Proverbs 28:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.

NIV: The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.

NASB: The rich person is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding sees through him.

CSB: A rich person is wise in his own eyes, but a poor one who has discernment sees through him.

NLT: Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

KJV: The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

NKJV: The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out.

Wealth can be spiritually dangerous (Matthew 19:23) in part because it tempts us towards self-reliance. The Book of Proverbs notes that hard work and common sense are more likely to lead to success (Proverbs 10:4; 12:11; 28:19). However, it also recognizes that life is greatly influenced by factors outside our control (Proverbs 16:9; 27:1). Those who obtain material wealth should not assume their success is entirely their own. God's arrangement of circumstances and the choices of others matter, as well (Job 1:21). Just because one is wealthy does not necessarily mean one is correct in any particular way. A poor, struggling person who relies on godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) may overtake the arrogant person who thinks riches imply intelligence.

James 1:16–17 cautions: "Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." One of the faults Jesus found in the church at Laodicea was its self-confidence. Because it was successful in the material world it assumed it needed nothing. However, Jesus referred to that church as pitiful and in great danger. Jesus was ready to symbolically spit the church out of his mouth (Revelation 3:14–22). Possessing wealth doesn't make a person wise. A wise person sees through the rich person's boast.

This passage features many direct contrasts. The lessons are attributed to Solomon, later compiled into the Book of Proverbs by men under king Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1). Common themes in this chapter are work ethic, generosity, fairness, and reputation. Comments on rulers or leaders make up many of the teachings recorded in this section.

This continues a list compiled by Hezekiah's men, recording proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). The collection continues until the end of chapter 29. The lessons in this passage repeat teachings on generosity and the dangers of greed, as well as the damage done by wicked rulers.

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.