Exposition of Proverbs 13:7 and Its Application to Wealth
Proverbs 13:7 states, "There is who is making himself rich, and hath nothing, Who is making himself poor, and wealth is abundant" [1]. This verse highlights the contrast between appearance and reality in terms of wealth and poverty.
The literary context of Proverbs 13:7 is a collection of wisdom sayings that offer guidance on how to live a virtuous life. The surrounding verses discuss the consequences of various actions, such as the outcomes of diligence versus laziness (Proverbs 13:4) and the importance of seeking guidance (Proverbs 13:10). The chapter as a whole presents a series of antitheses, contrasting the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked [1].
The historical setting of Proverbs is generally understood to be ancient Israel, with the book being compiled over a period of time. The exact date and authorship are uncertain, but it is attributed to Solomon, who is said to have written many of the proverbs [1].
The key terms in Proverbs 13:7 are "rich" and "poor," which are contrasted with the actual state of having "nothing" or having "wealth." The verse is highlighting the disparity between appearance and reality. Rashi, a Jewish commentator, offers multiple interpretations of this verse, including that it refers to individuals who feign wealth or poverty, or those who undergo a transformation from one state to another [4].
The major exegetical decision in interpreting Proverbs 13:7 revolves around understanding the nature of the contrast presented. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown suggest that the verse is highlighting hypocritical behavior, where individuals act in ways that are contrary to their true financial state for the sake of gain [3]. This interpretation is supported by other proverbs that discuss the influence of wealth and the nature of true riches [2].
The range of interpretations for Proverbs 13:7 includes understanding it as a commentary on the fleeting nature of wealth and the importance of not being deceived by appearances. According to Rashi, the verse can also be seen as referring to the ultimate fate of those who accumulate wealth unjustly versus those who give to the poor [4]. Matthew Henry interprets similar language in Proverbs 13:11 as indicating that wealth gained through vanity will be spent on vanity, highlighting the ephemeral nature of ill-gotten gains [5].
This passage has functioned in tradition as a warning against the deceptive nature of wealth and the importance of living a life that is not focused on material riches. It has been used to encourage contentment and to caution against the extremes of poverty and wealth [6]. The themes presented in Proverbs 13:7 continue to be relevant in discussions about the nature of true wealth and the appropriate attitude towards material possessions.
Sources
- Proverbs “Proverbs 13:7 (YLT) — There is who is making himself rich, and hath nothing, Who is making himself poor, and wealth <FI>is<Fi> abundant.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Riches — The true riches -- Eph 3:8; 1Co 1:30; Col 2:3; 1Pe 2:7. God gives -- 1Sa 2:7; Ec 5:19. To God belongs this world's riches -- Hag 2:8. God gives power to obtain -- De 8:18. The blessing of the Lord brings -- Pr 10:22. Give worldly power -- Pr 22:7. Described as Temporary. -- Pr 27:24. Uncertain. -- 1Ti 6:17. Unsatisfying. -- Ec 4:8; 5:10. Corruptible. -- Jas 5:2; 1Pe 1:18. Fleeting. -- Pr 23:5; Re 18:16,17. Deceitful. -- Mt 13:22. Liable to be stolen. -- Mt 6:19. Perishable. -- Jer 48:36. Thick clay. -- Hab 2:6. Often an obstruction to the reception of the go”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 13:7: In opposite ways men act hypocritically for gain of honor or wealth.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Proverbs 13:7: There is one who feigns riches He shows himself to be rich. Another explanation: There is a man who becomes rich in the end but has nothing in the beginning, and there is one who comes to poverty from great riches. Another explanation: There is one who becomes wealthy by robbing the poor, but in the end he has nothing, and there is one who becomes poor by scattering his money and giving it to the poor, but great wealth is in store for him.”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 13:11: This shows that riches wear as they are won and woven. 1. That which is won ill will never wear well, for a curse attends it which will waste it, and the same corrupt dispositions which incline men to the sinful ways of getting well incline them to the like sinful ways of spending: Wealth gotten by vanity will be bestowed upon vanity, and then it will be diminished. That which is got by such employments as are not lawful, or not becoming Christians, such as only serve to feed pride and luxury, that which is got by gaming or by the stage, may as truly be said to”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:7: A prayer for exemption from wickedness, and the extremes of poverty and riches, the two things mentioned. Contentment is implied as desired.”