Proverbs 11:28
Proverbs 11:28 in Multiple Translations
He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; But the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.
He who puts his faith in wealth will come to nothing; but the upright man will be full of growth like the green leaf.
If you trust in your riches, you'll fall; but if you do good, you'll flourish like green leaves.
He that trusteth in his riches, shall fall: but the righteous shall florish as a leafe.
Whoso is confident in his wealth he falleth, And as a leaf, the righteous flourish.
He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the just shall spring up as a green leaf.
Those who trust in their money will disappear like the withered leaves that fall from the trees, but righteous people will keep going strong, like green leaves in the summer.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:28
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 11:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בּוֹטֵ֣חַ
בְּ֭/עָשְׁר/וֹ
ה֣וּא
יִפֹּ֑ל
וְ֝/כֶ/עָלֶ֗ה
צַדִּיקִ֥ים
יִפְרָֽחוּ
בּוֹטֵ֣חַ
bâṭach
H982
to trust
V-Qal
בְּ֭/עָשְׁר/וֹ
ʻôsher
H6239
riches
Prep | N-ms | Suff
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יִפֹּ֑ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ֝/כֶ/עָלֶ֗ה
ʻâleh
H5929
leaf
Conj | Prep | N-ms
צַדִּיקִ֥ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
יִפְרָֽחוּ
pârach
H6524
to sprout
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:28
בּוֹטֵ֣חַ
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
V-Qal
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
בְּ֭/עָשְׁר/וֹ
ʻôsher
H6239
"riches"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means wealth or riches, like the treasures King Solomon had in 1 Kings 10:23. It refers to an abundance of valuable things. The KJV Bible uses it to describe riches and wealth.
Definition: wealth, riches
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far (richer), riches. See also: Genesis 31:16; Proverbs 3:16; Psalms 49:7.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יִפֹּ֑ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
וְ֝/כֶ/עָלֶ֗ה
ʻâleh
H5929
"leaf"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a leaf on a tree, often referring to foliage. It appears in the Bible when describing trees and plants, like in Genesis. The KJV translates it as branch or leaf.
Definition: leaf, leafage
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: branch, leaf. See also: Genesis 3:7; Proverbs 11:28; Psalms 1:3.
צַדִּיקִ֥ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
יִפְרָֽחוּ
pârach
H6524
"to sprout"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to fly or bloom, describing something that spreads out or flourishes. It can also mean to break forth like a bud or to grow abundantly. It's used to picture flourishing or spreading out.
Definition: 1) to bud, sprout, shoot, bloom 1a) (Qal) to bud, sprout, send out shoots, blossom 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to bud or sprout 1b2) to show buds or sprouts
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abroad, [idiom] abundantly, blossom, break forth (out), bud, flourish, make fly, grow, spread, spring (up). See also: Genesis 40:10; Psalms 92:14; Psalms 72:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:28
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:28
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:28
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:28
Context — Dishonest Scales
26The people will curse the hoarder of grain, but blessing will crown the one who sells it.
27He who searches out good finds favor, but evil will come to him who seeks it.
28He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.
29He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. 30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 6:17 | 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. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 17:8 | He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit. |
| 3 | Psalms 52:7–8 | “Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction.” But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in the loving devotion of God forever and ever. |
| 4 | Psalms 1:3 | He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. |
| 5 | Psalms 62:10 | Place no trust in extortion, or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. |
| 6 | Mark 10:24–25 | And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” |
| 7 | Psalms 92:12–14 | The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain, |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 8:12–14 | Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses in which to dwell, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud, and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. |
| 9 | Proverbs 10:15 | The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor. |
| 10 | Isaiah 60:21 | Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified. |
Proverbs 11:28 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 11:28, teaches us that trusting in our wealth and riches can lead to a great fall, but when we put our trust in God and live righteously, we will thrive and flourish like a healthy plant. This means that our security and happiness should come from our relationship with God, not from our bank account or possessions (as seen in 1 Timothy 6:17-18). By trusting in God and living according to His ways, we can experience true peace and prosperity, even in difficult circumstances (as promised in Psalm 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 17:7-8).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to trust in riches?
To trust in riches means to put one's confidence and security in wealth and material possessions, rather than in God, as warned against in Proverbs 11:28 and 1 Timothy 6:17-18.
Will the righteous always thrive like foliage?
According to Proverbs 11:28, the righteous will thrive like foliage, but this does not mean they will never face challenges or difficulties, as seen in Psalm 34:19 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
How can I avoid falling into the trap of trusting in riches?
To avoid trusting in riches, focus on storing up treasures in heaven, not on earth, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21, and prioritize a heart of generosity and trust in God's provision, as seen in Proverbs 19:17 and Malachi 3:10.
What is the difference between trusting in riches and being blessed with wealth?
The key difference is the source of one's trust and security: those who trust in riches rely on their wealth, whereas those who are blessed with wealth recognize it as a gift from God and use it to honor Him, as seen in Proverbs 10:22 and 1 Chronicles 29:10-16.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I currently trust in my own resources, rather than in God's provision and care?
- How can I cultivate a heart of trust in God, even when my circumstances seem uncertain or unstable?
- What are some ways I can practically prioritize spiritual growth and trust in God, rather than relying on my own wealth or abilities?
- How does Proverbs 11:28 challenge or comfort me in my current season of life, and what steps can I take to apply its truth to my circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:28
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall,.... As leaves in autumn, which are withered and dry.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:28
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous (namely, inasmuch as they do not trust in riches) shall flourish as a branch.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:28
He that trusteth in his riches, as his chief portion, and felicity, and ground of safety, shall fall, as a withered leaf, by comparing this clause with the latter. The righteous, who maketh God alone, and not riches, his trust, shall flourish as a branch, to wit, a green and flourishing branch.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:28
Proverbs 11:28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.Ver. 28. He that trusteth to his riches shall fall.] Riches were never true to any that trusted to them. The rich churl that trusted and boasted that he had "much goods laid up in store" for many years, when, like a jay, he was pruning himself in his boughs, he came tumbling down with the arrow in his side. So did Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Herod, &c. "The righteous also shall see and fear, and laugh at such a one, saying, Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness." "But I am like a green olive tree," &c. Agreeable whereunto is this that follows here: "But the righteous shall flourish as a branch," while the wicked, Faenea quadam felicitate temporaliter florent, et exoriuntur ut exurantur, flourish and ruffle for a time, but shall be soon cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Aug., Epist. 120.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:28
(28) He that trusteth in his riches shall fall.—Because of their uncertainty, and because they prevent his trusting in the living God (1 Timothy 6:17).
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:28
28. branch] Rather leaf, R.V. Comp. Genesis 3:7; Psalms 1:3.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:28
Branch - Better, leaf, as in Psalms 1:3; Isaiah 34:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:28
28. Shall fall — Fall off, as a withered leaf from a tree. The Hebrew is emphatic: Himself shall fall. His riches may not fall, but he will if he trusts in them. Compare Matthew 10:24. Flourish as a branch — A leaf.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"Rebuke to Prosperity Preachers" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon challenges the notion of prosperity gospel by questioning why God rebukes those who claim to be rich and increased with goods. It delves into the discrepancy between th |
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The Seven Deadly Sins by Russell DeLong | Russell DeLong preaches about the deadly nature of sin unless repented of and forgiven by God. Sin is any deliberate act against the known will of God, whether vertically against G |
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The Perils of Possessions by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett preaches about the divisive nature of wealth, highlighting how riches can lead to alienation within families and the awakening of hidden vices. Success often bree |
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Alexander Brodie by Alexander Whyte | Alexander Whyte preaches about the life of Alexander Brodie, a man of great intellect and ability, who faced struggles with covetousness and fear of man. Despite his virtues in int |
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A Hound, a Hawk, a Horse, a Harlot by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of valuing worldly possessions and pleasures over the grace of God. He illustrates how many people prioritize their lusts, relationships, honors |
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Vexing, Defiling, Dividing, Ruining by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of earthly riches, warning that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. He illustrates how the pursuit of wealth can lead to spirit |
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De Vitis Patrum, Book Viii by Heribert Rosweyde | Heribert Rosweyde preaches on the lives of holy fathers and wise women who grew in spiritual strength through solitude, serving as examples for those seeking the Kingdom of Heaven. |