Proverbs 14:24

עֲטֶ֣רֶת חֲכָמִ֣ים עָשְׁרָ֑ם אִוֶּ֖לֶת כְּסִילִ֣ים אִוֶּֽלֶת
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

עֲטֶ֣רֶת
עֲטֶ֣רֶת
Root word crown, crowns
Dictionary form: עֲטָרָה · uh-taw-RAW

Noun — Common, feminine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: the crown
the crown ×6 a crown ×3 crown ×3 crowns ×2 is a crown ×2 and the crowns ×1 are the crown ×1 even the crown ×1
More options
crown — Most direct equivalent; fits royal and honorific contexts.
wreath — Prefer when woven/floral headpiece is implied.
diadem — Elevated register; suits poetic or majestic passages.
garland — Festive or celebratory contexts; non-regal honour.
circlet — Emphasises circular band shape; neutral, modern register.

BDB5996 H5850

BDB5995 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5997

I. עֲטָרָה noun feminine crown, wreath; — absolute ׳ע Ezek 21:31; Song 3:11 construct עֲטֶרֶת 2Sam 12:30 + 17 t.; plural עֲטָרוֺת Zech 6:11; Job 31:36, עֲטָוֺת Zech 6:14 — crown:

1. of idol-image (Milcom, ᵐ5 We Klo Dr Kit Löhr HPS) 2Sam 12:30 = 1Chr 20:2 golden, פָּז ׳ע Ps 21:4 ׳ע תִּפְאַרְתְּכֶם of king and queen, Jer 13:18 the crown of your splendour; compare Ezek 21:31 wedding-crown Song 3:11.
2. זָהָב ׳ע Esth 8:15 (of Mordecai); of silver and gold Zech 6:11; Zech 6:14 תִּפְאֶרֶת ׳ע crown of splendour, on personified Jerusalem Ezek 16:12 (in allegory), Jerusalem and Samaria Ezek 23:42 ׳ע as appositive ( = simile) Job 31:36.
3. fig of honour, etc., Job 19:9 (|| כְּבוֺדִי Lam 5:16 בַּעְלָהּ ׳אַשֶׁת חַיִל ע Prov 12:4, compare Prov 14:24; Prov 17:6 תִּפְאֶרֶת ׳ע Prov 16:31 (of שֵׂיבָה); gift of wisdom Prov 4:9 figurative of Jerusalem Isa 62:3 (|| צְנִיף מְלוּכָה, compare גֵאוּת ׳ע Isa 28:1; Isa 28:3 figurative of Samaria; figurative of ׳י, צְבִי ׳ע vIsa 28:5 (|| צְפִירַת תִּפְאָרָה).

crown, crowns
ʿăṭārâ
a crown
  • crown, wreath

חֲכָמִ֣ים
חֲכָמִ֣ים
Root word wise, men, cunning, mans, man, …
Dictionary form: חָכָם · haw-KAWM

Adjective — masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: of the wise
wise ×17 of the wise ×16 a wise ×15 the wise ×13 is wise ×7 that are wise ×3 the wise men ×3 and the wise ×2
More options
wise — Modernized KJV core rendering; broadly applicable across contexts.
sage — Elevated register; suits royal courts or honored counselors.
shrewd — Emphasizes practical, street-smart wisdom over moral virtue.
discerning — Highlights perceptive judgment; good for wisdom-literature passages.
skilled — Use when חָכָם denotes technical expertise, e.g. craftsmen.
prudent — Stresses careful forethought; fits proverbial, ethical contexts.

BDB2735 H2450

BDB2734 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2736

חָכָם adjective wise, ׳ח Deut 4:6 + 67 t.; construct חֲכַם Isa 3:3 + 9 t.; plural חֲכָמִים Deut 1:13 + 39 t.; construct חַכְמֵי Exod 28:3 + 4 t.; suffix חֲכָמֶיךָ Isa 19:12 etc. + 8 t.; feminine חֲכָמָה 2Sam 14:2; 2Sam 20:16 construct חַכְמַת Exod 35:25 plural חֲכָמוֺת Jer 9:16 construct חַכְמוֺת Judg 5:29; Prov 14:1(but read חָכְמוֺת De) —

1. skilful in technical work; artificers Isa 3:3 sailors Ezek 27:8, so (probably) vEzek 27:9 mourning women Jer 9:16 artisans of tabernacle and temple and their furniture Exod 28:3; Exod 31:6; Exod 35:10; Exod 36:1; Exod 36:2; Exod 36:4; Exod 36:8 (P), 1Chr 22:15; 2Chr 2:6; 2Chr 2:12; 2Chr 2:13 (twice in verse); women in spinning Exod 35:25 (P); goldsmiths and other artisans Jer 10:9 makers of idol-images Isa 40:20.
2. wise in the administration of affairs: Joseph in Egypt Gen 41:33; Gen 41:39 (E); heads of tribes Deut 1:13; Deut 1:15; Judg 16:19 David 2Sam 14:20, of Solomon 1Kgs 2:9; 1Kgs 3:12; 1Kgs 5:21 = 2Chr 2:11 the prince of Tyre, in satire Ezek 28:3 of kings in general Prov 20:26 class of political advisers of Judah Isa 29:14; Jer 18:18, apparently also Isa 5:21 of Egypt Isa 19:11 (twice in verse); Isa 19:12, Edom Obad 1:8, the nations Jer 10:7 so of God Isa 31:2.
3. shrewd, crafty, cunning: Jonadab 2Sam 13:3 the princesses Judg 5:29 אשׁה חכמה wise woman 2Sam 14:2; 2Sam 20:16 generally, Jer 9:22 intelligent animals Prov 30:24 בערמם ׳לכד ח taking the cunning in their craft Job 5:13 חכם בעיני wise in one's own eyes Prov 3:7; Prov 26:5; Prov 26:12; Prov 26:16; Prov 28:11 חכמי לב wise of mind (in their own mind) Job 37:24.
4. plural class of learned and shrewd men, including astrologers, magicians and the like, of Egypt Gen 41:8 (E), Exod 7:11 (P; compare Isa 19:11 (twice in verse); Isa 19:12); Babylon Isa 44:25; Jer 50:35; Jer 51:57 Persia Esth 1:13; Esth 6:13.
5. prudent, towards king Prov 16:14 in controversies Prov 11:29; Prov 29:8; Prov 29:9; Prov 29:11 religious affairs Hos 13:13; Hos 14:10; Jer 4:22; Jer 8:8; Jer 8:9; Deut 4:6; Deut 32:6; Ps 107:43 אישׁ ׳ח Jer 9:11.
6. wise, ethically and religiously,. in Wisdom Literature:
  a. as adjective, חֲכַם לֵב wise of mind Prov 10:8; Prov 16:21 לֵב חָכָם Eccl 8:5 of the son Prov 10:1 = Prov 15:20; Prov 13:1; Prov 23:24; Eccl 2:19 ׳ילד ח Eccl 4:13 wise boy; ׳גבר ח Job 34:34 wise man; ׳מוכיח ח wise reprover Prov 25:12.
  b. = substantive: (1) as a wise learner in school of wisdom, he fears God and departs from evil Prov 14:16 is silent Prov 17:28 hearkens to counsel Prov 12:15 hears and increases in learning Prov 1:5 his ear seeketh knowledge Prov 18:15 he receives it Prov 21:11 and stores it up Prov 10:14 his ears hearken to the reproof which giveth life Prov 15:31 and he becomes wiser through it Prov 9:8; Prov 9:9. (2) as a wise teacher, a sage, he does not answer with windy knowledge Job 15:2 he tells the experience of the past Job 15:48 has knowledge Job 34:2 teaches it Eccl 12:9 disperses it Prov 15:7 his tongue is health Prov 12:18 it utters knowledge aright Prov 15:2 his mind instructs his mouth and adds learning to his lips Prov 16:23 his words are gracious Eccl 10:12 it is good to hear his rebuke Eccl 7:5 his instruction is a fountain of life Prov 13:14 one walking with him becomes wiser Prov 13:20. The חכמים recall the Greek σόφοι, having their schools, pupils (בֵן), discipline (מוּסָר), principles and collections of wisdom, דברי חכמים Prov 1:6; Prov 22:17 (compare Prov 24:23), Eccl 9:17; Eccl 12:11 God himself is חכם לבב Job 9:4. (3) the wise are prosperous: true, in sceptical view of Ecclesiastes, they have no advantage over the fool Eccl 6:8 but die as the fool Eccl 2:16 (twice in verse); Ps 49:11 they will not be able to find the works of God Eccl 8:17 like others are in the hands of God Eccl 9:1 they do not secure bread Eccl 9:11 but elsewhere reverse is true: precious treasure is in his dwelling Prov 21:20 his lips preserve him Prov 14:3 they inherit glory Prov 3:35 wealth is their crown Prov 14:24 the wise man is strong Prov 24:5; Eccl 7:19 his eyes are in his head Eccl 2:14 his mind is at his right hand Eccl 10:2 he interprets things Eccl 8:1 (4) the wise man is a blessing to others: he wins men Prov 11:30 scales the city of the mighty Prov 21:22 though poor he delivers the city Eccl 9:15 is a reproof to scorners Prov 15:12 his mind is in the house of mourning Eccl 7:4 injustice makes him foolish Eccl 7:7 Job finds no wise men among his cruel friends Job 17:10.

BDB9525 H2445 H2450

BDB9524 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9526

[חַכִּים]14 noun masculine wise man (see Biblical Hebrew חכם); — plural absolute חַכִּימִין Dan 2:21 elsewhere of the class possessed of occult learning in Babylonian V:27, emphatic מַיָא- vDan 2:13; Dan 5:15 construct מֵי- Dan 2:12. Dan 12:14 + 7 t. Daniel.

wise, men, cunning, mans, man, …
ḥākām
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
  • wise, wise (man)
    • skilful (in technical work)
      • "wise (in administration)"shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle"learned, shrewd (class of men)"prudent"wise (ethically and religiously)

עָשְׁרָ ֑ם
עָשְׁרָ
Root word riches, far
֑ם
Suffix — pronoun their / them
Dictionary form: עֹשֶׁר · oh-SHER

Noun — Common, masculine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: is their riches
riches ×17 in his riches ×2 and riches ×1 are his riches ×1 are riches ×1 both riches ×1 for riches ×1 his riches ×1
More options
wealth — Broadest, most natural modern equivalent.
riches — Modernized KJV form; still widely understood.
prosperity — Emphasizes flourishing state, not just assets.
affluence — Formal register; suits literary or elevated contexts.
abundance — Highlights plenty rather than monetary value.
fortune — Good for personal accumulated wealth or estate.

BDB6462 H6238 H6239

BDB6461 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6463

[עָשַׁר] verb be or become rich (Late Hebrew in derived species, and derivatives; Aramaic עֲתַר, ; compare Arabic abound with herbage, abundance, of herbage, goods, etc.); —

Qal Perfect 1 singular עָשַׁרְתִּי Hos 12:9 I have become rich; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יֶעְשַׁר Job 15:29 he shall not be rich. — 1Kgs 22:49 read עָשָׂה
Hiph`il 1. make rich, with accusative of person: Perfect 1 singular הֶעֱשַׁרְתִּי Gen 14:23 2 feminine singular הֶעֱשַׁרְתְּ Ezek 27:33 (of personified Tyre; + בְּרֹב הוֺנַיִח); Imperfect 3 masculine singular suffix יַעְשְׁרֶנּוּ (Ges«GKC:61g»§ 61g),+ accusative of congnate meaning with verb עשֶׁר; 2 masculine singular suffix רַבַּת תַּעְשְׁרֶנָּהּ Ps 65:10 thou dost greatly enrich it (the land); object omitted 3 feminine singular תַּעֲשִׁיר Prov 10:22, so Participle מַעֲשִׁיר 1Sam 2:7 ׳י maketh rich (opposed to מוֺרִישׁ).
2. gain riches, absolute: Imperfect 3 masculine singular יַעֲשִׁר Ps 49:17, יַעֲשִׁיר Prov 21:7; Dan 11:2 (+ accusative of congnate meaning with verb עשֶׁר); 3 feminine singular תַּעֲשִׁיר Prov 10:4 1 singular וָאַעֲשִׁר Zech 11:5(Gi Kt; van d. H. Baer וַאעֲשִׁר); 3 masculine plural וַיַּעֲשִׁירוּ Jer 5:27 Infinitive construct לְהַעֲשִׁיר Prov 23:4; Prov 28:20. Hithpa`el Participle מִתְעַשֵּׁר Prov 13:7 one enriching himself.

BDB6463 H6239

BDB6462 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6464

ע֫שֶׁר37 noun masculine1Sam 17:25 riches; — ׳ע absolute Gen 31:6 + 27 t. construct Esth 1:4 suffix עָשְׁרוֺ Jer 9:22 + 5 t., עָשְׁרָם Ps 49:7; Prov 14:24 + (or ||) כָּבוֺד1Kgs 3:13; Prov 3:16 + 9 t.; ׳עָשָׂה ע Jer 17:11, compare English 'make money.'

riches, far
ʿōšer
wealth
  • wealth, riches

אִוֶּ֖לֶת
אִוֶּ֖לֶת
Root word folly, foolishness, foolish, foolishly
Dictionary form: אִוֶּלֶת · ih-weh-LET

Noun — Common, feminine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: but the foolishness
foolishness ×4 folly ×3 is folly ×3 according to his folly ×2 but the folly ×1 but the foolish ×1 but the foolishness ×1 foolishly ×1
More options
folly — Broad, natural modern term; fits most contexts.
foolishness — Slightly more informal; emphasizes the quality of being foolish.
stupidity — Stronger, blunter register; good for emphatic condemnation.
senselessness — Highlights lack of reason or wisdom; fits Wisdom literature well.
recklessness — Use when folly implies dangerous disregard for consequences.
absurdity — Captures the irrationality angle; more rhetorical or ironic contexts.

BDB195 H200

BDB194 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB196

אִוֶּ֫לֶת25 noun feminine folly. — absolute Prov 12:23 +; construct Prov 14:8 +; suffix אִוַּלְתִּי Ps 38:6, etc.; — folly, special product of כְּסִילִים (see כֶּסֶל) Prov 12:23 + (12 t.); with פְּתָאִים Prov 14:18 with אֱוִלִיים only Prov 16:22; Prov 27:22 for alliteration. It is bound up in mind of boy, to be removed only by rod of discipline Prov 22:15 ׳א personified tears down house built by חַכְמוֺת נָשִׁים Prov 14:1 it is contrasted with תְּבוּנָה Prov 14:29; Prov 15:21.

folly, foolishness, foolish, foolishly
ʾiwwelet
silliness
  • foolishness, folly

כְּסִילִ֣ים
כְּסִילִ֣ים
Root word fool, fools, foolish
Dictionary form: כְּסִיל · keh-SEEL

Adjective — masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: of fools
of fools ×16 of a fool ×7 a fool ×6 the fool ×5 but a foolish ×3 a foolish ×2 a fools ×2 and ye fools ×2
More options
fool — Core rendering; suits most prose and poetry contexts.
dullard — Emphasizes stubborn mental obtuseness, not mere silliness.
blockhead — Colloquial; captures the kĕsîl's thick-headed obstinacy vividly.
simpleton — Highlights naive, unreflective character; slightly gentler register.
senseless person — Transparent periphrasis; useful when audience is unfamiliar with 'fool'.
numbskull — Informal; reserves for satirical or rhetorical passages only.

BDB4120 H3684

BDB4119 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4121

I. כְּסִיל70 noun masculine stupid fellow, dullard, fool; — ׳כ Ps 49:11 + 44 t.; plural כְּסִילִים Ps 94:8 + 25 t.; — || בער Ps 49:11; Ps 92:7; Ps 94:8, elsewhere only in Wisd Lt.; he hates knowledge Prov 1:22 delights not in understanding Prov 18:2 it is his sport to do mischief Prov 10:23 his heart proclaimeth אִוֶּלָת Prov 12:23 his mouth poureth it forth Prov 15:2, and feedeth on it Prov 15:14.

fool, fools, foolish
kĕsîl
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
  • fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one

אִוֶּֽלֶת
אִוֶּֽלֶת
Root word folly, foolishness, foolish, foolishly
Dictionary form: אִוֶּלֶת · ih-weh-LET

Noun — Common, feminine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: is folly
foolishness ×4 folly ×3 is folly ×3 according to his folly ×2 but the folly ×1 but the foolish ×1 but the foolishness ×1 foolishly ×1
More options
folly — Broad, natural modern term; fits most contexts.
foolishness — Slightly more informal; emphasizes the quality of being foolish.
stupidity — Stronger, blunter register; good for emphatic condemnation.
senselessness — Highlights lack of reason or wisdom; fits Wisdom literature well.
recklessness — Use when folly implies dangerous disregard for consequences.
absurdity — Captures the irrationality angle; more rhetorical or ironic contexts.

BDB195 H200

BDB194 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB196

אִוֶּ֫לֶת25 noun feminine folly. — absolute Prov 12:23 +; construct Prov 14:8 +; suffix אִוַּלְתִּי Ps 38:6, etc.; — folly, special product of כְּסִילִים (see כֶּסֶל) Prov 12:23 + (12 t.); with פְּתָאִים Prov 14:18 with אֱוִלִיים only Prov 16:22; Prov 27:22 for alliteration. It is bound up in mind of boy, to be removed only by rod of discipline Prov 22:15 ׳א personified tears down house built by חַכְמוֺת נָשִׁים Prov 14:1 it is contrasted with תְּבוּנָה Prov 14:29; Prov 15:21.

folly, foolishness, foolish, foolishly
ʾiwwelet
silliness
  • foolishness, folly

This book is chanted to the poetic accent system (used only in Job, Psalms, and Proverbs). Each group below ends at one of its pausing accents — translate a group as one unit.
עֲטֶ֣רֶת חֲכָמִ֣ים עָשְׁרָ֑ם Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here אִוֶּ֖לֶת כְּסִילִ֣ים אִוֶּֽלֶת Silluq — end of the verse

עֲטֶרֶת חֲכָמִים עָשְׁרָם אִוֶּלֶת כְּסִילִים אִוֶּֽלֶת׃
24
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
Cross References

Ecclesiastes 7:11

טוֹבָה חָכְמָה עִֽם-נַחֲלָה וְיֹתֵר לְרֹאֵי הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃
11
Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

Luke 16:9

κἀγὼ ὑμῖν λέγω ποιήσατε ἑαυτοῖς φίλους ἐκ τοῦ μαμωνᾶ τῆς ἀδικίας ἵνα ὅταν ἐκλίπητε δέξωνται ὑμᾶς εἰς τὰς αἰωνίους σκηνάς
9
And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

Luke 16:19

Ἄνθρωπος δέ τις ἦν πλούσιος καὶ ἐνεδιδύσκετο πορφύραν καὶ βύσσον εὐφραινόμενος καθ' ἡμέραν λαμπρῶς
19
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

Luke 12:19

καὶ ἐρῶ τῇ ψυχῇ μου Ψυχή ἔχεις πολλὰ ἀγαθὰ κείμενα εἰς ἔτη πολλά· ἀναπαύου φάγε πίε εὐφραίνου
19
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

Isaiah 33:6

וְהָיָה אֱמוּנַת עִתֶּיךָ חֹסֶן יְשׁוּעֹת חָכְמַת וָדָעַת יִרְאַת יְהוָה הִיא אוֹצָרֽוֹ׃
6
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

Psalms 112:9

פִּזַּר׀ נָתַן לָאֶבְיוֹנִים צִדְקָתוֹ עֹמֶדֶת לָעַד קַרְנוֹ תָּרוּם בְּכָבֽוֹד׃
9
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

Psalms 49:10

כִּי יִרְאֶה׀ חֲכָמִים יָמוּתוּ יַחַד כְּסִיל וָבַעַר יֹאבֵדוּ וְעָזְבוּ לַאֲחֵרִים חֵילָֽם׃
10
For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.

Proverbs 27:22

אִם תִּכְתּֽוֹשׁ-אֶת-הָאֱוִיל׀ בַּמַּכְתֵּשׁ בְּתוֹךְ הָרִיפוֹת בַּֽעֱלִי לֹא-תָסוּר מֵעָלָיו אִוַּלְתּֽוֹ׃
22
Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
Proverbs 14:23
Read Proverbs 14
Proverbs 14:25