Proverbs 13:7 kjv

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

Proverbs 13:7 nkjv

There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.

Proverbs 13:7 niv

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

Proverbs 13:7 esv

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

Proverbs 13:7 nlt

Some who are poor pretend to be rich;
others who are rich pretend to be poor.

Proverbs 13 verses

Proverbs 13 7 Meaning

Proverbs 13:7 presents a powerful paradox contrasting external appearance with internal reality. It reveals that some people feign wealth, though they possess nothing of true value, while others may appear humble or lacking materially, yet they are endowed with genuine and substantial riches, often of wisdom, contentment, or spiritual blessings. The verse challenges superficial judgments and highlights that true prosperity is not defined by outward display or material accumulation.

Proverbs 13 7 Context

Proverbs 13 is part of the "proverbs of Solomon" (Prov 10:1-22:16) which frequently juxtapose wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness, and their differing consequences in daily life. This chapter emphasizes the practical outcomes of choices related to speech, diligence, financial conduct, and interpersonal relationships. Verse 7 fits within the broader theme of the chapter by highlighting the deceitfulness of appearances and advocating for genuine character over mere facade, particularly in the realm of possessions and perceived status. It touches on themes of true prosperity versus false prosperity, integrity, and humility versus pride.

Proverbs 13 7 Word analysis

• There is that maketh himself rich:

  • Hebrew: יֵשׁ מִתְעַשֵּׁר (Yesh mit'ashsher)
  • יֵשׁ (Yesh): "There is," indicating existence or presence.
  • מִתְעַשֵּׁר (mit'ashsher): From the root עשׁר ('ashar), "to be rich." The Hithpael stem here signifies "to make oneself rich," "to act rich," or "to pretend to be rich." It denotes a reflexive and often deceptive action. This isn't about becoming genuinely wealthy, but presenting an image of wealth. Culturally, status and respect in the ancient Near East were often tied to visible wealth, leading to the temptation of outward display without substance.

• yet hath nothing:

  • Hebrew: וְאֵין־כֹּל לֹו (w'ein-kol lo)
  • וְאֵין־כֹּל (w'ein-kol): "And there is nothing," or "nothing at all." The intensifier kol (all/whole) emphasizes the absolute lack.
  • לֹו (lo): "To him," indicating possession.
  • This phrase highlights the stark contrast: despite the outward pretense, there is an utter emptiness, both materially and, implicitly, in character or spiritual truth. This person might be deeply in debt, spiritually barren, or lacking true wisdom, even as they project an image of success.

• there is that maketh himself poor:

  • Hebrew: יֵשׁ מִתְרוֹשֵׁשׁ (Yesh mit'roshesh)
  • מִתְרוֹשֵׁשׁ (mit'roshesh): From the root רושׁ (rush), "to be poor" or "to be in need." The Hithpael here similarly means "to make oneself poor," "to act poor," "to pretend to be poor," or sometimes "to live simply" / "to humble oneself." The interpretation of this phrase varies. It can refer to one who is truly wealthy but chooses not to flaunt it, living modestly, or one who feigns poverty to avoid responsibilities or taxes (a common stratagem). More positively, it can refer to someone humble or simple, content with little, despite possessing much (spiritual, intellectual, or even latent material).

• yet hath great riches.

  • Hebrew: וְהוֹן רָב לוֹ (w'hon rav lo)
  • וְהוֹן (w'hon): "And wealth," or "substance."
  • רָב (rav): "Great," "much," "abundant."
  • לוֹ (lo): "To him."
  • This "great riches" stands in stark contrast to mere material possessions that the first type might covet or fake. It almost always points to true wealth such as wisdom, understanding, strong character, contentment, righteousness, and often spiritual blessing from God. It refers to inner prosperity that endures beyond fleeting material things.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing:" This half of the verse depicts an individual who engages in deliberate deception. Their outward show of wealth is a facade designed to project status or gain advantage, but it conceals an underlying hollowness or destitution. This spiritual poverty is far more profound than any lack of material goods. It reflects pride, superficiality, and a focus on worldly affirmation.
• "there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches." This part describes the opposite. Whether through intentional humility, modesty, or simply being unconcerned with external display, this person does not boast of their possessions or status. However, beneath the unpretentious exterior lies genuine and abundant wealth, which is inherently spiritual, moral, or intellectual rather than merely material. This highlights the value of inner character, wisdom, and genuine contentment which surpasses any material sum.

Proverbs 13 7 Bonus section

The paradoxical nature of Proverbs 13:7 underscores a core biblical principle: God values inner disposition and character far more than outward show or material possessions. This truth runs through Scripture, from God choosing David as king based on his heart (1 Sam 16:7) to Jesus' teachings on storing treasures in heaven (Matt 6:19-21) and the Beatitudes blessing the "poor in spirit" (Matt 5:3). The Hebrew Hithpael verb forms (mit'ashsher and mit'roshesh) are key, highlighting the active, deliberate choice of these individuals to present themselves in a certain light, revealing their internal priorities. The "great riches" often allude to the blessings of wisdom (Prov 3:13-15), righteousness (Prov 11:4), and a close walk with God (Prov 16:8), which are considered infinitely more valuable than transient earthly treasures in the biblical worldview. This proverb thus challenges the conventional wisdom of worldly success, advocating for a deeper, spiritual perspective on true prosperity.

Proverbs 13 7 Commentary

Proverbs 13:7 is a profound lesson on appearance versus reality, emphasizing that true wealth is not determined by external display or pretense. It critiques the human tendency to prioritize the superficial over the substantive. The one who pretends to be rich is spiritually bankrupt, having pursued status, avarice, or worldly acceptance at the expense of integrity and truth. Their actions reveal a desperate need for external validation, masking an internal void. In contrast, the one who appears poor or deliberately lives modestly, paradoxically, possesses "great riches." These are not typically monetary but consist of profound spiritual, moral, or intellectual assets: wisdom, discernment, inner peace, a godly character, strong relationships, or a deep relationship with God. This person is liberated from the enslavement of covetousness and pride, finding genuine contentment and value in what truly endures. The verse encourages a reevaluation of what truly constitutes "riches" and calls for sincerity and inner character over deceptive appearances.

• Examples: A person perpetually showing off new cars or designer clothes, despite mounting debt, epitomizes the first type. Conversely, a wise, benevolent individual who lives a simple life, pouring their resources into charity or ministry rather than personal luxury, yet is rich in compassion and contentment, embodies the second.