With me are riches and honorThis phrase emphasizes the association of wisdom with material and spiritual blessings. In the biblical context, wisdom is personified and speaks as if it possesses these attributes. Riches and honor are often seen as rewards for those who live righteously and follow God's commandments, as seen in the lives of figures like Solomon (
1 Kings 3:13) and Job (
Job 42:10-17). The cultural context of ancient Israel valued wisdom as a means to achieve a prosperous and honorable life, aligning with the covenantal promises of blessings for obedience (
Deuteronomy 28:1-14).
enduring wealth and righteousness
Enduring wealth suggests a form of prosperity that is not fleeting but lasting, contrasting with the temporary riches often pursued by the wicked (Proverbs 11:4). This wealth is not merely material but includes spiritual richness, aligning with the New Testament teachings where true wealth is found in Christ (Ephesians 1:18). Righteousness here is linked with wisdom, indicating a life lived in accordance with God's will. This connection is seen throughout Scripture, where righteousness leads to stability and blessing (Psalm 112:3). The enduring nature of these blessings points to the eternal rewards promised to the faithful, as seen in the teachings of Jesus about storing treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, wealth, and honor, which he received from God.
2.
WisdomPersonified in
Proverbs 8, wisdom is depicted as a woman calling out to people, offering them guidance and blessings.
3.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature was highly valued.
4.
The MarketplaceIn
Proverbs 8, wisdom is described as calling out in public places, symbolizing its accessibility to all who seek it.
5.
The Path of RighteousnessA recurring theme in Proverbs, representing a life lived in accordance with God's will and wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Source of True WealthTrue riches and honor come from aligning with God's wisdom, not merely from material possessions.
Enduring WealthUnlike worldly wealth, which is temporary, the wealth that comes from wisdom is enduring and eternal.
Righteousness and HonorLiving a righteous life according to God's wisdom brings honor and respect, both from God and others.
Wisdom's AccessibilityWisdom is available to all who seek it diligently, as it calls out in the public square, inviting everyone to partake in its blessings.
The Role of RighteousnessRighteousness is integral to the blessings of wisdom, as it aligns one's life with God's will and purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 8:18?
2.How can we seek "wealth and righteousness" as described in Proverbs 8:18?
3.What does Proverbs 8:18 teach about the source of true "enduring wealth"?
4.How does Proverbs 8:18 connect with Matthew 6:33 about seeking God's kingdom?
5.In what ways can we prioritize righteousness over material wealth in daily life?
6.How can Proverbs 8:18 guide our financial decisions to align with God's wisdom?
7.How does Proverbs 8:18 define true wealth and prosperity?
8.What is the significance of "enduring wealth" in Proverbs 8:18?
9.How does Proverbs 8:18 relate to the concept of divine wisdom?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 8?
11.What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?
12.What does the Bible say about work-life balance?
13.Psalm 112:3 declares that the righteous will enjoy wealth and riches; how does this reconcile with devout individuals who remain poor and persecuted throughout history?
14.In 1 Samuel 2:7, where God is said to make people poor or rich, how does this square with observable facts about wealth distribution and free will?What Does Proverbs 8:18 Mean
With me“With me are…” (Proverbs 8:18)
•Proverbs 8 personifies Wisdom, speaking as though standing beside the Lord at creation (Proverbs 8:27-31).
• The phrase “with me” reminds us that everything listed in the verse flows from a relationship with Wisdom herself. You don’t chase the benefits first; you seek the Person. CompareProverbs 3:13-15 where Wisdom’s value surpasses silver and gold, andJames 1:5 where God “gives generously” when we ask.
• The Lord promises inJeremiah 29:13 that those who seek Him wholeheartedly will find Him. In the same way, the treasures ofProverbs 8:18 become ours only when we walk closely with Wisdom.
Riches and honor“…riches and honor…”
• Solomon experienced this pairing firsthand when he asked for wisdom and received wealth and honor as divine bonuses (1 Kings 3:10-14).
•Proverbs 22:4 echoes the connection: “The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.”
• Earthly riches may fade (Proverbs 23:5), yet God often entrusts material provision to those who honor Him, not as an end in itself but as a stewardship (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
• Honor speaks to the esteem and respect that follow godly living. As1 Samuel 2:30 states, “those who honor Me I will honor.”
Enduring wealth“…enduring wealth…”
• Unlike fleeting riches, Wisdom offers “enduring” wealth—lasting, secure, and immune to market swings or moth and rust (Matthew 6:19-20).
•Isaiah 33:6 calls the fear of the Lord “the treasure of salvation,” pointing to spiritual riches that persist into eternity (Ephesians 1:18-19).
• This wealth includes:
– The knowledge of God’s character (Philippians 3:8).
– The promises of His Word (Psalm 119:72).
– The hope of an inheritance “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4).
• When we invest our hearts in Wisdom, we gain resources that can never be confiscated or exhausted.
Righteousness“…and righteousness.”
• Wisdom’s treasures are inseparable from moral integrity.Proverbs 8:13 defines the fear of the LORD as “to hate evil,” andProverbs 8:20 says, “I walk in the way of righteousness.”
•2 Corinthians 5:21 shows the ultimate fulfillment: in Christ we become “the righteousness of God.”
• Righteousness guards the believer (Proverbs 13:6) and exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34). It is both a gift and a lifestyle—a right standing with God that produces right living before people (Ephesians 2:8-10).
• Wisdom never divorces prosperity from purity; genuine blessing flows through a life aligned with God’s moral order.
summaryProverbs 8:18 assures us that intimate fellowship with Wisdom brings tangible and intangible treasure: material provision and public esteem, spiritual riches that outlast time, and the priceless badge of righteousness. Seek Wisdom first, and every true blessing follows in her wake.
(18)
Riches and honour are with me.--"If this passage is taken in a material sense,
Psalm 112:3 and the promises in the Pentateuch of wealth as the reward of obedience might be compared with it. But doubtless the "true riches" (
Luke 16:11) are here alluded to, the consciousness of possessing God's honour and favour, called in
Ephesians 3:8 the "unsearchable riches of Christ."
Verse 18. -
Riches and honour are with me (see
Proverbs 3:16). Wisdom has these things in her possession to bestow on whom she will, as God gave them to Solomon in reward of his petition for wisdom (
1 Kings 3:13).
Durable riches and righteousness. Things often regarded as incompatible.
Durable,
עָתֵק (
athek), occurs only here (but see
Isaiah 23:18), and means "old," "venerable," "long accumulated;" hence firm and lasting. Righteousness is the last reward that Wisdom bestows, without which, indeed, all material blessings would be nothing worth. Wealth obtained in a right way, and rightly used, is durable and stable. This was especially true under a temporal dispensation. We Christians, however, look not for reward in uncertain riches, but in God's favour here and happiness in another world. The Septuagint, "Possession of many things, and righteousness." What is denoted by "righteousness" is further explained in the following verses, 19-21.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Withאִתִּ֑י(’it·tî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 854:Nearness, near, with, by, at, amongme are richesעֹֽשֶׁר־(‘ō·šer-)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6239:Wealthand honor,וְכָב֥וֹד(wə·ḵā·ḇō·wḏ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519:Weight, splendor, copiousnessenduringעָ֝תֵ֗ק(‘ā·ṯêq)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6276:Valuable, advanced, eminent, surpassingwealthה֥וֹן(hō·wn)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1952:Wealth, sufficiencyand righteousness.וּצְדָקָֽה׃(ū·ṣə·ḏā·qāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6666:Rightness, subjectively, objectively
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:18 With me are riches honor enduring wealth (Prov. Pro Pr)