Appearances can be misleading, since some seem wealthy but have nothing and others appear poor yet possess much.
In Proverbs 13:7, Solomon writes, There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth (v. 7). This proverb exposes the unreliability of appearances. Human beings often project an image that does not match reality.
The one who pretends to be rich may be building identity on display, status, or the approval of others. But Solomon says he has nothing. The image of wealth does not create substance. Proverbs repeatedly warns against confusing appearance with reality.
The other person pretends to be poor, but has great wealth. The point is not to commend deception, but to note that outward impression can be misleading in either direction. Wisdom looks deeper than display. It values what is true rather than what is merely projected.
Proverbs 13:7
7 There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing;
Another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth.
Set to dark mode
Proverbs 13:7 meaning
In Proverbs 13:7, Solomon writes, There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth (v. 7). This proverb exposes the unreliability of appearances. Human beings often project an image that does not match reality.
The one who pretends to be rich may be building identity on display, status, or the approval of others. But Solomon says he has nothing. The image of wealth does not create substance. Proverbs repeatedly warns against confusing appearance with reality.
The other person pretends to be poor, but has great wealth. The point is not to commend deception, but to note that outward impression can be misleading in either direction. Wisdom looks deeper than display. It values what is true rather than what is merely projected.