Proverbs 11:28

Proverbs 11:28 Meaning and Explanation

He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

King James Version (KJV)

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Those who trust in wealth stumble; the righteous flourish like a green branch.

The Context of Proverbs 11:28

The futility of wealth-based security and the flourishing of the righteous.

What Does Proverbs 11:28 Mean?

Trust in riches is a fundamental error. To make wealth the foundation of security and hope is to build on something unstable. Riches can be lost, stolen, or rendered worthless; they cannot sustain life when it truly matters. The rich fool falls.

The righteous, by contrast, do not trust in riches but in integrity and character. They flourish like a branch—living, growing, fruitful, and sustained by connection to a deeper root. Their stability is not in possessions but in their relationship to what is true.

Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 11:28

What does Proverbs 11:28 mean?

Those who trust in wealth stumble; the righteous flourish like a green branch.

What is the context of Proverbs 11:28?

The futility of wealth-based security and the flourishing of the righteous.

Keep Studying Proverbs 11

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.