Proverbs 28:11

“The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit, etc.] Ascribing his getting riches to his great sagacity, wisdom, and prudence; and being flattered with it by dependents on him; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out: a man of good understanding, whether in things natural, civil, moral, or spiritual, though poor, as a man may be poor and yet a wise man; such an one, when he comes into company with a rich man, wise in his own conceit, he soon by conversation with him finds him out to be a very foolish man, and exposes him as one; for riches are not always to men of understanding, or all that have them are not such; and better is a poor wise man than even a foolish king; (see…”

“A poor but wise man can discover (and expose) the rich and self-conceited.”

“Wealth blunts, poverty sharpens, the critical power of intellect. return to 'Top of Page'”

“rich: Pro 18:11, Pro 23:4; Isa 10:13, Isa 10:14; Eze 28:3-5; Luk 16:13, Luk 16:14; Co1 3:18, Co1 3:19; Ti1 6:17 his own conceit: Heb. his eyes, Pro 26:16; Isa 5:21; Rom 11:25, Rom 12:16 the poor: Pro 18:17, Pro 19:1; Job 32:9; Ecc 9:15-17 Proverbs 28:12”

“11 A rich man deems himself wise; But a poor man that hath understanding searcheth him out, or, as we have translated, Pro 18:17, goes to the bottom of him, whereby is probably thought of the case that he seeks to use him as a means to an ignoble end. The rich man appears in his own eyes to be a wise man, i.e., in his self-delusion he thinks that he is so; but if he has anything to do with a poor man who has intelligence, then he is seen through by him. Wisdom is a gift not depending on any earthly possession. Proverbs 28:12”