A wall too high to scale
Proverbs 18:11 - Solomon points out that riches provide an exaggerated sense of security, and suggests that placing one’s trust in God as provider and protector ensures the true security we all seek.
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“The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.”
Proverbs 18:11 NIV
I am thanking the Lord for selecting a short verse for me today, as I am quite worn out after driving a great distance! The verse is from that great treasure of biblical wisdom, Proverbs (click the link to read other Heaven On Wheels devotionals from the Book of Proverbs).
Today’s verse begins by comparing “The wealth of the rich” with a “fortified city”. At the time the Proverbs were written (by King Solomon and others), cities were often surrounded by stone walls as protection against invaders, so a fortified city represented security and a stronghold against the worst things that could possibly happen.
With that context in mind, it’s easy to see that Solomon is saying that the rich believe their wealth offers security. That’s not the case, sadly. In the 20th century many of the wealthiest people on the planet lost everything in the October, 1929 stock market crash. Some very rich people — including John Jacob Astor IV (a real estate developer and businessman), Isidor Straus (co-owner of the Macy’s department stores), and mining magnate Benjamin Guggenheim — died along with almost 1,500 other souls the night of April 14-15, 1912 when the RMS Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg. Their wealth didn’t save them from the icy waters of the North Atlantic ocean.
This proverb contrasts those who trust in wealth alone versus those who are righteous and seek their security in God. Enduring Word cites John Trapp, who said:
i. Such a man who trusts in his own riches has no refuge when they fail. “A wicked man beaten out of earthly comforts is as a naked man in a storm, and an unarmed man in the field, or a ship tossed in the sea without an anchor, which presently dasheth upon rocks, or falleth upon quicksands.” (Trapp)
Those who put their trust only in riches see their wealth as providing security that “they imagine” is “a wall too high to scale.” Solomon is suggesting that a rich man’s confidence in the security provided by his wealth is more perception than reality. Again from Enduring Word, a quote from Duane Garrett:
i. “Wealth does afford a measure of protection, but the danger of wealth is precisely that it gives its possessor the illusion of greater security than it can provide.” (Garrett)
Putting one’s trust in riches alone is a form of idolatry that can deceive the wealthy. I am reminded of Proverbs 23:5, which says “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” Jesus reminded us that the wealthy are sometimes spiritually blinded by their riches when He related the parable of the rich fool to His disciples in Luke 12:16-21.
Jesus reiterated the lesson of the transient nature of material wealth in Matthew 6:19-21, when He said:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Solomon isn’t saying that there is anything inherently “wrong” or “evil” about being wealthy; in fact, he is considered to have been one of the most wealthy men in human history! He is simply pointing out that riches provide an exaggerated sense of security, and suggesting that placing one’s trust in God as provider and protector ensures the true security we all seek.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I thank You for the wisdom imparted to generations through the Proverbs You inspired King Solomon to write. This wisdom has taught me to recognize that true security is not the product of accumulating wealth or material possessions, but is found in You alone. Continue to build my faith in Your provision, protection, and guidance so that I do not rely only on my own resources. May I see beyond wealth and instead seek a rich and trusting relationship with You. AMEN.