Proverbs 28:11

11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, And the intelligent poor searcheth him.

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 Whoso is turning his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer [is] an abomination.
10 Whoso is causing the upright to err in an evil way, Into his own pit he doth fall, And the perfect do inherit good.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, And the intelligent poor searcheth him.
12 In the exulting of the righteous the glory [is] abundant, And in the rising of the wicked man is apprehensive.
13 Whoso is covering his transgressions prospereth not, And he who is confessing and forsaking hath mercy.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.