Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 21:20

"There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up." — Proverbs 21:20 (ASV)

Spends it up - literally, swallows it. The wise man keeps a store in reserve. He gains uprightly, spends moderately, never exhausts himself. But the proverb may also have a higher application. The wise man stores up all “treasure to be desired” of wisdom, all “oil” of divine influence, which strengthens and refreshes, and so is ready at all times for the work to which the Master calls him. Compare (Matthew 25:1–13).