Proverbs 13:7
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
Original Language Analysis
יֵ֣שׁ
There is
H3426
יֵ֣שׁ
There is
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
1 of 7
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
מִ֭תְעַשֵּׁר
that maketh himself rich
H6238
מִ֭תְעַשֵּׁר
that maketh himself rich
Strong's:
H6238
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
כֹּ֑ל
yet
H3605
כֹּ֑ל
yet
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Revelation 3:17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:Proverbs 12:9He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.Proverbs 11:24There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.2 Corinthians 4:7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.2 Corinthians 6:10As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.Proverbs 13:11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.2 Peter 2:19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.Luke 12:21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Historical Context
Reflects ancient society's class distinctions and status symbols. Some impoverished themselves maintaining appearances; some wealthy lived modestly. The proverb values substance over show.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you sacrificing genuine wealth for appearance of prosperity?
- How much of your resources go toward displaying wealth versus building actual security?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
There is that makes himself rich, yet has nothing; there is that makes himself poor, yet has great riches. Appearances deceive - some feign wealth while actually poor; some appear poor while actually rich. The verse warns against trusting outward appearance versus reality. True wealth isn't displayed possessions but genuine resources. Some sacrifice true riches for appearance of wealth; others possess true wealth without display.