Proverbs 21:20 - Exposition

There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise. Precious treasure and store of provision and rich unguents ( Proverbs 21:17 ) are collected in the house of the wise man, by which he may fare sumptuously, exercise hospitality, and lay up for the future (comp. Proverbs 24:4 ). But a foolish man spendeth it up. "A fool of a man" ( Proverbs 15:20 ) soon swallows, runs through and exhausts, all that has been accumulated ( Proverbs 21:17 ). Septuagint, "A desirable ἐπιθυμητὸς treasure will rest on the mouth of the wise, but foolish men will swallow it up." It is obvious to apply the maxim to spiritual things, seeing in it the truth that the really wise man stores up treasures of Divine love and the oil of God's grace, while the foolish man wastes his opportunities, squanders his powers, and drives the Holy Spirit from him.