Proverbs 27:24

24 for wealth is not for ever; and doth the crown [endure] from generation to generation?

Proverbs 27:24 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 27:24

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 F20; King Hezekiah provided himself possessions of flocks and herds in abundance, ( 2 Chronicles 32:28 2 Chronicles 32:29 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F20 Vid. Martin. Hist. Sinica, p. 92, 93, 326.

Proverbs 27:24 In-Context

22 If thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his folly depart from him.
23 Be well acquainted with the appearance of thy flocks; look well to thy herds:
24 for wealth is not for ever; and doth the crown [endure] from generation to generation?
25 The hay is removed, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered in.
26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of a field;
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.