Proverbs 28:11

11 A rich man seemeth wise to himself; but a poor man prudent shall search him. (A rich person seemeth wise to himself; but a prudent poor person shall search him out, and find him wanting.)

Proverbs 28:11 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 28:11

The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit
Ascribing his getting riches to his great sagacity, wisdom, and prudence; and being flattered with it by dependents on him; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out:
a man of good understanding, whether in things natural, civil, moral, or spiritual, though poor, as a man may be poor and yet a wise man; such an one, when he comes into company with a rich man, wise in his own conceit, he soon by conversation with him finds him out to be a very foolish man, and exposes him as one; for riches are not always to men of understanding, or all that have them are not such; and better is a poor wise man than even a foolish king; see ( Ecclesiastes 9:11 Ecclesiastes 9:15 ) ( 4:13 ) .

Proverbs 28:11 In-Context

9 His prayer shall be made cursed, that boweth away his ear (who turneth away his ear), (so) that he hear not the law.
10 He that deceiveth just men in an evil way, shall fall in his perishing; and just men shall wield his goods. (He who deceiveth the righteous in an evil way, shall fall in his perishing; and the righteous shall possess his goods.)
11 A rich man seemeth wise to himself; but a poor man prudent shall search him. (A rich person seemeth wise to himself; but a prudent poor person shall search him out, and find him wanting.)
12 In [the] enhancing of just men is much glory; when wicked men reign, fallings of men be. (When the righteous be advanced, or promoted, there is much honour; but when the wicked reign, or rule, there shall be the falling of many people.)
13 He that hideth his great trespasses, shall not be made rightful; but he that acknowledgeth and forsaketh them, shall get mercy. (He who hideth his great trespasses, shall not be made upright; but he who acknowledgeth and abandoneth them, shall get mercy.)
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.