Proverbs 24:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

NIV: through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

NASB: And by knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.

CSB: by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.

NLT: Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.

KJV: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

NKJV: By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.

Evil people want to destroy lives (Proverbs 24:1), as their plans often involve taking advantage of others. Immorality leads to ruin in eternity (Proverbs 10:29; 18:7) and often brings harsh consequences in this life (Proverbs 8:32–36). In contrast, those who seek knowledge (Proverbs 1:7; 2:1–6) build others up; they gain valuable understanding (Proverbs 8:10; 23:23) which helps them succeed. Earlier sections of this book depicted foolishness as leading to the ruin of a house (Proverbs 2:16–19; 14:1, 11). Here, one's house—a literal home or any other effort—is enhanced by the application of wisdom.

It is not out of the question to parallel the "precious and pleasant riches" of this verse with the beautiful, valuable characteristics mentioned in Galatians 5:22–23 and in 2 Peter 1:5–7. It is wise to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, because He furnishes our lives with the fruit mentioned in Galatians 5:22–23: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." The apostle Peter exhorts believers to add to their faith by furnishing their lives with the following valuable qualities: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Peter 1:5–7). Such things are worthwhile in and of themselves; they also bring great benefits to those who apply them.

Proverbs 24:1–12 exhorts Solomon's son, or student, not to be jealous of immoral people or desire their friendship. Solomon contrasts godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) with foolishness and calls upon his son to rescue those who are unjustly oppressed. Failing to do so, under the all-seeing eyes of the Lord, cannot be excused. This continues a series of wise sayings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21).

Solomon continues to list wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21), rounding out his promised list of thirty teachings. These endorse integrity, accepting good advice, reputation, and ethical actions. The lessons also stress godly attitudes about vengeance, bitterness, and companionship. After verse 23 come additional proverbs. These may or may not have been Solomon's own words, but at least some appear to be his thoughts. Key points in these verses are the need for impartiality in judgment, godly reputation, and work ethic.

This chapter continues thirty sayings of wise people (Proverbs 22:17–21), as collected and endorsed by Solomon. The remainder of the passage are additional wise statements, which are not as clearly attributed. Some of the lessons are framed as warnings, followed by reasons. The lessons contained here are more detailed than most of the proverbs in this book.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.