16:16 The “better . . . than” comparisons unambiguously state the superiority of the one thing over another, but without saying why (12:9 note). That wisdom is better than material riches is a common wisdom theme (3:13–15; 8:10, 11, 19). This does not mean that riches are in themselves undesirable (3:9, 10; 1 Kin. 3:10–13; 10:7–9), but only that they must be acquired as the fruit of wisdom.