Proverbs - 27:24



24 for riches are not forever, nor does even the crown endure to all generations.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Proverbs 27:24.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
For thou shalt not always have power: but a crown shall be given to generation and generation.
for wealth is not for ever; and doth the crown endure from generation to generation?
For riches are not to the age, Nor a crown to generation and generation.
For wealth is not for ever, and money does not go on for all generations.
for you will not always hold this power. But a crown shall be awarded from generation to generation.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

Riches - The money which men may steal, or waste, is contrasted with the land of which the owner is not so easily deprived. Nor will the crown (both the "crown of pure gold" worn on the mitre of the high priest, Exodus 29:6; Exodus 39:30; and the kingly diadem, the symbol of power generally) be transmitted (as flocks and herds had been) "from one generation to another."

For riches are not for ever - All other kinds of property are very transitory. Money and the highest civil honors are but for a short season. Flocks and herds, properly attended to, may be multiplied and continued from generation to generation. The crown itself is not naturally so permanent.

For riches are not for ever,.... A man cannot be assured of the continuance of them; they are uncertain things, here today and gone tomorrow: wherefore, though a man has a considerable share of them, yet should follow one calling or another; particularly husbandry is recommended, or keeping sheep and cattle, which are increasing; by which means his substance will be continued and augmented, which otherwise is not to be depended on, but in a diligent attendance to business;
and doth the crown endure to every generation? the royal crown, that is not to be depended upon; a king that wears a crown is not sure he shall always wear it, or that it shall be continued to his family one generation after another. And it is suggested, that it is not even beneath such persons to have a regard to their flocks and herds, and the increase of their riches in this way: the Chinese kings, many of them, formerly employed themselves in husbandry, and set examples of industry and diligence to their subjects (t); King Hezekiah provided himself possessions of flocks and herds in abundance, 2-Chronicles 32:28.
(t) Vid. Martin. Hist. Sinica, p. 92, 93, 326.

For - What thou dost now possess, will not last always. If a man had the wealth of a kingdom, without care and diligence it would be brought to nothing.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


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