Proverbs 27:24

Translation
King James Version
For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
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KJV (with Strong's)
For riches H2633 are not for ever H5769: and doth the crown H5145 endure to every H1755 generation H1755?
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Complete Jewish Bible
For wealth doesn't last forever, neither does a crown through all generations.
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Berean Standard Bible
for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation.
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American Standard Version
For riches are not for ever; And doth the crown endure unto all generations?
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World English Bible Messianic
for riches are not forever, nor does even the crown endure to all generations.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
For riches remaine not alway, nor the crowne from generation to generation.
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Young's Literal Translation
For riches are not to the age, Nor a crown to generation and generation.
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See also
Proverbs 23:5Isaiah 9:71 Timothy 6:171 Timothy 6:18Zephaniah 1:182 Samuel 7:16James 1:10
In the KJVVerse 17,194 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Proverbs 27:24 delivers a profound and timeless truth regarding the transient nature of all earthly possessions and human authority. It challenges the common human inclination to seek ultimate security or enduring significance in material wealth ("riches") or positions of power ("the crown"), asserting unequivocally that neither can withstand the relentless march of time or be passed down perpetually through generations. This proverb serves as a crucial reminder for believers to cultivate an eternal perspective, recognizing that true and lasting value, security, and inheritance transcend the fleeting realities of worldly achievements and acquisitions.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Proverbs 27:24 is strategically placed within a broader collection of wisdom sayings that often juxtapose practical advice for daily living with profound theological truths about life's ultimate realities. Immediately preceding this verse, Proverbs 27:23 exhorts the reader to diligent and attentive stewardship of one's agricultural resources, specifically flocks and herds, implying the potential for prosperity. Verse 24 then provides a vital corrective and theological counterpoint: while diligence in managing earthly assets is commendable and necessary, the results of such diligence—the wealth and status acquired—are ultimately temporary. This creates a powerful literary dynamic, transitioning from the "how-to" of earthly success to the "why" of eternal perspective, preventing the reader from becoming overly attached to transient gains and encouraging a deeper wisdom.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, wealth was primarily agrarian, tied to land, livestock, and the bounty of harvests, alongside burgeoning trade. "Riches" (H2633, chôçen) would have encompassed these tangible material assets. The "crown" (H5145, nezer) directly symbolized royalty, political authority, and dynastic succession, concepts deeply ingrained in a society governed by kings and tribal elders. The historical experience of Israel itself, marked by the rise and fall of kingdoms, the division of the monarchy, and the traumatic Babylonian exile, provided ample empirical evidence for the transient nature of earthly power. This cultural backdrop would have underscored the proverb's message, reminding its audience that even the most established royal lines were not immune to divine judgment, internal strife, or external conquest, thus reinforcing the inherent fragility of human authority.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical wisdom tradition. Primarily, it underscores the transience of earthly possessions and power, a recurring motif that consistently warns against placing ultimate trust in what is temporary and uncertain, a sentiment echoed in the lamentations of Ecclesiastes 2:18-19. Secondly, it implicitly highlights the theme of true security and lasting value, guiding the reader towards spiritual realities and divine wisdom as the only enduring treasures, a concept beautifully articulated in Proverbs 8:18-21. Furthermore, the proverb reinforces the call to humility and proper perspective, reminding individuals, regardless of their station, that all human achievements and statuses are ultimately subject to the sovereign will and eternal nature of God, contrasting sharply with the permanence of God's reign as celebrated in Psalm 145:13.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Riches (Hebrew, chôçen', H2633): From the root חָסַן, this term primarily denotes "wealth" or "treasure," but can also carry connotations of "strength" or "store." In Proverbs 27:24, it unequivocally refers to material possessions, accumulated wealth, and the security they might seem to offer. The proverb's assertion that chôçen is not forever emphasizes the inherent instability and limited lifespan of such earthly resources, challenging any notion of their perpetual endurance.
  • Forever (Hebrew, ʻôwlâm', H5769): This profound Hebrew term (עֹלָם) conveys 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. This highlights their finite nature and contrasts them with divine attributes, which alone possess true perpetuity.
  • Crown (Hebrew, nezer', H5145): Derived from נָזַר, "nezer" literally refers to something "set apart" or "consecrated." While it can denote the unshorn locks of a Nazirite, in this specific context, it signifies a "chaplet" or "diadem," symbolizing royalty, authority, and sovereign power. The use of "crown" here represents not merely a physical object but the very essence of royal status, political dominion, and the aspiration for enduring dynastic rule. The proverb questions the permanence of such humanly established power.

Verse Breakdown

  • "For riches [are] not for ever:" This opening clause functions as a direct, declarative statement, laying down a foundational truth about the transient nature of material wealth. The Hebrew word chôçen (riches) is explicitly stated to not endure ʻôwlâm (forever/eternity). This immediately challenges any human tendency to place ultimate security, identity, or lasting hope in financial or material accumulation. It sets the stage for the subsequent rhetorical question by establishing the universal principle of impermanence concerning worldly possessions.
  • "and doth the crown [endure] to every generation?" This second clause shifts the focus from personal material wealth to public political power and authority, powerfully symbolized by "the crown" (nezer). Posed as a rhetorical question, it anticipates and demands a clear negative answer. The phrase "to every generation" (literally, "generation and generation") intensifies the inquiry, emphasizing the idea of continuous, unbroken succession of power through an endless lineage. The question powerfully conveys that even the most established dynasties, royal lineages, or positions of human 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 masterfully employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound message with clarity and impact. 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 deep thought and emphasize a self-evident truth—that no earthly power lasts indefinitely. This question serves as a powerful affirmation and extension of the preceding declarative statement about riches. The verse also utilizes Parallelism, specifically a form of Synthetic Parallelism where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. 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 human desire for permanence, thereby guiding the reader towards what does endure (divine 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 and the futility of placing ultimate trust in them.

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, contentment, and trust in the divine rather than in human achievements or transient worldly structures.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Proverbs 27:24 offers a timeless challenge to our modern sensibilities, which often equate success with material accumulation, social status, and influence. In a world driven by economic indicators, career advancement, 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 profound understanding that our true treasure lies beyond this present age, in the unshakeable kingdom of God.

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 and significance in God's eyes?

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 explicitly commend diligent stewardship of one's resources, particularly in agrarian contexts. 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, ensuring that our hearts are not captivated by the temporary allure of earthly gains.

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 inherently temporary, Christ's kingdom is eternal and His reign is everlasting, as prophesied in Daniel 7:14 and affirmed throughout the New Testament. Jesus is the true King whose crown is not of this world, yet His authority is absolute and enduring over all creation (Matthew 28:18). The "riches" that are not forever stand in stark contrast to the "unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:8)—spiritual blessings and an eternal inheritance that never fade or diminish (1 Peter 1:4). Jesus, though He was rich in divine glory, became poor for our sake, so that through His self-emptying poverty we might become truly rich with eternal life and spiritual abundance (2 Corinthians 8:9). His "crown" of thorns on the cross, a symbol of ultimate humiliation, ultimately led to His glorious resurrection and enthronement at the right hand of God, securing a reign that truly endures "to every generation" and beyond, for all eternity (Philippians 2:9-11). 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.

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Commentary on Proverbs 27 verses 23–27

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

Here is, I. A command given us to be diligent in our callings. It is directed to husbandmen and shepherds, and those that deal in cattle, but it is to be extended to all other lawful callings; whatever our business is, within doors or without, we must apply our minds to it. This command intimates, 1. That we ought to have some business to do in this world and not to live in idleness. 2. We ought rightly and fully to understand our business, and know what we have to do, and not meddle with that which we do not understand. 3. We ought to have an eye to it ourselves, and not turn over all the care of it to others. We should, with our own eyes, inspect the state of our flocks, it is the master's eye that makes them fat. 4. We must be discreet and considerate in the management of our business, know the state of things, and look well to them, that nothing may be lost, no opportunity let slip, but every thing done in proper time and order, and so as to turn to the best advantage. 5. We must be diligent and take pains; not only sit down and contrive, but be up and doing: "Set thy heart to thy herds, as one in care; lay thy hands, lay thy bones, to thy business."

II. The reasons to enforce this command. Consider,

1.The uncertainty of worldly wealth (Pro 27:24): Riches are not for ever. (1.) Other riches are not so durable as these are: "Look well to thy flocks and herds, thy estate in the country and the stock upon that, for these are staple commodities, which, in a succession, will be for ever, whereas riches in trade and merchandise will not be so; the crown itself may perhaps not be so sure to thy family as thy flocks and herds." (2.) Even these riches will go to decay if they be not well looked after. If a man had an abbey (as we say), and were slothful and wasteful, he might make an end of it. Even the crown and the revenues of it, if care be not taken, will suffer damage, nor will it continue to every generation without very good management. Though David had the crown entailed on his family, yet he looked well to his flocks, Ch1 27:29, Ch1 27:31.

2.The bounty and liberality of nature, or rather of the God of nature, and his providence (Pro 27:25): The hay appears. In taking care of the flocks and herds, (1.) "There needs no great labour, no ploughing or sowing; the food for them is the spontaneous product of the ground; thou hast nothing to do but to turn them into it in the summer, when the grass shows itself, and to gather the herbs of the mountains for them against winter. God has done his part; thou art ungrateful to him, and unjustly refusest to serve his providence, if thou dost not do thine." (2.) "There is an opportunity to be observed and improved, a time when the hay appears; but, if thou let slip that time, thy flocks and herds will fare the worse for it. As for ourselves, so for our cattle, we ought, with the ant, to provide meat in summer."

3.The profit of good husbandry in a family: "Keep thy sheep, and thy sheep will help to keep thee; thou shalt have food for thy children and servants, goats' milk enough (Pro 27:27); and enough is as good as a feast. Thou shalt have raiment likewise: the lambs' wool shall be for thy clothing. Thou shalt have money to pay thy rent; the goats thou shalt have to sell shall be the price of thy field;" nay, as some understand it, "Thou shalt become a purchaser, and buy land to leave to thy children," (Pro 27:26). Note, (1.) If we have food and raiment, and wherewithal to give every body his own, we have enough, and ought to be not only content, but thankful. (2.) Masters of families must provide not only for themselves, but for their families, and see that their servants have a fitting maintenance. (3.) Plain food and plain clothing, if they be but competent, are all we should aim at. "Reckon thyself well done to if thou be clothed with home-spun cloth with the fleece of thy own lambs, and fed with goats' milk; let that serve for thy food which serves for the food of thy household and the maintenance of thy maidens. Be not desirous of dainties, far-fetched and dear-bought." (4.) This should encourage us to be careful and industrious about our business, that that will bring in a sufficient maintenance for our families; we shall eat the labour of our hands.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 23–27. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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