Proverbs 21:20
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up.
American King James Version (AKJV)
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up.
American Standard Version (ASV)
There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
There is a store of great value in the house of the wise, but it is wasted by the foolish man.
Webster's Revision
There is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
World English Bible
There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swallows it up.
English Revised Version (ERV)
There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swalloweth it up.
Barnes's Proverbs 21:20 Bible Commentary
Spendeth it up - literally, swalloweth it. The wise man keeps a store in reserve. He gains uprightly, spends moderately, never exhausts himself. But the proverb may have also a higher application. The wise man stores up all "treasure to be desired" of wisdom, all "oil" of divine influence, which strengthens and refreshes, and so is ready at all times for the work to which the Master calls him. Compare Matthew 25:1-13.
Wesley's Proverbs 21:20 Bible Commentary
21:20 The wise - Wise men lay up desirable treasures for their own use, and for their families. Oil is particularly mentioned, because that was a considerable part of their wealth and treasures in those countries.