Proverbs 21:20
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
Original Language Analysis
וָ֭שֶׁמֶן
and oil
H8081
וָ֭שֶׁמֶן
and oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
3 of 8
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
בִּנְוֵ֣ה
in the dwelling
H5116
בִּנְוֵ֣ה
in the dwelling
Strong's:
H5116
Word #:
4 of 8
(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild
וּכְסִ֖יל
but a foolish
H3684
וּכְסִ֖יל
but a foolish
Strong's:
H3684
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
Cross References
Psalms 112:3Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.Proverbs 10:22The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.Ecclesiastes 7:11Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.Ecclesiastes 5:19Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.Psalms 23:5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Proverbs 15:6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.Job 20:18That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: according to his substance shall the restitution be, and he shall not rejoice therein.Job 20:15He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.Jeremiah 41:8But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren.Ecclesiastes 10:19A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.
Historical Context
Storing oil, grain, and other provisions was essential in agrarian societies subject to crop failures and seasonal variations. Wise households maintained reserves; foolish ones lived hand-to-mouth.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you managing resources wisely with provision for the future, or living hand-to-mouth?
- What specific areas of spending reveal foolishness that you need to address?
Analysis & Commentary
The wise person's household contains 'treasure and oil'—stored wealth and abundance from diligent work and prudent management. By contrast, the 'foolish man spendeth it up'—squandering resources through imprudence, self-indulgence, or laziness. Wisdom produces prosperity through hard work, planning, and frugality; folly produces poverty through waste and improvidence. This isn't promising wealth to all wise people but affirming general principles: disciplined stewardship usually produces abundance, while foolishness leads to want. The wise save for future needs; fools consume everything immediately. This economic wisdom reflects spiritual principles: stewarding God's gifts faithfully honors Him, while wastefulness despises His provision.