Proverbs 21:20
Proverbs 21:20 in Multiple Translations
Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up.
There is a store of great value in the house of the wise, but it is wasted by the foolish man.
The wise hold on to their wealth and olive oil, but stupid people use up everything they have.
In the house of the wise is a pleasant treasure and oyle: but a foolish man deuoureth it.
A treasure to be desired, and oil, [Is] in the habitation of the wise, And a foolish man swalloweth it up.
There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up.
There is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
There is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the just: and the foolish man shall spend it.
Wise people have many valuable things in their houses, but foolish people quickly spend/waste all their money.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:20
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 21:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אוֹצָ֤ר
נֶחְמָ֣ד
וָ֭/שֶׁמֶן
בִּ/נְוֵ֣ה
חָכָ֑ם
וּ/כְסִ֖יל
אָדָ֣ם
יְבַלְּעֶֽ/נּוּ
אוֹצָ֤ר
ʼôwtsâr
H214
treasure
N-ms
נֶחְמָ֣ד
châmad
H2530
to desire
V-Niphal
וָ֭/שֶׁמֶן
shemen
H8081
oil
Conj | N-ms
בִּ/נְוֵ֣ה
nâveh
H5116
pasture
Prep | N-cs
חָכָ֑ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
וּ/כְסִ֖יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Conj | Adj
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
יְבַלְּעֶֽ/נּוּ
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 21:20
אוֹצָ֤ר
ʼôwtsâr
H214
"treasure"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for treasure refers to a storehouse or depository, like a treasure house or armory, as seen in 1 Kings 7:51.
Definition: 1) treasure, storehouse 1a) treasure (gold, silver, etc) 1b) store, supplies of food or drink 1c) treasure-house, treasury 1c1) treasure-house 1c2) storehouse, magazine 1c3) treasury 1c4) magazine of weapons (fig. of God's armoury) 1c5) storehouses (of God for rain, snow, hail, wind, sea)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: armory, cellar, garner, store(-house), treasure(-house) (-y). See also: Deuteronomy 28:12; Nehemiah 10:39; Psalms 33:7.
נֶחְמָ֣ד
châmad
H2530
"to desire"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to take great pleasure in something or someone, like a precious treasure. It's used to describe the beauty of God's creation and the joy of being in a loving relationship. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and Psalms to express delight and desire.
Definition: v 1) to desire, covet, take pleasure in, delight in 1a) (Qal) to desire 1b) (Niphal) to be desirable 1c) (Piel) to delight greatly, desire greatly
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: beauty, greatly beloved, covet, delectable thing, ([idiom] great) delight, desire, goodly, lust, (be) pleasant (thing), precious (thing). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 6:25; Psalms 19:11.
וָ֭/שֶׁמֶן
shemen
H8081
"oil"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.
Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.
בִּ/נְוֵ֣ה
nâveh
H5116
"pasture"
Prep | N-cs
A dwelling is a home or a pleasant place, like a sheepfold or a temple. It can describe a place where people or animals live, and is used in many Bible books, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) abode, habitation, abode of shepherds or flocks, pasture 1a) abode (of sheep) 1b) abode (of shepherds) 1c) meadow 1d) habitation
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: comely, dwelling (place), fold, habitation, pleasant place, sheepcote, stable, tarried. See also: Exodus 15:13; Isaiah 35:7; Psalms 68:13.
חָכָ֑ם
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.
וּ/כְסִ֖יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Conj | 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.
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
יְבַלְּעֶֽ/נּוּ
bâlaʻ
H1104
"to swallow up"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This word means to swallow or destroy something completely. It can be used to describe something being eaten up or destroyed, like in a natural disaster or a strong storm. The Bible uses it to convey total destruction.
Definition: 1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swallow down 1a2) to swallow up, engulf 1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to swallow 1c2) to swallow up, engulf 1c3) squandering (fig.) 1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up 1e) (Hithpael) to be ended
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up). See also: Genesis 41:7; Psalms 106:17; Psalms 21:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:20
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:20
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:20
Context — The King’s Heart
18The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright.
19Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife.
20Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.
21He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 25:3–4 | The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps. |
| 2 | Psalms 112:3 | Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 7:11 | Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 5:19 | Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God. |
| 5 | Proverbs 15:6 | The house of the righteous has great treasure, but the income of the wicked is trouble. |
| 6 | Proverbs 10:22 | The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it. |
| 7 | Psalms 23:5 | You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. |
| 8 | Luke 15:14 | After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need. |
| 9 | Luke 16:1 | Jesus also said to His disciples, “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 41:8 | But ten of the men among them said to Ishmael, “Do not kill us, for we have hidden treasure in the field—wheat, barley, oil, and honey!” So he refrained from killing them with the others. |
Proverbs 21:20 Summary
[This verse teaches us that when we live wisely, according to God's principles, we will experience blessings and prosperity, like having 'precious treasures and oil' in our homes, as seen in Proverbs 21:20. However, when we are foolish, we can easily squander these blessings, just like the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. To avoid this, we need to be mindful of how we use the resources God has given us and seek to live in accordance with His wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:1-2. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of God's blessings and live a life that honors Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have 'precious treasures and oil' in one's dwelling?
This refers to the blessings and prosperity that come from living a wise and righteous life, as seen in Proverbs 21:20, and is also reflected in the promise of Exodus 20:12, where honoring one's parents leads to a long life in the land the Lord is giving.
How does a foolish man 'consume' these treasures?
A foolish person squanders the blessings and resources they have been given, much like the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, who wasted his inheritance on reckless living.
What is the difference between the wise and the foolish in this context?
The wise are those who live according to God's principles and values, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, while the foolish are those who reject or ignore God's wisdom, leading to destructive consequences, as warned in Proverbs 1:7.
Can a foolish person change and become wise?
Yes, through repentance and a willingness to learn and follow God's ways, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14, anyone can turn from foolishness to wisdom and experience the blessings that come with it, as promised in Proverbs 3:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'precious treasures' in my life that I need to be wise about, and how can I protect them from being wasted?
- In what ways have I been foolish with the resources and blessings God has given me, and what steps can I take to change this?
- How can I cultivate wisdom in my daily life, and what role does God's Word play in this process, as seen in Psalm 119:97-100?
- What are some potential consequences of foolishly consuming the treasures and oil in my life, and how can I avoid these pitfalls?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:20
[There is] a treasure to be desired,.... Gold, silver, jewels, and precious stones; all sorts food, as Aben Ezra explains it, and rich and costly, raiment; all which may be lawfully desired and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:20
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:20
Wise men lay up all necessary and desirable treasures for their own use, and for their children and families. Oil is particularly mentioned, partly because that was a considerable part of their wealth and treasures in those countries, of which see 28:40,51 Jud 9:9 , &c.; and partly to show that his providence reached not only to necessaries, but even to matters of just and lawful delight.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:20
Proverbs 21:20 [There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.Ver. 20. There is a treasure to be desired.] He had said before, He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. Here he shows, that though these things may not be loved or lavished, yet they may and must be had and heaped up in a way of good husbandry for necessity, yea, for honest affluence; that we may not only live, but live comfortably; that we may not only have prisoner’ s pittance, so much as will keep us alive, but that we may have plenty of things desirable, both for profit, as treasure, and for delight, as oil. And these things must not be foolishly wasted, as they are usually by unthrifts, lest that make the wife that wants angry and unquiet, as in the former verse.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:20
20. spendeth] Lit. swalloweth, R.V. So LXX. καταπίονται; but Vulg. dissipabit.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:20
Spendeth it up - literally, swalloweth it. The wise man keeps a store in reserve. He gains uprightly, spends moderately, never exhausts himself. But the proverb may have also a higher application.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:20
20. Treasure to be desired — All desirable stores, including oil, the emblem of abundance and comfort. Dwelling — Abode or cottage. The word seems to imply comeliness, beauty.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
I Came to Kindle a Fire on the Earth by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of presenting one's body as a living sacrifice to God. He highlights the need for transformation and renewal of the mind, as |
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1 John 2:20 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the significance of the anointing believers receive from Christ, the Holy One, which equips them with the Holy Spirit's graces. This anointing is likened to th |
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Religion Without the Holy Ghost by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the critical distinction between true and false believers in his sermon 'Religion Without the Holy Ghost,' using the parable of the ten virgins to illustr |
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Epistle 405 by George Fox | George Fox encourages his friends to actively engage in spreading the truth of the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of not hiding their gifts and talents. He urges them to be dil |
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Living in God's Presence by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the significance of dwelling in the secret place of the Most High and abiding under the shadow of the Almighty, emphasizing the need to be in Go |
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The Glorious Death of the Righteous by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging our incapability to understand the word of God and find the path on our own. He surrenders his life as a vessel to speak on beha |
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Riches That Bring No Sorrow by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the observations and thoughts of an old man named Solomon. Solomon had lived a life of luxury and abundance, but as time was running out fo |