“non enim habebis jugiter potestatem, sed corona tribuetur in generationem et generationem.”
“For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? riches: Heb. strength to: Heb. to generation and generation?”
“for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation.”
“for riches are not forever, nor does the crown endure to all generations.”
“For riches are not for ever: And doth the crown endure unto all generations?”
Generation. Thou wilt be cited as an example of prudence, if thou hast forseen the change of thy affairs, and provided for it. In the east it was not unusual to see a general of an army reduced to the meanest condition, and economy is necessary for all.
1. The uncertainty of worldly wealth (v. 24): Riches are not for ever. (1.) Other riches are not so durable as these are: "Look well to thy flocks and herds, thy estate in the country and the stock upon that, for these are staple commodities, which, in a succession, will be for ever, whereas riches in trade and merchandise will not be so; the crown itself may perhaps not be so sure to thy family as thy flocks and herds." (2.) Even these riches will go to decay if they be not well looked after. If a man had an abbey (as we say), and were slothful and wasteful, he might make an end of it. Even the crown and the revenues of it, if care be not taken, will suffer damage, nor will it continue to every generation without very good management. Though David had the crown entailed on his family, yet he looked well to his flocks, 1 Chron 27 29, 31.