Proverbs 8:21 kjv

That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

Proverbs 8:21 nkjv

That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries.

Proverbs 8:21 niv

bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

Proverbs 8:21 esv

granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.

Proverbs 8:21 nlt

Those who love me inherit wealth.
I will fill their treasuries.

Proverbs 8 verses

Proverbs 8 21 Meaning

Proverbs 8:21 states that Wisdom promises to empower those who cherish her to possess true, enduring wealth and to have their storages filled to overflowing. This verse points to a comprehensive well-being that encompasses not just material prosperity, but also profound spiritual, moral, and relational abundance, all secured and sustained by living in accordance with God's divine principles. It speaks of a lasting inheritance that satisfies fully.

Proverbs 8 21 Context

Proverbs chapter 8 presents a powerful and extended personification of Wisdom. Wisdom is portrayed as a divine figure, crying out from the highest places, calling all people—especially the simple and foolish—to embrace her. She describes her origin, her co-existence with God before creation, and her active role as a master craftsman during the creation of the world. Throughout the chapter, Wisdom declares her superior value to gold, silver, and jewels, emphasizing that she brings lasting benefits, including counsel, sound judgment, understanding, and strength. The verse in question, Proverbs 8:21, flows directly from Wisdom's declaration of her profound and eternal nature (vv. 22-31) and her intrinsic connection to true righteousness (vv. 6-11, 15-16). It assures that those who embrace her are not merely gaining abstract knowledge, but also tangible and secure blessings that affect their very practical existence. This context implies that the "wealth" and "treasuries" promised are not fleeting earthly gains often pursued by unrighteous means, but the secure, substantive, and enduring fruit of a life aligned with divine truth.

Proverbs 8 21 Word Analysis

• that I may cause those who love me: This phrase highlights a divine initiative from Wisdom. It is not something humans attain independently but is a gift bestowed by Wisdom to those who are responsive and devoted to her. "Love me" implies more than mere intellectual assent; it denotes affection, commitment, and obedience to Wisdom's principles. This active pursuit is key to receiving the promised blessings.

• to inherit (Hischîl, הנחל): This Hebrew word implies receiving a permanent portion or legacy, often land or a stable possession that is passed down through generations. It conveys stability, security, and a legal right to possession. It is not temporary gain but an enduring endowment. The Septuagint translates this with words related to receiving an inheritance or possessing. This underscores that the wealth promised by Wisdom is not fleeting but lasting, a secure and permanent part of one's life.

• wealth (yēsh, ישׁ): This word signifies "substance," "existence," or "that which is." While it can denote material possessions and riches, in the context of Proverbs, yēsh refers to real, substantial, and enduring value, distinguishing it from illusory or temporary gains. It's the opposite of ʾayin (nothingness). Wisdom grants access to what is genuinely real and permanent, providing true substance and worth in one's life.

• and that I may fill (ʾămallēʾ, אמלא): This verb means "to fill," "to complete," or "to satisfy." It implies abundance and overflowing. It suggests that the blessings provided by Wisdom are not merely partial or just enough, but ample, complete, and thoroughly satisfying, leaving no room for lack or emptiness.

• their treasuries (ʾoṣerôthêhem, אצרתיהם): This refers to storehouses, secure chambers, or vaults where valuable items and provisions are kept. The plural "treasuries" suggests multiple areas of abundance or overflowing provisions. It signifies security, future provision, and ample reserves. Metaphorically, these treasuries could represent every aspect of life—physical resources, spiritual richness, emotional contentment, and relational depth. The filling of these treasuries indicates a complete and lasting provision that leaves no aspect of one's well-being unaddressed.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "those who love me to inherit wealth": This group emphasizes the enduring and substantial nature of the blessings. The verb "inherit" implies a secure, lasting possession, a legacy. "Wealth" as "substance" or "that which truly is" signifies that Wisdom grants real, authentic, and lasting value, unlike transient material riches. It points to prosperity that is firmly grounded in eternal principles.

• "that I may fill their treasuries": This phrase highlights the comprehensive and abundant nature of Wisdom's provision. "Fill" conveys a complete and overflowing measure, suggesting total satisfaction and an absence of need. "Treasuries" refers to secure, reliable storage for valuables, signifying not just a present supply but also future security and vast reserves in all areas of life, both material and spiritual. It’s a promise of inexhaustible well-being.

Proverbs 8 21 Bonus Section

The "wealth" mentioned in this verse is inherently tied to the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 9:10). This means the prosperity offered is conditioned upon a relationship with God marked by reverence, obedience, and devotion. This kind of "wealth" differs from earthly riches sought through unrighteous means or purely for selfish gain. It is a byproduct of walking with God, leading to holistic well-being rather than just material accumulation. This concept subtly challenges pagan beliefs that often required elaborate rituals or sacrifices for material favor, contrasting them with Wisdom's call to a life of principled conduct that inherently yields blessing.

The Personification of Wisdom in Proverbs 8, particularly in light of New Testament theology, is often seen as a pre-incarnate manifestation or attribute of Christ himself (Col 2:3, 1 Cor 1:24, 30). If Wisdom is indeed Christ, then the promise of inheriting wealth and filled treasuries ultimately points to the ultimate spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ – redemption, grace, righteousness, and eternal life. This interprets the "wealth" not just as temporal blessing, but as the immeasurable and eternal riches of a relationship with God through His Son.

Proverbs 8 21 Commentary

Proverbs 8:21 powerfully declares the tangible benefits of embracing divine Wisdom. It reveals that Wisdom's rewards are not just abstract intellectual understanding or moral righteousness, but concrete and secure provisions that impact every aspect of one's life. The promise to "cause to inherit wealth" signifies an enduring legacy, not fleeting gains. This "wealth" (yēsh) implies true substance and reality, a kind of prosperity that is not superficial but deep-seated and lasting. It’s an assurance of an actual, stable possession that contributes to a genuinely full life.

Furthermore, Wisdom's promise to "fill their treasuries" paints a picture of comprehensive abundance. The idea of "filling" speaks to completeness and overflowing, eliminating want or lack. "Treasuries" suggests secure reserves and ample provisions for both the present and the future. This encompasses not only material resources but also a richness in wisdom, knowledge, spiritual insight, moral integrity, healthy relationships, and deep contentment. Wisdom’s reward ensures a life that is fully provided for, secure, and overflowing with genuine substance, reflecting the inexhaustible bounty of God. This promise distinguishes true wisdom's blessings from the temporary, often unsatisfying gains offered by the world.

Examples:

• A person who lives by Wisdom's principles of diligence and integrity often experiences stable financial provision.
• Someone prioritizing spiritual truths over worldly pursuits finds their "treasuries" of inner peace, purpose, and strong character filled.
• A community that collectively applies biblical wisdom flourishes with harmony and abundant resources for mutual well-being.