Proverbs 17:16

16 Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom. He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischief.

Proverbs 17:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 17:16

Wherefore [is there] a price in the hand of a fool to get
wisdom
Natural wisdom and knowledge. By this "price" may be meant money, riches, worldly substance, of which a foolish man is possessed; by means of which he might purchase useful books for the improvement of his mind, and procure himself instructors that might be very useful to him; but instead of seeking after that which he most wants, and making use of his substance to furnish him with it, he spends it on his back and belly, in fine clothes and luxurious living; in rioting and drunkenness, in chambering and wantonness, at balls and plays, in taverns and brothel houses: or spiritual wisdom and knowledge; the means of which are reading the word, hearing the Gospel, frequent opportunities of attendance on a Gospel ministry, in season and out of season, and conversation with Gospel ministers and other Christians; but, instead of making use of these, he neglects, slights, and despises them. And it is asked, with some degree of indignation and admiration, why or to what purpose a fool is favoured with such means; seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]?
to wisdom; he does not desire it, nor to make use of the price or means, in order to obtain it; all is lost upon him; and it is hard to account for it why he should have this price, when he makes such an ill use of it.

Proverbs 17:16 In-Context

14 Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.

15 He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, is unclean and abominable with God.

16 Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom. He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischief.

17 Have thou a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.

18 A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.