Proverbs 21:20

KJV

¶ [There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is treasure {H214} to be desired {H2530} and oil {H8081} in the dwelling {H5116} of the wise {H2450}; but a foolish {H3684} man {H120} spendeth it up {H1104}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the home of the wise are fine treasures and oil, but a fool quickly devours it.

Berean Standard Bible

Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.

American Standard Version

There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 21:20 presents a profound contrast between the prudent stewardship of the wise and the reckless squandering of the foolish. It illustrates that true wisdom involves not only the acquisition of valuable resources—whether material wealth, knowledge, or spiritual insight—but also their diligent preservation and thoughtful management. In stark opposition, folly is characterized by immediate gratification and the wasteful consumption of all that is gained, leading inevitably to scarcity and want. This proverb underscores the vital importance of foresight, discipline, and responsible living for sustained well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 21:20 is situated within a collection of antithetical proverbs, a common literary device in the Book of Proverbs that juxtaposes contrasting behaviors and their outcomes to highlight the benefits of wisdom and the pitfalls of folly. Chapter 21 itself is a mosaic of independent sayings, often linked by thematic threads like righteousness, justice, diligence, and the management of resources. This particular verse fits seamlessly into the broader discourse on wealth and poverty, the diligent versus the lazy, and the prudent versus the impulsive, which are pervasive themes throughout the wisdom literature. It serves as a concise summary of the practical implications of a life lived by wisdom versus one dominated by foolishness, reinforcing the book's overarching call to choose the path of understanding and righteousness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "treasure" (often stored in a "storehouse" or "cellar") and "oil" (particularly olive oil, a staple for food, fuel, medicine, and anointing) represented fundamental indicators of wealth, stability, and provision. A household's ability to store these commodities signified foresight and good management, crucial for survival through lean seasons or times of scarcity. The "dwelling of the wise" would have been understood as a place of order and provision, reflecting the inhabitant's diligent labor and prudent planning. Conversely, the "foolish man" (`kᵉçîyl`) embodies a lack of moral and practical sense, often associated with impulsivity, idleness, and a disregard for future needs—traits that would quickly lead to destitution in an agrarian society dependent on careful resource management.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it emphasizes **Stewardship and Foresight**, highlighting the wise person's active role in accumulating and preserving resources, whether tangible or intangible, for future needs. This aligns with broader biblical teachings on responsible management of God-given blessings, as seen in the parable of the talents in [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14 "Matthew 25:14-30 - Parable of the Talents"). Secondly, it contrasts **Discipline vs. Impulsiveness**. The wise demonstrate self-control and strategic planning, ensuring sustained provision, while the foolish act on immediate desires, consuming everything without thought for tomorrow, a behavior often condemned in Proverbs, such as the warning against gluttony in [Proverbs 23:20-21](/proverbs/23-20 "Proverbs 23:20-21 - Warning Against Gluttony"). Lastly, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Actions**, illustrating the direct link between wise behavior and prosperity/stability, and foolish behavior and scarcity/destitution, a foundational principle reiterated throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Leads to Wealth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **treasure (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** This term refers to a depository, a storehouse, or accumulated wealth. It implies not just money, but a collection of valuable goods, provisions, or assets carefully gathered and preserved. The wise person's dwelling is not merely a place of residence but a well-managed storehouse of desired resources.
* **oil (Hebrew, _shemen'_):** Beyond its literal meaning as grease or liquid (often olive oil), _shemen_ metaphorically represents richness, abundance, and provision. In ancient contexts, oil was a vital commodity for food, light, anointing, and trade, symbolizing prosperity and comfort. Its presence in the dwelling of the wise signifies a state of well-being and readiness.
* **spendeth it up (Hebrew, _bâlaʻ'_):** A powerful primitive root meaning "to make away with," specifically by swallowing, devouring, or destroying. This verb vividly portrays the foolish man's actions as rapid, complete, and utterly wasteful consumption, leaving nothing behind. It suggests an insatiable appetite and a lack of restraint that leads to total depletion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise;":** This clause paints a picture of abundance, security, and foresight. The "treasure" and "oil" represent valuable resources, both material and perhaps symbolic of wisdom and spiritual riches. Their presence "in the dwelling of the wise" indicates that the wise person not only acquires these assets but also diligently preserves and manages them within their sphere of influence, ensuring stability and provision for the future. The phrase "to be desired" emphasizes the inherent value and beneficial nature of these accumulated resources.
* **"but a foolish man spendeth it up.":** This contrasting clause immediately follows, highlighting the destructive behavior of the "foolish man" (`kᵉçîyl`). This individual, characterized by a lack of discernment and foresight, does not preserve or manage resources but instead "spends it up," or "devours it." The strong verb implies a rapid, complete, and wasteful consumption, leaving nothing for future needs. This action is a direct consequence of folly, leading to destitution and a lack of provision.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 21:20 primarily employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. This device presents two contrasting ideas or statements that illuminate each other through opposition. Here, the wise person's careful accumulation and preservation of "treasure" and "oil" is directly contrasted with the foolish man's reckless and complete consumption of resources. This sharp juxtaposition effectively underscores the divergent outcomes of wisdom and folly. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident in "treasure" and "oil," which represent not only material wealth but also broader concepts of provision, security, and well-being. The phrase "spendeth it up" uses **Hyperbole** and vivid imagery, implying a total and destructive consumption that goes beyond mere spending, emphasizing the fool's utter lack of restraint and foresight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on responsible stewardship, a core theological concept that views all human possessions and abilities as gifts from God, to be managed according to His will. It teaches that true wisdom is not merely intellectual acuity but practical righteousness, manifesting in diligent labor, prudent saving, and thoughtful planning for the future. The accumulation of "treasure" and "oil" by the wise reflects God's blessing upon their faithfulness and discipline, while the foolish man's squandering illustrates the natural consequences of a life lived outside of God's design for order and foresight. This principle extends beyond material wealth to encompass the stewardship of time, talents, and spiritual truths, all of which are entrusted to humanity by a generous Creator.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [1 Timothy 6:17-19](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Rich in Good Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 21:20 challenges us to examine our own approach to resources, urging us to cultivate a mindset of wise stewardship rather than impulsive consumption. This principle transcends mere financial management; it speaks to how we manage every aspect of our lives—our time, talents, relationships, and spiritual insights. Are we diligently "storing up" wisdom through study and prayer, or are we "spending it up" by neglecting spiritual disciplines? Are we investing our time in eternal pursuits or squandering it on fleeting distractions? The proverb calls us to intentionality, foresight, and self-control, recognizing that our present choices have profound implications for our future well-being and our ability to bless others. It reminds us that true security comes not from the abundance of possessions, but from the wisdom to manage them responsibly, acknowledging God as the ultimate provider and owner of all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life (finances, time, relationships, spiritual growth) do you tend to act more like the "wise" person, and in what areas more like the "foolish" man?**
* **What specific steps can you take this week to cultivate greater foresight and discipline in managing a particular resource God has entrusted to you?**
* **How does the concept of "treasure to be desired" extend beyond material wealth to spiritual or relational riches, and how can you better "store up" these intangible treasures?**

### FAQ
**Is this proverb only about money and material possessions?**

Answer: While "treasure" and "oil" certainly refer to material wealth and provisions in their primary sense, the wisdom literature often uses tangible examples to illustrate broader spiritual and moral truths. Therefore, this proverb extends beyond mere financial stewardship to encompass the management of all valuable resources: time, talents, knowledge, opportunities, and even spiritual insights. The "wise" person diligently cultivates and preserves all these, while the "foolish" squanders them through neglect, impulsivity, or a lack of foresight. The principle is about responsible living in every sphere.

**What is the difference between the "wise" and the "foolish" man in Proverbs?**

Answer: In Proverbs, the "wise" (Hebrew: `châkâm`) person is one who fears the Lord, possesses discernment, exercises self-control, and acts with foresight and prudence. They understand the consequences of their actions and choose the path of righteousness, leading to blessing and stability. The "foolish" (Hebrew: `kᵉçîyl`), on the other hand, is not merely intellectually deficient but morally and spiritually bankrupt. This "fool" is stubborn, resistant to instruction, impulsive, and lives only for immediate gratification, often leading to ruin and destitution. The contrast is less about intelligence and more about character and one's orientation towards God's wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 21:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of divine wisdom and the perfect steward of all things. While the proverb speaks of earthly treasure and oil, Christ teaches us to seek a higher, eternal treasure that "neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:20](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). He perfectly modeled wise stewardship, not only with material resources during His earthly ministry but supremely with His own life, which He "laid down for His friends" ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Unlike the foolish man who "spendeth it up" on fleeting desires, Christ, as the ultimate wise one, "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Through His sacrifice, He provides the true "oil" of the Holy Spirit, an anointing that brings spiritual richness and eternal life to all who believe, demonstrating that the greatest treasure is found not in earthly accumulation but in the abundant grace and salvation offered through Him ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - I Have Come That They May Have Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 25:3

They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

Matthew 25:4

But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

Psalms 112:3

Wealth and riches [shall be] in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

Ecclesiastes 5:19

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this [is] the gift of God.

Proverbs 15:6

¶ In the house of the righteous [is] much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

Ecclesiastes 7:11

¶ Wisdom [is] good with an inheritance: and [by it there is] profit to them that see the sun.

Proverbs 10:22

¶ The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.