Proverbs 13:7

KJV

¶ There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is] that maketh himself poor, yet [hath] great riches.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There are those with nothing who pretend they are rich, also those with great wealth who pretend they are poor.

Berean Standard Bible

One pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

American Standard Version

There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great wealth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 13:7 presents a profound paradox concerning the nature of wealth, challenging superficial perceptions by contrasting outward appearance with inner reality. It reveals that one who strives to appear rich may possess nothing of true value, while another who embraces a humble or modest existence may, in fact, be endowed with immeasurable and enduring riches, urging readers to discern true value beyond material possessions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 13:7 is a quintessential example of **antithetical parallelism**, a hallmark literary device throughout the Book of Proverbs. This structure sets two contrasting ideas or statements against each other to illuminate a deeper truth, often highlighting the distinction between the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. In this chapter, wisdom and folly are frequently contrasted, with wisdom leading to life and prosperity (not always material) and folly to ruin. The verse fits seamlessly into the broader discourse of [Proverbs 13](/proverbs/13 "Proverbs 13 - Wisdom and Folly"), which repeatedly emphasizes the value of integrity, diligence, and righteous living over fleeting or ill-gotten gains. For instance, [Proverbs 13:11](/proverbs/13-11 "Proverbs 13:11 - Wealth Gained Dishonestly") warns against wealth gained quickly, stating it "will dwindle," while wealth gathered slowly "increases." This sets the stage for understanding true wealth as something built on character and divine favor, not just accumulation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, wealth was often perceived as a sign of divine blessing, while poverty could be seen as a consequence of sin or folly. However, the wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, frequently nuanced this perspective, challenging simplistic correlations. True prosperity was understood not merely as an abundance of land, livestock, or silver, but also as a life characterized by integrity, wisdom, and a right relationship with God and community. The concept of "making oneself rich" could imply a person who gained wealth through dishonest means, exploitation, or by living beyond their means to maintain a facade, which would have been culturally frowned upon within a community valuing honesty and mutual support. Conversely, "making oneself poor" might refer to one who lives simply, is generous, or perhaps endures hardship for righteousness' sake, embodying a counter-cultural understanding of true value.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several core themes central to biblical wisdom. The most prominent is the stark **contrast between appearance and reality**. It exposes the deception inherent in valuing superficial wealth over genuine substance, whether that substance be moral character, spiritual well-being, or inner peace. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, reminding us that God "looks at the heart" rather than outward appearance, as seen in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"). Closely related is the theme of **true riches**, which the proverb redefines. It implies that authentic wealth transcends material possessions, encompassing spiritual treasures, moral integrity, contentment, and a right standing before God. This aligns with Jesus' teaching to [store up treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven") rather than on earth, where they are subject to decay. Finally, the proverb touches on **integrity and deception**. The phrase "maketh himself rich" can suggest pretense, dishonesty, or a self-centered pursuit of gain, while "maketh himself poor" implies humility, contentment, or even generosity, where true wealth is found in character and spirit, not outward show.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rich (Hebrew, _ʻâshar'_):** From H6238, a primitive root meaning "to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich." In the Hithpael stem (reflexive), as implied in the KJV's "maketh himself rich," it conveys the sense of actively striving to become rich, often with the nuance of self-enrichment or even a pretentious display of wealth. This suggests a deliberate effort to project an image of affluence, which may or may not be genuinely rooted in substance.
* **poor (Hebrew, _rûwsh'_):** From H7326, a primitive root meaning "to be destitute; lack, needy, (make self) poor (man)." Similar to "rich," the reflexive sense in "maketh himself poor" implies a deliberate act of self-impoverishment or choosing a modest, humble lifestyle. This can refer to someone who is genuinely humble, content with little, or perhaps so generous that they appear to have little, yet their true wealth lies in their character and spiritual abundance.
* **riches (Hebrew, _hôwn'_):** From H1952, meaning "wealth; by implication, enough; riches, substance, wealth." This word appears twice in the verse. In the first clause, the one who "maketh himself rich" "hath nothing," implying a lack of true *hôwn*. In the second clause, the one who "maketh himself poor" "hath great *hôwn*," indicating a profound abundance of true, enduring wealth. The proverb thus redefines what constitutes genuine "riches."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing":** This clause describes an individual who actively cultivates an outward appearance of wealth or strives to acquire riches, perhaps through dishonest means, excessive debt, or mere pretense. Despite their efforts or outward display, they possess no true substance. This "nothing" refers not merely to a lack of material goods but, more profoundly, to an absence of integrity, inner peace, spiritual well-being, or genuine contentment. Their perceived wealth is a facade, leaving them spiritually, morally, or relationally bankrupt.
* **"there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches":** This contrasting clause portrays an individual who either lives a genuinely humble and modest life, is content with little, or perhaps is so generous and self-sacrificing that they appear to lack material possessions. Yet, this person possesses "great riches." These are not material but are treasures of wisdom, character, integrity, spiritual blessings, contentment, and a rich relationship with God and others. Their true abundance is hidden from superficial observation but is deeply profound and enduring.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 13:7 masterfully employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a foundational literary structure in wisdom literature. This device sets two contrasting statements or ideas in parallel to highlight a truth, creating a sharp distinction between them. Here, the "maketh himself rich" (with nothing) is directly contrasted with the "maketh himself poor" (with great riches), emphasizing the deceptive nature of outward appearances. Furthermore, the verse is a powerful **Paradox**. A paradox is a seemingly contradictory statement that, upon closer examination, reveals a deeper truth. It seems illogical that someone who appears rich has nothing, and someone who appears poor has great riches. However, the proverb challenges conventional notions of wealth, revealing that true value lies beyond the material. This creates a profound **Irony**, where the expected outcome (rich person has much, poor person has little) is inverted, underscoring the spiritual and moral dimensions of genuine prosperity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true prosperity and the deceptive allure of materialism. It underscores a fundamental biblical principle: God's valuation of a person is based on the heart and character, not on outward display or material accumulation. It challenges the worldly pursuit of wealth for its own sake, suggesting that such a pursuit, if devoid of integrity and spiritual substance, ultimately leads to emptiness. Conversely, it elevates humility, contentment, and spiritual richness as the true indicators of a blessed life, aligning with the divine perspective that often inverts human standards of success. The "great riches" are those that endure beyond earthly life, representing an eternal inheritance and a life lived in accordance with God's wisdom.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [1 Timothy 6:6-10](/1_timothy/6-6 "1 Timothy 6:6-10 - Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain")
* [Luke 12:15-21](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 13:7 is a timeless mirror, inviting us to critically examine our own values and pursuits. In a world often obsessed with external markers of success – financial status, possessions, and outward appearances – this proverb calls us to look deeper, challenging us to discern what truly constitutes "riches." It warns against the spiritual emptiness that can accompany a life devoted to accumulating material wealth or maintaining a facade of prosperity, reminding us that such pursuits often leave one with "nothing" of eternal value. Conversely, it celebrates the profound abundance found in humility, integrity, contentment, and spiritual wealth. This means prioritizing character over cash, wisdom over worldly accolades, and genuine relationships over fleeting gains. It encourages us to cultivate an inner life rich in faith, love, and purpose, recognizing that true security and fulfillment come not from what we possess, but from who we are in Christ and what we invest in eternity. Embracing this truth frees us from the endless cycle of comparison and striving, allowing us to live authentically, generously, and truly rich in the sight of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "making myself rich" in outward appearance, yet lacking true substance or inner peace?**
* **What "great riches" (non-material blessings such as relationships, character, spiritual growth, or contentment) do I possess that I might be overlooking or undervaluing?**
* **How does this proverb challenge my cultural understanding of success, prosperity, and what it means to be truly wealthy?**

### FAQ

**Does this proverb condemn all wealth or striving for financial stability?**

Answer: No, this proverb does not condemn wealth itself or the pursuit of financial stability. Instead, it challenges the *source*, *purpose*, and *display* of wealth, as well as the heart attitude associated with it. The Bible acknowledges that God can bless people with material prosperity ([Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth")) and encourages diligence in work ([Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligent Hands Bring Wealth")). The warning is against wealth gained through dishonesty or pretense ("maketh himself rich") and against making material possessions the ultimate measure of value. True wealth, as defined by this proverb, is internal and spiritual, not merely external.

**What are the "great riches" implied in the second part of the verse?**

Answer: The "great riches" refer to non-material treasures that possess lasting value and bring genuine fulfillment. These include wisdom, integrity, a good name, contentment, peace of mind, strong relationships, and above all, spiritual blessings and a right relationship with God. These are the "treasures in heaven" that cannot be stolen or destroyed ([Matthew 6:19-20](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-20 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). Such riches are often characteristic of those who live humbly and righteously, valuing spiritual substance over worldly show, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 8:11](/proverbs/8-11 "Proverbs 8:11 - Wisdom is More Precious Than Jewels") which states that wisdom is more precious than jewels.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 13:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who "made himself poor, yet had great riches." Though He existed in the very form of God, possessing infinite divine glory and unsearchable riches, He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). The incarnation itself was an act of profound self-impoverishment, where the Creator entered His creation in humility, born in a manger, living a life without a permanent home ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). Yet, in this "poverty," He possessed the "great riches" of perfect righteousness, divine wisdom, and the full authority of the Kingdom of God. His life and teachings consistently redefined true wealth, emphasizing spiritual treasures over material ones, as exemplified in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount"). Through His ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross, He became "poor" for our sake, so that "by his poverty we might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ Became Poor for Our Sake")). The "great riches" we receive in Christ are not earthly but heavenly: forgiveness of sins, adoption as children of God, an inheritance in glory, and the unsearchable riches of His grace ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Riches of His Grace"); [Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - Unsearchable Riches of Christ")). Thus, Jesus perfectly embodies the paradox, revealing that true abundance is found not in outward display, but in humble, self-giving love that leads to eternal life and an everlasting kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.