverbs 8:35: "For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD."
35 . obtain ] “Heb. draw forth ,” R.V. marg. See Proverbs 3:13 , note.
The Hebrew word for "obtain" here suggests more than just passively receiving favor; it implies actively drawing it out, like drawing water from a well. This means finding Wisdom isn't just about getting a reward, but about unlocking a continuous flow of God's good favor through your life.
These verses conclude a long speech by Lady Wisdom, who has been inviting people to listen to her teachings and find true understanding. She contrasts herself with the foolishness that leads to destruction, and in these final verses, she emphasizes the incredible reward for those who embrace her. This invitation is an urgent call to choose life and God's approval over ruin.
These verses conclude a long speech by Lady Wisdom, who has been inviting people to listen to her teachings and find true understanding. She contrasts herself with the foolishness that leads to destruction, and in these final verses, she emphasizes the incredible reward for those who embrace her. This invitation is an urgent call to choose life and God's approval over ruin.
"For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD," — The Hebrew word for "obtain" here suggests more than just passively receiving favor; it implies actively drawing it out, like drawing water from a well. This means finding Wisdom isn't just about get…
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Last reviewed October 2026