Proverbs 17:16 (ASV)

Passage

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

Nearby Context

Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is [as] when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.

Proverbs 17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.

Proverbs 17:16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding?

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "wherefore", "price", "hand", "fool", "wisdom", "seeing", "hath", and "understanding". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "wherefore" and "price", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 15's "He that justifieth the wicked and he..." into verse 17's "A friend loveth at all times And...", so "wherefore" and "price" belong inside that flow. In Proverbs context, the local focus is covenant, worship, and faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "wherefore" and "price" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.