Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 13:7, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
American Standard Version
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great wealth.
World English Bible version
There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
Proverbs 13:7 Meaning & Commentary
One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. Proverbs 13:7 (ESV)
There has been a common misconception that all rich people drive flashy cars, live in expensive neighborhoods, and wear nice clothing; however, this is not necessarily true. The idea that wealthy people live in average neighborhoods and drive a modest car while living a modest life was brought to the forefront with the release of a book called “The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secret’s of America’s Wealthy.” The book was initially published in 1996 and dispelled many myths about wealthy people – including what Proverbs 13:7 talks about.
In reality, being rich and looking rich is not the same thing. One is merely an image we portray, while the other has substance behind it! In the modern day and age, “pretending to be rich” has never been more appealing. TikTok, Instagram, and social media, in general, have emphasized the need to look good, rich, or impressive. This has led to a whole bunch of people pretending to be rich.
Yet, The Bible says that one who pretends to be rich has nothing. Instead, it is often the people who pretend to be poor who have great wealth. We can even see this in the life of a modern-day Billionaire, such as Warren Buffett. He is known to live an extremely frugal lifestyle – far below how he could live if he wanted to. Without knowing who he is, if we observed his lifestyle, we would likely never know the level of wealth he has.
It is easy to make observations to try and form an opinion. However, the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is true regarding money and wealth. Sometimes people who look rich are in over their heads because they usually spend money they do not have to impress people they do not even like!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 13:7 to our lives?
Firstly, let us decide never to judge merely by outward appearance, which can be very deceiving! Even if we know whether a person is wealthy, it should make no difference. We are to treat each person the same, regardless:
James 2:1-4 1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
On a personal level, pretending to be rich is not a good way to actually build wealth! Instead, pretending to be poor is a good base to work from. Why? There is a common phrase that says, “live below your means.” This means that whatever level you are at, financially and in your wealth – always live below that level. This is how wealth is constantly built up over time. Then, the additional money between the level you are at and what you spend should be put to work to bear fruit and grow.
This can be done by investing, giving, and different kinds of “sowing,” which will bring a harvest into your life. This is a clear path to wealth – living below your means and putting the extra money to work. Pretending to be rich means spending money on things that do not increase us financially. Instead, our money should be spent on something which yields a return, such as investing in assets or even ourselves! This produces a return on investment, as it is not money wasted!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word, which challenges me to live wisely. Please forgive me, for where I have judged others on their outward appearance.
I also ask that you forgive me where I have not stewarded my finances well. I ask right now for wisdom to manage my finances and steward them well. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
