and she will exalt you
The reciprocal nature of this phrase highlights a fundamental biblical principle: when one values and seeks wisdom, wisdom, in turn, elevates and honors the seeker. The Hebrew root "rum" for "exalt" conveys the idea of being lifted up or raised to a higher status. Historically, those who pursued wisdom were often elevated in society, gaining respect and authority. In a spiritual sense, this elevation is not just social but also moral and spiritual, aligning one's life more closely with God's will.

if you embrace her
The act of embracing, from the Hebrew "chabaq," suggests a close, intimate relationship. It implies not just a casual acquaintance with wisdom but a deep, committed engagement. In the biblical context, embracing wisdom is akin to embracing God's commandments and teachings. This phrase encourages believers to hold tightly to wisdom, allowing it to guide every aspect of their lives. The imagery of an embrace also suggests warmth, protection, and affection, reinforcing the idea that wisdom is a cherished companion on the journey of faith.

she will honor you
The promise of honor is a significant theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible. The Hebrew word "kabad" for "honor" implies weightiness or glory. In ancient times, honor was a highly sought-after virtue, often associated with one's reputation and standing in the community. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this honor is not merely worldly recognition but a reflection of God's favor and blessing. By living a life guided by wisdom, believers are assured of a legacy that brings glory to God and reflects His character to the world.

(1) to raise or make high;

(2) to exalt by bestowing honours upon one of low estate, i.e. raising them in general estimation; it is so used in 1 Samuel 2:7 by Hannah, in her song of thankfulness, "He (Jehovah) bringeth low and lifteth up (m'romem);"

(3) to extol by praises, as in Psalm 30:2. The radical meaning of salal seems to be "to heap up," as a road is prepared by embankments, and by the filling up of inequalities (cf. Isaiah 62:10). In this sense the passage before us is explained by Levi ben Gersom, "Prepare the way of Wisdom, and walk assiduously in it." But the context, wherein the idea of buying is evidently used. favours Bottcher's interpretation, "Hold it or her high in price, bid high for her as a purchaser who makes offer upon offer, to secure what he wants." So Pi, in pretio habe. The LXX. rendering, "Circumvallate her, enclose her with a wall or hedge," which is reproduced in the Arabic, circumsepi eam, "hedge her around," seems out of place with the context. The Talmudists understand the verb as signifying "to examine closely," "to scrutinize, meditate, or reflect" upon Wisdom constantly, just as the Roman, poet says, "Nocturna versate manu, versate diurna" - "We exalt Wisdom when we follow her precepts," i.e. when we esteem her - the idea which is presented to us in the Targum and Syriac cited above. The sentiment of the verse agrees with what Jehovah says in the message of the man of God to Eli, in 1 Samuel 2:30, "Them that honour me I will honour." She shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. The LXX. reverses the order of ideas, "Honour her in order that she may embrace thee." Embrace her; i.e. in a loving and affectionate manner, as a husband does his wife, or a son his mother. (For the verb khavak, see Proverbs 5:20: Song of Solomon 2:6; Song of Solomon 8:3.) There are only three other instances where this verb occurs in the pilel form, khibbek. Esteem and honour, the confidence of others, elevation to offices of trust and consequence, are some of the rewards with which Wisdom repays those who esteem and love her. Others follow in the next verse.

Parallel Commentaries ...