Proverbs 21:6
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
Original Language Analysis
בִּלְשׁ֣וֹן
tongue
H3956
בִּלְשׁ֣וֹן
tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
3 of 8
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
שָׁ֑קֶר
by a lying
H8267
שָׁ֑קֶר
by a lying
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
4 of 8
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
הֶ֥בֶל
is a vanity
H1892
הֶ֥בֶל
is a vanity
Strong's:
H1892
Word #:
5 of 8
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
Cross References
Proverbs 10:2Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.Proverbs 13:11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.Proverbs 20:21An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.Proverbs 8:36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.Jeremiah 17:11As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.
Historical Context
Ancient merchants could easily deceive in transactions using false weights, misrepresenting goods, or breaking agreements. Such dishonesty might bring short-term wealth but led to loss of reputation, legal consequences, and God's curse.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you been tempted to gain financially through deception or dishonesty?
- How does understanding wealth's vanity when gained wrongly affect your economic ethics?
- What does it mean practically to prioritize righteousness over financial gain?
Analysis & Commentary
Wealth gained 'by a lying tongue' is 'a vanity tossed to and fro' and pursued by 'them that seek death.' The Hebrew 'hebel' (vanity) means vapor or breath—insubstantial and fleeting. Ill-gotten gains provide no real security. The phrase 'tossed to and fro' (Hebrew 'niddaph'—driven, scattered) suggests instability. Seeking wealth through lies ultimately seeks death—both physical and spiritual. Reformed theology recognizes that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Dishonest wealth cannot satisfy and leads to destruction.