Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wiseThis 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 (
Proverbs 3:13-18). The wise are prudent and plan for the future, reflecting the principle found in
Proverbs 6:6-8, 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.
but a foolish man consumes them
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 (Luke 15:11-32), 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 (Proverbs 13:18). 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.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The WiseRepresents 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.
2.
The FoolishSymbolizes 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.
3.
Treasures and OilIn ancient times, treasures and oil were symbols of wealth and abundance. Oil was used for anointing, cooking, and lighting, making it a valuable commodity.
4.
DwellingRefers to the household or life of a person. The state of one's dwelling often reflects their character and choices.
5.
ConsumptionThe act of using up resources. In this context, it implies wastefulness and lack of foresight.
Teaching Points
Value of WisdomWisdom leads to the accumulation and preservation of resources. It is not merely about having wealth but managing it wisely.
Consequences of FoolishnessFoolishness results in the squandering of resources. It serves as a warning against impulsive and short-sighted decisions.
StewardshipChristians are called to be good stewards of the resources God provides. This includes planning, saving, and using resources for God's glory.
Spiritual and Material BalanceWhile material wealth is not inherently wrong, it should be balanced with spiritual richness and generosity.
Preparation and ForesightLike the wise virgins in
Matthew 25, believers should prepare for the future, both materially and spiritually.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 21:20?
2.How can we apply Proverbs 21:20 to manage our resources wisely today?
3.What does "precious treasure and oil" symbolize in Proverbs 21:20?
4.How does Proverbs 21:20 connect with Jesus' teachings on stewardship?
5.Why is a "foolish man" contrasted with wise resource management in Proverbs 21:20?
6.How can we cultivate wisdom to avoid the folly described in Proverbs 21:20?
7.What does Proverbs 21:20 teach about the value of wisdom and foolishness?
8.How does Proverbs 21:20 relate to financial stewardship and resource management?
9.In what ways does Proverbs 21:20 challenge modern consumerism?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21?
11.What does the Bible say about saving money?
12.Should Christians prepare for doomsday scenarios?
13.What does the Bible say about wasting food?
14.Proverbs 9:6 urges abandoning foolishness to truly live. How can “foolishness” be objectively defined or measured in a modern, evidence-based society?What Does Proverbs 21:20 Mean
Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise• Scripture pictures the wise person’s home as a place where valuable resources actually remain. The words “precious treasures and oil” speak of material provisions—items that were both staples and luxuries in ancient households. They are not merely symbols; they are the real, tangible fruit of prudent living.
• Wisdom chooses diligence over idleness and planning over impulse. “The plans of the diligent bring prosperity” (Proverbs 21:5), and “Great wealth is in the house of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:6).
• God Himself delights to bless wise stewardship. When we “honor the LORD with [our] wealth” He promises that “your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10).
• Notice that the treasures are “in the dwelling.” The wise do not squander what God supplies; they store, protect, and deploy it for lasting good.Proverbs 30:25 praises the ant that “stores up its food in the summer,” showing that forethought and saving are traits of wisdom.
• Such provision also positions the wise to bless others.Proverbs 11:25 reminds us, “A generous soul will prosper,” and2 Corinthians 9:8 assures that God supplies “all you need, so that you will abound in every good work.” Prudent management becomes a platform for generosity.
but a foolish man consumes them• The contrast is stark. The fool has treasures too, but they do not stay long; he “consumes” them. The verb pictures reckless devouring—resources disappear as quickly as they arrive.
• Proverbs frequently links folly with waste: “He who loves pleasure will become poor” (Proverbs 21:17) and “Whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment” (Proverbs 12:11).
• The prodigal son illustrates this truth: “he squandered his wealth in wild living” (Luke 15:13). Foolish consumption leaves nothing for the future, nothing for others, and nothing to honor God.
• Behind the waste is a heart problem. Fools trust their appetites instead of the Lord. “A fool’s mouth is his ruin” (Proverbs 18:7). What begins as self-indulgence ends in emptiness.
• There is also a stewardship warning. Jesus says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). The fool ignores accountability, treating God’s gifts as personal playground rather than sacred trust.
summaryProverbs 21:20 draws a vivid line between wisdom and folly. Wisdom receives God’s gifts with gratitude, manages them with foresight, and retains them for ministry, family, and future needs. Folly grabs the same gifts and burns through them, leaving only regret. The verse invites us to walk in the prudence that stores up treasure, not for hoarding, but for steady usefulness to the glory of God and the good of others.
Verse 20. -
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise. 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.
Proverbs 24:4). But a foolish man spendeth it up. "A fool of a man" (
Proverbs 15:20) soon swallows, runs through and exhausts, all that has been accumulated (ver. 17). Septuagint, "A desirable
ἐπιθυμητὸς 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.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Preciousנֶחְמָ֣ד(neḥ·māḏ)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2530:To desire, take pleasure intreasuresאוֹצָ֤ר ׀(’ō·w·ṣār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 214:Treasure, store, a treasury, storehouseand oilוָ֭שֶׁמֶן(wā·še·men)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081:Grease, liquid, richnessare in the dwellingבִּנְוֵ֣ה(bin·wêh)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5116:Abode of shepherd or flocks, habitationof the wise,חָכָ֑ם(ḥā·ḵām)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450:Wisebut a foolishוּכְסִ֖יל(ū·ḵə·sîl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3684:Stupid fellow, dullard, foolmanאָדָ֣ם(’ā·ḏām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120:Ruddy, a human beingconsumes them.יְבַלְּעֶֽנּוּ׃(yə·ḇal·lə·‘en·nū)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1104:To swallow down, swallow up, engulf
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:20 There is precious treasure and oil (Prov. Pro Pr)