Proverbs 8:21

That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

That I may cause those that love {H157} me to inherit {H5157} substance {H3426}; and I will fill {H4390} their treasures {H214}.

to endow with wealth those who love me and fill their treasuries.

bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, And that I may fill their treasuries.

Commentary

Proverbs 8:21 is a powerful declaration from personified Wisdom, detailing the profound rewards for those who embrace and love her. This verse assures that a relationship with divine wisdom leads to a deep, lasting inheritance and an abundance of true value.

Context

Chapter 8 of Proverbs presents Wisdom as a majestic, eternal figure, present with God during creation. She calls out to humanity, offering guidance and life to all who will listen. Unlike the fleeting allure of folly, Wisdom's promises are steadfast and lead to genuine prosperity. Verse 21 is part of her direct appeal, outlining the tangible and intangible blessings that accrue to those who actively seek and cherish her principles.

Key Themes

  • Wisdom's Generosity: The verse highlights Wisdom's desire to bestow rich blessings upon her followers, demonstrating her benevolent nature.
  • True Inheritance: The "substance" promised is not merely transient wealth but an enduring, foundational reality that genuinely enriches one's life.
  • Abundant Fulfillment: "Filling their treasures" speaks to a complete and satisfying abundance, encompassing spiritual, moral, and often material prosperity, beyond mere accumulation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "substance" is yesh (ื™ึตืฉื), which carries a rich meaning beyond simple material goods. It can denote "existence," "being," "reality," or "what is real and enduring." This suggests that wisdom bestows not just fleeting riches but a solid, true foundation for lifeโ€”a substantial and lasting reality that contrasts with temporal or illusory wealth. The term "treasures" comes from otsar (ืื•ึนืฆึธืจ), referring to a storehouse or an abundance of valuable things, implying a full measure of blessings, not just a meager portion.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Proverbs 8:21 serves as a profound encouragement to prioritize wisdom in our lives. It teaches that true and lasting wealth, encompassing spiritual well-being, moral integrity, and often material blessings, flows as a natural consequence of a life lived in alignment with God's divine wisdom. This verse challenges us to re-evaluate what we consider "substance" and "treasure," guiding us toward principles and values that truly endure and provide genuine satisfaction, rather than focusing on fleeting possessions or superficial gains.

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

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 1:4 (6 votes)

    To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

  • Proverbs 24:4 (5 votes)

    And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

  • Matthew 25:46 (5 votes)

    And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

  • Genesis 15:14 (4 votes)

    And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

  • Psalms 16:11 (3 votes)

    Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures for evermore.

  • Proverbs 1:13 (3 votes)

    We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:

  • 1 Samuel 2:8 (3 votes)

    He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.