For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
"The merchandise of it" is what it (wisdom) bugs-the gain which redounds from it-namely, salvation. Wisdom is itself an article of merchandise "better than silver," because wisdom such as Solomon means involves with it salvation and eternal life (Job 28:13, etc.; Matthew 16:26). "The gain" - literally, the produce, as from lands: a new image; as in Proverbs 3:18 it is called a "tree of life."