Proverbs 24:4
And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
Original Language Analysis
יִמָּלְא֑וּ
be filled
H4390
יִמָּלְא֑וּ
be filled
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
3 of 7
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Proverbs 15:6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.Proverbs 21:20There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.Proverbs 20:15There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.Proverbs 8:21That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.Nehemiah 10:39For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.Matthew 13:52Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
Historical Context
Ancient households stored valuable goods in inner chambers. Filled chambers indicated prosperity, security, and God's blessing. Wisdom was seen as the key to this comprehensive flourishing.
Questions for Reflection
- What constitutes true riches in your life—material possessions or spiritual blessings?
- How does pursuing wisdom fill the 'chambers' of your life with what's genuinely precious?
- In what ways is your life genuinely rich because of knowledge of God?
Analysis & Commentary
Through knowledge 'chambers are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.' The Hebrew 'yada' (knowledge) and 'mela' (filled) describe abundance resulting from wisdom. These riches are 'yaqar' (precious/valuable) and 'naim' (pleasant/delightful). True wisdom produces comprehensive blessing—not just wealth but all that makes life genuinely good. Reformed theology distinguishes true riches (spiritual blessings in Christ) from mere material wealth. The chambers of a wise person's life are filled with treasures that satisfy, while the fool's life, however wealthy, remains empty.