Proverbs 13:7
Proverbs 13:7 in Multiple Translations
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 riches.
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great wealth.
A man may be acting as if he had wealth, but have nothing; another may seem poor, but have great wealth.
Some pretend to be rich, but don't have anything, while others pretend to be poor and are very rich.
There is that maketh himselfe riche, and hath nothing, and that maketh himselfe poore, hauing great riches.
There is who is making himself rich, and hath nothing, Who is making himself poor, and wealth [is] abundant.
There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
One is as it were rich, when he hath nothing: and another is as it were poor, when he hath great riches.
Some people who have nothing pretend to be rich, but other people who are very rich pretend to be poor.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 13:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֵ֣שׁ
מִ֭תְעַשֵּׁר
וְ/אֵ֣ין
כֹּ֑ל
מִ֝תְרוֹשֵׁ֗שׁ
וְ/ה֣וֹן
רָֽב
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
מִ֭תְעַשֵּׁר
ʻâshar
H6238
to enrich
V-Hithpael
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
כֹּ֑ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מִ֝תְרוֹשֵׁ֗שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
be poor
V-r
וְ/ה֣וֹן
hôwn
H1952
substance
Conj | N-ms
רָֽב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 13:7
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
מִ֭תְעַשֵּׁר
ʻâshar
H6238
"to enrich"
V-Hithpael
This Hebrew word means to become or make rich, often describing financial prosperity or wealth, as seen in the story of Solomon's riches in 1 Kings 10. It is translated as 'to be rich' or 'enrich' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to be or become rich or wealthy, enrich, pretend to be rich 1a) (Qal) to be or become rich 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make rich 1b2) to gain riches 1c) (Hithpael) to enrich oneself, pretend to be rich
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: be(-come, en-, make, make self, wax) rich, make (1 Kings 22:48 marg). See H6240 (עָשָׂר). See also: Genesis 14:23; Proverbs 13:7; Psalms 49:17.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
כֹּ֑ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מִ֝תְרוֹשֵׁ֗שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
"be poor"
V-r
To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.
Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.
וְ/ה֣וֹן
hôwn
H1952
"substance"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to wealth or substance, implying that something is enough or of high value. It can also be translated as riches or sufficiency.
Definition: 1) wealth, riches, substance 1a) wealth 1b) price, high value interj 2) enough!, sufficiency
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: enough, [phrase] for nought, riches, substance, wealth. See also: Psalms 44:13; Proverbs 19:4; Psalms 112:3.
רָֽב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
Study Notes — Proverbs 13:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 13:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:7
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:7
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 13:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 13:7
Context — A Father’s Discipline
5The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.
6Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner.
7One pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8Riches may ransom a man’s life, but a poor man hears no threat. 9The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 18:11–14 | The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 2 | Revelation 3:17 | You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. |
| 3 | Proverbs 11:24 | One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. |
| 4 | Proverbs 12:9 | Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant, than to be self-important but lack food. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 6:10 | sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 4:7 | Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. |
| 7 | Proverbs 13:11 | Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied. |
| 8 | James 2:5 | Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? |
| 9 | Luke 12:21 | This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” |
| 10 | 2 Peter 2:19 | They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. |
Proverbs 13:7 Summary
Proverbs 13:7 teaches us that it's possible for people to appear one way on the outside, but be very different on the inside. Some people may look rich but actually have nothing, while others may look poor but have great wealth. This verse reminds us to look beyond how people appear and to focus on what's truly important, as Jesus taught in Matthew 23:25-26, where he warned against cleaning the outside of the cup while leaving the inside dirty. By being honest and authentic in our own lives, we can build stronger, more meaningful relationships with others and cultivate a sense of contentment and humility, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 6:6-10, where we are reminded that godliness with contentment is great gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to pretend to be rich or poor?
According to Proverbs 13:7, pretending to be rich or poor refers to the outward appearance or image someone presents to the world, which may not necessarily reflect their true financial situation, as seen in the contrast between those who appear rich but have nothing and those who appear poor yet have great wealth, a principle also echoed in Luke 12:15 where Jesus warns against coveting wealth.
Is it wrong to appear wealthy if I'm not?
The Bible does not explicitly condemn appearing wealthy, but it does warn against deceit and dishonesty, as seen in Proverbs 13:7, and encourages honesty and integrity, as taught in Proverbs 10:9, which says that the man of integrity walks securely.
How can someone appear poor yet have great wealth?
This could refer to someone who has riches or wealth that are not immediately visible, such as spiritual wealth, wisdom, or a strong faith, as described in Matthew 6:19-20, where Jesus teaches about storing up treasures in heaven, or it could refer to someone who has financial wealth but chooses to live modestly, as seen in the example of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11-12, who learned to be content in any situation.
What is the main point of Proverbs 13:7?
The main point of Proverbs 13:7 is to highlight the contrast between appearance and reality, and to encourage readers to look beyond outward appearances to the true nature of a person's wealth or poverty, a theme also explored in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God looks at the heart, not outward appearance.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I present a false image to the world, and how can I work on being more authentic and honest in my relationships?
- How do I define 'wealth' in my own life, and what are some areas where I may be rich or poor that have nothing to do with money?
- What are some potential dangers of pretending to be something I'm not, and how can I cultivate a sense of humility and contentment with who I am and what I have?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of looking beyond outward appearances to my relationships and interactions with others, and how can I encourage others to do the same?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:7
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:7
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:7
Some men who have little or nothing pretend to have great riches, and carry themselves accordingly; either out of pride and vanity, or with a design to gain reputation with others whom they intend to defraud. Some rich men seem and profess themselves to be very poor, that they may preserve and increase their estates, by concealing them from those who would either desire a share in them, or take them away by deceit or violence.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:7
Proverbs 13:7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is] that maketh himself poor, yet [hath] great riches.Ver. 7. There is that maketh himself rich.] Such πτωχαλαζονες (as the witty Greek calls them) there are not few, that stretch their wing beyond their nest, that bear a port beyond their estate, that trick up themselves with other men’ s plumes, laying it on above measure in clothes, fair building, &c., when not worth a groat, but die in prison, or make a fraudulent composition. This is no better before God than rapine and robbery. There is that makes himself poor, &c.] As the newly elected Pope doth, when in his Lateran procession he casts among the people pieces of brass and copper, saying, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have I give you." So the friars are a race of people (saith one that hath been long among them) that are always vowing obedience, but still contentious; chastity, yet most luxurious; poverty, yet everywhere scraping and covetous. No Capuchin may take or touch silver; at the offer of it he starts back, as Moses from the serpent; yet he carries a boy with him that takes and carries it, and never complains of either metal or measure. We had in King Stephen’ s days a rich chancellor of England, who yet was, and would be, called Roger paupere censu. Bishop Hall’ s Serm. Spec. Europ. Bishop Hall’ s Epist., 5 D. c. 1.
Godwin’ s Catalog.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:7
(7) There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing.—Comp. Luke 12:21, and the advice given in Revelation 3:17. There is that maketh himself poor.—Comp. Luke 12:33.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:7
Verse 7. There is that maketh himself rich] That labours hard to acquire money, yet hath nothing; his excessive covetousness not being satisfied with what he possesses, nor permitting him to enjoy with comfort what he has acquired. The fable of the dog in the manger will illustrate this. There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.] "As poor," said St. Paul, "yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing all things." The former is the rich poor man; the latter is the poor rich man. As the words are here in the hithpael conjugation, which implies reflex action, or the action performed on one's self, and often signifies feigning or pretending to be what one is not, or not to be what one is; the words may be understood of persons who feign or pretend to be either richer or poorer than they really are, to accomplish some particular purpose. "There is that feigneth himself to be rich, yet hath nothing; there is that feigneth himself to be poor, yet hath great riches." Both these characters frequently occur in life.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:7
7. maketh] This rendering, which is retained in R.V. text, has its highest illustration in Christ Himself (Philippians 2:5-11; 2 Corinthians 8:9), and accords with the constant teaching of the N.T. (Philippians 3:7-9; 2 Corinthians 6:10; Luke 12:21; Revelation 3:17). Some however, with R.V. marg., would render feigneth himself, in both clauses, makes himself out to be what he is not.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 13:7
Compare Proverbs 11:24. There is a seeming wealth behind which there lies a deep spiritual poverty and wretchedness. There is a poverty which makes a person rich for the kingdom of God.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:7
7. Maketh… rich… poor — That which lies on the surface of this verse is, simulated wealth on the one hand, and pretended poverty on the other.
Sermons on Proverbs 13:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Pride and Strife by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of understanding and experiencing the love of Christ. He emphasizes the need to share this love with others as witnesses |
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Proverbs 13:7 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the misconceptions surrounding wealth in his sermon 'The Poor Rich Man,' emphasizing that riches do not guarantee happiness or contentment. He highlights the c |
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Unpardonable Sin by William P. Nicholson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fact that preaching the gospel is a serious matter because it deals with the eternal destiny of human beings. He shares a story from the |
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The Walls Are Down for America and Canada (Conference Call) by Edgar Reich | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of how people, particularly men, are consumed by worldly distractions such as television, jobs, and material possessions. He acknowl |
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Up Means Down by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a spiritual law of gravity, comparing it to the physical law of gravity. He uses the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collec |
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Enemies of the Cross of Christ by Martin Luther | Martin Luther preaches about the enemies of the cross of Christ and the righteousness of faith in Christ. He emphasizes the dangers of relying on human righteousness, which leads t |
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Know Yourself by John Wesley | John Wesley emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and humility in his sermon 'Know Yourself.' He contrasts the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the genuine repentance |