Proverbs 17:16 (BSB)

Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom?

From Proverbs 17. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 17:16

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 17:16: Two things are here spoken of with astonishment: - 1. God's great goodness to foolish man, in putting a price into his hand to get wisdom, to get knowledge and grace to fit him for both worlds. We have rational souls, the means of grace, the strivings of the Spirit, access to God by prayer; we have time and opportunity.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 17:16: Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom,.... Natural wisdom and knowledge. By this "price" may be meant money, riches, worldly substance, of which a foolish man is possessed; by means of which he might purchase useful books for the improvement of his mind, and procure himself instructors that might be very useful to him; but instead of seeking...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 17:16: Though wealth cannot buy wisdom for those who do not love it, yet wisdom procures wealth (Pro 3:16; Pro 14:24).
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 17:16: Why [is there] a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]? What good does it do the wicked to be rich, seeing he does not set his mind to wisdom?