Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 13:11 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. "
Proverbs 13:11
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is with people who take advice.
11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.
13 Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded.
Explore Guided Bible Studies
Structured sessions with notes, questions, and advisor insights
The Beatitudes (5-Day Micro)
A short study on Jesus' blessings and the kingdom way.
Session 1 Preview:
Blessed Are the Humble
6 min
Psalms of Comfort (5-Day Micro)
Short, calming sessions grounded in the Psalms.
Session 1 Preview:
The Shepherd's Care
5 min
Create a free account to save notes, track progress, and unlock all sessions
Create Free AccountBible Guided Commentary
This shows that riches wear out as they are won and used. What is gained in a bad way will never last well, because a curse goes with it and wastes it. The same sinful habits that lead people to gain wealth wrongly also lead them to spend it wrongly. Wealth gotten by empty or vain means will be spent on empty or vain things, and then it will shrink away.
This is true of money made by unlawful work, or by work that does not fit a Christian life, especially if it only feeds pride and luxury. Money gained by gambling or by acting on the stage can be called wealth gotten by vanity, just as much as money gained by cheating and lying, and it too will be diminished. As the old saying goes, ill-gotten wealth is hardly enjoyed even by the third generation.
But what is gained by hard work and honesty will tend to increase rather than decrease. It becomes a support, then an inheritance, then an abundance. The person who works with his hands will increase so that he can give to those in need (Eph. 4:28), and once he reaches that point, his good increase will continue.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 13:1
"A wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke."
Proverbs 13:2
"By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful crave violence."
Proverbs 13:3
"He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin."
Proverbs 13:4
"The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied."
Proverbs 13:5
"A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace."
Proverbs 13:6
"Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner."
Daily Prayer
Get a daily Scripture reflection by email
Start each morning with a verse, a prayer, and a simple next step.
Important Disclaimer: This biblical guidance is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing crisis symptoms, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or seek immediate professional help.
Bible Guided provides faith-based guidance and should complement, not replace, professional therapeutic support.