The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is foolishness.
Riches are not evil. There’s nothing wrong with being wealthy. The wise are not ashamed of their blessings, but grateful for them. Riches can be a badge of honour, since acquiring them often requires much virtue. Riches are a good thing, when wisely used.
Fools, however, have nothing to show for all their talk and commotion. They have no crown.
If we look closely, we will see some important truths in what this proverb does not say.
This proverb does not say that all who have riches are wise. It does not say that the rich are wiser than the poor. Some wealthy folks are very unwise. Further, the text does not say that the crown of the wise is their wisdom. Riches are visible, while wisdom is invisible.
The wise have something to show for their wisdom, something to wear with head held high. In contrast, the foolish have nothing to display for their folly. They finish empty-handed. In reality, wisdom is truly good in itself, the greatest good, good even without wealth, but better with it. Wealth gives the wise a greater ability to do good.
Translation: Wise
The Hebrew word for “wise” here, חכם (ḥā•ḵām, pronounced “khah-kham”), can also be translated as “cunning.” The Bible uses this word first in Genesis 41:8, when the Egyptian pharaoh asks his wise men to interpret his dream. They could not, and finally Joseph, a Hebrew slave, learning its interpretation from God, explained it to Pharaoh. His God-given wisdom so satisfied Pharaoh that he made Joseph his prime minister. When the prophesized drought hit, Joseph’s wise administration and preparations made Egypt extremely wealthy, as starvation threatened all the neighbouring nations.
Classic Commentaries
In his commentary, 19th century theologian Charles Bridges observes: “Wealth is in fact a blessing, when honestly acquired and conscientiously employed. And when otherwise, the man is to be blamed, not his treasure.”
Renowned Reformation preacher Matthew Henry states: “If men be wise and good, riches make them so much the more honourable and useful. Their riches make them to be so much more respected, and give them the more authority and influence upon others. Those that have wealth, and wisdom to use it, will have a great opportunity of honouring God and doing good in the world.
Riches Come in Varying Degrees
Some crowns are bigger and more ornate than others, just as some estates and mansions are bigger and more luxurious than others. A crown is not a hat, used as protection against the elements. A crown is a symbol of responsibility and therefore authority, beyond the crown itself. In the same way, riches enable those who are wise to exercise influence in society. The wise with moderate wealth can and should take moderate responsibility and authority in their immediate circle of influence. Those with greater wealth can and should take greater responsibility and authority in their larger circle of influence.
Sadly, these days, those with the greatest wealth lack all wisdom, so they are more concerned with exercising their own power, than they are with taking real responsibility. Lacking wisdom—and the humility that comes from wisdom—they seek to remake the world in their own image, instead of God’s.
Our Maker, Saviour, and Friend
Jesus tells the story of a master who rewarded excellent service by giving his best workers more responsibility and authority.
The worker who did nothing with his gifts was called “wicked and lazy” (Matthew 25:26 NASB) and ended up losing his job. In contrast, that servant who turned his financial responsibility (one mina, or about a hundred days’ wages) into ten times that amount was rewarded with ten cities to govern (Luke 19:17). His responsibility in managing and increasing wealth qualified him to receive the crown of authority.
So what’s the conclusion? God rewards entrepreneurial spirits, and he considers laziness to be one very common sort of wickedness.
- Memorize the text in your favourite Bible translation and think about it often.
- Reject the teaching that poverty is superior to wealth.
- Do all in your power to grow in wisdom.
- Thank God for whatever wealth you have. Use it for God’s glory on earth but always be prepared to cast your crown of wealth at the feet of the Master who gave it.
Which of these steps, if any, does Jesus want you to take now? Ask Him.
Related Illustration