King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ The crown of the wise [is] their riches: [but] the foolishness of fools [is] folly.
Complete Jewish Bible:
The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is just that - folly.
Berean Standard Bible:
The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the effort of fools is folly.
American Standard Version:
The crown of the wise is their riches; But the folly of fools is only folly.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The crown{H5850} of the wise{H2450} is their riches{H6239}: but the foolishness{H200} of fools{H3684} is folly{H200}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Ecclesiastes 7:11
- ¶ Wisdom [is] good with an inheritance: and [by it there is] profit to them that see the sun.
Ecclesiastes 7:12
- For wisdom [is] a defence, [and] money [is] a defence: but the excellency of knowledge [is, that] wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
Proverbs 27:22
- ¶ Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, [yet] will not his foolishness depart from him.
Luke 16:9
- And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
Luke 12:19
- And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.
Luke 12:20
- But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
Psalms 49:10
- For he seeth [that] wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
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Commentary for Proverbs 14:24
Proverbs 14:24 is a verse from the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible, which reflects the values and observations of ancient Israelite society. The verse reads, "The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly." In this proverb, the term "crown" is metaphorical, representing honor, achievement, and the ultimate reward for wisdom. The "riches" of the wise are not necessarily material wealth, but can also be understood as the treasures of knowledge, understanding, and good judgment, which are the true rewards of a wise life.
In contrast, the verse highlights the behavior of fools, whose actions are characterized by "folly," a term that implies a lack of sense, discretion, and wisdom. For fools, their foolishness itself becomes a distinguishing trait, a negative crown that they wear, so to speak. This reflects the idea that while the wise are enriched by their wisdom, the foolish are defined and burdened by their lack of it.
The historical context of Proverbs situates this verse within an ancient Near Eastern milieu where wisdom was highly valued as a practical guide for living a successful and morally upright life. The teachings found in Proverbs, including this verse, would have been used to instruct young men, particularly those being groomed for leadership, in the ways of righteousness and good governance. The underlying theme is that true wealth and honor come from wise living, while folly leads to ruin and shame. This message would have resonated with the Israelite audience, who held wisdom in high esteem as a divine attribute and a key to prosperity and favor with God.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H5850
There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֲטָרָה
Transliteration: ʻăṭârâh
Pronunciation: at-aw-raw'
Description: from עָטַר; a crown; crown. - Strong's Number: H2450
There are 133 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָכָם
Transliteration: châkâm
Pronunciation: khaw-kawm'
Description: from חָכַם; wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful); cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). - Strong's Number: H6239
There are 36 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֹשֶׁר
Transliteration: ʻôsher
Pronunciation: o'-sher
Description: from עָשַׁר; wealth; [idiom] far (richer), riches. - Strong's Number: H200
There are 171 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אִוֶּלֶת
Transliteration: ʼivveleth
Pronunciation: iv-veh'-leth
Description: from the same as אֱוִיל; silliness; folly, foolishly(-ness). - Strong's Number: H3684
There are 69 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כְּסִיל
Transliteration: kᵉçîyl
Pronunciation: kes-eel'
Description: from כָּסַל; properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly; fool(-ish).