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The Wise Gain Riches, While the Stupid Gain Foolishness

Proverbs 14:24 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²⁴The crown of the wise is their wealth,
but the folly of fools brings folly.

The crown of the wise is their wealth: The Hebrew literally reads, “The crown of the wise is wealth.” (עֲטֶ֣רֶת חֲכָמִ֣ים עָשְׁרָ֑ם). The Hebrew Old Testament Text Project recommends, “the crown of the wise is their wealth.” It could mean that the wisdom that the wise person strives for is their riches; it adorns them like a crown. Yet, we know from 3:16 and 8:18 that riches or wealth results from possessing wisdom. Therefore, wealth is a reward for being wise.

but the folly of fools brings folly: The stupid reaps only foolishness. Fools: (כְּסִיל kesil) hate knowledge as they lack good judgment. Their character is stupidity and rudeness, that is, one who completely lacks understanding, who is rebellious in his ways. (Prov. 1:22) Foolishness; Folly: (אִוֶּלֶת ivveleth) The foolishness of the foolish one, who has the trait of acting stupidly or rashly because he is devoid of wisdom or understanding, the Hebrew noun focusing on the evil behaviors which occur in this state.

If a man strives after wisdom and is good and just, surely financial security (wealth) is to follow, which will bring them even more honor in the eyes of God. The wealth of the wise man is his crown, giving them much more respect, honor, authority, and influence upon others. Wealth can be used by the wise to do good because the one who has it has influence over others. This gives the wise man many more opportunities to honor God and do good in this world where Satan is the ruler.

On the other hand, the stupid man will simply gain foolishness, putting them in line for one difficult time after another, bringing them and their family shame in the eyes of God. If they happen upon wealth by some unexpected events, they will soon part with this wealth through mischief, becoming even more hardened in their foolish life choices.