Dishonest wealth fades away, while patient and honest labor builds lasting increase.
In Proverbs 13:11, Solomon writes, Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, but the one who gathers by labor increases it (v. 11). Solomon contrasts dishonest gain with patient labor. Both may produce money in the short term, but they do not produce the same kind of future.
Wealth obtained by frauddwindles because crooked gain lacks stability and it is often consumed by the very corruption that created it. Fraud distorts relationships, undermines trust, and places a curse on what was acquired. Ill-gotten wealth carries weakness inside it.
The one who gathers by labor, however, increases it. Patient, honest work builds substance over time. The proverb commends steady stewardship rather than rapid, manipulative acquisition. This is the wisdom of faithful accumulation rather than deceptive acceleration.
Set to dark mode
Proverbs 13:11 meaning
In Proverbs 13:11, Solomon writes, Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, but the one who gathers by labor increases it (v. 11). Solomon contrasts dishonest gain with patient labor. Both may produce money in the short term, but they do not produce the same kind of future.
Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles because crooked gain lacks stability and it is often consumed by the very corruption that created it. Fraud distorts relationships, undermines trust, and places a curse on what was acquired. Ill-gotten wealth carries weakness inside it.
The one who gathers by labor, however, increases it. Patient, honest work builds substance over time. The proverb commends steady stewardship rather than rapid, manipulative acquisition. This is the wisdom of faithful accumulation rather than deceptive acceleration.