Proverbs 1:13
We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
נִמְצָ֑א
We shall find
H4672
נִמְצָ֑א
We shall find
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
נְמַלֵּ֖א
we shall fill
H4390
נְמַלֵּ֖א
we shall fill
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
5 of 7
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern economies were largely subsistence-based; sudden wealth through plunder represented transformative opportunity. 'Precious substance' included gold, silver, garments, and valuable trade goods. 'Spoil' refers to plunder from violent robbery. Solomon, having tested wealth's promises, warns that ill-gotten gain destroys rather than satisfies. His royal perspective lends authority to this warning against materialism.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of 'all precious substance' reveal covetousness' lie that material wealth brings ultimate satisfaction?
- What does the appeal to 'fill our houses' teach us about consumerism's empty promise that accumulation produces contentment?
Analysis & Commentary
The enticement's promise: 'We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil.' Greed appeals through materialism's false promise—wealth will satisfy and security will follow. The emphasis on 'all' and 'fill' reveals covetousness' illusion of ultimate satisfaction through accumulation. Yet Ecclesiastes declares such pursuits vanity. Only God satisfies the human heart; material 'precious substance' proves empty. This temptation continues: prosperity gospel and get-rich-quick schemes exploit the same fallen desire.