Proverbs 2 challenges the reader to go on a quest for wisdom. Verses vv. 1–5 picture the quester searching for wisdom. Wisdom is promised to the quester who is receptive to it (vv. 1–2) and who is resolved to acquire it (vv. 3–5). Then, in vv. 6–8, we see the quester securing the wisdom for which he has searched. Those who are receptive to it, and who are resolved to find it, have the glorious promise that the Lord gives wisdom.

But the quester does not search for, and secure, wisdom without the benefit of spending. The treasure that he finds is “spent” to help him on his ongoing quest. That is the picture before us in the remainder of the chapter.