What is the meaning of Proverbs 21:20? 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. |
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