Proverbs 10:15

15 The chattel of a rich man is the city of his strength; the dread of poor men is the neediness of them. (The substance of a rich man is his strong city; the fear of the poor is their own neediness.)

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 in the lips of a wise man; and a rod in the back of him that is needy of heart. (Wisdom is found on the lips of the wise; and a rod on the back of him who is foolish.)

14 Wise men hide knowing (The wise store up knowledge); but the mouth of a fool is next to confusion.

15 The chattel of a rich man is the city of his strength; the dread of poor men is the neediness of them. (The substance of a rich man is his strong city; the fear of the poor is their own neediness.)

16 The work of a just man is to life; but the fruit of a wicked man is to sin. (The work of a good person serveth unto life; but the fruit of the wicked is sin.)

17 The way of life is to him that keepeth chastising; but he that forsaketh blamings, erreth. (The way of life is for him who receiveth discipline; but he who forsaketh rebukes, erreth.)