Proverbs 21:20 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

There is treasure to be desired (valuable store), and oil (a leading article of wealth in Judea, Judges 9:9; Hosea 2:22) in the dwelling (literally, the cottage) of the wise. Though the godly wise may have but a cottage, yet they have ample store for their need, and they use it with prudent economy.

But a foolish man spendeth (swalloweth) it up - wastes in extravagance what he ought to store up for future use.

Proverbs 21:20

20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.