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: King James Version
" Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. "
Proverbs 13:11
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
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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.
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From This Chapter
Proverbs 13:1
"A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke."
Proverbs 13:2
"A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence."
Proverbs 13:3
"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."
Proverbs 13:4
"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat."
Proverbs 13:5
"A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame."
Proverbs 13:6
"Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner."
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