Proverbs 27:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 27:24 offers a profound reflection on the impermanence of earthly wealth and temporal power. It challenges the human tendency to find ultimate security in material possessions or positions of authority, asserting that both "riches" and "the crown" are fleeting. This proverb serves as a vital reminder for diligent stewards to maintain an eternal perspective, recognizing that true and lasting value transcends the transient nature of worldly achievements and acquisitions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 27:24 is situated within a collection of wisdom sayings that often juxtapose practical advice for daily living with profound theological truths. The preceding verses, particularly [Proverbs 27:23](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23 - Diligence in Stewardship"), emphasize the importance of diligent and attentive stewardship of one's resources, specifically agricultural wealth like flocks and herds. This creates a powerful literary contrast: while diligence in managing earthly assets is commendable and necessary, verse 24 immediately provides a crucial corrective, reminding the reader that the *results* of such diligence—the wealth and status acquired—are ultimately temporary. It transitions from the "how-to" of earthly success to the "why" of eternal perspective, preventing the reader from becoming overly attached to transient gains.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wealth was often tied to land, livestock, and agricultural bounty, as well as trade. "Riches" (H2633, *chôçen*) would have encompassed these material assets. The "crown" (H5145, *nezer*) directly refers to royalty and political power, a significant concept in a society led by kings and tribal elders. The history of Israel itself, marked by the rise and fall of kingdoms and dynasties (e.g., the division of the kingdom, the Babylonian exile), would have provided ample evidence for the transient nature of earthly power, reinforcing the proverb's message. The cultural understanding was that power could be inherited, yet even royal lines were not immune to divine judgment or historical upheaval, underscoring the fragility of human authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Primarily, it underscores the **transience of earthly possessions and power**, a recurring motif that warns against placing ultimate trust in what is temporary and uncertain, as seen in the broader wisdom tradition (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 2:18-19](/ecclesiastes/2-18 "Ecclesiastes 2:18-19 - Toil for an Uncertain Future")). It also highlights the theme of **true security and lasting value**, implicitly pointing towards spiritual realities and divine wisdom as the only enduring treasures, a concept echoed in passages like [Proverbs 8:18-21](/proverbs/8-18 "Proverbs 8:18-21 - Wisdom's Enduring Riches"). Furthermore, it reinforces the call to **humility and proper perspective**, reminding individuals, whether rich or poor, powerful or humble, that all human achievements and statuses are ultimately subject to the sovereign will and eternal nature of God, contrasting with the permanence of God's reign as described in [Psalm 145:13](/psalm/145-13 "Psalm 145:13 - God's Eternal Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Riches (Hebrew, _chôçen'_):** From the root חָסַן, this word primarily denotes "wealth" or "treasure," but can also imply "strength" or "store." In Proverbs 27:24, it clearly refers to material possessions and accumulated wealth, emphasizing their inherent instability and limited lifespan. The proverb asserts that such accumulated resources are not permanent.
* **Forever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This term (עֹלָם) carries the sense of "time out of mind," "eternity," or "perpetuity." It describes a vanishing point, indicating something concealed or beyond the horizon of human experience. When applied to "riches," it emphatically declares that they do not extend into an indefinite future; they are not eternal or perpetual, highlighting their finite nature in contrast to divine attributes.
* **Crown (Hebrew, _nezer'_):** Derived from נָזַר, "nezer" refers to something "set apart" or "consecrated." While it can denote the unshorn locks of a Nazirite, in this context, it specifically refers to a "chaplet" or "diadem," symbolizing royalty, authority, and sovereign power. The use of "crown" here represents not just the physical object but the very essence of royal status and enduring dynastic rule.
* **Generation (Hebrew, _dôwr'_):** This word (דּוּר) signifies a "revolution of time," an "age," or a "generation." Its repetition in the phrase "to every generation" (literally "generation and generation") intensifies the question, asking if the crown's authority can truly pass undiminished through an endless succession of ages. The implied negative answer underscores the ultimate impermanence of even the most established human power structures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For riches [are] not for ever:"** This opening clause makes a direct, declarative statement about the transient nature of material wealth. The Hebrew word *chôçen* (riches) is explicitly stated to not endure *ʻôwlâm* (forever/eternity). This serves as a foundational premise, immediately challenging any human tendency to place ultimate security or identity in financial or material accumulation. It sets the stage for the subsequent rhetorical question by establishing the principle of impermanence.
* **"and doth the crown [endure] to every generation?"** This second clause shifts from material wealth to political power and authority, symbolized by "the crown" (*nezer*). Posed as a rhetorical question, it expects a clear negative answer. The phrase "to every generation" (literally, "generation and generation") emphasizes the idea of continuous, unbroken succession. The question powerfully conveys that even the most established dynasties, royal lineages, or positions of power are subject to change, decline, and eventual cessation. Together, both clauses assert that neither personal wealth nor public power offers lasting security or eternal significance.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 27:24 employs several effective **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("doth the crown [endure] to every generation?"), which is designed not to elicit an answer, but to provoke thought and emphasize a self-evident truth—that no earthly power lasts indefinitely. This question serves as a powerful affirmation of the preceding declarative statement about riches. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Antithetical Parallelism** by implication. While not directly contrasting two opposing ideas in a single line, the verse implicitly contrasts the temporary nature of earthly wealth and power with the presumed desire for permanence, thereby guiding the reader towards what *does* endure (wisdom, God's kingdom). The use of **Symbolism** is evident in "riches" representing all material possessions and "the crown" symbolizing all forms of human authority, royalty, and worldly power. These concrete images effectively communicate abstract truths about the transient nature of human endeavors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 27:24 is a foundational text for understanding the biblical perspective on wealth and power, asserting their inherent transience in stark contrast to the eternal nature of God and His kingdom. It calls believers to cultivate an eternal perspective, recognizing that true security and lasting inheritance are found not in earthly accumulation or temporal authority, but in a relationship with God and the pursuit of His wisdom. This proverb challenges the idolatry of materialism and power, urging a redirection of focus from temporary gains to enduring spiritual realities and the stewardship of resources for God's glory rather than self-aggrandizement. It underscores the wisdom tradition's consistent emphasis on humility and trust in the divine rather than in human achievements.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [1 Timothy 6:17-19](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Trusting in God, Not Riches")
* [James 1:10-11](/james/1-10 "James 1:10-11 - The Rich Fading Like a Flower")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 27:24 offers a timeless challenge to our modern sensibilities, which often equate success with material accumulation and influence. In a world driven by economic indicators and power dynamics, this proverb serves as a stark reminder that all these pursuits are ultimately fleeting. It compels us to re-evaluate where we place our ultimate hope, security, and identity. Are we building our lives on foundations that will inevitably crumble, or are we investing in what truly lasts? This verse encourages a posture of humble stewardship, recognizing that whatever resources or positions we hold are temporary trusts from God. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing character, wisdom, faith, and relationships that reflect God's enduring nature, rather than chasing after the ephemeral glitter of worldly success. Our diligence in work and finances should be tempered by the understanding that our true treasure lies beyond this present age.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek my security and significance—in material possessions, my career, or my relationship with God?**
* **How does the transient nature of "riches" and "the crown" influence my daily decisions about spending, saving, and pursuing influence?**
* **What kind of legacy am I truly building, one that is temporary and earthly, or one that has eternal value?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb discourage hard work or financial success?**

Answer: No, Proverbs 27:24 does not discourage hard work or the responsible accumulation of wealth. In fact, preceding verses like [Proverbs 27:23](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23 - Diligence in Stewardship") explicitly commend diligent stewardship of one's resources. The proverb's purpose is not to condemn wealth or power themselves, but to correct our perspective on them. It warns against placing ultimate trust, security, or identity in these transient things. The wisdom literature consistently encourages diligence, prudence, and wise management, but always within the framework of God's sovereignty and the understanding that true, lasting value is found in Him, not in what we possess or control. The emphasis is on *where* our ultimate hope lies, not on whether we should strive to be productive.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 27:24 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While earthly riches and human crowns are temporary, Christ's kingdom is eternal, as prophesied in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion") and affirmed throughout the New Testament. He is the true King whose crown is not of this world, yet His authority is absolute and everlasting ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The "riches" that are not forever stand in stark contrast to the "unsearchable riches of Christ" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - The Unsearchable Riches of Christ"))—spiritual blessings and an eternal inheritance that never fade or diminish ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). Jesus, though He was rich, became poor for our sake, so that through His poverty we might become truly rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Sacrifice for Our Riches")). His "crown" of thorns on the cross ultimately led to His glorification and enthronement at the right hand of God, securing a reign that truly endures "to every generation" and beyond ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, this proverb, in its warning about transient earthly things, implicitly points to the enduring, eternal, and truly satisfying reign and provision found only in Christ.

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

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.