Interpretation of Proverbs 21:20 on Savings and Wealth
Proverbs 21:20 states, "There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swallows it up" [1]. This proverb contrasts the financial habits of the wise and the foolish, emphasizing the importance of prudence in managing resources.
The verse highlights that the wise, through diligence and careful management, accumulate and increase their wealth [3]. This includes not only "precious treasure" but also "oil," which was a significant commodity in ancient Israel, mentioned as one of the staple products of Canaan [5]. The wise are depicted as proportioning their expenses to their income and saving for the future, ensuring a "good stock of all things convenient" [5]. This aligns with other proverbs that caution against excessive spending on luxuries, which can prevent the accumulation of resources [6, 7].
In contrast, the foolish man "swallows it up," meaning he spends greedily and squanders his possessions [3]. This behavior leads to impoverishment, as the foolish fail to save or manage their wealth effectively [6]. The concept of wealth in Proverbs is often presented as temporary and uncertain, emphasizing that true riches are not merely material [2]. While God gives the power to obtain wealth, and His blessing can bring it, riches are also described as fleeting and potentially deceitful [2].
The broader context of Proverbs frequently addresses the ethical acquisition and use of wealth. For instance, Proverbs 28:20 suggests that wealth must be earned ethically, as "quick riches" can cause harm and will not last [4]. Similarly, Proverbs 19:1 indicates that honesty, even in poverty, is preferable to wealth gained by dishonest means, which is short-lived and offers no true security [8]. Thus, Proverbs 21:20 not only advocates for saving but also implicitly connects it with a broader wisdom that encompasses ethical conduct and foresight.
Sources
- Proverbs “There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swallows it up. -- Proverbs 21:20”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Riches — The true riches -- Eph 3:8; 1Co 1:30; Col 2:3; 1Pe 2:7. God gives -- 1Sa 2:7; Ec 5:19. To God belongs this world's riches -- Hag 2:8. God gives power to obtain -- De 8:18. The blessing of the Lord brings -- Pr 10:22. Give worldly power -- Pr 22:7. Described as Temporary. -- Pr 27:24. Uncertain. -- 1Ti 6:17. Unsatisfying. -- Ec 4:8; 5:10. Corruptible. -- Jas 5:2; 1Pe 1:18. Fleeting. -- Pr 23:5; Re 18:16,17. Deceitful. -- Mt 13:22. Liable to be stolen. -- Mt 6:19. Perishable. -- Jer 48:36. Thick clay. -- Hab 2:6. Often an obstruction to the reception of the go”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 21:20: The wise, by diligence and care, lay up and increase wealth, while fools spend--literally, "swallow it up," greedily.”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 28:20: 28:20 quick riches: Wealth must be earned ethically, or it will cause harm and will not last (see 13:11, cp. 10:2; 11:18; 13:22; 21:6).”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 21:20: Note, 1. Those that are wise will increase what they have and live plentifully; their wisdom will teach them to proportion their expenses to their income and to lay up for hereafter; so that there is a treasure of things to be desired, and as much as needs be desired, a good stock of all things convenient, laid up in season, and particularly of oil, one of the staple commodities of Canaan, Deu 8:8. This is in the habitation, or cottage, of the wise; and it is better to have an old-fashioned house, and have it well furnished, than a fine modern one, with sorry h”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 21:17: 21:17 The expenses of wine and luxury prevent people from amassing their resources—they spend rather than save.”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 21:17: Costly luxuries impoverish.”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 19:1: 19:1 It is better to be . . . honest, though poor, because wealth gained by dishonest means is short-lived (10:2) and will not preserve one from harm (11:4; see also 15:16-17; 16:8, 16; 17:1; 22:1; 28:6).”