The wise will inherit honor
This phrase emphasizes the biblical principle that wisdom leads to honor. In the context of Proverbs, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep, reverent relationship with God. The concept of inheritance suggests a lasting, divinely ordained reward. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, inheritance was a significant aspect of family life, often involving land or titles passed down through generations. Similarly, spiritual wisdom results in an enduring legacy of honor. This aligns with other scriptures, such as Proverbs 4:7-9, which describe wisdom as a crown of glory. The ultimate fulfillment of this promise is seen in Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect wisdom and is honored above all (Philippians 2:9-11).

but fools are held up to shame
In contrast, this phrase highlights the fate of those who reject wisdom. In biblical terms, a fool is someone who disregards God's commandments and lives in moral and spiritual folly. The shame mentioned here is both public and personal, reflecting the cultural context where honor and shame were pivotal societal values. This shame is not just a social consequence but a spiritual reality, as seen in Psalm 14:1, where the fool denies God and faces ultimate disgrace. The prophetic aspect of this is evident in the final judgment, where those who reject divine wisdom will face eternal shame (Daniel 12:2). The life and teachings of Jesus Christ further illustrate this, as He often rebuked the foolishness of the Pharisees and others who opposed God's truth (Matthew 23:13-36).

1. The Wise
In the context of Proverbs, the wise are those who live according to God's principles, seeking understanding and knowledge that align with His will. They are often contrasted with the foolish.

2. Fools
Biblically, fools are those who reject wisdom and instruction, often characterized by their disregard for God's commandments and their pursuit of self-centered desires.

3. Inheritance of Honor
This refers to the reward or recognition that comes from living a life of wisdom. In the Hebrew context, "inherit" (nachal) implies receiving something of value, often passed down as a legacy.

4. Shame
In the Hebrew context, shame (qalon) is a state of disgrace or dishonor, often resulting from foolish actions or decisions.

5. Proverbs
A book of the Bible attributed to King Solomon, known for its teachings on wisdom, understanding, and the fear of the Lord.The Value of Wisdom
Wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge but a practical application of God's truth in daily life. It leads to honor and respect from others and from God.

Consequences of Foolishness
Living foolishly, without regard for God's wisdom, leads to shame and disgrace. This serves as a warning to seek God's guidance in all decisions.

Inheritance as a Legacy
Just as an inheritance is passed down, living wisely leaves a legacy of honor for future generations. Consider what legacy you are building through your actions.

Seeking Godly Wisdom
Actively seek wisdom through prayer, scripture study, and godly counsel. This aligns with the biblical principle that God rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Reflecting on Personal Choices
Regularly evaluate your choices and actions to ensure they align with biblical wisdom. This reflection helps avoid the pitfalls of foolishness.(35) Shame shall be the promotion 'of fools.--That is, dull, stupid people, who despise God's threatenings (Proverbs 1:32), are distinguished from others by what is a disgrace to them (Philippians 3:19), and so are noticeable only as examples to be shunned by others. (See Note on Proverbs 14:29.)

Verse 35. - The wise shall inherit glory. Proverbs 11:2 indicates that "the wise" here are to be identified with "the lowly" of the preceding verse. Inherit; succeed to it as a matter of course by hereditary right as sons. Heirship implies sonship. Glory (kavod); or, honour; not merely earthly distinction and splendour, the glory of man, but the "glory of God." But shame shall be the promotion of fools; or, as margin, shame exalteth the fools. The rendering of the original, vuk'silim merim kalon, depends upon the meaning to be given to merim, the hiph. participle of rum, hiph. "to lift up, exalt;" and whether the plural, k'silim, in a distributive sense, as in ver. 18, or kalon, is the subject. Various interpretations have been given of the passage.

(1) The Vulgate renders, stultorum exaltatio ignominia; i.e. as in the Authorized Version, "shame exalts fools." They "glory in their shame" (Philippians 2:19); or shame renders them conspicuous as warning examples (Ewald); or, as Dathe explains it, "Stulti infamia sunt famosi," "Fools become famous by infamy;" or as Rabbi Levi, "Shame exalts them as into the air, and makes them vanish away."

(2) The LXX. renders, Αἱ ἀσεβεῖς ὕψωσαν ἀτιμίαν, i.e. "Fools exalt shame, prize what others despise" (Plumptre).

(3) Umbreit, Bertheau, Zockler, render, "Shame sweeps fools away," i.e. lifts them up in order to sweep away and destroy them (cf. Isaiah 57:14). . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

The wise
חֲכָמִ֣ים (ḥă·ḵā·mîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2450: Wise

will inherit
יִנְחָ֑לוּ (yin·ḥā·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5157: To inherit, to occupy, to bequeath, distribute, instate

honor,
כָּ֭בוֹד (kā·ḇō·wḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness

but fools
וּ֝כְסִילִ֗ים (ū·ḵə·sî·lîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool

are held up
מֵרִ֥ים (mê·rîm)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7311: To be high actively, to rise, raise

to shame.
קָלֽוֹן׃ (qā·lō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7036: Disgrace, the pudenda


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:35 The wise will inherit glory but shame (Prov. Pro Pr)