Proverbs 17:16 Commentary and Bible Study

Solomon invites us to consider a strange and contradictory picture. Here is someone who seems to be earnest about making a purchase. He has gathered together his savings and taken the trouble perhaps to travel to the merchant, but really he has little desire to buy what he has come for. Why has he bothered to bring his money if he does not really intend to make the purchase? The situation makes no sense and anyone who wants to understand what is happening should not be taken in by the money the man is holding in his hand. Similarly there are those who give the appearance of being zealous for the truth but there is something else that they are seeking and not what they claim to seek. The fool, or the unconverted man or woman, has no interest in spiritual things, in the wisdom which comes from above. Why then does he apply for church membership? Why does he meet together with God’s people for worship? There is something badly wrong here. Maybe he is self-deceived and does not know his own heart, for he thinks that he has an appreciation of the truth and has a love for God but really he is seeking something else. He is attracted to the message of the gospel because of the intellectual stimulation that it provides, for the gospel answers many questions about the meaning of life, the state of the world and the human condition which are satisfying to the curious mind, and this is attractive to some, but to follow Christ is a step too far. The purchase of wisdom is Solomon’s term here for a wholehearted commitment to Christ and true conversion. No one comes to God for salvation who does not see that this is what he needs more than anything else. The Lord always puts into the heart of the seeker a strong sense of need, and a strong sense that Christ alone can satisfy that need. He is seen as the pearl of great price, the fountain of life in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). In response to this enlightenment the soul desires him above all else, and though salvation is free and beyond all price that we can pay, he is willing to give all that it has to obtain him. Only one who comes with this attitude will ever find Christ; all who come with less love for him that this will be turned back at some point and will find that the price is too high so that they hold on to the money in their hand and are unwilling to part with it.