Proverbs 17:16
Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?
In context
13 Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good. 14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. 15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the Lord detests them both. 16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. 18 One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor. 19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 17:16 in the KJV
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, Seeing he hath no heart to it?
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 17:16 in the ESV
Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?