Proverbs 17:16 (GNV)

Passage

Wherefore is there a price in the hand of the foole to get wisdome, and he hath none heart?

Nearby Context

Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as one that openeth the waters: therefore or the contention be medled with, leaue off.

Proverbs 17:15 He that iustifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the iust, euen they both are abomination to the Lord.

Proverbs 17:16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of the foole to get wisdome, and he hath none heart?

Proverbs 17:17 A friende loueth at all times: and a brother is borne for aduersitie.

Proverbs 17:18 A man destitute of vnderstanding, toucheth the hande, and becommeth suretie for his neighbour.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "wherefore", "price", "hand", "foole", "wisdome", "hath", "none", and "heart". 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 iustifieth the wicked and he..." into verse 17's "A friende loueth 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.