Proverbs 8:18
Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
וְכָב֥וֹד
and honour
H3519
וְכָב֥וֹד
and honour
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
אִתִּ֑י
H854
אִתִּ֑י
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Cross References
Proverbs 3:16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.Revelation 3:18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.Ephesians 3:8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;Philippians 4:19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Historical Context
Solomon exemplified this - receiving both wisdom and wealth (1 Kings 3:11-13). Job, despite temporary suffering, was restored to double blessing (Job 42:10). Proverbs observes general patterns, not absolute guarantees. Exceptions exist (righteous poor, wicked wealthy), but wisdom's path generally produces blessing. The principle: godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you hold together wisdom's general blessing with reality of godly suffering?
- What 'enduring wealth' does wisdom provide beyond material riches?
- In what ways has wisdom produced blessing in your life that wealth alone couldn't provide?
Analysis & Commentary
Riches and honor are with wisdom, enduring wealth and righteousness. The Hebrew 'osher' (riches), 'kavod' (honor/glory), 'howr' (wealth), and 'tsedaqah' (righteousness) describe comprehensive blessing. Wisdom brings both material prosperity and moral character, temporal success and eternal righteousness. This isn't prosperity gospel but recognition that wisdom generally produces flourishing. Godly character and practical competence typically result in provision and respect.