Proverbs 2:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,

NIV: and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,

NASB: If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures;

CSB: if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure,

NLT: Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.

KJV: If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

NKJV: If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;

Human beings are innately drawn to stories about treasure-seeking. We especially love stories where the quest for treasure has some inherent nobility, beyond selfish ambition. Movies, in particular, rely on this kind of story in order to grab our attention. The most meaningful tales feature characters who aren't hunting for personal wealth—they are seeking out a form of "salvation" for their community. Characters who seek wealth or power are far more sympathetic when their quest is ultimately meant to help others, not merely to help themselves. This sense of honor, for those who seek valuables on behalf of others, is meant to underline this part of Proverbs chapter 2. Seeking wisdom is honorable, just as seeking treasure on behalf of other is honorable.

This verse presents the third "if" statement of this section. In context, virtuous living requires actively seeking understanding, as if it were a valuable hidden treasure. In the book of Proverbs, understanding is wisdom which a person has mastered well enough to pass along to others. Solomon's plea to seek understanding places it in the same category as our beloved noble treasure-seekers. The quest doesn't exist merely for personal gain, rather it extends to the growth and development of those we care for. There is personal, immediate value in this education, to be sure. However, the greater worth is in what such understanding can do for those we love, defend, and teach.

The first five verses of chapter 2 continue the main theme from chapter 1: wisdom. Wisdom was often featured as a crucial virtue by later philosophers, such as Plato. These verses contain an IF–THEN structure. Verses 1–4 make three distinct ''if'' statements about the proper use of knowledge. Verse 5 gives the outcome that is ''then'' enjoyed by following the instructions which have been given. The same principles are illustrated by some of Jesus' parables found in Matthew 13:44–52.

In Proverbs chapter 2, Solomon highlights various virtues, as well as provides encouragement to live a virtuous life. As in chapter 1, specific concepts wil reoccur, and are used in certain ways. Here, these are ideas such as courage, integrity, wisdom, and justice. The gist of this passage is the positive effect that virtue—including these various aspects—will have on one's life. In contrast, those who pursue non-virtuous living will suffer dire consequences.

The overarching theme of Proverbs chapter 2 is the relationship between virtue and discernment. As described here, virtuous living is moral living. As a person strives to live a moral life, he or she develops a greater ability to discern right from wrong. Further, beyond simple matters of right and wrong, as virtue grows within a person, he or she becomes more proficient at discerning trickier situations. Real life predicaments often present two or more seemingly valid options. Discernment, then, also includes determining which of many different options is actually best. Likewise, many life situations appear to offer only a variety of bad options. There, discernment is once again required, to determine which option presents the correct choice, or to recognize where a ''good'' option has been hidden.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.