Proverbs 17:16 “Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying…”

Proverbs 17:16

Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom?

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

World English Bible

Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding?

American Standard Version

Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding?

Geneva Bible 1599

Wherefore is there a price in the hand of the foole to get wisdome, and he hath none heart?

Darby Translation

To what purpose is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he] hath no sense?

Young's Literal Translation

Why [is] this — a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, And a heart there is none?

Bible in Basic English

How will money in the hand of the foolish get him wisdom, seeing that he has no sense?

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Cross references

“a price”

2 Corinthians 6:1 Proverbs 9:4–6 Isaiah 55:1–3 Acts 13:46 Proverbs 1:22 Proverbs 1:23

2 Corinthians 6:1 · BSB

As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.

Proverbs 9:4–6 · BSB

“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment.

Isaiah 55:1–3 · BSB

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!

Acts 13:46 · BSB

Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.

Proverbs 1:22 · BSB

“How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 1:23 · BSB

If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you.

“seeing”

Proverbs 18:15 Deuteronomy 5:29 Proverbs 14:6 Psalm 81:11–13 Hosea 4:11 John 3:20

Proverbs 18:15 · BSB

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.

Deuteronomy 5:29 · BSB

If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commandments always, so that it might be well with them and with their children forever.

Proverbs 14:6 · BSB

A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

Psalm 81:11–13 · BSB

But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me.

Hosea 4:11 · BSB

to promiscuity, wine, and new wine, which take away understanding.

John 3:20 · BSB

Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

Also

Proverbs 23:23

Proverbs 23:23 · BSB

Invest in truth and never sell it— in wisdom and instruction and understanding.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

15Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous— both are detestable to the LORD.

17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Read Proverbs 17