Proverbs 10:15 kjv

The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

Proverbs 10:15 nkjv

The rich man's wealth is his strong city; The destruction of the poor is their poverty.

Proverbs 10:15 niv

The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

Proverbs 10:15 esv

A rich man's wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.

Proverbs 10:15 nlt

The wealth of the rich is their fortress;
the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

Proverbs 10 verses

Proverbs 10 15 Meaning

Proverbs 10:15 presents a stark observation about the material world. It states that accumulated wealth acts as a protective stronghold for the rich, providing a sense of security and a buffer against life's hardships. In direct contrast, for the poor, their very lack of resources and state of destitution leads to their undoing, exposing them to immense vulnerability and ruin. The verse highlights the practical implications of economic disparity, without explicitly offering a moral judgment on either state.

Proverbs 10 15 Context

Proverbs 10 marks a significant shift in the book, initiating "The proverbs of Solomon" and moving largely to individual, antithetical couplets. These proverbs often juxtapose two contrasting ideas or characters, presenting the consequences of wisdom versus folly, righteousness versus wickedness, or diligence versus laziness. Proverbs 10:15 fits this pattern by setting wealth and poverty in stark opposition regarding their practical effects on an individual's life and security.In ancient Near Eastern societies, physical security was paramount. Cities, often fortified with walls, provided defense against marauders, famine, and general instability. For the wealthy, their riches allowed them to reside in such fortified places, build secure homes, hire protection, or purchase necessary resources during times of scarcity. For the poor, without such means, they were exceptionally vulnerable to starvation, exploitation, disease, and legal injustices, often having no recourse or defense in a system that favored the powerful. This verse observes this harsh societal reality, where material resources determined a great deal about one's quality of life and vulnerability.

Proverbs 10 15 Word Analysis

• The rich man's wealth (הוֹן עָשִׁיר - hon ‘ashir):

  • Hon (הוֹן): Means "wealth," "riches," "substance," "possessions." It signifies material abundance, accumulated assets, and the means to acquire goods or services.
  • ‘Ashir (עָשִׁיר): Means "rich," "wealthy," "opulent." Refers to an individual possessing considerable material assets.
  • This phrase highlights a state of financial prosperity and abundance as the starting point for security.

• is his strong city (קִרְיַת עֻזּוֹ - qiryat ‘uzzō):

  • Qiryat (קִרְיַת), derived from qiryah (קִרְיָה): Means "city," "town." In ancient times, cities were literal centers of defense and protection, often walled and fortified.
  • ‘Uzzō (עֻזּוֹ), from ‘oz (עֹז): Means "strength," "power," "might," "fortress," "stronghold." The suffix "o" indicates "his."
  • This vivid metaphor paints wealth as a fortified bastion, providing safety, defense, and stability against life's external threats. It's the rich man's source of confidence and perceived impregnability.

• the destruction of the poor (מְחִתַּת דַּלִּים - m'ḥittat dallim):

  • M'ḥittat (מְחִתַּת), from m'ḥittah (מְחִתָּה): Means "terror," "dismay," "ruin," "shattering," "destruction." It implies a state of being utterly broken or overwhelmed, often leading to calamity.
  • Dallim (דַּלִּים), from dal (דַּל): Means "poor," "weak," "helpless," "lowly," "needy." It describes a person lacking means and often vulnerable to external forces or exploitation.
  • This phrase points to a crushing reality. For those without resources, calamity is not just a threat, but a frequent companion.

• is their poverty (רֵאשָׁם - rēsham):

  • Rēsham (רֵאשָׁם), from resh (רֵישׁ): Means "poverty," "destitution," "want," "necessity." The suffix "am" indicates "their."
  • This directly links the state of destitution itself as the cause of ruination. Poverty is not just a lack; it actively contributes to one's downfall, hindering basic survival, opportunities, and defense against harm.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "The rich man's wealth is his strong city": This clause emphasizes the security that material riches can provide. Wealth creates a protective buffer, shielding individuals from many common misfortunes, offering a form of control and self-sufficiency. This security, while potent in an earthly sense, is sometimes merely perceived or fleeting (as Prov 18:11 adds, "in his imagination").
  • "the destruction of the poor is their poverty": This contrasting clause underscores the inherent vulnerability and ruinous consequences of being poor. The lack of resources in itself is presented as the very instrument of destruction. Without financial means, one is exposed to exploitation, lack of sustenance, lack of healthcare, and systemic injustices that lead to a downfall or loss.

Proverbs 10 15 Bonus section

This proverb, while a shrewd observation, subtly encourages the reader to ponder the transient nature of earthly security versus true, divine security. It serves as a stark background against which the greater biblical narrative of God's heart for the poor and the warnings against trusting in wealth are understood. While a "strong city" for the rich in the present world, Scripture elsewhere reminds that human wealth is ultimately impermanent (Prov 23:5, 1 Tim 6:17) and that true spiritual wealth lies in God (Mt 6:19-21, 2 Cor 8:9). For the poor, while their earthly state leads to "destruction" in a worldly sense, the Bible also reveals that God chooses the poor to be rich in faith (Jas 2:5) and promises them comfort and blessing in His kingdom (Lk 6:20-21). The verse, therefore, lays bare a human problem that only divine wisdom and action can truly redeem.

Proverbs 10 15 Commentary

Proverbs 10:15 serves as a realistic observation of the material and social conditions within ancient Israelite society, and indeed, many societies throughout history. It states that the rich find a form of security and defense in their wealth, treating it as a protective fortress against life's troubles. This material advantage can guard against hunger, disease, legal woes, and general instability. In contrast, for the poor, their very condition of poverty becomes the agent of their destruction. Without means, they are highly vulnerable to famine, exploitation, social marginalization, and lack of justice. The verse is not a theological endorsement of this state of affairs, but rather an astute description of the world's practical realities. It highlights a common human tendency to trust in earthly security and the inherent perils faced by those lacking such resources, thus setting the stage for deeper biblical truths about God's concern for the poor and the danger of trusting in transient riches over the Eternal God.