The Church Fathers on this verse

Proverbs 8:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

For my fruit is better than gold and the precious stone, and my blossoms than choice silver.

Douay-Rheims

ט֣וֹב פִּ֭רְיִי מֵחָר֣וּץ וּמִפָּ֑ז וּ֝תְבוּאָתִ֗י מִכֶּ֥סֶף נִבְחָֽר׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

The wise individual attunes themselves to the voice of wisdom, which calls out to all humanity from elevated and bustling locations. Acknowledging that her hands are filled with truth and significance, she reveals her divine attributes and actions as the hypostatic Wisdom. She bestows her followers with power, wealth, and success. Furthermore, she stands as a co-creator with God the Creator and shares in the making of the world. Now, she invites everyone to heed her teachings, offering the promise of wisdom and happiness. The Lord established me at the beginning of His ways, in His works.

Read more (44 words)

The Hebrew text uses 'kanani,' meaning 'acquired,' suggesting that rather than the Greek term for 'created,' it should more appropriately be understood as 'acquired,' as affirmed by the holy fathers and reflected in translations like that of Aquila, as well as in the Vulgate.

Vissarion (Nechaev)

19th centuryCommentator

When a person values their relationship with God as the ultimate source of wisdom above all earthly pursuits, and with the diligence of a farmer toils tirelessly in pursuit of divine insight, they will find what they seek. Their efforts will not be in vain, and the Lord will bless them with the success they desire. This success, or fruitful outcome, is undoubtedly a true good, surpassing the worth of gold, silver, and gemstones.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.