Proverbs 28:11
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The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
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Success blinds men to truth and wisdom by the pride it creates. Results prove next to nothing, as they can be caused by many contrary factors. A man with wisdom and understanding, no matter how poor, can dissect and condemn a rich fool. Wisdom is the superior possession, and it includes sober skepticism of all ideas, regardless of success.
The rich man in this proverb is a fool - he only thinks he is wise by the conceited value he puts on wealth. He cannot hear the instruction or warnings of wisdom, for he is deaf by a bloated ego from his financial successes (26:16). He arrogantly assumes he is right and his conduct just by what he considers positive results and financial invincibility.
The poor man in this proverb is a wise man - he has understanding. He can look at a rich fool and easily see the vanity of his life. The rich man's wealth, success, or position does not deceive or distract him. He is able to clearly analyze his actions and identify the errors and sins (18:17). Prudence and wisdom are not affected by economic status.
Rich men are generally treated reverently, which deceives them into thinking too highly of themselves (14:20; 19:4). Rich men have many business or financial victories, so they arrogantly conclude they are winners (18:11). But the poor man, without such blinding influences, is able to easily discern the flaws and transgressions of the rich man's life.
Results are deceiving. Moses got water by striking a rock, but God told him to speak to it (Num 20:7-13). You will meet children who seem civilized enough and were never spanked, but their parents are fools (Pr 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15). Men may get rich with speculative ventures built on debt, but they are wrong (13:23; 20:21; 22:7).
Results are deceiving. Consider them well. What appear to be successes may be God merely using you (Is 10:5-15), the curse of prosperity of fools (1:32), incredibly temporary (Ps 36:1-2;50:21), just your limited view of a matter (John 19:15-16), wishful thinking, a placebo effect, or the initial payment of "profits" in a Ponzi scheme!
Gain is not godliness (I Tim 6:3-5). Godliness with contentment is great gain (I Tim 6:6). Do not let riches blind or distort your judgment. Do not envy the wicked for apparent prosperity (Ps 37:1-3;73:1-24). The truly wise man is able to see past appearances and judge righteous judgment (John 7:24). Never let apparent success in any area ever distract you from "thus saith the Lord," for that alone is wisdom! The rich shall soon be laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; they cannot redeem any from death (Ps 49:6-14).
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