Proverbs 14:24

24 The crown of the wise is their wisdom, but that which distinguishes fools is their folly.

Proverbs 14:24 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 14:24

The crown of the wise [is] their riches
Riches being used by them to increase and improve their knowledge and wisdom, and for the good of men, are an honour to them, and give them credit and reputation among men of sense and goodness; see ( Ecclesiastes 7:11 Ecclesiastes 7:12 ) ; [but] the foolishness of fools [is] folly;
mere folly, extreme folly, just the same as it was; riches make them never the wiser; yea, their folly is oftentimes made more manifest through the ill use they make of their riches; spending them in the gratification of their sinful lusts; and making no use of them for their own improvement in knowledge, or for the good of their fellow creatures. The Targum is,

``the glory of fools is their folly;''
and that is no other than their shame, and in which they glory; such fools are wicked men.

Proverbs 14:24 In-Context

22 Do they not err that meditate upon evil? but those that meditate upon good shall attain mercy and truth.
23 In all labour there is fruit, but to talk and not do, brings poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their wisdom, but that which distinguishes fools is their folly.
25 The true witness delivers souls, but the deceitful one speaks lies.
26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence, and there his sons shall have hope.
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010