Proverbs 21:20

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Proverbs 21:20 (KJV) presents a stark contrast between the prudent management of resources by the wise and the reckless squandering by the foolish. This verse emphasizes the importance of foresight, discipline, and wise stewardship in accumulating and preserving valuable assets, whether material, intellectual, or spiritual.

Context

As part of the Book of Proverbs, this verse belongs to a collection of ancient wisdom sayings designed to instruct readers in practical righteousness and successful living. Proverbs often uses vivid imagery and sharp contrasts to highlight the benefits of wisdom and the pitfalls of folly. Chapter 21, in particular, touches on various aspects of righteous living, including diligence, justice, humility, and the management of wealth, providing timeless advice for navigating life's challenges.

Key Themes

  • Stewardship and Foresight: The "treasure" (Hebrew: 'otsar, implying a storehouse or accumulated wealth) and "oil" (Hebrew: shemen, symbolizing abundance, provision, or comfort) represent valuable resources. The wise person actively gathers and preserves these, demonstrating foresight and good management.
  • Discipline vs. Impulsiveness: The wise individual exercises self-control and planning, ensuring resources are available for future needs. In contrast, the "foolish man" (Hebrew: kesil, a morally deficient fool) acts impulsively, consuming everything without thought for tomorrow.
  • Consequences of Actions: The verse clearly illustrates the divergent outcomes of wise and foolish behavior, linking prosperity and stability with wisdom, and scarcity and destitution with folly. This principle is a recurring theme in Proverbs, as seen in passages encouraging diligence by observing the ant in Proverbs 6:6.

Linguistic Insights

The term "spendeth it up" in the KJV comes from the Hebrew word bol'o (בּוֹלְעוֹ), which literally means "swallows it up" or "devours." This strong verb vividly paints a picture of rapid, complete, and often wasteful consumption, leaving nothing behind. It suggests a lack of restraint and an immediate gratification mindset, similar to the prodigal son who "wasted his substance with riotous living" in Luke 15:13.

Practical Application

This proverb extends beyond mere financial wealth. It offers guidance on how we manage all of life's resources:

  • Material Possessions: It encourages saving, investing, and avoiding wasteful spending. A wise person budgets, plans for the future, and avoids unnecessary debt.
  • Time and Opportunities: Just as one can squander money, one can also squander time and opportunities. The wise utilize their time productively, learn new skills, and invest in personal growth, while the foolish let opportunities pass by.
  • Knowledge and Wisdom: Spiritual and intellectual "treasure" includes biblical knowledge, spiritual insights, and life lessons. The wise accumulate and apply these, growing in understanding, while the foolish neglect them.
  • Relationships: Valuable relationships can also be "spent up" through neglect, selfishness, or destructive behavior. Wisdom fosters and preserves strong bonds.

Ultimately, Proverbs 21:20 is a call to intentional living, urging us to be mindful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, recognizing that our choices today impact our provision and well-being tomorrow.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 25:3 (8 votes)

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

  • Matthew 25:4 (8 votes)

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

  • Psalms 112:3 (7 votes)

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

  • Ecclesiastes 5:19 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Ecclesiastes 7:11 (5 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 10:22 (5 votes)

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