What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:15 – “The wealth of a rich man is his fortress of strength; the ruination (or terror) of poor men is their poverty.”

The simple meaning of the verse is that a man’s wealth can be a buffer against troubles. Things that would be disastrous for a poor man are no problem for him, he can often take care of them with a check. Furthermore, he feels safer, because he knows that his situation is less precarious.

Like any verse in Proverbs, the verse has many deeper meanings also. The same idea is true about spiritual growth and wealth. Someone who is “poor”, who has not gathered to himself wisdom or good character, is in a precarious position. Even if he usually behaves in a reasonably correct manner, if troubles or temptation come his way he doesn’t have the resources to stand up to them. Even what he has he may not be able to keep. Whereas, if someone has grown and gained in spiritual measures, his character acts as a safety net. Setbacks are not disasters, and he can recover and even grow from them.

Best wishes,
Michoel Reach