Proverbs 17:16 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

Wherefore? the question implies that it is unworthily placed, and that it is to no purpose or benefit of the possessor. A price; possessions or riches, as all the ancient translators render it, of which this word is used, Isaiah 55:1, and elsewhere, under which all opportunities and abilities of getting it are comprehended. To get wisdom; for the obtaining whereof rich men have many and great advantages above others. No heart to it; neither common discretion to discern the worth of wisdom, and his advantage to get it; nor any sincere desire to get it; for the heart is commonly used in Scripture both for the understanding, and for the will and affections.

Proverbs 17:16

16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?