Proverbs 27:24

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For riches [are] not for ever: and doth the crown [endure] to every generation?

Complete Jewish Bible:

For wealth doesn't last forever, neither does a crown through all generations.

Berean Standard Bible:

for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation.

American Standard Version:

For riches are not for ever; And doth the crown endure unto all generations?

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For riches{H2633} are not for ever{H5769}: and doth the crown{H5145} endure to every{H1755} generation{H1755}?

Cross-References (KJV):

Proverbs 23:5

  • Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for [riches] certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Isaiah 9:7

  • Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

1 Timothy 6:17

  • Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

1 Timothy 6:18

  • That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Zephaniah 1:18

  • Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

2 Samuel 7:16

  • And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

James 1:10

  • But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

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Commentary for Proverbs 27:24

Proverbs 27:24 is a verse that speaks to the transient nature of wealth and power. The historical context of this proverb likely reflects the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which often contemplated the fleeting character of human achievements and possessions. In the verse, the phrase "riches are not for ever" underscores the idea that material wealth is impermanent and can fluctuate or disappear over time, often despite the best efforts of individuals to maintain or increase it.

The second part of the verse, "and doth the crown endure to every generation?" challenges the notion of enduring dynastic power. The crown, a symbol of rulership and authority, is queried as to whether it can secure lasting influence for successive generations. This question implies that even the most powerful and esteemed positions, such as that of a monarch, are subject to change and cannot guarantee an eternal legacy.

Together, these themes convey a message that is both cautionary and reflective, reminding readers that earthly wealth and status are temporary and should not be the ultimate focus of one's life. Instead, the verse encourages a perspective that values wisdom, integrity, and legacy beyond material possessions—qualities that have the potential to endure beyond one's lifetime. This sentiment resonates with other biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of spiritual wealth over temporal gain, and the ultimate fleetingness of human power structures in the face of divine providence.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H2633
    There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חֹסֶן
    Transliteration: chôçen
    Pronunciation: kho'-sen
    Description: from חָסַן; wealth; riches, strength, treasure.
  2. Strong's Number: H5769
    There are 414 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עוֹלָם
    Transliteration: ʻôwlâm
    Pronunciation: o-lawm'
    Description: or עֹלָם; from עָלַם; properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially with prepositional prefix) always; alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare נֶצַח, עַד.
  3. Strong's Number: H5145
    There are 22 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נֶזֶר
    Transliteration: nezer
    Pronunciation: neh'-zer
    Description: or נֵזֶר; from נָזַר; properly, something set apart, i.e. (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or Nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chaplet (especially of royalty); consecration, crown, hair, separation.
  4. Strong's Number: H1755
    There are 127 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: דּוֹר
    Transliteration: dôwr
    Pronunciation: dore
    Description: or (shortened) דֹּר; from דּוּר; properly, a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling; age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity.