Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. New Living Translation The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. English Standard Version Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. Berean Standard Bible Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them. King James Bible There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. New King James Version There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it. New American Standard Bible There is precious treasure and oil in the home of the wise, But a foolish person swallows it up. NASB 1995 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up. NASB 1977 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up. Legacy Standard Bible There is desirable treasure and oil in the abode of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up. Amplified Bible There is precious treasure and oil in the house of the wise [who prepare for the future], But a short-sighted and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it. Christian Standard Bible Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person, but a fool consumes them. Holman Christian Standard Bible Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person, but a foolish man consumes them. American Standard Version There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up. Contemporary English Version Be sensible and store up precious treasures--don't waste them like a fool. English Revised Version There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swalloweth it up. GOD'S WORD® Translation Costly treasure and wealth are in the home of a wise person, but a fool devours them. Good News Translation Wise people live in wealth and luxury, but stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it. International Standard Version Precious treasures and oil are found where the wise live, but a foolish man devours them. NET Bible There is desirable treasure and olive oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish person devours all he has. New Heart English Bible There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swallows it up. Webster's Bible Translation There is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BiblePrecious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them. World English Bible There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA treasure to be desired, and oil, "" [Is] in the habitation of the wise, "" And a foolish man swallows it up. Young's Literal Translation A treasure to be desired, and oil, Is in the habitation of the wise, And a foolish man swalloweth it up. Smith's Literal Translation A treasure desired, and oil in the house of the wise one; and the foolish man will swallow it down. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThere is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the just: and the foolish man shall spend it. Catholic Public Domain Version There is desirable treasure, as well as oil, in the habitations of the just. And the imprudent man will waste it. New American Bible Precious treasure and oil are in the house of the wise, but the fool consumes them. New Revised Standard Version Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool devours it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA coveted treasure and ointment are in a dwelling place; but the wisdom and understanding of men shall dispense it. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated There is coveted treasure and oil in the dwelling of a wise man and the intelligent of the children of men will consume it. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917There is desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up. Brenton Septuagint Translation A desirable treasure will rest on the mouth of the wise; but foolish men will swallow it up. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The King's Heart…19Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife. 20Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them. 21He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor.… Cross References Proverbs 15:6 The house of the righteous has great treasure, but the income of the wicked is trouble. Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it. Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous. Proverbs 24:3-4 By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established; / through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure. Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; / then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 11:16 A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. Proverbs 14:24 The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the effort of fools is folly. Proverbs 8:18-21 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness. / My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver. / I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, ... Ecclesiastes 7:12 For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner. Isaiah 33:6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure. Matthew 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:15-21 And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ... 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. James 5:1-3 Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. 2 Corinthians 8:14-15 At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. This way there will be equality. / As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.” Treasury of Scripture There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up. treasure Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Proverbs 15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. Psalm 112:3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. oil Psalm 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Jeremiah 41:8 But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren. Matthew 25:3,4 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: … but Matthew 25:3,4,8 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: … Luke 15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. Luke 16:1,19-25 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods… Jump to Previous Choice Desirable Desired Devours Dwelling Food Foolish Great Habitation House Oil Precious Spendeth Store Stores Swalloweth Swallows Treasure Value Wasted WiseJump to Next Choice Desirable Desired Devours Dwelling Food Foolish Great Habitation House Oil Precious Spendeth Store Stores Swalloweth Swallows Treasure Value Wasted WiseProverbs 21 1. The king's heart in the hand of the LordPrecious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise This phrase highlights the value of wisdom in managing resources. In ancient Israel, treasures and oil were symbols of wealth and prosperity. Oil, often olive oil, was a staple in daily life, used for cooking, lighting, and anointing. The wise person is depicted as someone who not only acquires wealth but also preserves it. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that wisdom leads to life and prosperity (Proverbs 3:13-18). The wise are prudent and plan for the future, reflecting the principle found in Proverbs 6:6-8, where the ant is commended for storing provisions in summer. The dwelling of the wise is a place of abundance, suggesting that wisdom leads to a stable and secure household. but a foolish man consumes them Persons / Places / Events 1. The WiseRepresents individuals who are prudent, discerning, and make decisions that lead to prosperity and sustainability. In the context of Proverbs, the wise are those who fear the Lord and live according to His principles. 2. The Foolish Symbolizes those who lack judgment and self-control, often leading to wastefulness and ruin. In biblical literature, the foolish are contrasted with the wise, often ignoring God's wisdom. 3. Treasures and Oil In ancient times, treasures and oil were symbols of wealth and abundance. Oil was used for anointing, cooking, and lighting, making it a valuable commodity. 4. Dwelling Refers to the household or life of a person. The state of one's dwelling often reflects their character and choices. 5. Consumption The act of using up resources. In this context, it implies wastefulness and lack of foresight. Teaching Points Value of WisdomWisdom leads to the accumulation and preservation of resources. It is not merely about having wealth but managing it wisely. Consequences of Foolishness Foolishness results in the squandering of resources. It serves as a warning against impulsive and short-sighted decisions. Stewardship Christians are called to be good stewards of the resources God provides. This includes planning, saving, and using resources for God's glory. Spiritual and Material Balance While material wealth is not inherently wrong, it should be balanced with spiritual richness and generosity. Preparation and Foresight Like the wise virgins in Matthew 25, believers should prepare for the future, both materially and spiritually. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 21:20?2. How can we apply Proverbs 21:20 to manage our resources wisely today? 3. What does "precious treasure and oil" symbolize in Proverbs 21:20? 4. How does Proverbs 21:20 connect with Jesus' teachings on stewardship? 5. Why is a "foolish man" contrasted with wise resource management in Proverbs 21:20? 6. How can we cultivate wisdom to avoid the folly described in Proverbs 21:20? 7. What does Proverbs 21:20 teach about the value of wisdom and foolishness? 8. How does Proverbs 21:20 relate to financial stewardship and resource management? 9. In what ways does Proverbs 21:20 challenge modern consumerism? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21? 11. What does the Bible say about saving money? 12. Should Christians prepare for doomsday scenarios? 13. What does the Bible say about wasting food? 14. Proverbs 9:6 urges abandoning foolishness to truly live. How can “foolishness” be objectively defined or measured in a modern, evidence-based society? What Does Proverbs 21:20 Mean Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise• Scripture pictures the wise person’s home as a place where valuable resources actually remain. The words “precious treasures and oil” speak of material provisions—items that were both staples and luxuries in ancient households. They are not merely symbols; they are the real, tangible fruit of prudent living. • Wisdom chooses diligence over idleness and planning over impulse. “The plans of the diligent bring prosperity” (Proverbs 21:5), and “Great wealth is in the house of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:6). • God Himself delights to bless wise stewardship. When we “honor the LORD with [our] wealth” He promises that “your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Notice that the treasures are “in the dwelling.” The wise do not squander what God supplies; they store, protect, and deploy it for lasting good. Proverbs 30:25 praises the ant that “stores up its food in the summer,” showing that forethought and saving are traits of wisdom. • Such provision also positions the wise to bless others. Proverbs 11:25 reminds us, “A generous soul will prosper,” and 2 Corinthians 9:8 assures that God supplies “all you need, so that you will abound in every good work.” Prudent management becomes a platform for generosity. but a foolish man consumes them • The contrast is stark. The fool has treasures too, but they do not stay long; he “consumes” them. The verb pictures reckless devouring—resources disappear as quickly as they arrive. • Proverbs frequently links folly with waste: “He who loves pleasure will become poor” (Proverbs 21:17) and “Whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment” (Proverbs 12:11). • The prodigal son illustrates this truth: “he squandered his wealth in wild living” (Luke 15:13). Foolish consumption leaves nothing for the future, nothing for others, and nothing to honor God. • Behind the waste is a heart problem. Fools trust their appetites instead of the Lord. “A fool’s mouth is his ruin” (Proverbs 18:7). What begins as self-indulgence ends in emptiness. • There is also a stewardship warning. Jesus says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). The fool ignores accountability, treating God’s gifts as personal playground rather than sacred trust. summary Proverbs 21:20 draws a vivid line between wisdom and folly. Wisdom receives God’s gifts with gratitude, manages them with foresight, and retains them for ministry, family, and future needs. Folly grabs the same gifts and burns through them, leaving only regret. The verse invites us to walk in the prudence that stores up treasure, not for hoarding, but for steady usefulness to the glory of God and the good of others. Verse 20. - There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise. Precious treasure and store of provision and rich unguents (ver. 17) are collected in the house of the wise man, by which he may fare sumptuously, exercise hospitality, and lay up for the future (comp. Proverbs 24:4). But a foolish man spendeth it up. "A fool of a man" (Proverbs 15:20) soon swallows, runs through and exhausts, all that has been accumulated (ver. 17). Septuagint, "A desirable ἐπιθυμητὸς treasure will rest on the mouth of the wise, but foolish men will swallow it up." It is obvious to apply the maxim to spiritual things, seeing in it the truth that the really wise man stores up treasures of Divine love and the oil of God's grace, while the foolish man wastes his opportunities, squanders his powers, and drives the Holy Spirit from him.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Preciousנֶחְמָ֣ד (neḥ·māḏ) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 2530: To desire, take pleasure in treasures אוֹצָ֤ר ׀ (’ō·w·ṣār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 214: Treasure, store, a treasury, storehouse and oil וָ֭שֶׁמֶן (wā·še·men) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness are in the dwelling בִּנְוֵ֣ה (bin·wêh) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5116: Abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation of the wise, חָכָ֑ם (ḥā·ḵām) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2450: Wise but a foolish וּכְסִ֖יל (ū·ḵə·sîl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool man אָדָ֣ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being consumes them. יְבַלְּעֶֽנּוּ׃ (yə·ḇal·lə·‘en·nū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 1104: To swallow down, swallow up, engulf Links Proverbs 21:20 NIVProverbs 21:20 NLT Proverbs 21:20 ESV Proverbs 21:20 NASB Proverbs 21:20 KJV Proverbs 21:20 BibleApps.com Proverbs 21:20 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 21:20 Chinese Bible Proverbs 21:20 French Bible Proverbs 21:20 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:20 There is precious treasure and oil (Prov. 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