Proverbs 14:24

¶ The crown of the wise [is] their riches: [but] the foolishness of fools [is] folly.

The crown {H5850} of the wise {H2450} is their riches {H6239}: but the foolishness {H200} of fools {H3684} is folly {H200}.

The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is just that - folly.

The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the effort of fools is folly.

The crown of the wise is their riches; But the folly of fools is only folly.

Proverbs 14:24 presents a sharp contrast between the outcomes and characteristics of the wise and the foolish, a common theme throughout the Book of Proverbs.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for living a life pleasing to God and successful in the world. It frequently uses antithetical parallelism, where two opposing ideas are placed side-by-side to highlight their differences. This verse exemplifies this style, drawing a clear distinction between the inherent value and consequences of wisdom versus folly. The "wisdom" discussed here is not merely intellectual knowledge, but a practical skill in living, rooted in a reverent understanding of God, as highlighted in Proverbs 9:10.

Key Themes

  • Wisdom's Reward and Manifestation

    The phrase "The crown of the wise is their riches" suggests that wisdom itself is the most valuable possession, and it naturally leads to honor, dignity, and prosperity. The "riches" here are not solely material wealth but encompass a broader sense of abundance, including valuable knowledge, good reputation, and spiritual blessings. Wisdom equips individuals to make sound decisions, manage resources well, and build a life of substance, which then becomes their "crown" – a symbol of respect and accomplishment. This aligns with other proverbs that connect wisdom with blessings and enduring wealth, such as Proverbs 3:16, which states that wisdom's left hand holds "riches and honour."

  • Folly's Self-Perpetuation

    In stark contrast, "the foolishness of fools is folly" emphasizes that foolishness is not just an occasional mistake for fools, but their very essence and output. Their nature is to produce more foolishness, leading to a cycle of poor judgment, destructive actions, and lack of discernment. Unlike the wise whose "riches" are productive and honorable, the "folly" of fools only compounds their problems and brings further ruin or disgrace. This highlights the inherent and often self-destructive nature of living without discernment or reverence for God's ways, as seen in the consequences outlined in Proverbs 15:2.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "crown," `atarah` (עֲטָרָה), often refers to a diadem or circlet worn by royalty or those of high status, symbolizing honor, authority, and distinction. Here, it metaphorically represents the esteemed position and respect wisdom brings.
  • "Riches," from the Hebrew `osher` (עֹשֶׁר), can certainly mean material wealth, but in the context of wisdom literature, it frequently extends to encompass prosperity, abundance, and the valuable assets (like knowledge, understanding, and good character) that wisdom yields.
  • "Folly," from the Hebrew `ivveleth` (אִוֶּלֶת), denotes foolishness, senselessness, or absurdity. It often carries the connotation of moral deficiency or stubborn resistance to correction, underscoring the deep-seated nature of the fool's destructive path.

Practical Application

Proverbs 14:24 serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting consequences of our choices regarding wisdom versus folly. It encourages us to prioritize the pursuit of true wisdom, which comes from God, knowing that it leads to genuine honor, fulfillment, and enduring blessings. It challenges us to reflect on what we consider our "riches" – are they superficial and fleeting, or are they the deep, valuable assets of character, discernment, and a life lived in accordance with divine principles? Conversely, it warns against the self-defeating cycle of foolishness, urging us to turn away from paths that only perpetuate error and disgrace, and instead to embrace the path of God's illuminating word.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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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