Proverbs 24:4 - Do not Envy

Audio Bible

Context

Do not Envy
…3By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established; 4through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure. 5A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.…

Cross References

James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.Colossians 2:2-3
that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.1 Corinthians 1:30
It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.Ephesians 1:17-18
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,2 Peter 1:3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. / Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.Matthew 13:52
Then He told them, “For this reason, every scribe who has been discipled in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”Luke 11:49
Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!1 Timothy 6:17-19
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.Hebrews 10:34
You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.Isaiah 33:6
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.Job 28:12-19
But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? / No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. / The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ ...Psalm 112:3
Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.Ecclesiastes 7:12
For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.Proverbs 3:13-18
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...

Proverbs 15:6
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

Proverbs 20:15
There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

Proverbs 21:20
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

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Proverbs 24

through knowledge
In the biblical context, "knowledge" often refers to a deep understanding and reverence for God's wisdom and commandments. This is not merely intellectual knowledge but a spiritual insight that aligns with God's will. Proverbs frequently emphasizes the value of wisdom and understanding, suggesting that true knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). This phrase underscores the importance of seeking divine wisdom to guide one's life and decisions.

its rooms are filled
The imagery of rooms being filled suggests abundance and prosperity. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a well-furnished home was a sign of wealth and blessing. This metaphor can be understood as a life enriched by wisdom, where every aspect is touched by the blessings that come from living according to God's principles. The filling of rooms can also symbolize the fullness of life that comes from spiritual maturity and understanding.

with every precious and beautiful treasure
The treasures mentioned here are not merely material but also spiritual and moral. In biblical times, treasures were often associated with wealth, but in the context of Proverbs, they symbolize the virtues and blessings that come from living a life grounded in God's wisdom. This can include peace, joy, righteousness, and a good reputation. The New Testament echoes this idea, where believers are encouraged to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), indicating that true wealth is found in spiritual richness. The beauty and preciousness of these treasures highlight the incomparable value of a life lived in accordance with divine wisdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings.

2. Israel
- The nation to whom the Proverbs were initially addressed, providing guidance for living a life pleasing to God.

3. The House
- Symbolically represents one's life or household, which can be filled with treasures through wisdom and knowledge.

Teaching Points

The Value of Knowledge
Knowledge is not merely intellectual but encompasses understanding God's will and applying it to life.

Building a Godly Household
Just as a house is filled with treasures through knowledge, a life grounded in God's wisdom is enriched with spiritual blessings.

Pursuing Divine Wisdom
Actively seek God's wisdom through prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers.

Spiritual Treasures Over Material Wealth
True riches are found in spiritual growth and understanding, not in material possessions.

The Role of Wisdom in Decision-Making
Use the knowledge and wisdom from God to make decisions that honor Him and reflect His character.

(4) All precious and pleasant riches.--Not only earthly wealth, but the "true riches" (Luke 16:11), the knowledge and love of God. (Comp. note on Proverbs 23:23.)

Verse 4. - (Comp. Proverbs 1:13 and note Proverbs 3:10.) With all precious and pleasant (Proverbs 22:18) riches. Material prosperity, copious store of necessaries, and wealth, follow on wisdom; how much more do spiritual blessings attend the fear of God! Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

through knowledge
וּ֭בְדַעַת (ū·ḇə·ḏa·‘aṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847: Knowledge

its rooms
חֲדָרִ֣ים (ḥă·ḏā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2315: A chamber, room

are filled
יִמָּלְא֑וּ (yim·mā·lə·’ū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4390: To fill, be full of

with every
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

precious
יָקָ֣ר (yā·qār)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3368: Precious, rare, splendid, weighty

and beautiful
וְנָעִֽים׃ (wə·nā·‘îm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5273: Pleasant, delightful

treasure.
ה֖וֹן (hō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1952: Wealth, sufficiency

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Proverbs 24:4 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 24:4 By knowledge the rooms are filled (Prov. Pro Pr)