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

King James Version

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

— Proverbs 21:20, King James Version

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Proverbs 21:20 in Other Translations

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Proverbs 21 — Context

17

He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

18

The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

19

It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

20

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

21

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

22

A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

23

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 21:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 21:20 say?
Proverbs 21:20 in the King James Version reads: “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”
Where is Proverbs 21:20 in the Bible?
Proverbs 21:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 21, verse 20.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 21:20.
What translation should I read Proverbs 21:20 in?
Proverbs 21:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 21:20?
Proverbs 21:20 reads (KJV): “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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