Proverbs 3:14 (KJV)

Passage

For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

Nearby Context

Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

Proverbs 3:14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

Proverbs 3:15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Proverbs 3:16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "merchandise", "better", "than", "silver", "gain", and "thereof". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "merchandise" and "better", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 13's "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom..." into verse 15's "She is more precious than rubies and...", so "merchandise" and "better" 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 "merchandise" and "better" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.