Proverbs 10:15

15 The riches of the wealthy are their strong city; the ruin of the poor is their poverty.

Proverbs 10:15 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 10:15

The rich man's wealth [is] his strong city
What a fortified city is to persons in time of war, that is a rich man's wealth to him; by it he can defend himself from the injuries of others, and support himself and family in times of public calamity; for money is a defence, and answers all things, ( Ecclesiastes 7:12 ) ( 10:19 ) . Or his wealth is so in his own apprehension and conceit; he puts his trust and confidence in it, and thinks himself safe and secure by it; when he is trusting to uncertain riches, which will fail him; these may fly away from him in life, and leave him exposed to distress and danger; and, however, will not secure him at death from the wrath of God and everlasting destruction. Or he is lifted up with his riches, is in high spirits, and despises others; thinking himself safe, as in a strong castle, and fears nothing, distresses, diseases, or death; the destruction of the poor [is] their poverty:
or their poverty is their consternation, as the word ^F8 signifies, it frightens them; they, knowing their circumstances, are afraid of everybody and of every thing; not being able to defend themselves against their enemies, or support themselves in times of public calamity, as war, famine, or pestilence.

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FOOTNOTES:

F8 (htxm) "consternatio", Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis.

Proverbs 10:15 In-Context

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of those who have understanding, but there is a rod for the back of those with no sense.

14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings on ruin.

15 The riches of the wealthy are their strong city; the ruin of the poor is their poverty.

16 The wages of the righteous lead to life; the earnings of the wicked lead to sin.

17 Those who heed instruction are on the way to life, but those who ignore correction lose their way.