What does Proverbs 8:18 mean?

Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge of the truth (Proverbs 8:6–9). That connection to what is real and true gives a person a much greater likelihood of success and prosperity. A person who is poor, but wise, is more likely to become successful than a foolish person born into wealth is to maintain their fortune.

Most Old Testament promises of earthly prosperity are explicitly applied to Israel (Deuteronomy 28:1–14). In a broader sense, Jesus mentioned true riches in Luke 16:11 as the reward of faithful service to God. He also labeled anyone who stockpiles earthly wealth but skimps towards God as foolish (Luke 12:16–21). Moses was considered wise for correctly choosing God over earthly success. "He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward" (Hebrews 11:26).

In His message to the Laodicean church, Jesus condemns the church's smug confidence in its wealth. He states, "You say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing" (Revelation 3:17). He says the church is actually poor (Revelation 3:17) and calls upon the church to "buy from me gold refined by the fire, so that you may be rich" (Revelation 3:18). This is another reference to the fact that heavenly things—including godly wisdom—are more valuable than anything we could obtain on earth.