Riches are worthless in the day of wrathThis phrase highlights the futility of material wealth when faced with divine judgment or calamity. In biblical context, the "day of wrath" often refers to a time of God's judgment, as seen in
Zephaniah 1:18, where it is stated that neither silver nor gold will save people on the day of the Lord's wrath. Historically, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's favor, yet this proverb challenges that notion by emphasizing that earthly riches cannot protect against spiritual consequences. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in
Matthew 6:19-21, where He advises storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The cultural context of ancient Israel, where wealth was often equated with security and status, underscores the radical nature of this teaching.
but righteousness brings deliverance from death
Righteousness, in this context, refers to living in accordance with God's will and commands. The Hebrew concept of righteousness involves justice, ethical conduct, and faithfulness to God's covenant. This phrase suggests that a life lived in righteousness offers true security and deliverance, not just from physical death but from eternal separation from God. This is echoed inPsalm 34:19, where the Lord delivers the righteous from all their troubles. Theologically, this points to the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect righteousness and offers salvation.Romans 5:9-10 speaks of being saved from God's wrath through Christ, reinforcing the idea that righteousness, rather than wealth, is the key to eternal life.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
Ancient Israel- The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.
3.
Day of Wrath- This phrase refers to a time of divine judgment, a concept found throughout the Bible, where God’s justice is executed.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Earthly WealthEarthly riches cannot save us from divine judgment. In times of God’s wrath, material wealth holds no value.
The Value of RighteousnessRighteousness, which is living in accordance with God’s will, is what delivers us from spiritual death. It is a treasure that holds eternal value.
Eternal PerspectiveBelievers are encouraged to focus on eternal values rather than temporary, worldly gains. This perspective aligns our lives with God’s purposes.
Preparation for JudgmentWe should live in a way that prepares us for the day of judgment, prioritizing righteousness over wealth.
Trust in God’s ProvisionTrusting in God rather than wealth leads to a life of peace and security, knowing that He provides for our needs.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 11:4?
2.How does Proverbs 11:4 emphasize the limitations of wealth in spiritual matters?
3.In what ways can "righteousness deliver from death" according to Proverbs 11:4?
4.How does Proverbs 11:4 connect with Jesus' teachings on wealth and salvation?
5.How can we prioritize righteousness over wealth in our daily lives?
6.What practical steps can we take to cultivate righteousness as Proverbs 11:4 suggests?
7.How does Proverbs 11:4 challenge the value placed on wealth in today's society?
8.What does Proverbs 11:4 suggest about the limitations of material wealth in spiritual matters?
9.How does the historical context of Proverbs 11:4 influence its message on wealth and righteousness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 11?
11.Proverbs 11:4 claims riches are worthless in the day of wrath—what archaeological or historical evidence supports the claim of divine judgment?
12.What does the Bible teach about managing anger?
13.How does Zephaniah 1:18's claim that wealth can't save on the "day of the Lord" align with biblical texts showing God's mercy and willingness to relent from punishment?
14.What are the Bible's teachings on spanking children?What Does Proverbs 11:4 Mean
Riches are worthless in the day of wrathProverbs 11:4 opens with a sober warning: “Riches are worthless in the day of wrath.”
• Money can buy relief from many earthly troubles, yet it cannot purchase God’s pardon or avert His just anger when judgment falls (Zephaniah 1:18;Psalm 49:6-9).
• Earthly wealth is temporary. It erodes, is stolen, or is left behind at death (Matthew 6:19-20;1 Timothy 6:7).
• The “day of wrath” points both to sudden temporal calamities and, ultimately, to the final judgment seat of Christ (Romans 2:5-6;Revelation 20:11-15).
• Jesus illustrated this truth with the rich fool who laid up treasure for himself but was “not rich toward God” and died that very night (Luke 12:15-21).
• James echoes the proverb by telling the wealthy, “Your riches have rotted…you have stored up treasure in the last days” (James 5:1-3).
Bottom line: no amount of material success can shield us when God’s righteous justice is revealed.
but righteousness brings deliverance from deathThe verse concludes, “but righteousness brings deliverance from death.”
• “Righteousness” is living in right relationship with God—first by faith, then evidenced in obedient, godly conduct (Genesis 15:6;Romans 3:22;Titus 2:11-12).
• This righteousness is not self-generated but ultimately fulfilled in Christ, “who became to us…righteousness” (1 Corinthians 1:30;2 Corinthians 5:21).
• Because Christ bore the wrath our sins deserved, His righteousness delivers believers from eternal death and grants everlasting life (John 3:16-18;Romans 6:23).
• Even in present trials, a life marked by integrity and trust in God often spares us from consequences that destroy others (Proverbs 12:28;Psalm 34:19).
• Thus, while wealth fails, righteousness—received by faith and practiced daily—triumphs over both temporal peril and the grave itself (Proverbs 10:2;1 Thessalonians 1:10).
summaryProverbs 11:4 draws a sharp contrast: material riches collapse under God’s judgment, but righteousness, secured through faith in Christ and lived out in holiness, rescues from death. Invest where the return is eternal.
(4)
In the day of wrath.--Riches profit in no day of wrath when God "visits" His people to take account of their evil doings; much less will they avail in "the day" (
1Corinthians 3:13).
Righteousness delivereth from death.--See above onProverbs 10:2.
Verse 4. -
Profit not; afford no refuge (
Proverbs 10:2).
In the day of wrath (
Proverbs 6:34), when God visits individuals or nations to punish them for sin (comp. Ecclus. 5:8). Such visitations are often spoken of (comp.
Isaiah 10:3;
Ezekiel 7:19;
Zephaniah 1:15, 18, etc.). More especially will this be true in me great
dies irae.Righteousness... death (see on Proverbs 10:2; and comp. Tobit 4:10 Tobit 12:9). The Septuagint here adds a sentence which is similar to ver. 10: "When the righteous dieth he leaveth regret, but the destruction of the wicked is easy and delightsome (
πρόχειρος καὶ ἐπίχαρτος)."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Richesה֭וֹן(hō·wn)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1952:Wealth, sufficiencyare worthlessיוֹעִ֣יל(yō·w·‘îl)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3276:To confer or gain profit or benefitin the dayבְּי֣וֹם(bə·yō·wm)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3117:A dayof wrath,עֶבְרָ֑ה(‘eḇ·rāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5678:Overflow, arrogance, furybut righteousnessוּ֝צְדָקָ֗ה(ū·ṣə·ḏā·qāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6666:Rightness, subjectively, objectivelybrings deliveranceתַּצִּ֥יל(taṣ·ṣîl)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5337:To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliverfrom death.מִמָּֽוֶת׃(mim·mā·weṯ)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4194:Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:4 Riches don't profit in the day (Prov. Pro Pr) 
