Proverbs 13:7 - Meaning and Application

This truth applies to two areas, our worldly life and our spiritual life.

First, it applies to people’s worldly estate. The world is a great deceiver, and that includes both worldly things and worldly people. “All men are liars” means people often mislead others, whether by words or by outward appearance. Here the proverb points to two sad problems under the sun. Some people are truly poor, but they want to be thought rich, and others think they are rich because of the way they live and spend. They make a big show and live as if they had hidden wealth, when in fact, after debts are paid, they may have very little. This is sinful and shameful. It has ruined many families and brought shame on their profession of religion. People who live above what they really have choose their own pride over God’s providence, his wise care and ordering of life, and the result will match that choice.

Others are truly rich, but they want to be thought poor, and people take them that way because they live stingily and meanly below what God has given them. They would rather hide their wealth than use it (Ecclesiastes 6:1-2). This shows ingratitude toward God, unfairness to family and neighbors, and lack of love toward the poor.

Second, it applies to people’s spiritual state. Grace, God’s gift of saving and strengthening help in the soul, is the soul’s true wealth. It is real riches. Yet people often misstate their condition, either on purpose or because they do not know themselves well. Many proud hypocrites are really poor and empty of grace, yet they either think they are rich and refuse to be corrected, or they claim to be rich and will not admit their poverty. On the other hand, many timid and fearful Christians are spiritually rich and full of grace, yet they think they are poor. They will not be persuaded that they are rich, or at least they will not say so. Their doubts, fears, complaints, and sorrows make them seem poorer than they are. The first mistake ends in ruin. The second brings trouble for the present.