Again, lots of wisdom in this chapter, but I'll focus on these two verses because I did not connect them until this morning:
Pro 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
Pro 18:11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
My Pulpit Commentary points out the repetition of the "source of safety" imagery in verses 10 to 11. Although "strong tower" and "strong city" are not identical, they are similar and create a contrast in how these men find security and protection. One man finds security in the name of the Lord, His name encompassing all His character and being. The other man finds security in his possessions and wealth.
I find "and like a high wall his imagination" noteworthy too because it grants insight into the fragile psyche of some rich people I've known. The ease of wealth leaves some people with a distorted view of their self-sufficiency. When they trust in the "high wall in [their] imagination," they lose sight of the limitations of their wealth and their own mortality. Wealth itself is not evil, but it can create a dangerous dynamic. A different commentator brought up the parable of the rich man and Lazarus and the story of the Pharisee and the Publican (tax collector) praying in the temple together. Wealth, like all other gifts, can be used poorly and become a handicap.
xoxo
Mom
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