for riches don’t last forever, and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.
Parallel translations
- WEB for riches are not forever, nor does the crown endure to all generations.
- KJV For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
- BSB for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation.
- ESV for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?
- NKJV For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
- NASB For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Wealth and power are not permanent, so they cannot be relied upon. It warns against trusting in riches that inevitably pass away.
Overview
Continuing the call to diligence, the proverb reminds that riches and even royal authority do not last forever, urging ongoing stewardship rather than complacency. Earthly security is fleeting and must not become our trust. Jesus directs His followers instead to lay up treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy (Matthew 6:19-20).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 7
- Prov 23:5Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.
- 1 Tim 6:17–18Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;
- Zeph 1:18Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Yahweh’s wrath, but the whole land will be devoured by the fire of his jealousy; for he will make an end, yes, a terrible end, of all those who dwell in the land.
- 2 Sam 7:16Your house and your kingdom will be made sure forever before you. Your throne will be established forever.”’”
- Isa 9:7Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on David’s throne, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.
- Jas 1:10and the rich, in that he is made humble, because like the flower in the grass, he will pass away.
- Ps 89:36His offspring will endure forever, his throne like the sun before me.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 27:24 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.