Proverbs 14:24
Proverbs 14:24 in Multiple Translations
The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the effort of fools is folly.
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
The crown of the wise is their riches; But the folly of fools is only folly.
Their wisdom is a crown to the wise, but their foolish behaviour is round the head of the unwise.
The wise are rewarded with wealth, but stupid people are rewarded with stupidity.
The crowne of the wise is their riches, and the follie of fooles is foolishnes.
The crown of the wise is their wealth, The folly of fools [is] folly.
The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
The crown of the wise is their riches: the folly of fools, imprudence.
One of the rewards [MET] of being wise is to become rich; the reward of acting foolishly is to become more foolish.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:24
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 14:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֲטֶ֣רֶת
חֲכָמִ֣ים
עָשְׁרָ֑/ם
אִוֶּ֖לֶת
כְּסִילִ֣ים
אִוֶּֽלֶת
עֲטֶ֣רֶת
ʻăṭârâh
H5850
crown
N-fs
חֲכָמִ֣ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
עָשְׁרָ֑/ם
ʻôsher
H6239
riches
N-ms | Suff
אִוֶּ֖לֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
כְּסִילִ֣ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
אִוֶּֽלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:24
עֲטֶ֣רֶת
ʻăṭârâh
H5850
"crown"
N-fs
A crown is a symbol of power and honor, and this word is used in the Bible to describe a royal crown. It appears in 2 Samuel 12:30, where King David takes a crown from a defeated king.
Definition: crown, wreath
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: crown. See also: 2 Samuel 12:30; Song of Solomon 3:11; Psalms 21:4.
חֲכָמִ֣ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
עָשְׁרָ֑/ם
ʻôsher
H6239
"riches"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means wealth or riches, like the treasures King Solomon had in 1 Kings 10:23. It refers to an abundance of valuable things. The KJV Bible uses it to describe riches and wealth.
Definition: wealth, riches
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far (richer), riches. See also: Genesis 31:16; Proverbs 3:16; Psalms 49:7.
אִוֶּ֖לֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
כְּסִילִ֣ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
אִוֶּֽלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:24
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:24
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:24
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:24
Context — The Wise Woman
22Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.
23There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
24The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the effort of fools is folly.
25A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful. 26He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 7:11–12 | Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun. For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner. |
| 2 | Luke 12:19–20 | 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!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ |
| 3 | Luke 16:19–25 | Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side. So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. |
| 4 | Luke 16:9 | I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings. |
| 5 | Psalms 49:10–13 | For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others. Their graves are their eternal homes— their dwellings for endless generations— even though their lands were their namesakes. But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of the self-confident and their followers who endorse their sayings. Selah |
| 6 | Isaiah 33:6 | He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure. |
| 7 | Proverbs 27:22 | Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him. |
| 8 | Psalms 112:9 | He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. |
Proverbs 14:24 Summary
[This verse means that when we are wise and make good choices, we will be blessed and rewarded, just like Proverbs 10:22 says that the blessing of the LORD makes one rich. On the other hand, when we are foolish and make bad choices, we will end up with nothing but trouble and regret. By seeking wisdom and living a virtuous life, we can experience the true wealth that comes from it, as promised in Psalm 37:11, where the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the wise to have wealth as their crown?
In Proverbs 14:24, wealth refers to the rewards and benefits that come from living a wise and virtuous life, as seen in Proverbs 10:22, where it says that the blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.
Is this verse saying that all wealthy people are wise?
No, this verse is not making a blanket statement about all wealthy people, but rather highlighting the correlation between wisdom and the true wealth that comes from it, as also seen in Psalm 37:11, where the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.
What kind of effort do fools put in, and why is it considered folly?
The effort of fools is likely the misguided and unwise actions they take, which ultimately lead to harm and destruction, as warned in Proverbs 12:23, where a prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
How can I apply this verse to my own life?
You can apply this verse by seeking wisdom and living a virtuous life, trusting that the rewards and benefits will follow, as promised in Proverbs 3:13-18, where wisdom is described as more precious than rubies, and it will bring long life, riches, and honor.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can cultivate wisdom in my own life, and what are the potential benefits of doing so?
- How do I distinguish between true wealth and material wealth, and which one should I prioritize?
- In what ways can I avoid the kind of folly that comes from foolish efforts, and instead put my energy into wise and virtuous pursuits?
- What role does humility play in seeking wisdom and avoiding folly, and how can I cultivate humility in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:24
The crown of the wise [is] their riches,.... Riches being used by them to increase and improve their knowledge and wisdom, and for the good of men, are an honour to them, and give them credit and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:24
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. The crown of the wise (is) their riches; (but) the foolishness of fools (is) folly. Not riches, but "wisdom, gives a crown of glory" (Proverbs 4:9).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:24
The crown of the wise is their riches; they are a singular advantage and ornament to them, partly as they make their wisdom more regarded, when the poor man’ s wisdom is despised, ; and partly as they give a man great opportunity to discover and exercise his wisdom or virtue by laying out his riches to the honour and service of God, and to the great and manifold good of the world; which also highly tends to his own glory and happiness. But the foolishness of fools is folly; but as for rich fools, for to them the general word is to be restrained from the opposite clause, their folly is not cured, but made worse and more manifest by their riches. Their riches find them fools, and leave them fools; they are not a crown, but a reproach to them, and an occasion of their greater contempt. For the phrase, we have the like in the Hebrew text, . The child Samuel was a child. It is an elegant figure called antanaclasis, used in all authors.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:24
Proverbs 14:24 The crown of the wise [is] their riches: [but] the foolishness of fools [is] folly.Ver. 24. The crown of the wise is their riches.] An ornament, an encouragement in well doing, and an instrument of doing much good, if God give a heart thereto; for quid cervo ingentia cornua, cum desit animus? To what end is a treasure, if a man have lost the key that leads to it? “ Vel mihi da clavem, vel mihi tolle seram.” But the foolishness of fools is folly.] That is, Of rich fools, such as was Pope Clemens V, of whom the historian saith, Papa hic ditior quam sapientior that he was more wealthy than wise. The crown of the wise is their riches; but yet give them to a fool, you put a sword into a madman’ s hand; the folly of such fools will soon be foolishness. Why, was it not foolishness before they were rich? Yes, but now it is become egregious foolishness. Aφορητοςεστιμαστιγιαςευτυχων, the earth cannot bear the insolence of such. Set a beggar on horseback, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:24
(24) The crown of the wise is their riches.—They adorn and set off the wisdom of the wise, and bring it more prominently into notice; but the “foolishness of fools” remains folly. The rich fool only displays his folly all the more from being set in a conspicuous position.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:24
Verse 24. But the foolishness of fools is folly.] The Targum reads, The honour of fools is folly. The fool, from his foolishness, produces acts of folly. This appears to be the meaning.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:24
24. The crown of the wise] i.e. the wisdom which is their crown (Proverbs 14:18) is (constitutes) their riches. It is at once an ornament and a thing of price; whereas the folly of fools is, and always remains (only) folly. It is possible, however, to render, with R.V. marg., Their riches is a crown unto the wise, gracing and graced by the wearer; but the folly of fools no wealth can ennoble; it is still only folly.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:24
“The crown,” i. e., the glory of the wise man constitutes his wealth. He alone is truly rich even as he alone (compare Proverbs 14:18 note) is truly king. The seeming tautology of the second clause is really its point.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:24
24. The crown of the wise — Namely, their “knowledge,” see Proverbs 14:18, is their riches; their wisdom is their wealth. But the foolishness of fools is folly — Foolishness and nothing else.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Five Solemn Facts by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes five solemn facts about salvation. Firstly, not everyone will be saved, and the listeners are urged to reflect on their own standing. Secondl |
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The Soul of a Man by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He warns that those who do not believe in Jesus will face judgment at the great |
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Atlantic Lyman conf.1972-02 Studies in Daniel 04 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that he couldn't interpret, so he called upon Daniel |
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The Duty of Self-Denial by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches on the duty of self-denial, emphasizing the need for Christians to deny their own righteousness and trust only in Christ's righteousness for salvation. He wa |
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The Possession of the Saints' Rest Is Not on Earth by Richard Baxter | Richard Baxter preaches about the folly of seeking rest in earthly enjoyments rather than in God, highlighting the tendency to prioritize material blessings over spiritual growth. |
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Money: Servant or Master? by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman preaches about the dangers of placing our treasure in material wealth rather than in God, emphasizing that poverty does not equate to spirituality and the 'prosperity |
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Golden Fools by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the folly of prioritizing earthly treasures over spiritual wealth, warning that those who focus solely on material possessions are ultimately foolish. He r |