One pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. One pretends to be richThe Hebrew word for "pretends" here is "עָשָׁה" (asah), which can mean to act or to make oneself appear in a certain way. This phrase highlights the human tendency to project an image of wealth and success, even when it is not the reality. In ancient times, as today, wealth was often equated with divine favor and social status. The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of pride and the pursuit of material wealth as a means of self-worth. This phrase serves as a caution against the superficiality of appearances and the emptiness of materialism. yet has nothing
The Hebrew word "אַיִן" (ayin) means "nothing" or "non-existence." This phrase underscores the futility of pretending to be something one is not. Despite outward appearances, the person who pretends to be rich may lack true wealth, which in a biblical sense includes spiritual richness, wisdom, and a relationship with God. The verse challenges the reader to consider what constitutes true wealth and to seek treasures that are eternal rather than temporal. another pretends to be poor
Here, the word "pretends" is again "עָשָׁה" (asah), indicating a deliberate choice to appear in a certain way. This phrase suggests humility and wisdom in choosing to live modestly despite having great wealth. In biblical times, humility was a valued trait, and those who were truly wise often chose to live simply. This part of the verse encourages believers to focus on inner richness and to value humility over the ostentation of wealth. yet has great wealth
The Hebrew word for "wealth" is "הוֹן" (hon), which can refer to both material and spiritual riches. This phrase reveals the paradox of true wealth, which is not always visible or measurable by worldly standards. In the biblical context, great wealth is often associated with wisdom, understanding, and a deep relationship with God. This part of the verse invites reflection on the nature of true prosperity, urging believers to seek the riches of God's kingdom, which are far more valuable than earthly possessions. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom and wealth. His insights into human behavior and the value of wisdom are reflected in this verse. 2. Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wealth and poverty were significant social issues, and wisdom literature was a key part of spiritual and moral instruction. 3. The Wise and the FoolishThroughout Proverbs, these archetypes represent those who live according to God's wisdom versus those who reject it. This verse contrasts the wise understanding of true wealth with the foolish pursuit of material riches. Teaching Points True Wealth is SpiritualThe verse highlights the distinction between material wealth and spiritual richness. True wealth is found in a relationship with God and living according to His wisdom. The Deception of AppearancesAppearances can be deceiving. Someone may appear wealthy but lack true fulfillment and peace, while another may seem poor but possess spiritual abundance. Contentment and HumilityEmbrace contentment and humility, recognizing that material wealth is temporary and does not define one's value or success in God's eyes. Stewardship and GenerosityUse whatever resources you have, whether great or small, to serve others and glorify God, reflecting the true wealth of a generous spirit. Self-Reflection and IntegrityExamine your own life for areas where you might be pretending or placing too much value on material wealth. Strive for integrity and authenticity in your walk with God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Proverbs 13:7 challenge our cultural understanding of wealth and success? 2. In what ways can we be tempted to "pretend" in our own lives, and how can we guard against this? 3. How do the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6) relate to the message of Proverbs 13:7? 4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate contentment and focus on spiritual wealth in our daily lives? 5. How can we apply the principle of true wealth in our relationships and community involvement, reflecting God's values rather than societal norms? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Timothy 6:6-10This passage warns against the love of money and emphasizes contentment, echoing the theme of true wealth not being found in material possessions. Matthew 6:19-21Jesus teaches about storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, aligning with the idea that true wealth is spiritual rather than material. James 2:5James speaks of God choosing the poor in the world to be rich in faith, which parallels the concept of having great wealth despite appearing poor. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Abundant, Acting, Feigneth, Maketh, Making, Nothing, Poor, Pretend, Pretendeth, Pretends, Rich, Riches, Seem, Wealth, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 13:7 5920 pretence Proverbs 13:7-8 8812 riches, ungodly use Library The Tillage of the Poor
'Much food is in the tillage of the poor.'--PROVERBS xiii. 23. Palestine was a land of small peasant proprietors, and the institution of the Jubilee was intended to prevent the acquisition of large estates by any Israelite. The consequence, as intended, was a level of modest prosperity. It was 'the tillage of the poor,' the careful, diligent husbandry of the man who had only a little patch of land to look after, that filled the storehouses of the Holy Land. Hence the proverb of our text arose. It …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Poor Rich and the Rich Poor
'There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing; there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.'--PROVERBS xiii. 7. Two singularly-contrasted characters are set in opposition here. One, that of a man who lives like a millionaire and is a pauper; another, that of a man who lives like a pauper and is rich. The latter character, that of a man who hides and hoards his wealth, was, perhaps, more common in the days when this collection of Proverbs was put together, because in all ill-governed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Practical Methods of Studying the Old Testament
[Sidenote: The various methods of approach] The Old Testament may be studied as literature, as history, as the record of an important stage in the evolution of religion, as the revelation of God to the race, or as a practical aid to the individual in living the true life. Each angle of approach calls for different methods and yields its correspondingly rich results. Studied in accordance with the canons of modern literary investigation, a literature is disclosed of surpassing variety, beauty, and …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Song of the Redeemed
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou ... hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation ... T he extent, variety, and order of the creation, proclaim the glory of God. He is likewise, ^* Maximus in Minimis . The smallest of the works, that we are capable of examining, such for instance as the eye or the wing of a little insect, the creature of a day, are stamped with an inimitable impression of His wisdom and power. Thus in His written Word, there …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "And this is his Commandment," &C.
1 John iii. 23.--"And this is his commandment," &c. There are different tempers of mind among men, some more smooth and pliable, others more refractory and froward. Some may be persuaded by love, who cannot be constrained by fear. With some a request will more prevail than a command. Others again are of a harsher disposition. Love and condescension doth rather embolden them, and therefore they must be restrained with the bridle of authority. It would seem that the Lord hath some regard to this in …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Second Sunday after Easter
Text: First Peter 2, 20-25. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance.
The sixth case, that we shall speak a little to, is a deadness, occasioned by the Lord's hiding of himself, who is their life, and "the fountain of life," Ps. xxxvi. 9, and "whose loving-kindness is better than life," Ps. lxiii. 3, and "in whose favour is their life," Ps. xxx. 5. A case, which the frequent complaints of the saints manifest to be rife enough, concerning which we shall, 1. Shew some of the consequences of the Lord's hiding his face, whereby the soul's case will appear. 2. Shew the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory Not," &C.
James iii. 14.--"But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not," &c. It is a common evil of those who hear the gospel, that they are not delivered up to the mould and frame of religion that is holden out in it, but rather bring religion into a mould of their own invention. It was the special commendation of the Romans, that they obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine into which they were delivered, (Rom. vi. 17) that they who were once servants, or slaves of sin, had now …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 13:7 NIVProverbs 13:7 NLTProverbs 13:7 ESVProverbs 13:7 NASBProverbs 13:7 KJV
Proverbs 13:7 Commentaries
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