Proverbs 28:11
Proverbs 28:11 in Multiple Translations
A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
The man of wealth seems to himself to be wise, but the poor man who has sense has a low opinion of him.
The rich see themselves as wise, but poor people with insight see right through them.
The riche man is wise in his owne conceite: but the poore that hath vnderstanding, can trie him.
A rich man is wise in his own eyes, And the intelligent poor searcheth him.
The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor man that hath understanding searcheth him out.
The rich man seemeth to himself wise: but the poor man that is prudent shall search him out.
Many rich people think that they are wise, but poor people who have good sense will find out whether rich people really are wise or not.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:11
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 28:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָכָ֣ם
בְּ֭/עֵינָי/ו
אִ֣ישׁ
עָשִׁ֑יר
וְ/דַ֖ל
מֵבִ֣ין
יַחְקְרֶֽ/נּוּ
חָכָ֣ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
בְּ֭/עֵינָי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
עָשִׁ֑יר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
rich
Adj
וְ/דַ֖ל
dal
H1800
poor
Conj | Adj
מֵבִ֣ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Hiphil
יַחְקְרֶֽ/נּוּ
châqar
H2713
to search
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:11
חָכָ֣ם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
בְּ֭/עֵינָי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
עָשִׁ֑יר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
"rich"
Adj
In the Bible, the Hebrew word for 'rich' describes someone with wealth or noble status. It is used to describe people who are wealthy, like the rich man in certain parables. The word is often translated as 'rich' in English Bibles.
Definition: adj 1) rich, wealthy n 2) the rich, the wealthy, rich man
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: rich (man). See also: Exodus 30:15; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 45:13.
וְ/דַ֖ל
dal
H1800
"poor"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
מֵבִ֣ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Hiphil
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
יַחְקְרֶֽ/נּוּ
châqar
H2713
"to search"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to search or examine something closely, like trying to find out the truth. It is used in the Bible to describe seeking out knowledge or wisdom, and is often translated as search or seek out.
Definition: 1) to search, search for, search out, examine, investigate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search (for) 1a2) to search through, explore 1a3) to examine thoroughly 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be searched out, be found out, be ascertained, be examined 1c) (Piel) to search out, seek out
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: find out, (make) search (out), seek (out), sound, try. See also: Deuteronomy 13:15; Psalms 44:22; Psalms 139:1.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:11
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:11
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:11
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:11
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
9Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
10He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.
11A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. 13He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 18:17 | The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 9:15–17 | Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. |
| 3 | Proverbs 26:16 | The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. |
| 4 | Romans 12:16 | Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 3:18–19 | Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” |
| 6 | Luke 16:13–14 | No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all of this and were scoffing at Jesus. |
| 7 | Proverbs 19:1 | Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse. |
| 8 | Proverbs 18:11 | A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination. |
| 9 | Proverbs 26:5 | Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes. |
| 10 | Isaiah 10:13–14 | For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers. My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’” |
Proverbs 28:11 Summary
[This verse teaches us that just because someone is rich, it doesn't mean they are wise or have all the answers. In fact, sometimes wealthy people can be deceived into thinking they know it all, as warned in Proverbs 28:11. On the other hand, someone who is poor but has discernment can see right through the pride and arrogance of the wealthy, and this is a reminder to us to stay humble and seek God's wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-8. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's ways and live a more meaningful life.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'wise in one's own eyes'?
To be wise in one's own eyes, as mentioned in Proverbs 28:11, means to have a self-deceived confidence in one's own understanding and abilities, often leading to a lack of humility and a failure to seek God's wisdom, as warned in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 5:21
Is being rich necessarily a bad thing according to this verse?
No, being rich is not inherently bad; however, Proverbs 28:11 highlights the danger of allowing wealth to lead to pride and a false sense of self-sufficiency, as also cautioned in 1 Timothy 6:10 and Psalm 52:7
What is meant by 'a poor man with discernment'?
A poor man with discernment, as described in Proverbs 28:11, refers to someone who, despite their lack of material wealth, possesses spiritual insight and wisdom, often gained through humility and a dependence on God, as seen in Proverbs 19:1 and Matthew 5:3
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply Proverbs 28:11 by recognizing the potential pitfalls of wealth and pride, and instead, seeking to cultivate humility and discernment, as encouraged in James 1:5-8 and Proverbs 2:1-6, and by being mindful of our own limitations and the importance of seeking God's wisdom
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I be 'wise in my own eyes' without even realizing it, and how can I humbly seek God's wisdom instead?
- How can I balance my desire for financial security with the need for spiritual discernment and dependence on God?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be relying on my own understanding, rather than seeking God's guidance, and how can I adjust my approach?
- In what ways can I use my resources, whether financial or otherwise, to serve and bless others, rather than simply pursuing my own interests?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:11
The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit,.... Ascribing his getting riches to his great sagacity, wisdom, and prudence; and being flattered with it by dependents on him; but the poor that hath
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:11
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:11
Is wise in his own conceit; thinks himself to be wise when he is not, being puffed up with the opinion of his riches, which also he imputes to his own wisdom, and with the admirations and applauses of flatterers, which commonly attend upon them. Searcheth him out; knoweth him better than he knoweth himself; and, looking through all his pomp and vain show, he sees him to be what indeed he is, a foolish and miserable man, notwithstanding all his riches, and discovers the folly of his words and actions.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:11
Proverbs 28:11 The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.Ver. 11. The rich man is wise in his own conceit.] He sacrificeth to himself, as Sejanus did; to his "drag and net," as the Babylonians did; he thanks his wit for his wealth, and takes upon him as if there were none such. Like Isis her ass, that had gone so oft to the temple of that goddess, that at length she thought herself worshipful. Every grain of riches hath a vermin of pride and self-conceit in it, and a very small wind will blow up a bubble. But the poor that hath understanding.] That is, Well versed in the bigger volume of God’ s word, and in the lesser volume of his own heart - which is better to him than any expositor, for the right understanding of the Scriptures; this poor wise man searcheth him out, finds the rich man’ s folly, and if need be tells him of it, giving him a right character of himself. Sed divitibus fere ideo talis amicus deest, quia nihil deest. Seianus sibi sacrificabat. - Dio.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:11
(11) The rich man is wise in his own conceit.—For the blinding effect of wealth comp. Revelation 3:17.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:11
11. searcheth him out] sees through him, as we should say, “Bene novit, neutiquam, ut Euripidis utamur dicto, τὸνεὐτυχοῦνταπάντʼ ? ἐπίστασθαικαλῶς,” Maurer.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:11
Wealth blunts, poverty sharpens, the critical power of intellect.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:11
11. Rich… conceit — Riches sometimes gives a man an overweening opinion of his own wisdom. A man of intelligence, though poor, easily sees through him, and can easily expose his pretensions.
Sermons on Proverbs 28:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Commit by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of committal and trusting in God's plan. He uses the example of Paul and the sailors in the book of Acts who were caught in a viol |
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Evangelizing the Western Mindset - Part 1 by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the world of apologetics, exploring the defense and evidences of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the need for a rational, historical, and objective faith |
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The Fine Art of Getting Along by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of involving everyone in conversations and drawing them out from the sidelines. He uses the example of Jesus always having tim |
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Sin in the Camp - Part 3 by Shane Idleman | This sermon delves into the topic of confronting sin within the church community, emphasizing the importance of addressing unrepentant hearts that embrace a consistent pattern of s |
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Characteristics of Revivals by Richard M. Riss | Historian Richard Riss delves into the misrepresentations surrounding revivals, emphasizing how false reports and negative attitudes hinder people from experiencing the forgiveness |
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(Proverbs) ch.26:11 - 27:17 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the various excuses that people make for not fulfilling their duties. He uses the example of a lazy man who uses the excuse of a lion in the |
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A New Attitude Towards People by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the transformation believers undergo when they accept Christ, becoming new creations and living differently from the world's patterns. It delves into the imp |