What is the meaning of Proverbs 11:28?

He who trusts in his riches

“ He who trusts in his riches…” (Proverbs 11:28a)

• Trust here speaks of leaning on wealth for security, identity, and future hope.

• Psalm 49:6-7 points out the futility of those “who trust in their wealth.”

• Jesus echoes the warning in Mark 10:24, calling riches a hindrance to entering God’s kingdom.

• 1 Timothy 6:17 tells the wealthy “not to be arrogant, nor to put hope in wealth, which is so uncertain.”

• Scripture never condemns possession of resources; it condemns dependence on them instead of on the Lord.

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Will fall

“…will fall…” (Proverbs 11:28a)

• “Fall” describes sudden collapse—moral, financial, or eternal.

• Proverbs 11:4 reminds that “Riches are worthless in the day of wrath.”

• Psalm 52:7 pictures the fall of the man “who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches.”

• Luke 12:20 shows God calling a rich man to account the very night he boasted.

• Wealth cannot withstand judgment, market crashes, or the frailty of life; those who lean on it have no lasting foundation.

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But the righteous

“…but the righteous…” (Proverbs 11:28b)

• “Righteous” refers to people made right with God and living out that relationship in integrity.

• Psalm 1:1-2 portrays the righteous delighting in God’s law.

• Habakkuk 2:4 and Romans 1:17 stress that the righteous live by faith, not by reserves.

• Proverbs 10:3 promises that “the LORD does not let the righteous go hungry,” underlining God, not gold, as their provider.

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Will thrive like foliage

“…will thrive like foliage.” (Proverbs 11:28b)

• The picture is of a healthy, green tree—alive, growing, fruitful.

• Jeremiah 17:7-8 compares the one who trusts the LORD to a tree whose leaves stay green and never fails to bear fruit.

• Psalm 92:12-14 says the righteous “flourish like a palm tree… still bearing fruit in old age.”

• John 15:5 shows that abiding in Christ results in much fruit, the spiritual counterpart to lush foliage.

• Unlike riches that can evaporate overnight, the righteous enjoy steady, God-given vitality that endures droughts of circumstance.

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summary

Solomon contrasts the fragile security of wealth with the enduring prosperity of those who rely on the Lord. Trusting riches leads to inevitable collapse, while trusting God leads to vibrant, ongoing growth. The verse calls believers to shift confidence from temporary treasure to the eternal Provider, knowing that righteousness, not riches, guarantees lasting flourishing.