Proverbs 21:20
18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright.
19 Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife.
Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.
21 He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.
- KJV
- There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
- WEB
- There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up.
- ASV
- There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up.
- DARBY
- There is costly store and oil in the dwelling of a wise [man]; but a foolish man swalloweth it up.
- BLB
- Treasure to be desired and oil [are] in the dwelling of a wise one, and a foolish man swallows it up.
- ÅB
- Kostelige skatter og olje er det i den vises hus, men dåren gjør ende på det.
- OTB
- De vise lagrer opp dyrebar skatt og olje, men de tåpelige forbruker alt.
- B1930
- Kostelige skatter og olje er det i den vises hus, men dåren gjør ende på det.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Matthew 25:3–4
The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil.
Read in contextPsalms 112:3
Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
Read in contextEcclesiastes 5:19
Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God.
Read in contextProverbs 15:6
The house of the righteous has great treasure, but the income of the wicked is trouble.
Read in contextEcclesiastes 7:11
Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun.
Read in contextLuke 15:14
After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need.
Read in contextPsalms 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Read in contextProverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.
Read in context