Proverbs 14:24 kjv

The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.

Proverbs 14:24 nkjv

The crown of the wise is their riches, But the foolishness of fools is folly.

Proverbs 14:24 niv

The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.

Proverbs 14:24 esv

The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.

Proverbs 14:24 nlt

Wealth is a crown for the wise;
the effort of fools yields only foolishness.

Proverbs 14 verses

Proverbs 14 24 Meaning

Proverbs 14:24 starkly contrasts the inherent value and outcome associated with wisdom versus folly. For the wise, their wisdom is depicted as their "crown of riches," symbolizing the ultimate honor, enduring prosperity, and true valuable possessions that accompany or are produced by discernment and right living. Conversely, the distinguishing mark of fools, their "folly," is itself depicted as utterly void of true worth, leading to nothing substantial or beneficial. The verse essentially states that wisdom confers lasting distinction and genuine wealth, while foolishness leads to spiritual and practical emptiness.

Proverbs 14 24 Context

Proverbs 14 stands within a larger collection of individual proverbs, often contrasting righteousness and wickedness, wisdom and folly. The chapter consistently highlights the practical consequences of wise and foolish behavior in daily life, impacting individuals, families, and society. Verses often come in antithetical pairs, clearly distinguishing the path of prudence and integrity from that of shortsightedness and moral depravity. This verse fits perfectly within that pattern, contrasting the substantial reward and dignity of wisdom with the ultimate emptiness of foolishness. Historically, Proverbs reflects the Israelite understanding that adherence to God's revealed wisdom (Torah) would lead to flourishing and blessings in the land, while rebellion would bring judgment and decline. Wisdom was not merely intellectual but practical, moral, and deeply connected to the fear of the Lord, impacting every aspect of one's existence.

Proverbs 14 24 Word analysis

• The crown (כֶּתֶר, keter): This Hebrew word signifies an emblem of royalty, honor, distinction, dignity, and triumph. It represents the pinnacle of achievement, status, or what truly beautifies and sets one apart. For the wise, this symbolizes their true exaltation or the ultimate glory inherent in their way of life.
• of the wise (חֲכָמִים, chakamim): Plural form of chakham, meaning one who possesses skill, insight, moral discernment, and practical knowledge, particularly that which stems from the fear of the Lord. It signifies those who understand and apply God's principles to life.
• is their riches (עָשְׁרָם, 'osheram): From 'osher, meaning wealth, riches, or abundance. This is the crucial point of interpretation.
  • Literal Interpretation: Wisdom leads to material prosperity or external blessings. Many Proverbs connect diligent, righteous living to tangible benefits.
  • Figurative/Durable Riches Interpretation: The "riches" here may signify true, durable wealth—not merely material possessions but honor, reputation, security, God's favor, peace of mind, and even eternal blessings, all of which are a product or accompaniment of wisdom. Some translations reflect this by rendering it "wisdom" itself, suggesting that wisdom is the greatest wealth. However, the Hebrew word specifically means material riches. The nuance often discussed is that the wise possess "riches" in a way fools do not: they know how to gain them justly, use them wisely, and understand their true value in relation to ultimate eternal realities, contrasting with the foolish who might chase fleeting gains or squander their resources.
• but (וְ, ve): A conjunction serving to introduce a contrast or opposition.
• the folly (אִוֶּלֶת, ivveleth): This term refers to the essential characteristic or core nature of foolishness. It denotes stubborn moral idiocy, perversity, and a refusal to be taught or corrected by divine wisdom. It's an active principle of spiritual and practical blindness.
• of fools (כְּסִילִים, kesilim): Plural of kesil, denoting an individual who is not merely ignorant but obstinate, morally dull, contemptuous of instruction, and destructive in their ways. They are self-willed and disdain the pursuit of wisdom.
• is naught (אִוֶּלֶת, ivveleth): Intriguingly, this is the exact same Hebrew word (ivveleth) as "folly." The repetition forms a powerful wordplay, perhaps a chiasmus (A-B-B'-A').
  • This repetition emphasizes the nature of the fool's condition: their very "folly" is their complete lack of substance or value. It leads to nothing beneficial; it is itself nothingness. The only thing fools gain or manifest is their own inherent foolishness, which results in emptiness and destitution, contrasting sharply with the true "crown of riches" enjoyed by the wise.

Proverbs 14 24 Bonus section

• The structure of the verse is antithetical parallelism, a common poetic device in Proverbs, used to emphasize contrasts and reveal fundamental truths by juxtaposing two opposing ideas.
• The tension in translating 'osheram as "riches" or "wisdom" is significant. If "riches" is retained, it highlights that wisdom rightly applied often leads to true and lasting prosperity, aligning with other Proverbs that connect righteousness to blessing. It may also imply that the wise value wisdom as their true "riches" over transient material wealth.
• The double use of ivveleth is a unique literary device, drawing the reader's attention to the bleak and substantive emptiness that foolishness truly entails for those who embody it. Their inherent "folly" defines their entire unproductive existence.
• This verse goes beyond mere financial success, pointing to an overall flourishing or desolation of life that springs from one's alignment with (or opposition to) God's wisdom.

Proverbs 14 24 Commentary

Proverbs 14:24 masterfully presents a powerful antithesis that encapsulates the core message of the book: the profound and tangible distinction between wisdom and folly. The verse highlights what genuinely defines and elevates individuals. For the wise, their defining characteristic, whether it results in material prosperity or is their true prosperity in the form of honor, discerning insight, and a well-ordered life, is a "crown." This "crown" symbolizes the highest honor, enduring substance, and lasting benefit that wisdom imparts. It is their true glory, an inherent possession and a recognized distinction.

In stark contrast, the defining attribute of the fool, their inherent "folly," yields absolutely nothing of true worth. The poetic repetition of ivveleth emphasizes this void; the fool’s essence is their emptiness. While the wise wear wisdom and its benefits as a regal emblem, the foolish possess only their barrenness. This verse teaches that our inner disposition towards wisdom or folly directly dictates our ultimate state: honor and enduring wealth (spiritual, reputational, or material blessings in God’s will) for the wise, versus utter lack of value or substance for the fool. It serves as a strong motivation to pursue divine wisdom, as it is the path to true gain and dignity.