Proverbs 10:15
New International Version
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

New Living Translation
The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

English Standard Version
A rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.

Berean Standard Bible
The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

King James Bible
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

New King James Version
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; The destruction of the poor is their poverty.

New American Standard Bible
The rich person’s wealth is his fortress, The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

NASB 1995
The rich man’s wealth is his fortress, The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

NASB 1977
The rich man’s wealth is his fortress, The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

Legacy Standard Bible
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

Amplified Bible
The rich man’s wealth is his fortress; The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

Christian Standard Bible
The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

American Standard Version
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: The destruction of the poor is their poverty.

Contemporary English Version
Great wealth can be a fortress, but poverty is no protection at all.

English Revised Version
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The rich person's wealth is [his] strong city. Poverty ruins the poor.

Good News Translation
Wealth protects the rich; poverty destroys the poor.

International Standard Version
The rich hide within the fortress that is their wealth, but the poor are dismayed due to their poverty.

Majority Standard Bible
The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

NET Bible
The wealth of a rich person is like a fortified city, but the poor are brought to ruin by their poverty.

New Heart English Bible
The rich man's wealth is his strong city. The destruction of the poor is their poverty.

Webster's Bible Translation
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

World English Bible
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city. The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The wealth of the rich [is] his strong city, "" The ruin of the poor [is] their poverty.

Young's Literal Translation
The wealth of the rich is his strong city, The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

Smith's Literal Translation
The wealth of the rich his strong city: the destruction of the poor their poverty.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The substance of a rich man is the city of his strength: the fear of the poor is their poverty.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The substance of the rich is the city of his strength. The fear of the poor is their destitution.

New American Bible
The wealth of the rich is their strong city; the ruin of the poor is their poverty.

New Revised Standard Version
The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The rich men's wealth is their strong cities; the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The property of the rich is mighty fortress cities, and the ruin of the poor is their poverty.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The rich man's wealth is his strong city; The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The wealth of rich men is a strong city; but poverty is the ruin of the ungodly.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son
14The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction. 15The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor. 16The labor of the righteous leads to life, but the gain of the wicked brings punishment.…

Cross References
James 1:10-11
But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. / For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

1 Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.

Luke 12:15-21
And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...

Ecclesiastes 7:12
For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.

Proverbs 18:11
A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.

Proverbs 11:4
Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.

1 Timothy 6:9-10
Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Mark 10:23-25
Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” / And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! / It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Luke 16:19-25
Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...

Psalm 49:6-7
They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. / No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God.

Revelation 3:17-18
You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. / I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

Job 31:24-28
If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security, / if I have rejoiced in my great wealth because my hand had gained so much, / if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, ...

Proverbs 28:11
A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.

Matthew 19:21-24
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” / When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth. / Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. ...


Treasury of Scripture

The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

rich

Proverbs 18:11
The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

Job 31:24,25
If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; …

Psalm 49:6
They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;

the destruction

Proverbs 14:20
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

Proverbs 19:7
All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

Proverbs 22:22,23
Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: …

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Proverbs 10
1. Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices














The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city
In ancient times, cities were often surrounded by walls for protection against invaders. A fortified city symbolized security and strength. Similarly, wealth can provide a sense of security and stability for those who possess it. This phrase highlights the perceived safety that material wealth can offer, acting as a defense against life's uncertainties. Biblically, wealth is often seen as a blessing from God, as seen in the lives of patriarchs like Abraham and Job, who were both wealthy and faithful. However, Scripture also warns against placing trust in riches over God (1 Timothy 6:17). The imagery of a fortified city suggests that wealth can create a false sense of invulnerability, which can lead to pride and self-reliance, contrary to the biblical call to trust in God alone (Proverbs 18:11).

but poverty is the ruin of the poor
Poverty, in contrast, is depicted as a destructive force. In biblical times, the poor were often vulnerable to exploitation and lacked the means to protect themselves from economic and social hardships. The term "ruin" suggests a complete downfall or destruction, emphasizing the severe impact poverty can have on an individual's life. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that calls for justice and care for the poor, as seen in the laws given to Israel (Deuteronomy 15:7-11) and the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized compassion and aid for the needy (Matthew 25:35-40). The verse underscores the disparity between the rich and the poor, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture, and serves as a reminder of the responsibility to support and uplift those in poverty, reflecting God's heart for justice and mercy.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rich Man
Represents individuals who possess material wealth and resources. In the context of Proverbs, the rich man often symbolizes those who have the means to secure their lives and protect themselves from various adversities.

2. Poor
Refers to individuals lacking material wealth and resources. In biblical literature, the poor often symbolize vulnerability and dependence on others or on God for sustenance and protection.

3. Fortified City
A metaphor for security and protection. In ancient times, cities with strong walls and defenses were considered safe havens against enemies and disasters.

4. Poverty
Represents a state of lack and vulnerability. In the biblical context, poverty is often associated with hardship and the inability to protect oneself from life's challenges.
Teaching Points
The Illusion of Security in Wealth
Wealth can provide a sense of security, much like a fortified city. However, this security is often temporary and can lead to a false sense of self-reliance, neglecting the need for spiritual dependence on God.

The Reality of Poverty's Challenges
Poverty can lead to significant challenges and vulnerabilities. It is important for the Christian community to support and uplift those in need, reflecting God's heart for the poor.

Spiritual Wealth vs. Material Wealth
True security comes from spiritual wealth, which is found in a relationship with God. Material wealth can be fleeting, but spiritual riches are eternal.

The Call to Generosity
Believers are called to use their resources to help those in need, reflecting God's generosity and love. This is a practical way to live out one's faith and demonstrate the gospel.

Trust in God's Provision
Regardless of one's financial status, trust in God's provision is paramount. He is the ultimate provider and protector, and reliance on Him brings true peace and security.(15) The rich man's wealth is his strong city--i.e., an actual protection to him against his enemies, for by it he can get aid; or (as Proverbs 18:11) it gives him the consciousness of power, courage: whereas poverty drags a man down, and prevents his advance in life, or makes him timid, and unable to defend himself.

Verse 15. - His strong city (Proverbs 18:11). Wealth is a help in many ways, securing from dangers, giving time and opportunity for acquiring wisdom, making one independent and free in action (Ecclesiastes 7:12; Ecclus. 40:25, etc.). The destruction of the poor is their poverty. The poor are crushed, exposed to all kinds of evil, moral and material, by their want of means. The word for poor is here dal, which implies weakness and inability to help one's self; the other word commonly used for "poor" is rash, which signifies rather "impecuniosity," opposed to "wealthy." So in the present passage the LXX. renders ἀσθενῶν, "the feeble." The poor were but lightly regarded till Christ pronounced the benediction, "Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God" (Luke 6:20). The view of Theoguis ('Paraen.,' 177) will speak the experience of many -

Καὶ γὰρ ἀνὴρ πενίῃ δεδμημένος οὔτέ τι εἰπεῖν Οὔθ ἕρξαι δύναται γλῶσσα δὲ οἱ δέδεται

"A man, by crushing poverty subdued,
Can freely nothing either say or do -
His very tongue is tied."


Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The wealth
ה֣וֹן (hō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1952: Wealth, sufficiency

of the rich man
עָ֭שִׁיר (‘ā·šîr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6223: Rich

is his fortified
עֻזּ֑וֹ (‘uz·zōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5797: Strength, might

city,
קִרְיַ֣ת (qir·yaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7151: A town, city

but poverty
רֵישָֽׁם׃ (rê·šām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7389: Poverty

is the ruin
מְחִתַּ֖ת (mə·ḥit·taṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4288: A dissolution, a ruin, consternation

of the poor.
דַּלִּ֣ים (dal·lîm)
Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1800: Dangling, weak, thin


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong (Prov. Pro Pr)
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