Proverbs 27:24 kjv

For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

Proverbs 27:24 nkjv

For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

Proverbs 27:24 niv

for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.

Proverbs 27:24 esv

for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?

Proverbs 27:24 nlt

for riches don't last forever,
and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.

Proverbs 27 verses

Proverbs 27 24 Meaning

Proverbs 27:24 declares the inherent impermanence of material wealth and earthly power. It states that riches are not everlasting, and positions of authority or symbols of royal status do not persist across all generations. The verse serves as a crucial reminder to not place ultimate trust or derive ultimate security from these transient worldly possessions and achievements.

Proverbs 27 24 Context

Proverbs 27:24 is situated within a larger section of practical wisdom dealing with a variety of life topics. Specifically, verses 23-27 address the diligent management of one's household and flocks. Verse 23 advises diligence in knowing the state of one's flock, while verses 25-27 describe the natural increase of pasture, hay, and the sufficiency of provisions for a household through this careful husbandry. Within this context of stable, enduring provision gained through diligent, consistent labor (often tied to agrarian life), verse 24 serves as a contrasting warning. It highlights that the temporary nature of accumulated riches (perhaps from shrewd trading or fortunate circumstances) and powerful positions (a "crown" implying inherited or acquired status) differ sharply from the sustainable, though perhaps humble, provision gained through faithful daily work and stewardship of one's direct resources. It underlines that relying on inherited or amassed wealth and power for long-term security is foolish, contrasting with the reliable blessings of simple, disciplined work and a life attuned to natural cycles. The verse subtly shifts focus from diligent daily living to broader wisdom concerning transient worldly glory versus enduring principles.

Proverbs 27 24 Word analysis

• For: (כִּי - ki) Connective particle, often translated "for," "because," or "indeed." Here, it introduces the reason or justification for the preceding implied principle, reinforcing the need for diligence by contrasting it with the impermanence of earthly gain.
• riches: (חֹסֶן - hosen) This Hebrew word signifies "strength," "wealth," "treasure," or "store." It denotes accumulated resources or an abundant possession. The term emphasizes substantial, material wealth.
• do not last forever: (לֹא לְעוֹלָם - lo le'olam) A definitive statement of transience. "Lo" is "not," and "le'olam" means "to eternity" or "forever." This phrase underscores the inherent limitation and temporal nature of wealth. It's not a temporary setback, but an ultimate boundary.
• nor does a crown: (וְאִם נֵזֶר - ve'im nezer) "Ve'im" functions as "nor" in this context. "Nezer" (נֵזֶר) specifically refers to a "crown," "diadem," or even "consecration." Here, it symbolizes royal authority, governing power, or inherited status. It implies dynastic succession and the perpetuity of a ruling lineage.
• endure to all generations: (לְדֹר וָדֹר - ledor vador) Literally, "to generation and generation." This phrase indicates continuity across family lines or lasting through successive periods. The statement that a "crown" does not endure this way speaks directly against the ancient world's desire for enduring dynasties and family legacies of power.

Words-group analysis:

• "For riches do not last forever": This phrase asserts the fundamental instability of material possessions and financial security. It challenges the common human tendency to equate wealth with enduring stability or ultimate security. Regardless of how much one accumulates, it will eventually pass away from the owner, either through economic downturns, death, or simply its perishable nature.
• "nor does a crown endure to all generations": This phrase speaks to the impermanence of power, status, and dynastic aspirations. Kingships, empires, and positions of authority, despite their seeming strength, are subject to the tides of history, often changing hands or dissolving over time. No earthly dominion, however powerful, can guarantee its own continuity through endless generations. This warns against relying on lineage or inherited status for lasting significance or security.
• The pairing of "riches" and "crown": The verse explicitly links private wealth and public power. By putting them together, the proverb suggests that both aspects of worldly security—personal accumulation and public authority—are equally fleeting. It encompasses the entirety of what humanity often strives for as lasting security or significance on Earth. This pairing directs attention beyond the specifics to a universal principle: human efforts to secure lasting prosperity and legacy through material or political means are ultimately futile.

Proverbs 27 24 Bonus section

This verse stands as a powerful reminder against covetousness and pride associated with earthly gain. It highlights God's sovereignty over all human endeavors and institutions. Even the most seemingly secure earthly empires and wealthiest individuals are ultimately under God's transient decree. This encourages a stewardship mindset, understanding that wealth and position are merely loaned for a time, for purposes beyond self-aggrandizement. The truly "enduring" aspects of life are often spiritual—the mercy of the Lord, His covenant faithfulness, and His eternal kingdom—which stand in stark contrast to the fleeting nature of human glory emphasized here. It challenges the worldview that a secure future is guaranteed by wealth or status, pushing towards reliance on God alone.

Proverbs 27 24 Commentary

Proverbs 27:24 distills profound wisdom concerning the nature of worldly possessions and power. It provides a sobering truth: no amount of accumulated wealth ("riches") nor any inherited or achieved position of authority ("crown") can provide eternal security or ensure lasting dominion for an individual or a lineage. This serves as a vital corrective to the human tendency to build lives and hopes upon these transient foundations. The wisdom here points believers towards prioritizing that which endures—God's word, His kingdom, righteous character, and eternal relationships—over what is fundamentally impermanent. While diligence in stewardship (as highlighted in the surrounding verses) is good and brings provision, the fruit of such diligence should not be idolized. True wisdom acknowledges the sovereign hand of God who grants and removes wealth and power. Practically, this calls for humility in prosperity, contentment in sufficiency, and an orientation towards eternal rather than temporal treasures.