Proverbs 14:24 — Word Study
WLCעֲטֶ֣רֶת חֲכָמִ֣ים עָשְׁרָ֑ם אִוֶּ֖לֶת כְּסִילִ֣ים אִוֶּֽלֶת׃
BSAThe crownʻăṭârâh of the wisechâkâm [intelligent, skilled, and prudent] is their wealthʻôsher [riches, abundance, and treasures] [but] the effortʼivveleth [labor, toil, and reward] of foolskᵉçîyl [stupid, silly, and rejecting God] [is] follyʼivveleth [foolishness, silliness, and ridiculous behavior]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| עֲטֶ֣רֶת | [is the] crown of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| חֲכָמִ֣ים | wise [people] | Adj |
| עָשְׁרָ֑ם | wealth their | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| אִוֶּ֖לֶת | [the] folly of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| כְּסִילִ֣ים | fools | Adj |
| אִוֶּֽלֶת׃ | [is] folly | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the effort of fools is folly. |
| KJV | The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. |
| ASV | The crown of the wise is their riches; But the folly of fools is only folly. |
| YLT | The crown of the wise is their wealth, The folly of fools [is] folly. |
| WEB | The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools crowns them with folly. |
| BBE | Their wisdom is a crown to the wise, but their foolish behaviour is round the head of the unwise. |
Where they part company is כְּסִילִ֣ים — see How Translations Differ.
Two main clauses connected by a conjunction, illustrating the contrast between wisdom and folly.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 14:24
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Wisdom and Folly in Proverbsgenerated
Proverbs 14:24 presents a clear distinction between the outcomes of wisdom and foolishness. The wise are depicted as having wealth, which symbolizes their success and honor, while fools are characterized by their futile efforts that result in folly. This verse is part of a broader discourse on the value of wisdom, as seen in surrounding verses that emphasize the benefits of labor and the importance of truthfulness.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 112:9 | He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 7:11–12 | Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 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 | Proverbs 27:22 | Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — עֲטֶרֶת, 'a.Te.retgenerated
The word עֲטֶרֶת ('a.Te.ret) means 'crown' and is a feminine noun that signifies honor and authority. It is derived from the root עָטַר (atar), which conveys the idea of encircling or adorning, often used in contexts related to royalty.
In this verse, it symbolizes the esteemed status of the wise, whose wealth is likened to a crown. This metaphor highlights the idea that true wealth is not merely material but also encompasses wisdom and honor.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against. The BSB has wealth for the wise and folly for fools, which aligns with the KJV and ASV.
Where others part company with the BSB is in their rendering of כְּסִילִ֣ים: fools (BSB, KJV, ASV, WEB, YLT) versus stupid (FBV). This shows a difference in the interpretation of the character of fools.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse consists of two main clauses, each contrasting the outcomes of the wise and the fools. The first clause identifies the wise and their wealth, while the second describes the fools and their folly.
The structure emphasizes the juxtaposition between wisdom and folly, with the finite verb אִוֶּֽלֶת serving as the predicate of the second clause, highlighting the nature of foolishness.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates עֲטֶרֶת as στέφανος (stephanos), which also means 'crown' and carries similar connotations of honor and authority. This choice aligns with the Hebrew meaning, reinforcing the idea of the wise being adorned with wealth.
For אִוֶּלֶת, the LXX uses κακή (kakē), meaning 'bad' or 'evil,' which suggests a broader interpretation of folly as not just foolishness but also moral failing.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 14:24 tells us that wise people are honored and wealthy, while foolish people end up in absurd situations. This verse teaches that wisdom brings true value, while foolishness leads to failure.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The crown symbolizes honor and the status that comes with wisdom and wealth.
Fools are defined as those who act stupidly and reject God's wisdom, leading to their own folly.
The verse suggests that wisdom leads to wealth, which is a form of honor and success.
Folly is described this way to emphasize that the efforts of fools are ultimately unproductive and lead to absurd outcomes.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I seen wisdom rewarded in my life?
- How can I discern between wise decisions and foolish ones?
- What are some examples of folly I have witnessed in others?
- How can I seek wisdom in my daily life to avoid foolishness?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The verse is referenced by early commentators like Bede, who discuss the implications of wisdom and wealth in the context of virtue.
The crown of the wise is their riches, etc. The wise do not have any earthly gain for riches, but only a crown, which they will receive for their virtues in the future.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 14 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 14:24 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe 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
Read John Gill on Proverbs 14 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe 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).
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 14 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe 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…
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 14 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 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…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 14 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(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.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 14 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 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.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 14 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges24. 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.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 14 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible“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.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 14 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
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 folly of fools crowns them with folly.
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 folly of fools is folly.
Tyndale line
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.
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the folly of fools is only folly.
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
The crowne of the wise is their riches, and the follie of fooles is foolishnes.
Strictly literal
The crown of the wise is their riches; the folly of the foolish is folly.
The crown of the wise is their wealth, The folly of fools [is] folly.
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 is [only] folly.
The crown of wise people is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings them only more folly.
From the Latin
The crown of the wise is their riches: the folly of fools, imprudence.
Simplified
The wise are rewarded with wealth, but stupid people are rewarded with stupidity.
Their wisdom is a crown to the wise, but their foolish behaviour is round the head of the unwise.
Word by word, the decisions they made
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording, with five out of six words matching. This consistency indicates a shared understanding of the verse's message across these traditions.
עֲטֶ֣רֶת חֲכָמִ֣ים עָשְׁרָ֑ם אִוֶּ֖לֶת כְּסִילִ֣ים אִוֶּֽלֶת׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 14:24
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
עֲטָרָה (atarah) means 'crown' or 'wreath' and is derived from the root word עָטַר (atar). It can refer to a literal crown, a decorative wreath, or symbolize honor. The term appears in contexts related to idol imagery and materials like silver and gold.
עֲטָרָה n.f. crown, wreath
of idol-image
of silver and gold
fig. of honour
base
H5850 עֲטָרָה crown, wreath
5850 `atarah at-aw-raw'
from 5849; a crown:--crown.
see HEBREW for 05849
עֲטָרָה (a.ta.rah) — crown.
crown, wreath
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word חָכָם (*chakam*) means 'wise' and encompasses various aspects of wisdom, including skillfulness in technical work, shrewdness, and ethical understanding. It can refer to a class of learned individuals, including those involved in astrology and magic. The word is derived from a related term, חָכַם (*chakam*), which also relates to intelligence and craftiness.
חָכָם adj. wise
skilful in technical work
wise in the administration of affairs
shrewd, crafty, cunning
pl. class of learned and shrewd men, incl. astrologers, magicians and the like
prudent
wise, ethically and religiously
base
H2450 חָכָם wise . skilful in technical work
. wise in the administration of affairs
. shrewd, crafty, cunning
. pl. class of learned and shrewd men, incl. astrologers, magicians and the like
. prudent
. wise, ethically and religiously
2450 chakam khaw-kawm'
from 2449; wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or
artful):--cunning (man), subtil, ((un-)), wise((hearted),
man).
see HEBREW for 02449
חָכָם (cha.kham) — wise.
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)
Adj — AdjHAampa
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…
עֹ֫שֶׁר (osher) primarily means 'riches' or 'wealth.' It is derived from the root word associated with abundance. The entries consistently emphasize its meaning related to material wealth, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.
H6239 עֹ֫שֶׁר riches
6239 `osher o'-sher
from 6238; wealth:--X far (richer), riches.
see HEBREW for 06238
עֹ֫שֶׁר (o.sher) — riches.
wealth, riches
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3mp
אִוֶּ֫לֶת (ivveleth) refers to folly or foolishness. It is derived from a root meaning silliness, and is categorized as a feminine noun. The term appears in contexts discussing foolish behavior or actions.
אִוֶּ֫לֶת 25 n.f. folly
base
H200 אִוֶּ֫לֶת
200 'ivveleth iv-veh'-leth
from the same as 191; silliness:--folly, foolishly(-ness).
see HEBREW for 0191
אִוֶּ֫לֶת (iv.ve.let) — folly.
foolishness, folly
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
כְּסִיל (kciyl) refers to a fool or a stupid person. It is derived from a root meaning 'fat' and is used figuratively to describe someone who is foolish, simple-minded, or arrogant. The term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, emphasizing a lack of wisdom or understanding.
כְּסִיל 70 n.m. stupid fellow, dullard, fool
base
H3684 כְּסִיל
3684 kciyl kes-eel'
from 3688; properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or
silly:--fool(-ish).
see HEBREW for 03688
כְּסִיל (ke.sil) — fool.
fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Adj — AdjHAampa
- All men are, without the knowledge of God
- Deny God
Ps 14:1; 53:1
- Blaspheme God
- Reproach God
- Make a mock at sin
- Despise instruction
אִוֶּ֫לֶת (ivveleth) refers to folly or foolishness. It is derived from a root meaning silliness, and is categorized as a feminine noun. The term appears in contexts discussing foolish behavior or actions.
אִוֶּ֫לֶת 25 n.f. folly
base
H200 אִוֶּ֫לֶת
200 'ivveleth iv-veh'-leth
from the same as 191; silliness:--folly, foolishly(-ness).
see HEBREW for 0191
אִוֶּ֫לֶת (iv.ve.let) — folly.
foolishness, folly
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
fol'-i.
See FOOL.