¶ There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is] that maketh himself poor, yet [hath] great riches.
There is {H3426} that maketh himself rich {H6238}, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor {H7326}, yet {H3605} hath great {H7227} riches {H1952}.
There are those with nothing who pretend they are rich, also those with great wealth who pretend they are poor.
One pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great wealth.
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Revelation 3:17
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: -
Proverbs 11:24
¶ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty. -
Luke 18:11
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. -
Luke 18:14
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. -
Proverbs 12:9
¶ [He that is] despised, and hath a servant, [is] better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. -
2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. -
2 Corinthians 6:10
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.
Proverbs 13:7 presents a profound paradox concerning wealth, challenging the superficial understanding of riches and poverty. It distinguishes between outward appearance and inner reality, urging readers to look beyond material possessions to discern true value.
Context
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient wisdom sayings, offering practical guidance for living a righteous and flourishing life. Often, it employs antithetical parallelism, where two contrasting ideas are set against each other to highlight a truth. This verse is a classic example, contrasting a deceptive outward display with a hidden, profound reality. It fits within the broader theme of Proverbs that emphasizes the importance of integrity, wisdom, and character over fleeting material gain.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew term for "maketh himself rich" is mit'asher (מִתְעַשֵּׁר), which is a reflexive verb, meaning one "enriches oneself." This can carry the nuance of actively striving for wealth, often with an emphasis on pretense or a superficial display. It suggests a self-centered pursuit of riches. On the other hand, "maketh himself poor" is mitroshesh (מִתְרוֹשֵׁשׁ), also reflexive, implying one "impoverishes oneself" or "makes oneself poor." This could refer to someone who chooses a modest lifestyle, is genuinely humble, or perhaps is so generous that they appear to have little, yet possess true, unseen abundance.
Practical Application
Proverbs 13:7 serves as a powerful reminder for self-reflection and a warning against materialism: