Proverbs 11:4
Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוֹעִ֣יל
profit
H3276
יוֹעִ֣יל
profit
Strong's:
H3276
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)
בְּי֣וֹם
not in the day
H3117
בְּי֣וֹם
not in the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 8
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וּ֝צְדָקָ֗ה
but righteousness
H6666
וּ֝צְדָקָ֗ה
but righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
6 of 8
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
Cross References
Proverbs 10:2Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.Zephaniah 1:18Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.Genesis 7:1And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.Ezekiel 7:19They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.1 Timothy 4:8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.Matthew 16:26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?Luke 12:20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?Proverbs 12:28In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.Romans 5:17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Historical Context
The day of wrath may refer to temporal judgment (war, famine) or final judgment. Either way, accumulated wealth cannot purchase deliverance—only covenant relationship with God saves.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you prepare for the day when earthly riches will be worthless?
- What investments in righteousness have eternal rather than temporary value?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Riches provide no security on judgment day—only righteousness delivers from death. This anticipates the eschatological perspective where earthly wealth means nothing before God's throne. The Hebrew 'natsal' (delivers) suggests rescue from danger, pointing to righteousness as the only true salvation.