The crown of the wise
In the Hebrew text, the word for "crown" is "עֲטֶרֶת" (ateret), which signifies a symbol of honor, glory, or reward. In ancient times, a crown was not only a physical adornment but also a representation of authority and achievement. The "wise" here refers to those who live with discernment and understanding, aligning their lives with God's principles. Their wisdom is metaphorically crowned with success and respect, indicating that true wisdom leads to a life of honor and fulfillment. This phrase suggests that wisdom itself is a reward, bringing dignity and esteem to those who possess it.

is their wealth
The Hebrew word for "wealth" is "עֹשֶׁר" (osher), which encompasses not just material riches but also abundance and prosperity in a broader sense. In the biblical context, wealth is often seen as a blessing from God, a result of living righteously and wisely. The verse implies that the wise accumulate wealth not merely for personal gain but as a testament to their prudent and godly living. This wealth is not limited to financial prosperity but includes spiritual and relational richness, reflecting a life well-lived under God's guidance.

but the effort of fools
The term "effort" is translated from the Hebrew word "מִסְכַּן" (miskan), which can mean labor, toil, or endeavor. "Fools" in Hebrew is "כְּסִילִים" (kesilim), referring to those who reject wisdom and understanding, often characterized by moral and spiritual folly. The contrast here is stark: while the wise are crowned with wealth, the endeavors of fools lead to nothing of lasting value. Their efforts are misguided, lacking the foundation of wisdom that leads to true success. This highlights the futility of pursuing goals without the guidance of divine wisdom.

is folly
The Hebrew word for "folly" is "אִוֶּלֶת" (ivvelet), which denotes foolishness, senselessness, or moral perversity. In the biblical sense, folly is not just a lack of intelligence but a willful disregard for God's ways. The verse concludes by emphasizing that the pursuits of fools are inherently flawed, leading to outcomes that are ultimately worthless and destructive. This serves as a warning that without wisdom, human efforts are doomed to fail, underscoring the importance of seeking God's wisdom in all endeavors.

(24) The crown of the wise is their riches.--They adorn and set off the wisdom of the wise, and bring it more prominently into notice; but the "foolishness of fools" remains folly. The rich fool only displays his folly all the more from being set in a conspicuous position.

Verse 24. - The crown of the wise is their riches. This is taken by some ('Speaker's Commentary') to mean the glory of the wise man, the fame and splendour which surround him, constitute his wealth; but it is better to interpret it thus: Riches are an ornament to a wise man; they enhance and set off his wisdom in the eyes of others, enable him to use it to advantage, and are not the snare which they might be because they are employed religiously and profitably for the good of others. Ecclesiastes 7:11, "Wisdom is good together with an inheritance, and profitable to them that see the sun." The Septuagint has, "The crown of the wise is the clever man (πανοῦργος)," for which has been substituted by some editors, in agreement with the present Hebrew text, πλοῦτους αὐτῶν, " their wealth." The Greek translators, according to their reading, denote that one eminently clever man is a glory to the whole body of wise men. But the folly of fools is only folly; that is, even though it were accompanied with riches. Decorate folly as you may, trick it out in gaud and ornament, it is still nothing but folly, and is discerned as such, and that all the more for being made conspicuous. Schultens, followed by Wordsworth, finds a play of words here. The words rendered "fool" and "folly" imply "fatness," like the Greek παχὺς and the Latin crassus, which have also this double meaning. So the sentence reads, "Riches are a crown to the wise; but the abundant fatness of fools is only fatness." The last clause is translated by the LXX., "But the fools' way of life (διατριβὴ) is evil." St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 22:8) comments on this verse thus: "It was these riches of wisdom that Solomon having before his eyes, saith, 'The crown of the wise is their riches.' Which same person, because it is not metals of earth, but understanding, that he calls by the name of riches, thereupon adds by way of a contrary, 'But the foolishness of fools is imprudence.' For if he called earthly riches the crown of the wise. surely he would own the senselessness of fools to be poverty rather than imprudence. But whereas he added, 'the foolishness of fools is imprudence,' he made it plain that he called prudence 'the riches of the wise'" (Oxford tran cf.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


The crown
עֲטֶ֣רֶת (‘ă·ṭe·reṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5850: A crown, wreath

of the wise
חֲכָמִ֣ים (ḥă·ḵā·mîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2450: Wise

is their wealth,
עָשְׁרָ֑ם (‘ā·šə·rām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6239: Wealth

[but] the effort
אִוֶּ֖לֶת (’iw·we·leṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 200: Silliness

of fools
כְּסִילִ֣ים (kə·sî·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool

[is] folly.
אִוֶּֽלֶת׃ (’iw·we·leṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 200: Silliness


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:24 The crown of the wise is their (Prov. Pro Pr)