Proverbs 13:11
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just contrast quick riches with slow accumulation; it highlights that "vanity" itself is the source of wealth that vanishes. This "vanity" can mean dishonest schemes, speculative risks, or any method that feels hollow and disconnected from genuine, steady effort, emphasizing the instability inherent in ill-gotten gains.
This proverb contrasts two paths to wealth: one gained quickly through dishonest or speculative means, and the other built slowly through diligent, honest work. It fits within the larger wisdom literature of Proverbs that consistently warns against deceit and laziness, promoting instead integrity and perseverance. The verses immediately following will continue to explore the dangers of quick riches and the blessings of faithfulness in smaller, consistent efforts.
Ever seen someone come into a lot of money quickly, only to lose it just as fast? This verse unpacks why that happens.
The Bible contrasts two ways of acquiring wealth: one is 'by vanity,' and the other is 'by labor.'
What Does 'Vanity' Mean Here?
'Vanity' in this context doesn't just mean being conceited. It refers to wealth gained through methods that are:
Wealth acquired this way is compared to 'a breath' – it's insubstantial and easily blown away. It often doesn't last because the same character flaws that led to acquiring it through questionable means can lead to squandering it just as quickly.
The world often chases quick wins, but wisdom points to a slower, more sustainable path to abundance.
The counterpoint to 'vanity' is 'labor.' This isn't just about hard physical work; it's about diligent, honest effort.
The Power of Diligent Gathering
Understand the original words
hôn · Hebrew Noun
Refers to material possessions, abundance, or prosperity. In Scripture, wealth is often viewed as a gift from God, though it carries significant moral dangers regarding greed and trust.
This passage echoes the idea that wealth obtained unjustly, like a bird that deserts its nest, will not prosper and will ultimately vanish.
Luke 16:10-13Jesus teaches that faithfulness with even small, ill-gotten gains (or stewardship of earthly possessions) is a test of one's character, contrasting it with the impossibility of serving both God and wealth.
Ecclesiastes 5:10This verse shares the theme of the transience of wealth, stating that 'whoever loves money never has money enough,' highlighting the insatiable and ultimately unsatisfying nature of ill-gotten or excessive riches.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12This passage directly calls out those who are disorderly and busybodies, refusing to work, and contrasts them with the command to work quietly and earn their own living, aligning with the wisdom of honest labor.
gillProverbs 13:11: "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished,.... In an unjust or unlawful way, either by robbery and theft, as Aben Ezra; or by fraud and tricking, by overreaching and circumventing others; or by vain practices, as by cards or dice, and by stage playing and the like; or by curious and illicit arts, as necromancy, judiciary astrology, and such like things; whatever is gotten in a wicked…
cambridgeProverbs 13:11: "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."
11 . by vanity ] i.e. by untrustworthy methods, such as speculation, gambling, high rate of interest with poor security (comp. Proverbs 21:6 ), in contrast to hard work, by labour (lit. with the hand ). The word vanity in this sense of what is unreliable and transitory is a key-word of the Book of Ecclesiastes. The LXX. and Vulg. render in haste , quick returns, ἐπισπουδαζομένη (with t…
The verse doesn't just contrast quick riches with slow accumulation; it highlights that "vanity" itself is the source of wealth that vanishes. This "vanity" can mean dishonest schemes, speculative risks, or any method that feels hollow and disconnected from genuine, steady effort, emphasizing the instability inherent in ill-gotten gains.
This proverb contrasts two paths to wealth: one gained quickly through dishonest or speculative means, and the other built slowly through diligent, honest work. It fits within the larger wisdom literature of Proverbs that consistently warns against deceit and laziness, promoting instead integrity and perseverance. The verses immediately following will continue to explore the dangers of quick riches and the blessings of faithfulness in smaller, consistent efforts.
This proverb contrasts two paths to wealth: one gained quickly through dishonest or speculative means, and the other built slowly through diligent, honest work. It fits within the larger wisdom literature of Proverbs that consistently warns against deceit and laziness, promoting instead integrity and perseverance. The verses immediately following will continue to explore the dangers of quick riches and the blessings of faithfulness in smaller, consistent efforts.
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This method builds a foundation of reliable resources that can truly be increased and managed.
"Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it." — The verse doesn't just contrast quick riches with slow accumulation; it highlights that "vanity" itself is the source of wealth that vanishes. This "vanity" can mean dishonest schemes, speculative ri…
