Proverbs 11:28

He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.

Study Bible

He who trusts in his riches will fall
The phrase "He who trusts" emphasizes the personal decision and reliance one places on something or someone. In Hebrew, the word for "trusts" is "בּוֹטֵחַ" (boteach), which conveys a sense of confidence or security. This trust is not merely intellectual assent but a deep-seated reliance. The Bible consistently warns against placing ultimate trust in anything other than God. Trusting in "riches" suggests a misplaced confidence in material wealth, which is transient and unreliable. Historically, wealth has been seen as a sign of blessing, yet the Bible cautions that it can lead to pride and a false sense of security. The word "fall" in Hebrew is "יִפּוֹל" (yipol), indicating a collapse or failure. This fall is not just physical or financial but can be moral and spiritual, highlighting the danger of prioritizing wealth over faithfulness to God.

but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf
The term "righteous" in Hebrew is "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik), referring to those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. Righteousness is a key theme throughout Scripture, often associated with justice, integrity, and moral uprightness. The righteous are contrasted with those who trust in riches, as their trust is in God, leading to a different outcome. The word "thrive" suggests flourishing and prosperity, not necessarily in material terms but in spiritual and relational aspects. The imagery of a "green leaf" evokes vitality, growth, and life. In the ancient Near East, a green leaf would symbolize health and prosperity, as it indicates a plant that is well-nourished and thriving. This metaphor underscores the idea that those who live righteously, in alignment with God's will, will experience true prosperity and fulfillment, much like a tree planted by streams of water. This flourishing is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in a deep, abiding relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are captured in the book of Proverbs.

2. The Righteous
This term refers to those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. In the context of Proverbs, the righteous are often contrasted with the wicked or foolish.

3. Riches
In this verse, riches symbolize material wealth and the false security it can provide. The verse warns against placing trust in wealth rather than in God.

4. Foliage
Used metaphorically to describe the flourishing and thriving of the righteous, similar to how healthy plants grow and prosper.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Trusting in Wealth
Wealth is temporary and unreliable. Trusting in it leads to downfall because it cannot provide true security or salvation.

The Blessing of Righteousness
Living righteously aligns us with God's will and leads to spiritual prosperity and growth, much like healthy foliage.

True Security in God
Our ultimate trust should be in God, who is unchanging and faithful, rather than in material possessions.

The Call to Generosity
Instead of hoarding wealth, we are called to use our resources to bless others and further God's kingdom.

Eternal Perspective
Keeping an eternal perspective helps us prioritize spiritual growth over material accumulation.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some practical ways you can shift your trust from material wealth to God in your daily life?

2. How does the imagery of thriving foliage help you understand the benefits of living a righteous life?

3. In what ways can you practice generosity with the resources God has entrusted to you?

4. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament reinforce the message of Proverbs 11:28?

5. Reflect on a time when trusting in material wealth led to disappointment. How did that experience shape your understanding of true security?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, emphasizing the impermanence of earthly wealth.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Paul advises the wealthy not to be arrogant or put their hope in wealth, but to be rich in good deeds and generous.

Psalm 1:3
Describes the righteous as a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit and prospering, similar to the imagery of thriving foliage in Proverbs 11:28.