Proverbs 10:15
Proverbs 10:15 in Multiple Translations
The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
The property of the man of wealth is his strong town: the poor man's need is his destruction.
The wealth of the rich provides them protection, while the poverty of the poor ruins them.
The riche mans goodes are his strong citie: but the feare of the needie is their pouertie.
The wealth of the rich [is] his strong city, The ruin of the poor [is] their poverty.
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city. The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
The substance of a rich man is the city of his strength: the fear of the poor is their poverty.
The wealth that rich people have protects them like a city is protected by a strong wall around it [MET], but people who are poor suffer much because they have no one to help them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 10:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֣וֹן
עָ֭שִׁיר
קִרְיַ֣ת
עֻזּ֑/וֹ
מְחִתַּ֖ת
דַּלִּ֣ים
רֵישָֽׁ/ם
ה֣וֹן
hôwn
H1952
substance
N-ms
עָ֭שִׁיר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
rich
Adj
קִרְיַ֣ת
qiryâh
H7151
town
N-fs
עֻזּ֑/וֹ
ʻôz
H5797
strength
N-ms | Suff
מְחִתַּ֖ת
mᵉchittâh
H4288
terror
N-fs
דַּלִּ֣ים
dal
H1800
poor
Adj
רֵישָֽׁ/ם
rêysh
H7389
poverty
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:15
ה֣וֹן
hôwn
H1952
"substance"
N-ms
This word refers to wealth or substance, implying that something is enough or of high value. It can also be translated as riches or sufficiency.
Definition: 1) wealth, riches, substance 1a) wealth 1b) price, high value interj 2) enough!, sufficiency
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: enough, [phrase] for nought, riches, substance, wealth. See also: Psalms 44:13; Proverbs 19:4; Psalms 112:3.
עָ֭שִׁיר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
"rich"
Adj
In the Bible, the Hebrew word for 'rich' describes someone with wealth or noble status. It is used to describe people who are wealthy, like the rich man in certain parables. The word is often translated as 'rich' in English Bibles.
Definition: adj 1) rich, wealthy n 2) the rich, the wealthy, rich man
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: rich (man). See also: Exodus 30:15; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 45:13.
קִרְיַ֣ת
qiryâh
H7151
"town"
N-fs
This word refers to a town or city, a place where people live and work. It is used in the Bible to describe various urban areas.
Definition: 1) city, town 1a) in general 1b) in specific 1c) collective 1d) indefinite Aramaic equivalent: qir.yah (קִרְיָה "town" H7149)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: city. See also: Numbers 21:28; Isaiah 22:2; Psalms 48:3.
עֻזּ֑/וֹ
ʻôz
H5797
"strength"
N-ms | Suff
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.
מְחִתַּ֖ת
mᵉchittâh
H4288
"terror"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means terror or ruin, causing consternation or destruction. It is used to describe something that inspires fear or dread, and is translated as 'destruction' or 'terror' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) destruction, ruin, terror, a breaking 1a) terror, dismay, object of terror 1b) ruin
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: destruction, dismaying, ruin, terror. See also: Psalms 89:41; Proverbs 14:28; Proverbs 10:14.
דַּלִּ֣ים
dal
H1800
"poor"
Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
רֵישָֽׁ/ם
rêysh
H7389
"poverty"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means poverty or being poor. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who lacks material possessions. The KJV translates it as 'poverty'.
Definition: poverty Also means: rish (רִישׁ "poverty" H7389B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: poverty. See also: Proverbs 6:11; Proverbs 24:34; Proverbs 10:15.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:15
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
13Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
14The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.
15The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16The labor of the righteous leads to life, but the gain of the wicked brings punishment. 17Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who ignores reproof goes astray.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 18:11 | A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination. |
| 2 | Proverbs 19:7 | All the brothers of a poor man hate him— how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found. |
| 3 | Psalms 52:7 | “Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction.” |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:20 | The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 7:12 | For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner. |
| 6 | Proverbs 22:22–23 | Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 9:23 | This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. |
| 8 | Luke 12:19 | Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ |
| 9 | Job 31:24–25 | If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security, if I have rejoiced in my great wealth because my hand had gained so much, |
| 10 | Mark 10:24 | And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! |
Proverbs 10:15 Summary
This verse means that having a lot of money can make someone feel safe and protected, like they are living in a strong, fortified city. But being poor can make someone feel vulnerable and at risk, like they are living in a place that is easy to attack. This doesn't mean that being poor is a curse, but rather that it can be hard and we should try to help those in need, as seen in Proverbs 28:27, where it says that those who give to the poor will not lack, but those who hide their eyes will have many curses. We should trust in the Lord as our provider and refuge, rather than relying on our own wealth or resources, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4, where it says that we should trust in the Lord and do good, and that He will give us the desires of our heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the wealth of the rich man is his fortified city?
This means that a rich person's wealth provides a sense of security and protection, much like a fortified city would in ancient times, as seen in Psalm 37:37, where it says that the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, who is their refuge and strength.
Is this verse saying that being poor is a curse?
No, this verse is not saying that poverty is a curse, but rather that it can be a source of vulnerability and hardship, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9, where we are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to help those in need.
How can I apply this verse to my life if I am not wealthy?
You can apply this verse by recognizing that true security and strength come from the Lord, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4, where David says that the Lord is his shepherd and provider, and that he has everything he needs.
Is this verse promoting the idea that wealth is the key to happiness?
No, this verse is not promoting the idea that wealth is the key to happiness, but rather that it can provide a sense of security, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:10, where it says that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and that we should not put our trust in wealth or riches.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen wealth provide a sense of security in my own life or in the lives of those around me?
- How can I trust in the Lord as my provider and refuge, rather than relying on my own wealth or resources?
- What are some ways that I can help those in need, as seen in Proverbs 19:17, where it says that whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord?
- How can I balance the desire for financial security with the knowledge that true security comes from the Lord?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:15
The rich man's wealth [is] his strong city,.... What a fortified city is to persons in time of war, that is a rich man's wealth to him; by it he can defend himself from the injuries of others, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:15
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:15
Is his strong city; either, 1. Really, as money is called a defence, , because it ofttimes redeems a man from dangers and calamities. Or, 2. In his own conceit, as it is explained, and fully expressed, . It makes him secure and confident. The destruction; it is the cause of their ruin. Or, the contrition, or the terror, or consternation, as others, both ancient and modern, render it. Their poverty takes away their spirit and courage, and fills them with fear and despair.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:15
Proverbs 10:15 The rich man’ s wealth [is] his strong city: the destruction of the poor [is] their poverty. Ver. 15. The rich man’ s wealth, &c.] Wealthy worldlings think themselves simply the better and the safer for their hoards and heaps of riches. The best of us are more ready to "trust in uncertain riches than in the living God, who giveth us all things richly to enjoy." Surely this should humble us, that riches - that should be our rises to raise us up to God, or glasses to see the love of God in - our corrupt nature useth them as clouds, as clogs, &c., yea, sets them up in God’ s place, and "saith to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence." The destruction of the poor is their poverty.] They are devoured by the richer cannibals, as the lesser fish are by the greater. Men go over the hedge where it is lowest. "Poor" and "afflicted" are joined together. So are "to want," and "to be abased."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:15
(15) The rich man’s wealth is his strong city—i.e., an actual protection to him against his enemies, for by it he can get aid; or (as Proverbs 18:11) it gives him the consciousness of power, courage: whereas poverty drags a man down, and prevents his advance in life, or makes him timid, and unable to defend himself.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:15
Verse 15. The rich man's wealth is his strong city] Behold a mystery in providence; there is not a rich man on earth but becomes such by means of the poor! Property comes from the labour of the poor, and the king himself is served of the field. How unjust, diabolically so, is it to despise or oppress those by whose labour all property is acquired! The destruction of the poor is their poverty.] A man in abject poverty never arises out of this pit. They have no nucleus about which property may aggregate. The poet spoke well: - Haud facile emergunt, quorum virtutibus obstat Res angusta domi. "They rarely emerge from poverty, whose exertions are cramped by want at home."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:15
15. destruction] The Heb. word is the same as in Proverbs 10:14. If we take it here, too, to denote a tottering building, ready to fall upon its tenant and bury him beneath its ruins, the parallelism is complete. We have here an instance of the candour and sobriety of the moral teaching of this Book. Wealth has its advantages and poverty its drawbacks, and the fact is honestly stated. There is nothing of the unreality which represents poverty as in itself desirable, or wealth as in itself to be avoided. Comp. Proverbs 18:11.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:15
Destruction - That which crushes, throws into ruins. Wealth secures its possessors against many dangers; poverty exposes men to worse evils than itself, meanness, servility, and cowardice.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:15
15. Wealth… poverty — Riches, properly obtained, naturally secure their owner against many evils; whereas poverty exposes to injury and abuse. A simple statement of facts. Comp. Proverbs 18:11.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Exposition on Psalm 52 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the contrast between those who trust in earthly riches and those who trust in the mercy of God for everlasting life. He emphasizes the importance of ro |
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Pride and Strife by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of understanding and experiencing the love of Christ. He emphasizes the need to share this love with others as witnesses |
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Read or Get Out of the Ministry by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning for ministers, drawing on wisdom from figures like Joseph H. Smith and John Wesley, who advocated for reading widely to e |
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He That Handleth a Matter Wisely Shall Find Good by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that wisdom is essential for navigating life effectively, as it allows individuals to achieve their true potential and find genuine fulfillment. He compare |
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Wisdom Justified of Her Children by Charles Finney | Charles Finney explores the concept of wisdom as it relates to the teachings of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, emphasizing that true wisdom is recognized and justified by those |
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Guide Posts and Warning Signs by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal life verses that have guided him throughout the years. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God and seeking a personal |
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"We Don't Know God!" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of truly knowing God, highlighting how many people may know about God but not truly know Him intimately. It shares stories of past revivals an |