What is the meaning of Proverbs 18:11? A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city • Solomon pictures wealth as a “fortified city,” a place a person thinks he can retreat into when trouble comes. • Throughout Scripture, riches often appear to offer protection: “The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city” (Proverbs 10:15). Yet the same book warns, “Riches are worthless in the day of wrath” (Proverbs 11:4). • Money can indeed meet certain earthly needs—food, shelter, medicine, legal help—so the image has some grounding in reality. Still, its protection is limited. • Notice the contrast in the previous verse: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). The inspired author sets true safety (the Lord) against perceived safety (wealth). • Other voices echo the point: – “He who trusts in his riches will fall” (Proverbs 11:28). – “Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7). – “Command those who are rich… not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth” (1 Timothy 6:17). • Riches can be a blessing when held loosely and stewarded faithfully (Proverbs 3:9–10), yet they make a terrible savior. it is like a high wall in his imagination • The “high wall” suggests invincibility, yet Scripture exposes the illusion: “When you gaze at wealth, it disappears, for it sprouts wings flying off to the sky like an eagle” (Proverbs 23:5). • The key phrase is “in his imagination.” The security exists mainly in his mind; reality tells another story. • Jesus illustrates the same self-deception in the parable of the rich fool who planned larger barns and said, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years” (Luke 12:19), but God called him to account that very night. • Walls can crumble suddenly: economic collapse, illness money can’t cure, judgment day. “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath” (Proverbs 11:4). • Instead of imaginary walls, the Lord offers genuine refuge: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). summary Proverbs 18:11 exposes the false security wealth can create. Money may function like a fortified city and a towering wall, yet only in the mind of the one who trusts it. Lasting safety rests not in possessions but in the Lord, whose name is the strong tower immediately preceding this verse. True wisdom handles riches responsibly while resting entirely on God for protection, provision, and peace. |
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