The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.
21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find[a] love and faithfulness.
23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.
25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.
26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.
29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.[b]
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.
35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.
When the book of Proverbs is talking about riches it may refer to the riches of wisdom. However, the Jewish people thought of the riches as literal and thought that riches were a blessing of God to the faithful. This is why Jesus’ rejection of the Rich Young Ruler is so puzzling to Jesus’ followers. Solomon himself had to choose between literal riches and the riches of wisdom. He chose wisdom and this brought wealth in its train. A wise person often accumulates wealth, but the real wealth is wisdom.
- How does verse 24 combine wealth and wisdom?
- What rots the bones?
- How could someone do the best at preparing themselves for health and wealth?
- How do some people today use God to make money?
- How can we gain the riches of wisdom in today’s world?