Proverbs 3:17

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
– Proverbs 3:17

Psalm 49 considers wisdom with poverty and riches with folly. David notes that fools are often increased with material goods, but those things cannot deliver the soul and they still die like a beast without understanding (Psalm 49:16-20). Jesus expressed the similar thought this way: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26). In this section of Proverbs, wisdom is shown superior to earthly substance. It’s more preferable than silver, gold, rubies, or anything else we can desire. Wisdom does not guarantee earthly prosperity in this life, but she does bring the best gifts and all her ways are pleasantness and peace. Pleasantness is delightfulness and beauty. Peace is a state of contentment and conveys the idea of soundness or health. The way of wisdom is the good way.

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