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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 21:20 Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/21-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/20_Pro_21_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 21:20 - The King's Heart" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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but a foolish man spendeth it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>There is</i> desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is precious treasure and oil in the home of the wise, But a foolish person swallows it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />There is desirable treasure and oil in the abode of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />There is precious treasure and oil in the house of the wise [who prepare for the future], But a short-sighted <i>and</i> foolish man swallows it up <i>and</i> wastes it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person, but a fool consumes them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person, but a foolish man consumes them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Be sensible and store up precious treasures--don't waste them like a fool. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swalloweth it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Costly treasure and wealth are in the home of a wise person, but a fool devours them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Wise people live in wealth and luxury, but stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Precious treasures and oil are found where the wise live, but a foolish man devours them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />There is desirable treasure and olive oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish person devours all he has. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swallows it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />There is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A treasure to be desired, and oil, "" [Is] in the habitation of the wise, "" And a foolish man swallows it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A treasure to be desired, and oil, Is in the habitation of the wise, And a foolish man swalloweth it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A treasure desired, and oil in the house of the wise one; and the foolish man will swallow it down.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />There is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the just: and the foolish man shall spend it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />There is desirable treasure, as well as oil, in the habitations of the just. And the imprudent man will waste it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Precious treasure and oil are in the house of the wise, but the fool consumes them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool devours it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A coveted treasure and ointment are in a dwelling place; but the wisdom and understanding of men shall dispense it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />There is coveted treasure and oil in the dwelling of a wise man and the intelligent of the children of men will consume it.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />There is desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A desirable treasure will rest on the mouth of the wise; but foolish men will swallow it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/21-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4288" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">The King's Heart</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2530.htm" title="2530: neḥ·māḏ (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To desire, take pleasure in. A primitive root; to delight in.">Precious</a> <a href="/hebrew/214.htm" title="214: ’ō·w·ṣār (N-ms) -- Treasure, store, a treasury, storehouse. From 'atsar; a depository.">treasures</a> <a href="/hebrew/8081.htm" title="8081: wā·še·men (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Fat, oil. From shaman; grease, especially liquid; figuratively, richness.">and oil</a> <a href="/hebrew/5116.htm" title="5116: bin·wêh (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Or navah; from navah; at home; hence lovely; also a home, of God, men, flocks, or wild animals.">are in the dwelling</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥā·ḵām (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">of the wise,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: ū·ḵə·sîl (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">but a foolish</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1104.htm" title="1104: yə·ḇal·lə·‘en·nū (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms:: 3mse) -- To swallow down, swallow up, engulf. A primitive root; to make away with; generally, to destroy.">consumes them.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-6.htm">Proverbs 15:6</a></span><br />The house of the righteous has great treasure, but the income of the wicked is trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-22.htm">Proverbs 10:22</a></span><br />The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-22.htm">Proverbs 13:22</a></span><br />A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Proverbs 24:3-4</a></span><br />By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established; / through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-9.htm">Proverbs 3:9-10</a></span><br />Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; / then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-16.htm">Proverbs 11:16</a></span><br />A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-24.htm">Proverbs 14:24</a></span><br />The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the effort of fools is folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">Proverbs 8:18-21</a></span><br />With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness. / My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver. / I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:12</a></span><br />For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/33-6.htm">Isaiah 33:6</a></span><br />He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15-21</a></span><br />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?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17-19</a></span><br />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. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-3</a></span><br />Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-14.htm">2 Corinthians 8:14-15</a></span><br />At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. This way there will be equality. / As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up.</p><p class="hdg">treasure</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-22.htm">Proverbs 10:22</a></b></br> The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-6.htm">Proverbs 15:6</a></b></br> In the house of the righteous <i>is</i> much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/112-3.htm">Psalm 112:3</a></b></br> Wealth and riches <i>shall be</i> in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.</p><p class="hdg">oil</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/23-5.htm">Psalm 23:5</a></b></br> Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/41-8.htm">Jeremiah 41:8</a></b></br> But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/25-3.htm">Matthew 25:3,4</a></b></br> They that <i>were</i> foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: … </p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/25-3.htm">Matthew 25:3,4,8</a></b></br> They that <i>were</i> foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/15-14.htm">Luke 15:14</a></b></br> And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/16-1.htm">Luke 16:1,19-25</a></b></br> And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm">Desirable</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-28.htm">Devours</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-33.htm">Habitation</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-12.htm">House</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-17.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-15.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Spendeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-15.htm">Store</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Stores</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-28.htm">Swalloweth</a> <a href="/job/39-24.htm">Swallows</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Value</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-11.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">Desirable</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-24.htm">Devours</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-15.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-15.htm">Habitation</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">House</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-4.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-3.htm">Spendeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-25.htm">Store</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Stores</a> <a href="/exodus/15-12.htm">Swalloweth</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-4.htm">Swallows</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-4.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Value</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-8.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">The king's heart in the hand of the Lord</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise</b><br>This phrase highlights the value of wisdom in managing resources. In ancient Israel, treasures and oil were symbols of wealth and prosperity. Oil, often olive oil, was a staple in daily life, used for cooking, lighting, and anointing. The wise person is depicted as someone who not only acquires wealth but also preserves it. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that wisdom leads to life and prosperity (<a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a>). The wise are prudent and plan for the future, reflecting the principle found in <a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-8</a>, where the ant is commended for storing provisions in summer. The dwelling of the wise is a place of abundance, suggesting that wisdom leads to a stable and secure household.<p><b>but a foolish man consumes them</b><br>In contrast, the foolish man squanders his resources. The term "foolish" in Proverbs often refers to someone who is morally deficient and lacks foresight. This behavior is short-sighted and self-destructive, as seen in the parable of the prodigal son (<a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11-32</a>), where the younger son wastes his inheritance. The consumption of treasures and oil implies a lack of self-control and discipline, traits that are condemned throughout Proverbs (<a href="/proverbs/13-18.htm">Proverbs 13:18</a>). This phrase serves as a warning against the dangers of indulgence and the failure to plan for the future. The foolish man's actions lead to poverty and ruin, contrasting sharply with the prosperity of the wise.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise.htm">The Wise</a></b><br>Represents individuals who are prudent, discerning, and make decisions that lead to prosperity and sustainability. In the context of Proverbs, the wise are those who fear the Lord and live according to His principles.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_foolish.htm">The Foolish</a></b><br>Symbolizes those who lack judgment and self-control, often leading to wastefulness and ruin. In biblical literature, the foolish are contrasted with the wise, often ignoring God's wisdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/treasures_and_oil.htm">Treasures and Oil</a></b><br>In ancient times, treasures and oil were symbols of wealth and abundance. Oil was used for anointing, cooking, and lighting, making it a valuable commodity.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/dwelling.htm">Dwelling</a></b><br>Refers to the household or life of a person. The state of one's dwelling often reflects their character and choices.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/consumption.htm">Consumption</a></b><br>The act of using up resources. In this context, it implies wastefulness and lack of foresight.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_wisdom.htm">Value of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom leads to the accumulation and preservation of resources. It is not merely about having wealth but managing it wisely.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_foolishness.htm">Consequences of Foolishness</a></b><br>Foolishness results in the squandering of resources. It serves as a warning against impulsive and short-sighted decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/stewardship.htm">Stewardship</a></b><br>Christians are called to be good stewards of the resources God provides. This includes planning, saving, and using resources for God's glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_and_material_balance.htm">Spiritual and Material Balance</a></b><br>While material wealth is not inherently wrong, it should be balanced with spiritual richness and generosity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_foresight.htm">Preparation and Foresight</a></b><br>Like the wise virgins in <a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25</a>, believers should prepare for the future, both materially and spiritually.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_saving.htm">What does the Bible say about saving money?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/should_christians_prep_for_doomsday.htm">Should Christians prepare for doomsday scenarios?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_near_are_you_to_god's_kingdom.htm">What does the Bible say about wasting food?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_'foolishness'_defined_today.htm">Proverbs 9:6 urges abandoning foolishness to truly live. How can “foolishness” be objectively defined or measured in a modern, evidence-based society? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise.</span> Precious treasure and store of provision and rich unguents (ver. 17) are collected in the house of the wise man, by which he may fare sumptuously, exercise hospitality, and lay up for the future (comp. <a href="/proverbs/24-4.htm">Proverbs 24:4</a>). But a foolish man spendeth it up. "A fool of a man" (<a href="/proverbs/15-20.htm">Proverbs 15:20</a>) soon swallows, runs through and exhausts, all that has been accumulated (ver. 17). Septuagint, "A desirable <span class="greek">ἐπιθυμητὸς</span> treasure will rest on the mouth of the wise, but foolish men will swallow it up." It is obvious to apply the maxim to spiritual things, seeing in it the truth that the really wise man stores up treasures of Divine love and the oil of God's grace, while the foolish man wastes his opportunities, squanders his powers, and drives the Holy Spirit from him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/21-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Precious</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶחְמָ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(neḥ·māḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2530.htm">Strong's 2530: </a> </span><span class="str2">To desire, take pleasure in</span><br /><br /><span class="word">treasures</span><br /><span class="heb">אוֹצָ֤ר ׀</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·w·ṣār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_214.htm">Strong's 214: </a> </span><span class="str2">Treasure, store, a treasury, storehouse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and oil</span><br /><span class="heb">וָ֭שֶׁמֶן</span> <span class="translit">(wā·še·men)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8081.htm">Strong's 8081: </a> </span><span class="str2">Grease, liquid, richness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are in the dwelling</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּנְוֵ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(bin·wêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5116.htm">Strong's 5116: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wise,</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a foolish</span><br /><span class="heb">וּכְסִ֖יל</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḵə·sîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">consumes them.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְבַלְּעֶֽנּוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḇal·lə·‘en·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1104.htm">Strong's 1104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To swallow down, swallow up, engulf</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/21-20.htm">Proverbs 21:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21-20.htm">Proverbs 21:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/21-20.htm">Proverbs 21:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21-20.htm">Proverbs 21:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21-20.htm">Proverbs 21:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/21-20.htm">Proverbs 21:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/21-20.htm">Proverbs 21:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/21-20.htm">Proverbs 21:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/21-20.htm">Proverbs 21:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/21-20.htm">Proverbs 21:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:20 There is precious treasure and oil (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/21-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 21:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/21-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 21:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>