Proverbs 27:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?

NIV: for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.

NASB: For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

CSB: for wealth is not forever; not even a crown lasts for all time.

NLT: for riches don’t last forever, and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.

KJV: For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

NKJV: For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

In the most direct sense, Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) continues to note the importance of good stewardship (Proverbs 27:23). A sensible man cares for his resources so they'll continue to grow and flourish. That requires attention and diligence. It's unwise to assume that whatever a person has built up will last forever. Disaster can happen, and earthly wealth can be lost (Proverbs 23:4–5).

The question asked here is rhetorical: the answer is assumed to be "no." Kings and kingdoms are not permanent. This is demonstrated in the Old Testament's many wars and coups. The point of these lessons is that attentive care for one's resources—illustrated through ranching—provides a more secure future. Resting on one's existing wealth, or failing to care for existing resources, can lead to ruin.

Paul asked Timothy to caution church members by telling them riches are an insecure investment. In 1 Timothy 6:17 he writes, "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy." He had previously told Timothy "those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction." He insists, "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils" (1 Timothy 6:9–10).

Proverbs 27:23–27 teaches using imagery from farming. Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) stresses the necessity of work in the present to set up success in the future. This repeats the sentiment of prior Scriptures (Proverbs 20:4; 21:5; 27:18). Diligence in tending to flocks and herds is more likely to provide for a family than being careless. The terminology in these verses is about livestock, but the principles apply to any area of work or life.

Wise sayings from this chapter warn about overconfidence and bragging. Solomon also encourages positive friendships and the wisdom they provide. He offers several notes about self-examination and the need for personal accountability. Many of the proverbs in this passage touch on the concept of speaking truth in love, even if it's not what the other person would like to hear. The end of the chapter uses the example of livestock to make a point about good stewardship.

This continues a collection of approximately one hundred proverbs associated with Solomon. King Hezekiah's men, probably his scribes, copied these from other scrolls (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter includes references to overconfidence, the value of friendships, and the importance of good stewardship. The assembly of Solomon's wise teachings continues through the end of chapter 29.

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.