One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just about appearances; it highlights how people actively present themselves, either feigning wealth to gain trust or projecting poverty to hide it. This deception is contrasted with a true wealth found in humility and generosity, a richness that transcends material possessions.
One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb appears in a section of Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise and the foolish. It follows verses about honesty in business and the dangers of clinging to wealth, setting the stage for a discussion on true versus false riches and the importance of character over outward appearance. The verses immediately following will delve into the consequences of pride and the rewards of humility.
Have you ever known someone who projects an image of success, only to find out they’re struggling? This verse speaks directly to that kind of facade.
The Image of Wealth
This first part of the proverb highlights those who act rich but have no substance. They might spend lavishly, boast about possessions, or maintain a lifestyle that screams wealth, all while being deeply in debt or possessing nothing of real value. It's a performance designed to impress, often driven by pride or a desire to deceive others for personal gain.
The Image of Poverty
Conversely, the proverb points to those who appear poor but are actually wealthy. This can manifest in a few ways:
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What does it mean to be truly rich? This proverb hints that our worldly possessions aren't the full story.
The Empty Treasure
The proverb contrasts superficial wealth with genuine riches. The person who 'pretends to be rich, yet has nothing' possesses a wealth that is hollow and ultimately worthless. This can be seen in those who have worldly success but lack spiritual depth, integrity, or a right relationship with God. Their 'riches' are temporary and cannot sustain them in times of crisis or provide true fulfillment.
The Hidden Treasure
On the other hand, the one who 'pretends to be poor, yet has great riches' points to a deeper reality. This isn't necessarily about physical poverty, but about a richness that transcends material wealth. This true wealth often lies in:
This parable directly illustrates the first part of the verse, showing someone who 'pretends to be rich' by amassing possessions, yet is spiritually bankrupt and has nothing that truly matters.
2 Corinthians 6:10This passage offers a beautiful parallel to the second part of the verse, describing the apostles who, though appearing poor, possessed true spiritual riches and made others rich in Christ.
Matthew 5:3Jesus' declaration that 'the poor in spirit' are blessed speaks to a different kind of poverty – one that recognizes spiritual emptiness and thus is open to receiving God's true riches.
Philippians 3:7-8Paul’s counting of his former religious achievements as loss in order to gain Christ mirrors the proverb's idea of deliberately relinquishing perceived 'riches' (like status or self-righteousness) for something of immeasurably greater value.
Revelation 3:17The church at Laodicea is rebuked for claiming 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,' when in reality they were 'wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked,' a perfect example of falsely 'making oneself rich' while having nothing of spiritual worth.
gillProverbs 13:7: "There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches."
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing,.... Some persons make a great show of riches, and would be thought to be rich; put on fine clothes, live at a high rate, and appear in great pomp, and yet not worth a farthing; which they do to gratify their pride and ambition, and to draw in others to trust them with their substance. So in spirituals; some persons,…
pulpitProverbs 13:7: "There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches."
Verse 7. - There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing. "Maketh" may mean "feigns." There are some who pretend to be rich while really they are poor (as Proverbs 12:9), and there are some who make themselves, i.e. pretend to be poor (as misers) while they have much wealth. The Vulgate elucidates this meaning by rendering, quasi dives and quasi pauper; and the H…
The verse isn't just about appearances; it highlights how people actively present themselves, either feigning wealth to gain trust or projecting poverty to hide it. This deception is contrasted with a true wealth found in humility and generosity, a richness that transcends material possessions.
This proverb appears in a section of Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise and the foolish. It follows verses about honesty in business and the dangers of clinging to wealth, setting the stage for a discussion on true versus false riches and the importance of character over outward appearance. The verses immediately following will delve into the consequences of pride and the rewards of humility.
This proverb appears in a section of Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise and the foolish. It follows verses about honesty in business and the dangers of clinging to wealth, setting the stage for a discussion on true versus false riches and the importance of character over outward appearance. The verses immediately following will delve into the consequences of pride and the rewards of humility.
"One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth." — The verse isn't just about appearances; it highlights how people actively present themselves, either feigning wealth to gain trust or projecting poverty to hide it. This deception is contrasted wit…
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Last reviewed October 2026