Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 13:11, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
American Standard Version
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; But he that gathereth by labor shall have increase.
World English Bible version
Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.
Proverbs 13:11 Meaning & Commentary
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 13:11 (ESV)
There is a trend that has come to the forefront yet again. It is not a new trend but an old one that morphs as time passes. This is a trend of people trying to grasp the next “get rich quick” idea. With the rise of the internet and information overload – this is more prevalent than ever before.
There is always a new “money-making” idea waiting to be uncovered. People are attracted to fast, quick, and speedy things and promise instant gratification and results. There is nothing super exciting about investing steadily for 40 years and building a significant net worth. Neither is there anything flashy about saving month after month for a house or paying off a bunch of debt. The reality is that these are the sort of actions that produce lasting results. The reason is that these actions are more about habit than anything else!
Once someone builds good habits with money, especially saving, investing, and giving – these habits tend to stay with us and help us not only maintain what we have but also grow it, as Proverbs 13:11 says – “little by little.” We need only look at people who have won the lottery – some people may be able to maintain and grow that wealth; however, many lotto winners will see their new-found fortune “dwindle” right before their eyes – because although they have the money, they do not have the habits, nor the character to manage the money!
If we step back and observe the lives of those who are very successful financially but also who live in great peace, financially speaking – their road to wealth was not necessarily flashy. The one common thread that you will often see is consistency. If you run the numbers and do the math on consistent investing or saving, the results can be remarkable. However, it happens little by little – not all at once!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 13:11 to our lives?
We need to guard against the temptation to gather wealth hastily. In modern terms, we call these “get rich quick” schemes. We find them everywhere. If it is not someone at work or on the internet, it could be a family member. There is always a new “get rich quick” scheme around the corner.
The problem is that these things take our focus and attention away from what builds real and lasting wealth – gathering it little by little. Whatever our investment vehicle of choice is – the stock market, real estate, or something else, probably the most important key is consistency. As long as you have a viable investment vehicle, the most crucial element is consistency.
Thinking about gathering “little by little” speaks of small yet consistent steps on the road to building something great. Even if we equate it to building a house, we don’t rush to build a house immediately. We start by consistently laying brick upon brick. One of the best and easiest ways to consistently build something is to automate it. This is where putting a debit order on our bank account can be very beneficial – it helps keep us consistent.
Additionally, we must be very cautious about whom we listen to and whose advice we take! Once we have a plan and a system to keep us consistent, we must stay focused. What or whom we give our attention to has a lot to do with our focus! It is hard to stay focused when you constantly give attention to many people or things.
Financially speaking, having just a few mentors with proven track records is better. These mentors should teach in line with the principles in God’s Word and shun any form of “get rich quick” schemes. Better yet, we can look straight to God’s Word for guidance, wisdom, and insight on managing our money. God’s Wisdom never fails!
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for Your timeless Word, which trains me in the correct way to manage my money. I pray today and ask for Wisdom to handle my finances.
Please bring the right mentors across my path who can help guide me. I pray and ask that You open Your Word relative to finances and give me greater understanding. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
