What does Proverbs 16:16 mean?

As he does in many other places (Proverbs 1:2; 3:19; 8:1; 10:13), Solomon places an extremely high value on wisdom and understanding. Throughout history, many have striven for material wealth. They think of money—in this verse, gold and silver—as the ultimate prize. Yet from God's perspective, true worth is found in what a person learns through a right relationship with him (Proverbs 1:7). The pursuit of monetary wealth, instead of wisdom, can lead to destruction (Proverbs 15:16; 16:8). Famous, wealthy, successful people are not immune to depression, despair, unhappiness, and even suicide.

Paul gives Timothy a warning to pass along to those overly concerned with gaining wealth. He writes, "If we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptations, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction" (1 Timothy 6:8–9). The expression "money doesn't buy happiness" is oversimplified, but it's undeniably true that having money does not guarantee peace, or joy. In fact, lasting joy is found only through the spiritual growth brought by a right relationship with God (Philippians 3:7–8).