Proverbs 27:24

24 (Don't take them for granted; possessions don't last forever, you know.)

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 Pound on a fool all you like - you can't pound out foolishness.
23 Know your sheep by name; carefully attend to your flocks;
24 (Don't take them for granted; possessions don't last forever, you know.)
25 And then, when the crops are in and the harvest is stored in the barns,
26 You can knit sweaters from lambs' wool, and sell your goats for a profit;
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.