Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 21:20 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: King James Version
" There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. "
Proverbs 21:20
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence
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Those who are wise will make what they have go further and live well. Wisdom teaches them to keep their spending in line with their income and to save for later. So their homes have a store of desirable things, enough for real needs, set aside in due time, especially oil, one of the main products of Canaan (Deuteronomy 8:8). That is the state of the wise person’s home, even if it is only a simple cottage. It is better to have an old house that is well supplied than a fine new one with poor management. God blesses the efforts of the wise, and then their houses are filled.
But foolish people waste what they have on their selfish desires, and so they bring their resources to nothing. People handle things badly when they are quick to spend what they have, but do not care how they will get more. Foolish children often spend what wise parents had saved. One sinner destroys much good, as the prodigal son did.
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From This Chapter
Proverbs 21:1
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
Proverbs 21:2
"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts."
Proverbs 21:3
"To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."
Proverbs 21:4
"An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin."
Proverbs 21:5
"The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want."
Proverbs 21:6
"The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death."
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