Reading Proverbs – 23:23 Buying Truth
I’m pretty sure this means neither “Be a student, never a teacher,” nor “acquire knowledge, but then horde it.”
The emphasis here is ‘acquire it’, and the sense is, ‘at any cost.’ See also Prov 2:2-4; Prov 4:5-7
Total Commitment
And what must you pay to acquire truth? Can money really buy it? In the West, we pay for tuition and are taught a set of facts, and we consider that to be knowledge. But to the ancient Hebrews the word ‘know’ was an inculcation – an absorbing or experiencing. ‘Knowing’ meant becoming one with that which was to be known – hence ‘Adam knew Eve’ and they became ‘one flesh’. Similarly, to know God means more than learning facts – we must commit wholeheartedly to obedience; like diving, it is a total commitment to Him – what Jesus called “losing one’s life”
As such, the type of acquisition of truth, wisdom and understanding intended in today’s verse was an intimate and personal one; it cannot be gained through money, and doesn’t come from within. It must be bought with a journey, and possibly an arduous and even painful one at that. It is a characteristic that is gained through humility, observation, diligence and a host of other efforts. All of these characteristics take a great deal of labor and self-discipline. In the end, though, the author says it will be worth it.
Solomon was clearly someone who coveted wisdom beyond merely a set of facts. And to turn out as wise as Solomon, we must too.
Mike
Dave Travis
Rose
Thanks for this great synopsis. (BTW, “No Name” near bottom of your list was Mel Lawrenz, Elmbrook...