Proverbs 8:21
That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
Original Language Analysis
לְהַנְחִ֖יל
me to inherit
H5157
לְהַנְחִ֖יל
me to inherit
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
1 of 5
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
אֹהֲבַ֥י׀
That I may cause those that love
H157
אֹהֲבַ֥י׀
That I may cause those that love
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
2 of 5
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
יֵ֑שׁ
substance
H3426
יֵ֑שׁ
substance
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
3 of 5
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
Cross References
1 Peter 1:4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,Proverbs 24:4And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.Matthew 25:46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.Genesis 15:14And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.Hebrews 10:34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.Psalms 16:11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.Proverbs 1:13We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:1 Samuel 2:8He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
Historical Context
Proverbs repeatedly connects wisdom with provision and foolishness with poverty (10:4, 13:18, 14:23, 21:5). While recognizing godly poor exist (better poor with integrity than wealthy with perverseness - 28:6), the general principle holds: wisdom creates wealth; folly destroys it. Modern economics increasingly validates biblical wisdom - delayed gratification, honest dealing, hard work produce prosperity; impulsiveness, dishonesty, laziness produce poverty.
Questions for Reflection
- How has wisdom (or lack thereof) affected your financial situation?
- What treasures (spiritual and material) has loving wisdom brought into your life?
- How can you ensure you're pursuing wisdom for right reasons, not merely for wealth's sake?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom causes lovers to inherit substance and fills their treasures. The Hebrew 'yesh' (substance/wealth) and 'otsar' (treasure/storehouse) describe accumulated provision. Those who love wisdom receive inheritance and filled treasuries. This isn't materialistic promise but recognition that wisdom produces provision. Diligence, integrity, planning - these wisdom traits generally create financial stability. Foolishness produces poverty; wisdom produces provision.