Proverbs 8:18

KJV

Riches and honour [are] with me; [yea], durable riches and righteousness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Riches {H6239} and honour {H3519} are with me; yea, durable {H6276} riches {H1952} and righteousness {H6666}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Riches and honor are with me, lasting wealth and righteousness.

Berean Standard Bible

With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness.

American Standard Version

Riches and honor are with me; Yea, durable wealth and righteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 8:18 is a profound declaration from Wisdom personified, asserting that true and lasting prosperity—encompassing both material and moral wealth—is found in her. This verse highlights that the "riches and honour" she bestows are not fleeting but "durable," fundamentally linked with "righteousness," thereby contrasting sharply with the transient and often corrupting nature of worldly gain. It serves as an invitation to seek divine wisdom as the ultimate source of comprehensive well-being and eternal value.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 8 is a magnificent poetic discourse where Wisdom is personified as a divine figure, crying out to humanity. Following her public proclamation in [Proverbs 8:1-11](/proverbs/8-1 "Proverbs 8:1-11 - Wisdom's Public Call"), where she invites all to heed her instruction, this chapter transitions into a detailed exposition of her intrinsic value and the unparalleled benefits she offers. Verses [Proverbs 8:12-21](/proverbs/8-12 "Proverbs 8:12-21 - Wisdom's Character and Gifts") specifically list the attributes of Wisdom (e.g., prudence, knowledge, discretion) and the rewards for those who embrace her, including kings reigning through her and princes decreeing justice. Verse 18 is nestled within this section, providing a concrete promise of the tangible and enduring blessings that accompany a life lived in accordance with divine wisdom, setting the stage for Wisdom's profound role in creation itself, as detailed in [Proverbs 8:22-31](/proverbs/8-22 "Proverbs 8:22-31 - Wisdom's Role in Creation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, "riches and honour" were highly coveted and often seen as signs of divine favor and social standing. Wealth was typically acquired through agriculture, trade, or conquest, and honor was tied to reputation, lineage, and power. However, the wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, often challenges this conventional understanding by emphasizing that true prosperity and lasting honor are not merely material or superficial. Instead, they are rooted in moral integrity, righteous living, and a right relationship with God. The cultural backdrop valued tangible assets, yet Proverbs consistently redefines "value" by elevating spiritual and ethical virtues above fleeting material possessions, offering a counter-cultural perspective on what constitutes a truly successful and blessed life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the **Nature of True Prosperity**, distinguishing between fleeting worldly wealth and the "durable riches" that only Wisdom can provide. This aligns with the book's consistent message that material gain without righteousness is ultimately empty and perilous, as seen in [Proverbs 10:2](/proverbs/10-2 "Proverbs 10:2 - Ill-gotten Treasures Do Not Profit"). Secondly, it highlights the **Interconnectedness of Wisdom, Riches, and Righteousness**. The pairing of "durable riches" with "righteousness" implies that genuine, lasting prosperity is inextricably linked to moral uprightness, justice, and adherence to God's ways. This holistic view of well-being is a hallmark of biblical wisdom, where spiritual and ethical health are foundational to all other forms of blessing, contrasting with the pursuit of wealth at any cost, which often leads to ruin, as warned in [Proverbs 1:19](/proverbs/1-19 "Proverbs 1:19 - The End of Greed"). Lastly, it reinforces the **Superiority of Wisdom's Blessings**, positioning her gifts as infinitely more valuable than any earthly treasure, a theme echoed throughout the book, notably in [Proverbs 3:13-15](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13-15 - The Value of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honour (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From the root meaning "weight," this term primarily signifies "splendor" or "copiousness" in a good sense. It denotes reputation, esteem, and the respect that comes from a life of integrity and divine favor. Unlike fleeting human praise, the honor bestowed by Wisdom is substantial and enduring, reflecting a true inner worth and a divinely recognized status.
* **Durable (Hebrew, _ʻâthêq'_):** This word implies something "antique" or "valued," carrying the connotation of being long-lasting, permanent, or enduring. When applied to "riches," it emphasizes that the wealth and prosperity received from Wisdom are not transient or subject to decay, but possess an inherent quality of permanence that transcends the instability of worldly possessions.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** This term refers to "rightness" in various senses: abstractly (rectitude), subjectively (moral uprightness), objectively (justice), morally (virtue), or figuratively (prosperity). In this context, it signifies a state of moral integrity and conformity to God's divine standards, implying that the true and lasting wealth offered by Wisdom is always accompanied by, and indeed rooted in, a life of justice and moral rectitude.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Riches and honour are with me;":** This initial clause establishes Wisdom's capacity to bestow material wealth and social esteem. It is a direct assertion that these desirable attributes are not external to her, but inherent in her very presence and possession. The "riches" here refer to general wealth, while "honour" speaks to reputation and respect, both highly valued in ancient society.
* **"yea, durable riches":** This phrase serves as an emphatic clarification and amplification of the preceding "riches." The addition of "durable" (`ʻâthêq`) fundamentally transforms the nature of the wealth being discussed. It distinguishes Wisdom's gifts from fleeting worldly gains, emphasizing their lasting, permanent quality. This is not merely more riches, but riches of a superior, enduring kind.
* **"and righteousness.":** The final clause introduces a crucial moral dimension, linking "durable riches" directly with "righteousness." This pairing indicates that the true and lasting prosperity offered by Wisdom is not merely material but is inextricably bound to moral integrity, justice, and a life aligned with God's will. It suggests that genuine wealth, in its fullest sense, is holistic, encompassing both external blessings and internal moral rectitude.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 8:18 employs several powerful literary devices. **Personification** is central, as Wisdom is presented as a living entity capable of possessing and bestowing gifts, making an abstract concept relatable and desirable. The phrase "Riches and honour are with me" exemplifies this, giving Wisdom agency. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **synthetic parallelism** or **climactic parallelism**, where the second half of the verse builds upon and intensifies the first. The initial promise of "riches and honour" is elevated and refined by the subsequent "durable riches and righteousness," adding depth and a moral imperative to the concept of prosperity. This structure emphasizes the superior quality and lasting nature of Wisdom's gifts. Furthermore, there is a clear **Emphasis** on the qualitative difference of Wisdom's offerings through the strategic use of the adjective "durable" and the explicit inclusion of "righteousness," distinguishing her blessings from any superficial or temporary worldly gain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 8:18 profoundly shapes our understanding of true prosperity, moving beyond a purely materialistic view to embrace a holistic concept of well-being rooted in divine wisdom. Theologically, it asserts that genuine wealth and lasting honor are not merely accumulated assets but are divine endowments, intrinsically linked to a life of moral integrity and alignment with God's character. This challenges the common human tendency to pursue riches and status as ends in themselves, instead positing that these are secondary benefits that flow from prioritizing wisdom and righteousness. The verse highlights God's desire to bless those who seek Him, not just with material provision, but with a quality of life that is stable, honorable, and morally sound, reflecting His own righteous nature. It teaches that true abundance is found in a life that honors God, where external blessings are accompanied by internal virtue.

* [Proverbs 3:13-16](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13-16 - The Blessings of Wisdom")
* [1 Timothy 6:6](/1_timothy/6-6 "1 Timothy 6:6 - Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 8:18 serves as a profound reorientation for our values, urging us to reconsider what constitutes true "riches" and "honour." In a world often obsessed with fleeting material gain and superficial status, this verse calls us to invest in something far more enduring and deeply satisfying: divine wisdom and the righteousness it produces. It encourages us to seek first a life aligned with God's principles, trusting that genuine prosperity, both tangible and intangible, will follow. This means prioritizing spiritual growth, ethical living, and a pursuit of justice over the relentless accumulation of wealth for its own sake. When we embrace wisdom, we gain not only a clear conscience and inner peace but also a stable foundation for all aspects of life, leading to blessings that transcend economic downturns or personal misfortunes. It challenges us to ask ourselves if our current pursuits are leading to durable riches or merely temporary satisfactions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "durable riches" challenge my current understanding of success and prosperity?**
* **In what ways do I prioritize fleeting worldly gains over the pursuit of wisdom and righteousness?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a life where wisdom and righteousness are the primary drivers of my decisions?**

### FAQ
**What is "Wisdom" in Proverbs 8, and how does it relate to God?**

Answer: In Proverbs 8, "Wisdom" (Hebrew: *Chokmah*) is personified as a divine attribute or entity that existed with God from the beginning of creation. She is depicted as calling out to humanity, offering guidance, and possessing profound knowledge and understanding. While not explicitly named as a person of the Trinity, many Christian theologians see this personification as a prefigurement or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is later identified in the New Testament as the very "wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). Wisdom in Proverbs 8 is thus not merely an abstract concept but an active, divine principle intimately involved in God's creative and moral order, offering life and blessing to those who embrace her.

**How do "riches" from Wisdom differ from worldly riches?**

Answer: The "riches" from Wisdom, as described in Proverbs 8:18, are fundamentally different from worldly riches primarily because they are "durable" and inherently linked with "righteousness." Worldly riches are often transient, prone to decay, theft, or loss ([Matthew 6:19](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), and can even be gained through unjust means, leading to sorrow ([Proverbs 10:2](/proverbs/10-2 "Proverbs 10:2 - Ill-gotten Treasures Do Not Profit")). In contrast, the prosperity offered by Wisdom is lasting, secure, and accompanied by moral integrity. It encompasses not just material well-being but also spiritual peace, honor, a good reputation, and a clear conscience, none of which can be bought or lost in the same way as physical wealth. It's a holistic prosperity that aligns with God's eternal purposes.

**Why is "righteousness" paired with "durable riches" in this verse?**

Answer: The pairing of "righteousness" with "durable riches" is crucial because it underscores the holistic and moral nature of true prosperity according to biblical wisdom. It signifies that genuine, lasting wealth is not merely financial or material but is inextricably linked to moral integrity, justice, and a life lived in conformity to God's standards. This connection implies that true honor and enduring wealth are not separate from ethical conduct but are a direct result of it. Unlike riches gained through unrighteousness, which are often fleeting and bring trouble ([Proverbs 21:6](/proverbs/21-6 "Proverbs 21:6 - A Fleeting Vapor")), the wealth that accompanies righteousness is stable, blessed by God, and contributes to a life of true flourishing and peace ([Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in the Day of Wrath")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 8:18 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The personified Wisdom, who declares that "Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness," is none other than a prophetic foreshadowing of Christ Himself. The New Testament explicitly identifies Jesus as the very embodiment of divine wisdom, "Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). In Him, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). The "durable riches" that Wisdom offers are fully realized in the eternal inheritance and spiritual blessings that believers receive through Christ's atoning work. He is our "righteousness, holiness and redemption" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")), providing not merely a temporary external prosperity but an enduring, internal transformation. The "righteousness" promised by Wisdom is perfectly fulfilled in the imputed righteousness of Christ, which grants us an eternal standing before God ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")). Thus, to seek Christ is to gain the ultimate, durable riches and perfect righteousness, far surpassing any earthly gain, and leading to eternal life and glory in His presence ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God and Jesus 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 3:16

Length of days [is] in her right hand; [and] in her left hand riches and honour.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Luke 16:11

If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true [riches]?

Luke 16:12

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Revelation 3:18

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Ephesians 3:8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;